The NISHTV man is moving to Vancouver to continue his journey of sharing and growing
NishTV.com is the brain child of Richard Ogima. He spent the past couple of years developing, producing, sharing and celebrating its success with the rest of us. His work and productions are something that each of us learned from. Even as he takes this next step in his life's journey, he continues to share and celebrate his experiences with the rest of us. He is a role model that everyone can learn from ...
From: user4@nishtv.com [mailto:user4@nishtv.com] On Behalf Of Richard Ogima
Sent: Saturday, February 28, 2009 12:06 AM
Subject: Richard Ogima has moved to Vancouver: the death of NishTV?
Hey Guys,
I am moving to Vancouver because a spot opened up for a program that I want to take. I am not sure how long I will be there but I am committed to 7months.
Without a diagnosis of FASD on paper, you are nothing. Without the Government putting a label on you, you are what you are? It is the same way with being Aboriginal. Is it the status card that defines us? I won’t be able to get the government, society, or the world to label me with FASD. For that reason I am moving forward and going to learn to live with FASD on my own. The truth is I did not want the label. I just wanted to know why I have challenges in my life and how to overcome them. That is why I went to all doctors to find out the source of my problems. I was born with FASD, but they lost all records of my birth here in Thunder Bay. The only two people that know about it is my adopted father and me. I didn’t even know what FASD was about until I started to reach out for help for the many difficulties in my life. I knew something was happening but couldn’t figure it out. Thanks to several Doctors in Thunder Bay, I was able to identify some of my problems. It was a relief.
Knowledge is the beginning of a new direction. Now that I know about FASD, I know why I keep falling and why I keep drowning in life. I believe I can tame FASD with some help. For this reason I will be leaving Thunder Bay for a bit and entering into a 7 month Personal Development Program that a friend operates in Vancouver. This program will give me structure to rebuild social and living skills so that I can re-enter the workforce. When I was in my early teens I wanted to be an actor. So I ran away to Vancouver because I was going to see if I could sneak across the border to California. I ended up living in Van for like 6 years. I loved it there. There are many programs, treatment centres, free meals, and one can survive there.
I want to personally thank all those people who visited NishTv and who have seen our fat, small, and round brown faces starring through your monitor. It was the most exciting time for me and I had more fame and recognition than I have ever had in my entire life. What do I want? I want to feel complete again and I want to feel good again. I would love to continue NishTv but reality is that we have to pay the rent and live. Some people can do many things at the same time and others have to concrete on just one thing in their life. I hope others will make their own NishTv. It is vital and important. It is worth every effort. I was hoping to leave a “how to archive”, but won’t be able to due to having to depart right away. I am off to make another stab at life; but for this I will need some help. I am hoping that once this is done, I will be able to work and continue with the theme of my life: “Using Media in a positive way to improve and build up the lives of our people”. For most of my life I thought my heart was in Thunder Bay. However, my heart is with the Native Community. I am sure there are many Native people in Vancouver. There is still a huge need for us to penetrate our own communities with empowering stories. We need our own people to see success. I know not good-bye, just see you later. If you are visiting Vancouver 6 months from now – how about a cup of coffee with a smile and fresh mind.
I probably won’t be using the net or Facebook much while I am away. To reach me please email me at richardogima@hotmail.com