"Wooly's Umbrella is my perspective on the historic colonial approach to health care."
The play, "Wooly's Umbrella" was written in 2002 and workshopped at the Woodland Cultural Museum in Brantford, Ontario.
Hosted by the Six Nations Writer's Group this play was the result of my attendance at a playwriting workshop facilitated by the late Daniel David Moses.
Dan was also from Six Nations. After many years of living off the Reserve, I bumped into him on a train from Toronto and we quickly caught up while waiting for our stop at Brantford.
When I told him I wanted to write a story about the wide gap in approaches to Indigenous mental health he suggested I write it as a play instead.
Born and raised at Six Nations, and having travelled to many other Indigenous communities I have witnessed the disparity in care and treatment. I also witnessed the complete disregard for Indigenous approaches to mental health. In writing this I mean no offence only to question, inspire discussion and to open minds.
I knew I was on the right track because, at the end of Dan's two-day workshop, I had a rough draft completed.
Wooly's Umbrella is my perspective on the historic colonial approach to health care and the many incipient ideas, comments, and beliefs that interfere with proper and equal care for Indigenous peoples.
When I recently decided to publish Wooly's Umbrella in book form, there were so many authors with my name, that I chose my initials and last name for publishing.
May you be entertained by my odd sense of humour.
Daniel David Moses is sorely missed by many. He had a quiet way, a dry sense of humour, and a passion for writing and teaching.
He once said, "You know you've made it when your name ends up in the Sunday crossword puzzle."
"Poet Laureate Daniel David--"
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