Update 18, Gitxsan Grandmothers Struggle with #ChildWelfare #Poverty #Genocide

Last night, I received a call from my daughter around 10 PM, sharing the news that she had a baby. At first, I felt a wave of sadness wash over me at the thought of another child entering this cruel and racist world. I also wondered if this was real or if my daughter was in a bad place with drugs.

I rushed to see her at Grace Women’s Hospital. She told me she had a baby girl, but I was taken aback because I didn’t even know she was pregnant; usually, she keeps me informed. When I arrived at the hospital, everything seemed normal, and they let me see my daughter without any issues—no security stopping me, just a straightforward visit. This was unusual, as I usually have to go through security in the maternity ward.

My granddaughter was born premature, and I ask you to please keep her in your prayers. I don’t even know her name yet, or if she will survive. It should be a happy occasion, but I can’t help but feel sadness and worry for her. I pray that God’s grace will cover her and that angels will stay with her throughout her life. Lord, protect this little girl.

My daughter was happy to have another baby, knowing I would always be there to make sure she is taken care of. But when I asked where the baby was, she told me, “They took her.” My heart sank, and I tried to hide my panic. My daughter then took me to see the nurse so we could find the baby. But the nurse said to K, “Remember you spoke with the social worker and you’re not allowed to see the baby?” 

Instant anger surged through me as I watched my daughter’s shocked reaction. She thought for a moment and said, “If that’s what she’s saying, then there’s no reason to stay.” My heart broke at witnessing this pain inflicted on a mother.

I asked if I could see the baby too, and after a call to the social worker, I was finally given the okay. It feels like yet another fight with the ministry for our family.

I still don’t even have a final copy of my order for my grandson under Section 54.01 because the CFCSA process is so lengthy and burdensome.

I sent an email to the social worker and BC Women’s Hospital, expressing my concerns:

“My daughter, Kaila Morrison, had another baby at Women’s Hospital, and she is premature—possibly born at around six months. The social worker, Johanna Coward, has put a no-contact order in place against K, which forced her to leave the hospital without seeing her baby. It’s not right to deny mothers even supervised visits with their children. It feels inhumane to take children away from their families as if they were mere commodities, isolating them from those who love them. My daughter struggles with addiction, but she is not a criminal; she deserves support, not punishment.

Saint Paul’s Hospital was less discriminatory and worked to keep K involved, but this hospital seems set up only for healthy, privileged parents. 

When I tried to explain our traditional laws to the staff, and how my niece is like a daughter to me according to Gitxsan law, they began talking loudly among themselves, dismissing my words. I brought my niece for support, but at first, the staff wouldn’t allow her to visit. Eventually, they relented, but the experience left me feeling unheard and disrespected.

I’ve faced issues with racism at Women’s Hospital before. Our Aboriginal families are large, and we follow the laws of the matriarch. It’s common for us to gather for prayers of health and happiness. Yet, this hospital has never accommodated our cultural practices, despite numerous complaints.

The ongoing removal of Indigenous children is not just a personal tragedy; it is a part of a larger, devastating pattern of systemic oppression. Each child taken from their family is a reminder of the ongoing genocide we face, as our communities are fractured and our cultures are threatened. Reports indicate that Indigenous children are nearly 200 times more likely to be removed from their homes compared to non-Indigenous children, even under the same circumstances. 

This is a crime against our people, and it needs to be addressed. It’s time for everyone to recognize the weight of these actions. The government’s policies are not just bureaucratic processes; they are tearing families apart and perpetuating cycles of trauma. 

Everyone must understand that this isn't just about one child or one family; it’s about an entire community fighting for survival and recognition. We deserve better. We need real support, not just empty promises. 

Please keep me updated on baby Morrison’s health and the status of the CFCSA processes. If she survives, I will see which family members can start the application for Section 54.01.

Thank you for your time. Together, we can push for change and advocate for the rights of our children and families. Let’s work to stop this ongoing injustice.

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