My name is Hope Brenner and I live in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, which is located on Treaty 4 Territory, home of the Cree, Saulteaux, Ojibwe, Nakota, Lakota, and Metis. The center of my map is where I currently live. I have been very fortunate to make many friendships and memories over the years. I chose to put my house in the center of my map, because everywhere that I go, I always end up back at my home, my special place.
I love to call Saskatchewan my home as well, I enjoy traveling around the province and exploring all the valleys in the South, the forests in the North, and the large farmer’s fields that make up the East and West. I am originally from the valleys in the South, Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan. The trees are full and there are many different types of flowers, from the wildflowers to the beautiful gardens that my grandparents grew. In the summers I spend a large portion of my time in Willow Bunch because that is where most of my family lives. We do a lot of camping, golfing, hiking through the trails, and spending quality time with family and friends. I also spend lots of time in Candle Lake, Saskatchewan. The scenery and wildlife are completely different than down South, the evergreens are very tall, the lakes are very long, and the wildlife is always around.
At my house in Moose Jaw, I grow lots of flowers and vegetables in the summer with my mom. This year I decided to grow sunflowers, like the ones in my picture. Unfortunately, some were unable to bloom because of the weather transitioning into fall. In the winter, I enjoy bundling up in cozy sweaters and drinking hot tea. Growing up in Moose Jaw, I became very involved with Cheerleading, I was an athlete for 9 years and I coached for 4 of those years as well. This sport gave me many opportunities, like traveling to Orlando, Florida to compete in the Cheerleading Worlds at the ESPN Center. These are memories that I will never forget and will cherish forever. Throughout the year, I drive to Regina almost every day to attend school at the University of Regina. I have come to enjoy this drive, as it is a time where I can reflect and be thankful for the life that I was given. Although this year I am unable to physically attend classes at the university due to COVID-19, I will still find time throughout my day to reflect on things that I grateful for.
I am very grateful for my place and will continue to learn about and respect the land that we live on. We are all Treaty People, we all need to live in peace and harmony with one another.
