Stay safe

Today, I was on the bus and noticed a grandmother sitting with her grandson. She was speaking to him a bit sternly, telling him to sit forward and not face the back of the bus. When he asked her why, she replied, “I don’t have to tell you anything. I don’t need to explain.” The boy looked about seven years old. He listened to her and obediently took the seat that faced forward.

As I watched, I felt a connection to what she was saying. She corrected him again when he started to gaze down at the ground, reminding him to keep his eyes up so he could see his surroundings. I understood why this was important to her. 

It’s the same way I feel when I walk around during the day; I don’t feel safe looking down or sitting backwards. I always keep my head up to be aware of what’s happening around me. It feels like a way to protect myself, to avoid being caught off guard.

I remember how angry I would get when I was on the bus with my kids when they were little. I didn’t realize then that my anger stemmed from fear. Every time we went outside, I faced the hatred of racist people, the pushing of non-Native men, the rude comments, and the way I was treated like a thief. It was horrible, and it happened every day.

That anger I felt was really just fear—a fear that someone would hurt my children. I didn’t know how to express that fear, so I became angry to push people away. My kids never understood why I seemed angry with them. They just saw me reacting, but deep down, I was scared.

Almost every Indigenous adult in Canada carries the weight of PTSD. Many of us go undiagnosed and don’t even realize what we’re experiencing. Unfortunately, there is little support for us to thrive and prosper.

Canada has an agenda that often ignores the need for true reconciliation with Aboriginal people. It fails to address the impacts of Indian Residential Schools, systemic racism, and the ongoing removal of Indigenous children. Poverty continues to plague our communities, making it even harder to break free from these cycles.

Many people go about their lives thinking, “As long as it’s them and not me.” But we must remember that we are all connected, and the struggles of one affect the whole. 

Let’s stand together for change and advocate for our children. We can’t allow this to continue. If you feel moved, please consider signing the petition to help save First Nations children now. 

Together, we can create a better future for all of us. Thank you for listening.

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