“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.” – Jack Layton
The Communications Director for Blue Sky Healing Centre, Cynthia Nault is fluent in multiple cultural languages. Often working behind the scenes, she acts as a bridge both between people and between varying cultural perceptions. Cynthia Nault is Anishnaabekwe and is from the Wolverine Clan. Her family is from Lake Helen First Nation. She was born in Sudbury and lives in Thunder Bay.
She speaks of the vision for Blue Sky as “Creating a community where individuals are true to themselves and accepting of each other.” Cynthia brings this to fruition in practical ways as she co-ordinates the online presence, manages scheduling for the centre, creates & distributes the newsletter, and takes care of numerous unseen details to create a safe and welcoming environment. At Blue Sky one can participate in community workshops such as Drum Making, as well as Cultural Awareness Training. The latter is geared toward government and industry but is suitable for individuals that are interested.
She believes in encouraging more tolerance and spreading more kindness in the world. Through these actions a safe space is created where people can be themselves. Cynthia also supports clear boundaries; if a person is not respectful to others, they are asked to leave. There are many vulnerable people that enter the centre, and every one of them has the right to have their personal space respected.
The teachings at Blue Sky are from Waabi Ma’iingan, Grey Wolf. Cynthia speaks of these teachings being for everyone. (https://www.facebook. com/pg/BlueSkyCHC/photos/?tab= album&album_id= 1477303485668513)
While she has learned a great deal from her mother, Cindy Crowe, Cynthia Nault is herself a living example of acceptance and grace. Cynthia also inhabits the role of artist, having studied Multimedia Production for 3 years at Confederation College. Her artistry can also be seen in various mediums: online work, painting, traditional crafts and more. All contain her own contemporary spin. At Shelter House one of her pieces of art, a community collaboration created with friend and fellow artist, Angela Gollat as well as Shelter House staff and clients, is hanging – a series of 5 dreamcatchers. She says that you, “don’t have to be stuck in a traditional box. My ancestors used what they had.” She creates using supplies that are available and feel culturally appropriate. (For further examples of her work see www.cynthialouise.ca)
Listening to Cynthia describe the creation process, one feels inspired to look at the world from a little differently. To consider the act of creating oneself.
Kindness of heart, gratitude, and generosity of spirit infuse a conversation with Cynthia. A leader who does not personally enjoy the spotlight, Cynthia impacts her community through the support she provides and the vision she freely expresses.
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