Changes, changes, and more changes!
- | June 06, 2020
It’s been over a month and a half since the world has had to adjust to changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. Countless jobs have been lost. Many businesses have shut down. People have been confined in their homes and are limiting their contact with people.
Now that the provincial government is slowly reopening the Saskatchewan economy, we are seeing people shopping with caution (masks, gloves and six-feet-apart rule), having small gatherings (limit of 10 people) and some businesses are opening their doors.
A few weeks ago, I heard a commercial on the radio where the announcer was asking people to help support local businesses during the pandemic by purchasing a gift card, which can help a business pay a bill instead of shutting its doors for good. I decided to do my part and purchased a gift card for myself at a local Indigenous-owned hair salon.
It was a good feeling knowing I did my part. And when that salon door finally opens, I will be booking a much-needed hair appointment!
On another note, we have a new summer intern who will be writing for us until August. Welcome Michelle Lerat! She is a journalism student at the University of Regina, a degree program that many respected journalists have received their education from. Such Indigenous journalists include Nelson Bird, Creeson Agecoutay, Mervin Brass, Ntawnis Piapot, Delaney Windigo, Creeden Martell, Penny Smoke, Kerry Benjoe and so many more. It’s always great to see Indigenous students enroll in the School of Journalism and I truly believe there is a need for more Indigenous journalists out there. It’s a great opportunity that our newspaper formed a partnership with the U of R School of Journalism. This internship gives students that chance to grow and learn from our team. I was the first intern with Eagle Feather News in 2014 and have stuck around since. I’ve learned to write better in my news stories and also perfected my skills in photography.
Speaking of photography, it has become a hobby for me. I always look forward to May because that’s when the grass goes green, the trees sprout with leaves and the flowers begin to bloom. It makes for a nice scenic background for photo shoots. I always receive requests for family photo shoots and I always accept because it gives me a chance to be creative. Families are always happy with the photos. I don’t have a fancy camera or photo shoot gear. As long as you have great lighting and allow Mother Nature to be your backdrop, that’s all you need.
As always, continue taking care during this coronavirus pandemic and many kudos to all the frontline workers out there!