Daniel James Martin and Growing Years Family Resource Centre make their marks in Manitoba’s historical record
Selkirk MLA Richard Perchotte acknowledged Daniel James Martin and Growing Years Family Resource Centre on the floor of the Manitoba Legislature last month.
On March 5, our local MLA told the story of Daniel James Martin, who was born on November 28, 1957, in the Roseau River First Nation and died July 28, 2019, in Winnipeg at the Health Sciences Centre after losing his battle with cancer.
Martin was a residential school survivor who became a self-taught Indigenous artist.
Though he struggled with mental health and addiction, he brought his artistic talent to Selkirk, walking around the community and offering to create art for those he met.
Perchotte said at the Legislature, “Many people have great memories of visiting with Danny in a restaurant, cafe or even a store while he created art for them to take home. While working in my family’s business, I would often see Danny walking by carrying his art supplies, heading uptown. One day, I went outside, and I asked him in for a cup of coffee. And that started a tradition for the next four to five years. He would come in a couple times a week. He would enjoy a hot cup of coffee while creating art for me,” said Perchotte.
Perchotte personally purchased over 300 pieces of art from Martin.
Perchotte lost touch with Martin when he moved to Winnipeg, where he later learned Martin became homeless before passing away.
“I am saddened by the hardship this wonderful man had endured throughout his life. My only hope is that his artwork will carry on his memory and bring joy to those who view it,” said Perchotte.
In remembrance of Martin, Perchotte offered to gift any interested MLA their very own personal, original piece of Daniel James Martin’s artwork.
On March 12, Perchotte was back at it again, bringing attention to people and groups that make a difference in our region. This time, he acknowledged the Growing Years Family Resource Centre.
He said at the Legislature, “The Growing Years Family Resource Centre originally started as part of the Selkirk Friendship Centre. Growing Years has been a trusted resource in the community for 27 years, supporting families who are prenatal and those with children who are up to six years old. All of their resources, services and programs are free, and they offer many different programs, most on a drop-in basis, so families can come when it works for them. They have a prenatal program, postnatal mental health program, specific programs for both infants and toddlers, a drop-in playgroup where families get to come and talk to a pediatric physiotherapist, a group specifically for those children who are neurodiverse and a Circle of Security Parenting program. All of the programs include an educational component where they give presentations to parents and caregivers on topics related to their children’s health and development. They work with preschool children in the community, providing them with health and therapy services that provide early intervention for many different challenges before they get into the school system, which gives them the best chance at success when they get there.”
He continued talking about the broad impact that Growing Years has in our community, “Last year, they served 257 parents and guardians, as well as 348 children. Their goal is to build lasting, trusting relationships. Most people don’t care how much they know until they know how much they care. It’s through these relationships that they build lasting trust. Growing Years are often the bridge to other support programs and services in the community.”
Perchotte concluded by asking his colleagues at the Legislature to thank the wonderful people of Growing Years for the hard work that they have done and continue to do.
