Five Questions with Althea Guiboche
What motivates you?
What motivates me is knowing that the needs of the homeless go far beyond housing. They have no homes, no respect, no support, and this societal problem will never be alleviated unless someone is willing to step up and make a difference. Some who may have housing are forced to use their food budget to pay the rent. Having suffered homelessness myself, with five of my seven children, I feel I have earned every right to speak up for those who have no voice, no one to help advocate for them, no one to provide love, sustenance and understanding.
What do you do for a living and why?
I am currently a stay-at-home single parent who comes from the same poverty as those who I speak for. I use every spare moment to help solicit donations such as toiletries, clothing, footwear, socks, shoes and food to support Got Bannock. I go out each Thursday with homemade lunches of bannock and soup, chili or pasta accompanied with water, juice, milk, coffee or tea, granola bars, and at least three pieces of fruit. I also bring the material donations to the street to give-away.
Why are you excited to speak at TEDxManitoba?
I am excited at the chance to bring attention to the issues of homelessness in Winnipeg and beyond. I want to share my village idea with a global audience so that I can develop my talk and my professional capacity to reach other people whose ideas might work with mine to help spread the message about eradicating homelessness and poverty.
What is your idea worth spreading?
The traditional village my people once had was based upon respect, honour and love. We were self-governed and every member of the tribe was a contributor towards the survival of the village. We each held roles and responsibilities towards each other and the village, and our wealth was measured less in what we had than in what we shared with one another. I want to re-introduce this lifestyle back in North America and the global village. We need to adopt a more selfless life that caters to Mother Earth and all her children.
What’s your connection to Manitoba?
My family originates from Duck Bay, Manitoba, where they lived the Métis life, depending on the land and reaping the benefits of nature. We were taught to respect the land, the water, plants, animals, and other people. I use these teachings for guidance, when I do my Got Bannock work. I was born and raised in Manitoba, am one of five Manitoba Heroes and reside in the North End of Winnipeg.
