Laws of Matriarch

Wondering what steps you can take to start your staff on the road to reconciliation? It’s time to take action and make meaningful connections with Indigenous communities. First, think about where elders, Chiefs, and Aboriginal speakers can gather to share their wisdom. Is there a dedicated meeting room or space where these conversations can happen? Consider creating a drop-in day specifically for Aboriginal people and youth, a safe space where they can come together to talk and share their experiences. To encourage participation, it’s essential to create the means for Aboriginal people to attend and present. Here’s a simple protocol to follow: - Transportation: Cover gas and transportation costs to ensure elders can reach you. - Food and Accommodation: Provide meals and accommodations if necessary, making it easier for them to join. - Gifts and Honoraria: Offer something meaningful, like a blanket or bowl, as a gesture of respect, along with an honorarium of $150 for their time and kno...

Our Gitxsan Laws hold deep respect for our mothers; we follow the laws of the matriarch. We belong to our mothers, and there are no exceptions to this truth. If your mother is Gitxsan, then you are Gitxsan. If your mother is not, then you are not Gitxsan. While you may be adopted, that means you have dual citizenship and are welcomed to help and join the responsible house that adopted you. Being Gitxsan comes with a great deal of responsibility. We do not rely on the Chiefs; instead, we hold our Chiefs up, supporting them so they can be strong when they voice our concerns, our gratitude, and our strengths.  I urge you to stay true to our laws and not to waver. The Gitxsan people have self-determination as houses, and we must protect that. It is time to STOP allowing just anyone to claim they are Aboriginal. It’s disheartening to see how those with white skin privilege can leverage their position while Native families struggle and starve.  Unless you and your Chief and house ar...

Last Update: Aboriginal Grandmothers Struggling Against #ChildWelfare I want to share an update about my grandson, whom I've had at home since May 31st. Every day with him has been a blessing, and I am so thankful to the Creator for this opportunity to care for him. When you gain a temporary custody order under the CFCSA, you’re supposed to receive the child tax benefits from the Ministry, rather than directly from the CRA. However, it’s now June 10th, and I won’t receive any financial support until July 15th. That means we must navigate a month and a half—90 days—without any financial assistance. I’ve managed to get a $100 Safeway voucher to help us through the first week of June, but most families aren’t so lucky. Many struggle to put food on the table, often STARVING themselves to ensure their children are fed. Let’s talk about welfare for a single person: a mere $250 support per month? And it’s even less on Indian Reserves. Parents will always prioritize their children's ne...