Update 24, Gitxsan Grandmothers Struggle with #ChildWelfare #Poverty #Genocide
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Dear Guardians of Our Children,
I am writing with a heart heavy for my granddaughter Dax’gyet, who has been away from her family for what feels like an eternity. At just 10 months old, and having faced the challenges of being born early, she has shown strength that runs deep in our people. It’s time for her to be home, surrounded by love and heritage.
Dax’gyet is currently in foster care with a nurturing family in Surrey. They are caring individuals, and I appreciate their role in helping her thrive during those crucial early months. But she is stable now, and the call of her people is strong. It’s time to bring her back to the warmth of our community, to her true family.
You know as well as I do that our Indigenous communities have faced countless challenges, often compounded by a system that has not treated us fairly. The shadows of the past—residential schools and systemic racism—linger and impact our futures. Many of us carry the weight of these injustices, and it’s an uphill battle against discrimination entrenched in our institutions.
There is no valid reason why Dax’gyet remains in foster care while other children find their way back home. My nephew, who has provided a loving home for his son, is ready and willing to care for Dax’gyet. She deserves the same chance—she deserves to be with her family.
I visited my nephew today, and it pains me to see that there is still no arrangement made for her return. His home is full of love, and his wife has been free of any illness for over two months. Yet, we’re left waiting, without a clear answer. What is happening? Are we to believe that our children are safer away from us? It’s time to dispel that myth once and for all.
It’s imperative that Canada reevaluates its approach towards our children. We must end the cycle of taking them away based on unfounded fears and biases.
My nephew has reached out multiple times to the foster parents, hoping for a chance to connect with Dax’gyet. But silence has been the response. We need transparency, we need action, and most importantly, we need our children returned to where they belong—with their family.
Let us not delay any longer. The assessment must be completed—Dax’gyet should be with us, surrounded by family, culture, and love.
In unity and strength,
Stephanie Morgan
Sent from my iPhone
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Together, we fight for our children. It’s time to rise and ensure that our voices are heard, for the sake of our future generations. Let’s spread the word. The strength of our community begins at home.