Laws of Matriarch

I’ve been reflecting on how you’ve really tried to understand what colonization has done to our people, and I just want to say how much I appreciate you and the work you do. As Indigenous people, we are constantly juggling many struggles at once. I feel lucky that I have the ability to ask for help and to express myself through writing. Here’s a snapshot of what life looks like for me right now: In our Gitxsan communities, we’re seeing one or two deaths every week. It’s mostly due to cancer, suicide, and vehicle accidents. There’s a lot of cancer in our communities, but no one seems to have the resources to figure out why. I suspect it’s the water, especially with all the mining happening around us. There’s also been a woman missing from my community since December, which weighs heavily on my heart. I try to attend potlatch feasts when I can, as it helps me stay connected to my culture and community. On top of everything else, I’m dealing with human rights issues related to my oldest ...