My summer was amazing. I think it's the summer's I grow the most out of all the seasons. Maybe cuz I was born in the summer. I also see the spirits alot easyer in the summer. They come and go. Didnt see much this year but I know why....

This is the first time in four years that I didn't travel anywhere in the summer. As was my plan. Every year It's been canoe journey or dance trip or somthing to somewhere. I also got to spend my birthday home this year. We had a birthday party here at my house and everything. Was tons of fun.

As I told you. I went through Choices in July. I actualy went through Choices Teen Camp last year. Absolutly loved it. Really changed my life. Choices isn't like anything else I've ever experenced. This is what did it. So because I did so much and could see who I am and where my path is, I wanted to do the next step. I went and did Adult Choices last month. Now, Teen Camp was great. It was amazing. I got my cake at Teen Camp. But I wanted to get my icing and I totaly did. My dad came through with me and it completly changed his life. Our relationship hasn't been better. Ever. It's really awesome. I know for sure, I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for Choices. This amazing man right here has alot to do with Choices. Then just recently, I Coached the Teen Camp. I was one of the T.A's. Now that was the most amazing experence. Going through the program is absolutly fantastic but being a Coach and being there when other go through has the be best experence ever. I had so much fun and learned so much more.

I am now just getting ready for school. For once I'm excited. Grade 11! This is going to be my year. I'm going to do so amazing. I want to shoot high so I have even higher to shoot for grade 12. I promissed myself that in grade 8, Gr. 11 & 12 would be MY years. These are going to be MY years. I told someone one of the main reason I wanted to get back is to show those teachers and princables my true power. My true worth. I am going to shine brighter then ever before. But the REAL reason is, I want to show the person in me. I have given up too many times and failed too many times now. Not anymore!

I have joined the SR. Choir at school. That is going to be fun. I have that every other day at 7:40 in the morning. Funny thing too. After I talked to my councilor and got put in the class. I found out that I'm the only guy! This should be fun.

I know that if I do amazing and give it 180% the year will go by fast. I am ready to give it 180% and I am going to! I want to get High School over with. University is where I want to be. I'm planning on going to University of British Columbia. But they have an exchange program with 12 other Universities around the world. University of Auckland being one of them. I plan on going there. You might ask what I want to go into. Anthropology - Linguistics. And whatever else sparks my mind. I also want to do bussiness courses if I can. I am totaly ready for University.

But speaking about linguistics. Another thing I am going GUNG HO about is my own language. These next two years I am giving it my all to learn my language. My plan is to be able to "Think" in my language by the two years is over. I'm actualy doing it as apart of my training for my Coming of Age ceremony. I'll be inviting you closer to the date but I'm having at feast in two years. But among other things, learning my language is somthing I need to do. It's like, I don't have a indian name right now and I feel naked without one. Without my language I feel like I don't have my skin. Not the best feeling. I think the language is the number 1 thing to have, and to know it really well.

After New Zealand I also have a plan. When I get back I'll be turning 19 that summer. The 19 is a big thing for my people. Why you might ask. Because in 2001 when my people got Kitsalano back, we also got 9.1 million. Apart of that is everyone gets 6000$. Yes SIX THOUSAND dollers. Except if you under 19 it goes into trust and I get it then. So when I turn 19 I should be getting somewhere close to 10,000$ because of intrest. Plus other money that went into trust. Now that is going to be amazing. But here the good stuff. Starting next year I'm going to start fund raising and working. Puting money together. I'm going to take, my 10,000$ + Fundraised money + Work Money + My Salish Artwork and move to Europe two years. I'll make some good coin off my art work and I'm going to get a two year working Visa so I can work over there too. Now THAT's going to be amazing. I will be gone for about 3 years after High school. I'm going to come back for a bit but I'm mostly going to be in Europe. My sister just did this exchange program and she got a two year working Visa and worked there for 3 months.
That's what I plan on doing except for 2 years. Then come back, finish school. Start my bussiness and Start working on my dreams to change the world.

That's the low down so to awnser your question. I DID enjoy my summer....hahaha
Catch you and the flip side.
Txw Ek
Chen kwen men tumi
D Rivers