Laws of Matriarch

I received an email from Jordan's principal letting me know that Angel's dental work will be covered. I am incredibly thankful for this support. However, I am still disappointed that First Nations children often lack status in Canada and the dental coverage that comes with it, mainly due to the lengthy and burdensome process of registering with the Department of Indian Affairs. First Nations communities urgently need programs like SOS, which provide immigrants with opportunities for housing and business support. On a positive note, my boy received his Indian Status Card after he turned 5 years old.

To those who doubt my words, I don't need any proof. As I’ve said, we live daily with threats and retribution. Fear is intentionally instilled to deter us from fighting for the freedom of Indigenous peoples. For the past 13 years, I have written countless letters, with the support of Hereditary Chiefs advocating for the return of my grandchildren. When I’m in court, I speak up to correct any inaccuracies presented by the Director's counsel. Yet, this approach is no longer effective, and our Hereditary Chiefs are often ignored. Judges can be swayed in their decisions, influenced by their own understanding of systemic racism. On March 6th, there will be a presentation hearing for my granddaughter. I ask that you please pray for Dax’gyet. Sharing government-approved articles has never brought about change. Most often, the news perpetuates fear, controlling society by highlighting another tragic story of a Native child harmed by a family member or a placement gone wrong. They rarel...

I don't even understand how it can be that Canada continues to take so many of our children—so many of our Indigenous children—into foster care every single day. It baffles me that so many Canadian citizens remain silent while this happens. Like anyone else, I enjoy a good movie; I love watching Netflix and going out to the theatre every so often. I relish getting popcorn and a nice cold Coca-Cola. I adore traveling whenever I can, and I appreciate all the things that come with privilege—like makeup, dressing up, nice clothes, and good food. Despite the stereotypes that exist about us as Indigenous people, the truth is that we share the same joys and experiences as everyone else. We love our children—our little Indigenous ones, who are being taken from us every day. You might not realize it because of the stereotypes and racism, but we are loving parents. We have aunties, uncles, grandmothers, and grandfathers who care deeply for our kids.  Yes, the legacy of Indian residential sch...