Posoh! Hello!

My name is Sākwātukiā (Evening Star Woman) and I am an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. My english name is Sharon Fredericks.

When my 13-year-old son died by suicide, it ripped open every wound I ever had. Drowning in guilt and pain, I began a journey to understand my grief. I soon discovered a profound truth: the people who truly understood my pain were those who had experienced similar losses. I’ve learned firsthand how to live with traumatic losses, including: trauma, illness, murder, addiction, and suicide. Each type of grief has its own complex layers.

My healing brought a deep desire to help others. With a PhD in Education, I was ready to teach. I sat in ceremony with my Tribal Elders. And I trained with David Kessler, Paul Denniston, Nancy Levin, The Wellness Institute, and others to become a Grief Educator and Coach. I have been moderating in David’s online grief community TENDER HEARTS for more than three years. I’ve been honored to support people from around the world with an array of losses.

There is no fixing grief or taking away the pain. But we can heal the trauma. However, the intensity of that pain can change when you learn how to navigate it.