Former NHL player gives motivational talk in Serpent River First Nation
SERPENT RIVER FIRST NATION — On May 16, Serpent River First Nation (SRFN) Youth Counsellor Robert Essex welcomed former NHL player Jason Simon to give a presentation for local youth and other community members.
Since COVID-19 restrictions were initiated, this well-travelled former professional hockey player known as an enforcer in the game has shared his story using Zoom. He has inspired others to overcome adversity and spoke of his recovery from addictions. Simon is a sought-after speaker in First Nations as well as many other communities. At the time the pandemic hit, Simon was on a nationwide 200 date speaking tour in Cold Lake, Alberta. Since beginning his mission of helping and inspiring First Nation youth, Simon has brought his message to scores of First Nations.
Simon told participants of his Zoom presentation that he had travelled by this First Nation “many many times visiting other communities,” and was pleased to be there. Simon was last in the North Shore area in March of 2018 at Sagamok First Nation. Essex invited Simon to SRFN to speak to youth and parents on finishing their education and to avoid alcohol and drug abuse.
“My message is: we’re in a period of our lives, [where] it’s not normal,” he said to participants. “We can get through by helping others.”
Speaking of peer pressure, Simon suggested that in many cases, drug abuse and alcohol misuse can come about because of peer pressure.
“When the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) came out, drug [use] and addictions increased and went through the roof,” Simon said, referring to the global pandemic and government benefits.
Simon said his goal is to help people get through this time in some way. Last year Simon lost his son to a Fentanyl overdose.
“My son died last year. I have this guidance in me pushing me to get my message [out] and [ask people] to be nice to yourself, exercise, eat properly, and find a balance,” he shared.
Speaking of himself in the third person, Simon recalled after spending many years playing hockey professionally, he came to the realization that his lifestyle as an addict was ruining his life.
“Jason is an addict,” he told himself.
He told those gathered that he had gotten himself to a point where he didn’t want to live anymore. On November 25, 2015, Simon asked for help. He met with NHL Alumni officials and shortly thereafter went into recovery.
“At that time, everything was hopeless, I was bankrupt,” he recalled. “Before recovery, I was walking around telling myself I was a loser.”
Because of the assistance of the NHL Alumni, Simon is now able to alert others to the dangers of alcohol and drugs.
“What I’ve learned over the years is spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically, stay well,” he said.
Nowadays, Simon still lives with the memories of the past; however, he strongly believes “we must make every day and moment count.”
“I start my day by asking myself, ‘What can I do for myself, my family and others?’ What better way to live our lives is there?”
Since the pandemic started, Simon has lost a son, recovered from COVID-19; there is nothing that will slow this man down in his mission to support Indigenous youth.
In closing, Simon expressed the importance of “living in today,” telling those present, our anxieties, stresses and well-being can be unfavourably influenced by two days: yesterday with all of the apprehension, bad memories and worries, and the second day is tomorrow which is beyond our immediate control. He stressed the importance of living life accordingly and being mindful of the Grandfather Teachings. Simon told those gathered that he looks forward to visiting SRFN in person after the pandemic.
For more information on Jason Simon’s presentations, please contact him: 519-402-7183 or jasonsimon38@hotmail.com or visit his website jasonsimonhockey.com. He is the owner-operator of the Aamjiwnaang Athletic Club in Sarnia, Ont.