Incorporating Cultural Stratification

Reflections on Culture, Spirituality, and the Role of Matriarchy

Today, we had a significant discussion about culture, spirituality, and our pledge to uphold our traditions. It was a conversation filled with questions, and I left feeling concerned about some of the generalizations that were made. There are so many beautiful and diverse ways to practice our culture and to pray.

The focus of our discussion with the women I spoke with centered around matriarchy and respect. One of the main concerns we talked about was, “Where are these beliefs coming from?” There seem to be so many new rules and ideas that I’ve never heard of before. For example, I’ve heard that women are not allowed to drum, that women serve but don’t lead, that women have never been chiefs, and that we are supposed to follow our fathers. I’ve also heard that only chiefs are allowed to wear blankets.

I worry that many of these laws and practices are moving forward without consulting women. Most decisions are based heavily on men’s theories and beliefs, and it feels like our voices are being silenced. 

Since European contact, patriarchy has taken root, and white men have often refused to work alongside women. They’ve enforced colonization through the Indian Act, which still exists today, controlling Indigenous peoples and forcing our traditional laws of matriarchy to be ignored and pushed aside.

I understand that we are always evolving, but it feels like we aren’t moving forward. Instead, we are being pushed out and away from our true selves and our traditions. The new beliefs imposed by many of our men seem to benefit only them.

As women, we must remain strong and teach our young ones about our true heritage and the importance of our roles. We cannot afford to lose our power to the influences of white men or the systems that seek to control us.

Lord, help us. Ancestors, be with us. God is in us and with us, and every thought is a prayer. Let us come together to reclaim our voices, honor our traditions, and ensure that future generations understand the strength of our matriarchal ways. Together, we can pave the path for a future that respects both our culture and our women.

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