BEAUTY...IN SPITE OF IT ALL...

Book excerpt: Autumn Wind Dancing Daystar''s roots run deep in the soil of an Indigenous reservation in Alberta, Canada. Growing up as a third-generation survivor of residential schools, her upbringing was a tapestry woven with stories of resilience and strength. With a hereditary chief for a grandfather and a father who served in WWII, she was raised with the spirit of a warrior and the wisdom of generations past. From a young age, her parents instilled in her a love for writing, a passion that lay dormant until later in life when she realized it was her true calling. She poured herself into crafting this book with every fiber of her being, driven by a desire to share her truth with the world. While her academic achievements—a BA in Political Science from the University of Lethbridge and a Master''s Degree in Leadership & Administration from Gonzaga University—have undoubtedly shaped her perspective, the ancestral wisdom passed down through generations forms the heartbeat of her message. Autumn Wind Dancing''s educational journey was marked by challenges and triumphs. Despite the absence of a high school on the reservation during her time, she pursued her studies, facing the "culture shock" of transitioning to city life for high school. Although she initially left high school in grade 12, the support and belief of a Mormon guidance counselor led her back to finish and pursue a university education. Around a decade ago, Autumn found solace and truth in the teachings of The Book of Mormon upon joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Its profound message resonated with her, reflecting the essence of humanity across time. As she embraced her new faith, she found a sense of belonging and purpose. Her name, Autumn Wind Dancing, carries the echoes of her Plains Cree heritage, bestowed upon her by elders with deep significance. In a symbolic act of reclaiming identity, she legally adopted her traditional Cree name under Article 17 of the Truth & Reconciliation Call To Action, honoring her roots and journey towards reconciliation. writing, a passion that lay dormant until later in life when she realized it was her true calling. She poured herself into crafting this book with every fiber of her being, driven by a desire to share her truth with the world. While her academic achievements—a BA in Political Science from the University of Lethbridge and a Master''s Degree in Leadership & Administration from Gonzaga University—have undoubtedly shaped her perspective, the ancestral wisdom passed down through generations forms the heartbeat of her message. Autumn Wind Dancing''s educational journey was marked by challenges and triumphs. Despite the absence of a high school on the reservation during her time, she pursued her studies, facing the "culture shock" of transitioning to city life for high school. Although she initially left high school in grade 12, the support and belief of a Mormon guidance counselor led her back to finish and pursue a university education. Around a decade ago, Autumn found solace and truth in the teachings of The Book of Mormon upon joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Its profound message resonated with her, reflecting the essence of humanity across time. As she embraced her new faith, she found a sense of belonging and purpose. Her name, Autumn Wind Dancing, carries the echoes of her Plains Cree heritage, bestowed upon her by elders with deep significance. In a symbolic act of reclaiming identity, she legally adopted her traditional Cree name under Article 17 of the Truth & Reconciliation Call To Action, honoring her roots and journey towards reconciliation.