A group with some unique insights on gang culture and addiction struggles spoke to the students of DRCSS this week.
The Four Sacred Hearts is a group focused on educating the next generation about truth and reconciliation, intergenerational trauma, and the dangers of drugs and gangs by recounting their personal experiences.
A total of four speakers told their stories to the youths of DRCSS, but speaker Timothy Barron hopes to reach more than just the students, as all of the speaker's stories started at home.
"It would be really important if the parents come here, and the other schools we go to. We share our stories because growing up, what we see, and what we heard with our parents arguing and bringing alcohol into the homes. We became just exactly like them. The parents need to hear that we need to do things in a kind way and start supporting each other in a healthy way."
The major common theme of each of these speakers' stories is that they found the acceptance and community they needed not at home, but in the gangs in their area.
Barron also spoke on the importance of building a support structure, as it's one of the most important things a person can do to stop cyclical abuse patterns.
"My advice would be to create a support system with people that are walking that good way of life, and not with people that are sharing things from a place of hurt. Create a support system, or find a support system, Maybe you can reach out to us on social media at Four Sacred Hearts and we can help you because we have ways to help you create a support system in your community."
One of the challenges that Barron spoke on was the judgment and stigma that they face, noting that ideas of toxic masculinity and emotional suppression were common in their old circles and that their tough exteriors can make them feel unwelcome as they leave them.
"Start living from a place of kindness, love, and understanding. You can only walk in your shoes. Don't judge a book by its cover, don't judge a person by their cover. when your judging, it's not that way, it's not our way, and it's not anyone's way of life. it's not causing any good in life."
Now they say their focus is on personal growth and self-acceptance, and that the path to the healing they share can't be found in bottled emotions.
Dauphin was one of many stops, as this group will continue to share their inspiring stories with schools across the province.
The Four Sacred Hearts, left to right, Jeremy Raven, Glen Hondz, Timothy Barron, Terrance Morrin.
