In pursuit of her lost culture, one volunteer began her journey by learning how to bead.
Following that path, Lauraine Potskin found herself crossing the threshold of the Prince George Native Friendship Centre seven years ago and stepping into the role of a senior volunteer.
“And I’ve been here since,” Mrs. Potskin said.
She’s learned to make moccasins and earrings at classes offered at the Friendship Centre.
“So when there’s a class I’m usually here and when they need help I’m usually here,” Mrs. Potskin laughed.
She is a member of the Kookums’ Konnection at the Prince George Native Friendship Centre.
Kookum means grandmother in Cree and the role of these volunteers falls into a traditional grandmother’s role where she will play with the little ones (in the early childhood education department), guide in tradition the young ones who need grounding (in the youth groups), assist with food security (at the food bank) because there’s nothing worse than an empty belly and then there’s even some crafts created that are gifted to those in need. It’s all part of the volunteering effort to lift up the community in need of assistance, teachings and guidance.
“It’s a nice place to be,” Mrs. Potskin said, gesturing around the Native Friendship Centre.
“We’re with the Kookums’ Konnection and it’s really good. We do different things and it’s really nice to be part of it. My mom was in residential school and she didn’t know any of this stuff so after I raised my kids I finally had the opportunity to learn some of these skills.”
Throughout the community, at schools and post-secondary institutions, Mrs. Potskin shares her expertise and making Bannock is one of her specialties. She enjoys sharing that skill with students of all ages.
“Don’t let the elders fool you," Mrs. Potskin laughed. "You think they’re a quiet bunch but they’re not."
