Cassien

What makes Canadian homelessness unique is aboriginal homelessness. Because residential schools literally destroyed generations of families Canadian streets are filled with thousands upon thousands of "walking wounded".

The numbers of aboriginal people experiencing homelessness in Canada are alarming, and if this social crisis continues to be ignored it will only get worse.

I wish everyone could see the aboriginal people as I do. They are a gorgeous people with a gorgeous culture. They are smart, compassionate, and if given the chance - productive. We must look past the drugs and alcohol, and the social differences. They are not like us, so solutions to end aboriginal homelessness have to be their solutions done their way. We need to provide them with a purpose to live and community.

I met Cassien in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. Cassien is a drummer. I am a drummer, but not like this. I could tell by the way he stated he was a drummer that it was a respected position in his culture. You could also tell his self-esteem was low. Cassien should be very proud that he had the courage to be open about his situation. Meeting him changed me, and I hope it will change you. I pray this interview will change hearts and perceptions helping all the aboriginal people in Canada.

On the reserve Cassien never had to look for work. He was a respected carpenter and work came to him. He went to Yellowknife because of the lure of Yellowknife being a diamond capital. But because his culture is different he didn't have the paperwork needed to get a job.

Cassien has tried going back to the reserves. But after living in the city things were not the same. He now survives on the streets with help from his friends.

After this interview Cassien pointed to the cup he was holding and said "this is killing me. I want to stop drinking but I can't".

Please watch this powerful interview in it's entirety and share with everyone you know. I think I left a little bit of my heart in Yellowknife after spending time with new aboriginal friends. Cassien's story has changed me and I will never be the same.

Thank you Cassien. You're a very strong man and you should be proud. This interview will help your people and save thousands of lives. It's an honor to call you friend.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• yellowknife
• northwest territories
• canada
• homelessness
• homeless
• aboriginal
• mark horvath
• invisiblepeople tv
• invisible people

[cdw100]

In Canada, the tribes are robbed of their monies by their own chiefs. This poor fellow seems to have interesting facial injuries, either he is an mma fighter, or he falls down a lot. He does not have to sit there, he can just get up and go. How his father told him to grow up is antithetical to the real community of the reserve.

[invisiblepeopletv]

@cdw100 he was beat up by police the night before. you've made some great comments on this conversation. love to know your history and also love all the information you can provide. This is a serious problem and I want to do right by everyone

[TheLApitfighter]

yeah he needs to suck it up and move back with his family in hometown..best thing for him,it might take time to get use to it but it really is his best option...it was sad to see him cryy..god bless you Cassien!! i wish u well my friend!!

[invisiblepeopletv]

@TheLApitfighter @BrokenRRT @jody808 You're missing the point. Cassien, like thousands like him, cannot go home. Even myself I cannot go back & live with my parents. I've changed, they have changed. Now add the difference of culture, and that we distroyed their home - it's not an option

[MWcrazyhorse]

@sp123 let me see..hmm... well he isn't planning a bum fight... so the answer is to RAISE FUCKING AWARENESS.

[MrBenjjj6]

really great guy, I could listen to him for ages. I felt really bad when you started to back away with the camera, think about it; when was the last time he told someone any of that, when was the last time someone listened to him, when was the last time he thought through his history up until now. I hope you have helped him

[PYSCOPOMP]

Native have to be hired in the oil sands. They can't turn them down. Tell the Natives to head to Alberta.

[rawrrkate]

Thanks for sharing. This is an amazing interview. I agree that the aborigines are a beautiful people, It's absolutely horrible that so many are in this type of situation.

[Interactivesystems]

@somewhatlongdong same in australia

[axisapex]

i heard you were traveling threw Canada , Do you have any videos from sask, toontown.

[TimothyTew]

Blessings for Cassien that he can find clarity and direction, hope and peace.

[cdw100]

To pray4, actually, he is self reflective, and he knows exactly why he is there, he just cannot see anyway out. He is emotionally crushed by his distance from his children, but more crushed by the emotional distance from his parents and elders. This is a guy who if offered the courses needed to get his carpenter's certificate, could have his dreams. These things are available, they just are not combined with rehab.

[pray4theGay]

He is a lazy drunk. He deserves the life he has created for himself

[somewhatlongdong]

@invisiblepeopletv "he was beat up by police the night before" sad to say, but that does not surprise me. i wish it did.

[somewhatlongdong]

@cdw100 you're so right, and we all know it, but what is the solution? i wish somebody knew.