What stands out to me is the situation with work. Are these sick days owing to mental illness or physical ailments. It is no longer standard practice to get a letter from a doctor for the latter. The idea of doing so is actually discouraged as for one instance it prevents the spread of the contagion to a waiting room full of people and two takes away the doctors time from treating more serious physical conditions.

Is it a mental health situation. While informing your employer might be considered the 'nice' thing to do you are not legally obligated to do so. And, your employer is legally not entitled to ask. If you find yourself in a position where you are going to be missing a great deal of work the commendable thing to do would be to take leave which in this case you would need some sort of indication from a doctor you are unable to work - but there is no obligation to explain why.

It pleases me greatly that you are embracing your cultural and First Nations roots.

By the way, writing things out I find therapeutic too.