In this video I speak about grief and loss. These are themes that touch all of us. Whether it's the passing of a loved one or the quiet ache of absence, these moments shape us in profound ways.

When I reflect on grief, I think of the loved ones we’ve lost and the challenge of continuing life without them. One of the most personal examples for me is the loss of my paternal grandmother. My sister and I never had the chance to meet her—she passed before we were born—but the way our father spoke about her made her feel incredibly close. We felt her presence, her protection, even as young children.

That connection led us to create a protective practice or traditional that we still use to this day. We began asking her for a sign. Something clear. Something that would let us know she was still with us. This is when we started seeing eagles cross our paths—everywhere.

In our language, the Hul’q’umi’num’ language, we call them yuxwule'. W felt that these sightings weren’t just coincidences. They felt like messages. Every time we saw an eagle, we felt her near—watching over us, reminding us that we weren’t alone.

One moment stands out vividly. This past winter, I was driving with an elder along the water on a snowy day. We were talking about family, and I mentioned my grandmother. Just as I spoke her name, we passed a stretch of trees along the ocean—and there it was: a yuxwule'. I shared what it meant to me, and the elder said something I’ll never forget:

“You can’t ask an eagle to come to you. It has to present itself. It has to give you the gift.”

That moment reminded me how deeply our ancestors continue to walk with us. And it’s why I encourage others to do the same: ask your loved ones for a sign. Reach out to them. Believe that they’re still with you in some way.

Belief is powerful. It’s a form of hope. And when we’re grieving, hope can be the bridge that connects us to the ones we’ve lost.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If this message resonates with you, I invite you to share it with someone who might need it today.