Rita Buffalo of Thunder Bay

First Nations woman uses literacy to improve the lives of others

From early in her childhood, Rita Buffalo experienced cruel neglect and unspeakable forms of physical, sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of those she trusted.  Rita suffered years of torment, throughout which she was unable to seek medical attention or the help of authorities due to the constant threat of being severely punished if her injuries were recognized as abuse.  The physical and emotional damage that Rita endured continued to manifest well into adulthood. 

As she grew older, Rita became withdrawn and ‘unreachable’, spending the majority of her youth in a series of foster homes.  She was labeled psychotic, neurotic, and incorrigible, eventually being admitted to a variety of mental health facilities until she was 18.  Upon her release, Rita went to her family’s old home to find no one there.  Completely alone, she was rendered homeless and for nearly 20 years she made a living on the streets selling her body to support her cocaine addiction.

Rita’s turning point came when she was eventually placed on a community service order with the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre (TBIFC).  At the time, she felt that she had no education to speak of as her schooling came to an abrupt halt in Grade 5 when the cumulative effects of the abuse she suffered created monumental blocks to learning.  Rita became a Learner in the TBIFC program and was re-introduced to her Aboriginal culture.  She later enrolled at Confederation College to receive an Alcohol and Drug Worker Diploma.  Excelling in literacy, she was on the Dean’s List and Honour Roll and went on to become the coordinator for the literacy program she came through at TBIFC – a position she maintains to this day.

Rita has recently been a Learner Representative and Vice-President of the Board for the National Indigenous Literacy Association. She has also attended various literary conventions as a keynote speaker to educate Senators and Members of Parliament about Aboriginal literacy.

“I am humbled by the past that Rita has overcome,” says Rita’s nominator, Ningwakwe/E. Priscilla George.  “It warms my heart to see a First Nation’s woman give back to the community.”

Rita continues to use her experiences to provide hope and strength to the Learners in the TBIFC program who witnessed her turn her life around with extraordinary courage. Drug-free for seven years and a dedicated mother of three, she lends her direction and emotional support showing them that they too can overcome any obstacle.

 

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