Aboriginal Spirituality in BC

I want to organize a burning to feed the spirits right here in Vancouver. This is something I deeply feel called to do.

As I reflect on the efforts we’ve made to change the systemic racism and lower barriers for Aboriginal people in BC, I can’t help but ask—has anything really changed? The hatred and racism that surround us present a significant challenge for me as an Aboriginal woman. 

Most of the time, I manage to complete my Aboriginal projects, even if there’s a bit of anxiety and resistance that comes along with them. But sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by the socially accepted oppression in Canada, and I find myself stopping in my tracks.

When I need to do something for our community, it’s not easy. Today, I’m struggling because every so often, I wonder if I’m next. Is it the full moon that brings these thoughts to the surface, urging me to confront my fears?

All I want is a safe place to pray, free from the worry of police stomping out my fire and threatening to charge me. Will this ever happen in B.C.?

The only traditional spirituality I see practiced here often seems to be the colonial approach—training white people to perform Eastern Aboriginal traditions in a way that feels disconnected from our true selves. Meanwhile, our Western Aboriginal nations are pushed aside for not fitting a certain mold, or we’re forced to incorporate Eastern Aboriginal medicines into our prayer rituals.

It often feels like everything revolves around smudging, sweat lodges, and sun dances, led by a self-righteous boys' club that doesn’t honor our authentic ways. 

There’s no safe space for us to gather and pray, either on or off the reserve. We shouldn’t have to travel 1,700 kilometers back to an Indian Reserve just to have a burning in our backyard. Yes, I’ve tried different avenues to make this happen—you know I have.

So I ask, how are you helping? How can we come together to create a space where our spirituality can thrive, where our voices are heard, and where we can honor our traditions without fear? Let’s advocate for true change, for the sake of our children and our ancestors. Together, we can reclaim our spiritual practices and ensure that our community has the safe spaces we need to connect with the spirits around us.

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