update 10, Gitxsan Grandmothers Struggle with #ChildWelfare #Poverty #Genocide

A Grandmother's Update on My Grandson

Hello everyone,

I want to share my journey as a Gitxsan grandmother trying to bring my grandson home. He’s now 10 months old, and every day without him is a reminder of how broken our system is.

I’ve had six social workers in the time since Angel was born, and each change only adds to the confusion. I recently received a letter from the daycare worker, explaining that she can’t keep Angel after August 31st. The owner realized she wouldn’t be able to carry him down 19 flights of stairs in case of an emergency. Now I’m scrambling to find another daycare, and with so many closing down in Vancouver, my options are limited.

The truth is, when it comes to Child Welfare, the system operates like a maze—full of barriers and roadblocks. If I had been able to apply for Guardianship through the Family Law Act, I could have had my grandson home months ago. Instead, we’re forced into a lengthy process that feels more like punishment than support. The policies and procedures of the Ministry are cold, and they often feel like another form of oppression.

As a grandmother, I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. I want to provide a safe and loving home for my grandson, but the system makes it incredibly difficult. The financial support from the Ministry doesn’t come until July 15th, leaving us to struggle for a month and a half without help. I managed to get a $100 Safeway voucher, but many families aren’t as fortunate. They often go hungry just to ensure their children have enough to eat.

It’s painful to see how the Ministry keeps our children from returning to their families. The intergenerational trauma we carry is used against us, as if our past is a weapon to keep us down. It’s time for non-Indigenous people to understand the gravity of our situation. The system is stacked against us, and it’s crucial for you to advocate for change.

We need more support for Indigenous families. Stop letting outdated policies dictate our lives. We want our children safe, loved, and home with their families. Every child removed is a life disrupted, and we cannot accept this as the norm.

I urge everyone to take a stand against these injustices. By amplifying our voices and advocating for our rights, we can help dismantle the systemic racism that continues to impact our communities. Together, we can create a future where all children are valued, where families can thrive, and where our traditional ways are honored.

Thank you for listening and for your support in this vital struggle. Let’s work together to ensure that no more Indigenous children are lost to the system. Your advocacy can make a difference.

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