Canada's Agenda continues

Thoughts on the Article: Ian Mulgrew: Alex Gervais Tragedy Indicts More Than Ministry

As a Gitxsan woman, I read Ian Mulgrew’s article about the tragic story of Alex Gervais, and it shakes me to my core. This isn’t just about one child; it reflects a much larger crisis that continues to unfold in our communities. Canada continues to take Aboriginal children, often without the knowledge of their bands, which are separate from our traditional communities. Many tribes never even know when a child has been taken into care, leaving families in the dark and hearts broken. It’s systemic racism at its worst, preventing our children from returning to the loving arms of their families and communities.

Canada has failed to make any meaningful efforts to address the intergenerational impacts of Indian Residential Schools. The scars left by those institutions run deep, affecting our people today. It feels as though it’s in Canada’s best interest to perpetuate the extinguishment of Indigenous peoples—using our land and resources for their own gain while disregarding our existence.

The ongoing agenda of “ divide and conquer” is a harsh reality. We see it in the diseases that spread through our communities, in the toxic water many of us are forced to drink, and in the inadequate medical responses we receive when we seek help. The removal of our children isn’t just a policy; it’s a calculated move to assimilate and brainwash future generations into forgetting their culture and identity.

To my non-Indigenous friends, I urge you to see the truth in these words. This is not just an Indigenous issue; it affects all of us. Your voice matters in this fight. Stand with us and advocate for our rights. Challenge the systems that uphold these injustices and demand accountability from those in power. 

To my Gitxsan family and fellow Indigenous people, I say: Be safe, practice our traditional laws, and stay focused. We must continue to stand strong together, for our culture, our children, and our future depend on it. Let’s work toward a world where our voices are heard, our rights are respected, and our children can grow up surrounded by love and community. Together, we can create change.

Popular posts from this blog

Bear with hanging tongue

Image
The bear with the tongue hanging out of its mouth is not what you think.  Gather around, and let me share a story that carries the weight of our history, a tale that speaks of resilience and survival. Many people do not understand the significance of the tongue, often mistaking it as merely a feature of the bear. But there is much more to this story, one that we must keep alive as our Aboriginal stories, culture, and beliefs are too often appropriated for the profit of others. In our tradition, totem poles are read from the bottom up, with the tribe usually depicted at the base. It is important to note that the Gitxsan do not have a bear tribe. Instead, the bear symbolizes Russia, a powerful force that once threatened our lands. Long ago, the West Coast nations—including the Gitxsan, Nisga'a, Haida, and others—joined together to stand against Russia when they began to claim our traditional territories and take our people as slaves. Among those who suffered was a woman from th...
Read more

When the food drops

Image
I learned a lot from my grandfather and my parents just by watching them every day. We didn’t talk much about spirituality; we just lived it. Spirituality runs deep in our upbringing; it’s something that flows through our blood and is passed down by our ancestors who have gone before us. Our beliefs aren’t fancy or dramatic—there's no fire and lightning, just the spirit. We used to respect all of life, knowing that spirits are present in everything, including ourselves. God is within us and beside us; every thought we have is a prayer. I should mention that medicine can be used for harm too. Thoughts filled with hatred can be prayers as well. Some people who mix their medicine with bad intentions are called Hel'dow'gwit, or witchcraft. Over the past 50 years, many Gitxsan have changed and evolved. Sweat lodges, which were once only for hunting preparation, are now spaces for prayers and healing. Traditional gatherings have transformed into Healing Circles where we talk abou...
Read more

Burning

Image
Too often, our Gitxsan culture is romanticized, which can create an illusion that it is unattainable or far removed from the realities of our daily lives. This perception can make it seem uninviting to our young people, who may feel disconnected from the traditions and values that define us. We must remember to light the fire, to gather together, and to prepare meals with love for our family and friends. The act of burning food is not a failure but a reminder of our humanity and the lessons we learn along the way. Each meal shared is an opportunity to connect, to nurture, and to honor those we cherish. Every thought is a prayer. When we think of our loved ones who have journeyed on, they are with us in spirit, surrounding us with their love and gratitude for the respect and intention we hold in our hearts. It is in these moments that we can feel their presence, reminding us of the strength of our connections and the importance of our cultural practices. Let us not shy away from the imp...
Read more