On Fire

Alberta is on fire.

And it is my home.

For weeks now we have been living in utter chaos.

Forcefully told to leave our homes and evacuate.

Because the fire is coming.

Some did leave, because we are taught that we have systems in place to help us in times of crisis such as this.

Yet some of us were abandoned by those systems.

Some of us trusted our instincts, some of us stayed home, some of us couldn't leave because we are shepards of the land and the animals depend upon us.

We have watched the narrative unfold.

And some of us prepared.

In rural Alberta there is a big story to be told.

One where the resisilience of the human spirit has reignited in a way I could only imagine in my dreams.

That human spirit is burning.

I feel like I am in a war zone. And we are left to defend ourselves.

So we have.

I have watched my neighbors plow up miles of land to build fire guards.

I have been there stomping out flames with family, friends, strangers and neighbors.

I have been there driving a truck and trailer filled with water as my own father battles roaring flames.

I have witnessed perfect strangers drop everything they are doing to come and help.

People of all walks of life have come together to selflessly help one another.

Together we have all diverted the flames and we have saved homes.

I have been horrified, inspired, drained, enlightened, angry and then bursting with love.

I have had the greatest physical breakdowns of my life thus far.

And yet, we have all gotten up. And we continue battling forward. Beating flames and incomprehensible obstacles out of our way.

Because Albertans are fierce.

Albertans are strong.

Albertans are resourceful.

Albertans are intelligent.

Albertans are resilient.

There is a reason Alberta has been the land of opportunity. There is a reason Alberta has been a thriving province.

It is bursting with people with incredible skills.

I have used my voice to let the world know what is going on. And I don't plan on keeping quiet.

The world needs to know, that this province is on fire.

It's not in the name of climate change. It's not in the name of 15 minute cities. It's not in the name of agenda's to keep us suppressed.

Alberta is on fire with human spirit and we don't plan on backing down.

Together I know we will make it through this.

Together we will rectify what has been done to us.

Together we will create change.

I hope this story reaches all parts of the world.

And lights an ember in your heart.

To stand up to the bureaucratic red tape that tries to keep us small and suppressed.

To bring balance back to this world.

To realize where the true power lies.

It's with the people.

It's humans helping humans.~