Matriarch

The term 'matriarch' is a new word that’s been introduced to describe women who hold some kind of status in the community. It's a word I’ve never heard in my life, and neither has my mother. There are also phrases like 'grassroots' that seem to attempt to define what we already know, often with good intentions but sometimes leading to results that feel oppressive.

In Gitxsan culture, the concept of matriarch is already woven into the fabric of our lives. We honor our mothers and follow their guidance. Children belong to their mothers, and if the mother is Gitxsan, then the child is Gitxsan. Our respect for mothers runs deep; it is a fundamental part of who we are.

Every Gitxsan person, except for those who are adopted, has the right and responsibility to speak for their house, tribe, and nation. In our community, we believe in a holistic way of living where no one is elevated above the others, and no one is left behind. Yet, we've seen new terms introduced that reflect the imposed hierarchy of the Canadian government.

We are born with gifts and roles given to us by the Creator, passed down from our ancestors—mediators, activists, cooks, builders, hunters, medicine gatherers, healers, chiefs. These gifts are not a means to gain power over others; they are meant to serve the community. Chiefs have never been placed in positions of power to make the community vulnerable; rather, it is the strength of the house that supports the chief. The house uplifts the chief, clothing and nurturing them so they can represent us well.

As always, we carry the spirit of the Creator within us. I pray that we will remain strong in heart and spirit for our children and grandchildren, so they can grow in a world where they are respected and loved.

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