About
Bridget Perrier -- Fulfilling a Promise to Her Dying
Son:
Bridget's story starts when she was still a child.
Here is her story in Bridget's own words:
To truly understand
grief is to accept it. Bridget Perrier is the definition
of acceptance.
Bridget Perrier was
born to a First Nations woman who lovingly placed Bridget
up for adoption so that she would have a better life.
Bridget was raise in a large loving non native family.
When Bridget was 8 years old she was sexually abused
by a family friend, the pain that she felt had burdened
her and by doing that she fell deep into the comforting
arms that the streets had for her.
By 12 years old Bridget
ended up been lured and debased into prostitution.
At the age of 16 she
became pregnant, to her joy gave birth to a beautiful
baby boy who she named Tanner. At 9 months Tanner was
diagnosed with Leukemia a brave battle both fought for
the next five years. Tanner made a death bed promise
for his mom to straighten up her life and do good. Tanner’s
death impacted Bridget so much that she started her
healing journey and exited the sex industry completely.
Bridget embraced her
culture and traditions as a strong First Nations woman.
Seeking a safe place Bridget was guided to YWCA’s Stop
86 where she was given the tools to continue on her
healing journey. After stop 86 Bridget began transitions
into Aunduhyan Inc. second stage housing were she was
supported and encouraged to become a loving mother.
Briar Rose was born
in March of 1999 following the year of Tanners passing.
Bridget became involved with her community often been
a caregiver to those who needed help with there children.
Bridget was able to secure affordable housing within
the First Nations community by becoming a foster mom
to a 14 year old girl who to this day calls Bridget’s
place her home and refers to Bridget as her big sister.
Bridget found her way
back to school after the birth of her second child Soleil.
Seneca College gave her the tools that were needed to
continue with her education at George Brown College
and becoming a Community Worker.
Bridget was awarded
YWCA”S Woman of Distinction Turning Point Award 2006.
Since her award Bridget has been ask to speak about
her life’s struggles and triumphs with the hope s that
her storey will give hope to others who are faced with
shame and survival from the streets.
Bridget’s story needs
to be told without sugarcoating the pain that she endured,
by telling and accepting that keeps Bridget going forward
with all hopes that she will further her education by
going and obtaining her Masters Degree in Social Work.
Today Bridget is a
successful single mother of two wonderful girls.
You can find Bridget's
Woman of Distinction bio here:
email Lia at: lia [at] upwithwomen.com
Bridget's story starts when she was still a child.
Here is her story in Bridget's own words: