Episode 9 - Halona

Episode 9 of 24. A reading from the book Policies of Exclusion, Poverty & Health: Stories from the front. Compiled, with Introduction and Reports by Chrystal Ocean. Copyright 2005. Halona's is one of five stories by Métis, and native or First Nations women. Raised off reserve, Halona was born into a quite wealthy family. Until the family's breakup when Halona was eight years old, life had been good. Halona adored her father and he encouraged and supported her aspirations. After the breakup, it was arranged for the children to stay with their mother. At that point, Halona's life began to fall apart. Halona's story is one of abuse, poverty and addiction. It's also a story of one woman's immense determination to make a better life for herself and her daughter.

Everything I am striving for right now is good role modeling for my daughter, my community and my family. My message to others is that it is possible. Don't give up. Fight back!

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