Healing Through Connection: Embracing Culture and Finding Meaning in My Name
Healing is often a journey of finding connection—connection to ourselves, to others, and to something greater. For me, this connection came through embracing my Mi’kmaq culture and discovering the meaning behind my name. While my childhood had its share of challenges, including growing up with parents who struggled with alcoholism and their eventual divorce, I’ve learned to release resentment and find peace through cultural understanding and self-reflection.
Understanding My Name: A Gateway to Healing
My parents named me Tashena after an “Indian princess” they saw in a movie. At the time, our family knew little about our Mi’kmaq heritage, largely due to the devastating impact of residential schools, which stripped many Indigenous families of their cultural knowledge. Yet my grandmother, an Indian Day School survivor, gifted me something invaluable—a story that anchored me in my identity.
She told me my name means “Little Star Sitting by the River”, a humble symbol of leadership. Years later, when I researched this meaning, I discovered she was right—my name carries this beautiful meaning within one Indigenous tradition. This revelation filled me with pride and connection. My name was more than just a label—it was a reflection of who I could become and the values I could embody.
Forgiveness and Cultural Connection
Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the effects of alcoholism on my parents and our family. As I've grown older, however, I've learned not to anchor myself to resentment. My parents, like so many others, carried their own burdens and traumas that influenced their struggles with addiction.
Mi’kmaq teachings emphasize love, humility, and respect—values that helped shift my perspective. Rather than holding onto anger, I’ve chosen compassion and understanding. My cultural connection has taught me that healing isn't simply about letting go; it’s about transforming pain into wisdom and strength.
The Role of Culture in Healing
The Mi’kmaq worldview emphasizes that all things are interconnected. Everything has spirit—people, animals, the land, even inanimate objects—and these spirits exist together in mutual respect and care. This profound perspective guides my healing journey.
Through reconnecting with Mi’kmaq traditions, I’ve come to see myself as part of something much larger. My struggles aren't isolated; they are shared collective experiences carried by my ancestors and community. This understanding gives me strength, purpose, and the comforting knowledge that I am never alone.
Finding Balance Through My Name
“Little Star Sitting by the River” embodies humility, leadership, and connection. For me, it’s a reminder to remain grounded while still striving to make a meaningful difference. My name encourages me to lead with compassion, not control; to embrace humility over pride; and to seek connection rather than division.
This balance is particularly important as I navigate parenthood. As I strive to break cycles of intergenerational trauma, reflecting on my name reminds me to approach parenting with patience, understanding, and awareness—that each child has their unique spirit and path.
Releasing Resentment: A Path Forward
One of the most powerful lessons from my Mi’kmaq heritage is forgiveness. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing harm or forgetting pain. Rather, it means choosing not to allow anger and bitterness to define my journey. By forgiving my parents, I've freed myself from the weight of their struggles. It doesn’t erase the challenges I faced, but it allows me to center my own healing and growth.
The Power of Cultural Identity
For many Indigenous people, reclaiming cultural identity is vital to healing. Colonization and residential schools sought to erase our traditions, languages, and values, disconnecting generations from their roots. Reconnecting with our identity becomes an act of resilience and resistance.
In my life, this reconnection involves embracing Mi’kmaq teachings, honoring ancestral wisdom, and sharing these invaluable lessons with my children. It's about building bridges between past and future, ensuring the next generation carries forward our values of respect, humility, and interconnectedness.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Today, I see my name not just as a reflection of who I am but as guidance for who I aspire to become. It reminds me to lead with humility, honor my connections to land and community, and embrace healing as a lifelong journey.
Despite a challenging childhood, my cultural identity has been a powerful source of strength and resilience. It has taught me that even amidst trauma, we can transform our pain into purpose. By reconnecting with my Mi’kmaq roots, I've found belonging and direction that guides all aspects of my life.
Closing Reflections
Healing is rarely a straight path—it's a winding journey filled with challenges and discoveries. For me, embracing my Mi’kmaq culture and finding meaning in my name have been transformative. They've helped me release resentment, build deeper connections, and move forward with clarity and purpose.
To anyone on their own healing journey, I encourage you to look to your roots. Whether through cultural traditions, family stories, or personal reflection, understanding where you come from holds profound power. In that understanding lies the strength to heal, to lead, and to create brighter futures for ourselves and those who come after us.
Wela’lioq na teliula’lin,
Tashena
