Laws of Matriarch

I recall a time when we were preparing for a feast, and I was sharing with someone the significance of our choices. I explained that we don’t opt for plastic bowls, even though they may be cheaper. Instead, we believe in treating everyone with respect by providing high-quality items that can be cherished and used again and again. Then this person responded, “Oh, I thought it was because natives are always breaking their dishes.” 🤨  This kind of thinking reflects a deep-rooted internalized racism. The truth is, everyone breaks dishes from time to time! 😂 It's a natural part of life, and it has nothing to do with one’s background or culture.  In fact, some folks are quite famous for their clumsiness with bowls! ❤️ We all have our moments, and it’s essential to recognize that these stereotypes can be harmful. Instead, let’s celebrate our traditions and the care we put into our gatherings, honoring each other with respectful choices that reflect our values.

  My great-grandfather was Stephen Morgan, a significant figure in our history as he was one of the initial owners of a Hudson's Bay Trading Post on Gitxsan territory, which lies between Terrace and Hazelton, BC. It's important to remember that Stephen Morgan was also a slave owner, which adds complexity to our family story and the broader narrative of colonialism in our lands. In Gitxsan culture, we carry our history in various forms: through our names, songs, dances, clothing, and carved poles. These traditions serve as our living history, allowing us to remember and honor our ancestors and their experiences. As a tribute to our lineage, my brother carries the name Stephen Morgan, while I am Stephanie Morgan. It brings a smile to my face to think of how our names connect us to our heritage. Interestingly, when I looked up the meaning of my name, I found it traces back to the Greek name Στεφανος (Stephanos), which means "crown" or "that which surrounds....

It's been quite a while since my last update. My granddaughter Dax'gyet is now 2.5 years old and remains in the care of VACFSS. We've been in lengthy negotiations with limited options and no financial support. VACFSS has indicated they would not oppose an FLA guardianship application after much back and forth, but this came with a presumption of risk. While FLA would provide disability child support and a regular government daycare subsidy, it still wouldn't cover living expenses. Based on my calculations, I would likely receive around $850, with the daycare subsidy estimated at $750, but as anyone with a child knows, daycare costs can reach about $1600 monthly. After I submitted two complaints—one regarding a social worker who was causing delays in the children's return home, and another about systemic racism in the policies—VACFSS stopped communicating with me. Luckily, since Claudia has temporarily taken over as director, social worker Justin has been allowed to ...

Food Offerings Growing up, I watched my parents and grandparents treat life with deep respect. Whenever they took a deer, moose, fish, or gathered berries and roots, they didn’t waste any time. They prepared everything right away for the year ahead and to share with our community. They always seemed happy when cooking or making clothes. If something felt off, they would take a moment to step away and gather themselves. Any scraps left over would always go back to the land and water. That’s how we show respect. I remember my dad telling me about the time his uncle took him up on the mountain to fast. There was no food given to him. Just a boy with a blanket and nothing else. After a day, he returned down the mountain. My Yea'a taught me to leave a little food on my plate every time I ate. I did this for most of my life until I moved to the city. When we have burnings, we light a fire after dinner just for the spirits. We put food on the fire to burn it, along with things our loved o...

I had a dream a few days ago: I found myself as a teenager, surrounded by some very wealthy individuals who lived far from my community. They took a few of us youth in, offering support so we could pursue our education. They provided us with a home where about eight of us could stay and even had a luxurious limousine to drop us off at school. One day, these privileged folks invited us to join them for breakfast at a grand banquet hall. I was filled with excitement as we arrived; the room was bright, adorned with stunning crystal chandeliers and elegant burgundy velvet chairs. Tables filled with a lavish buffet lay in the center, yet the room was oddly empty despite the buzz of people across the hall at a work convention, chatting, drinking, and smoking. As I gazed at the food, I headed toward the tables. I reached for a plate next to a beautiful Black girl who was also being supported by these wealthy benefactors. When I reached over, she thought I was trying to take her pl...

Morning Thoughts: I am an Aboriginal woman living in Canada. Aboriginal women endure unimaginable violence—not just from those we love or our communities, but also from systemic racism that perpetuates and endorses violence in every form: physically, financially, mentally, and spiritually. This reality does not diminish the struggles our men face. I pray for our men to be strong and to protect those who are vulnerable. I feel a deep sense of disgust and heartbreak at how many non-Indigenous people turn a blind eye to our daily experiences and continue to live their privileged lives without acknowledging our suffering. The naivety, denial, and complacency of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals enable this genocide to persist. No matter what challenges you face or how afraid you might feel, it is essential to raise your voice for the most vulnerable among us. Do you relate to our struggles? Have you ever been bullied? Aboriginal elders and youth are often disregarded, both on ...

I've been in accidents before, but nothing like this.  I'm filled with anger towards the distracted driver who caused this situation and walked away without a care. I have grandchildren to look after, including one granddaughter in care that I'm fighting to bring home. Right now, I can't work, clean, cook, or drive, and all my extra funds are going towards medical expenses. My vehicle was totaled in the accident, and ICBC is only covering half of what I owe, leaving me without a way to get another car anytime soon. I had to miss my visit with my granddaughter last week, and I could only spend a few hours with her yesterday.  Not being able to see her is incredibly hard; it's our only connection, and VACFSS is already using everything against me to keep her away. 💔 Please keep us in your prayers 🙏🏽❤️

As Gitxsan people, we stand in solidarity with #Wetsuweten, which means I stand with Wet'suwet'en.  Canada will remain indifferent unless its citizens are personally affected. Indigenous peoples have the right to self-determination over our lands and lives, both on and off our territories. First Nations are not considered citizens; we continue to be treated as wards of the state and the court system. Many people living in Canada, including our own children, are unaware of the oppressive Indian Act and the heritage laws that honor our matriarchs. This ongoing genocide manifests as socially accepted racism. It allows citizens to remain oblivious, living in blissful ignorance while sipping tea and consuming government-approved news that perpetuates hatred towards Indigenous peoples. Around the world, people are rising up peacefully to show their support. The reality of socially accepted racism is a significant issue in Canada. Indigenous peoples should not be facing homelessness, ...

We were traveling down Oak Street when a car came barreling from the West, cutting right in front of us while we had the green light. There was a head-on collision, and all the airbags deployed. My mom was sitting in front with me, and our legs got pinned as the impact pushed us forward. I’m still worried about my mom and dad ❤️🙏🏽 Thank you for all your prayers ❤️🙏🏽 There was no time to hit the brakes. As the airbags went off, I could hear my mom yelling, "What’s happening?!" We were thrust forward, and it felt like my feet just moved on their own. The car didn’t stop; it started rolling back. My dad jumped out to stop the van so we could escape. With all the smoke filling the air, Dad was concerned about a potential fire. Mom told us to get out of the car. I didn’t realize Dad was trying to stop the van, and I yelled at him, "Dad, the car is still moving! Get back in!" It looked like he was being dragged along. Finally, we came to a stop, and Dad he...

As Gitxsan people, we honor the sacred laws of our matriarchs and deeply respect those who give life. Our identity is rooted in our mothers; if your mother is Gitxsan, then you carry our lineage. In British Columbia, we do not recognize Métis as part of our communities. The Indian Act disregards our traditional laws and allows individuals to claim native identity for personal advantage, which is a misuse of our heritage.  In Canada, there exists a pervasive, socially accepted form of racism that favors those who appear more European, marginalizing our true Indigenous identities. We cherish all our children, as family is paramount, but we firmly believe that children belong to their mothers and our matriarchal traditions guide us. Before colonization, our people lived in harmony with the laws of matriarchy. Louis, whose mother was white, was not considered part of our nation, and he identified with a Métis Nation as a way to find belonging outside of our traditions. Systemic racism...

Always connect with your ancestors and the spirits around you. Respecting the spirit world is what matters most. In this world, there’s so much hatred and confusion. I’ve noticed that spaces meant for prayer can sometimes get bogged down in criticism rather than focusing on spirituality. The question often comes up: why are women separated from the ceremony when they’re on their period? Women and those with female reproductive systems are sacred. When the ceremony of life begins, it opens the doors to the spirit world. Females have a strength that surpasses men; they endure the pain that comes with this sacred process. Women are life-givers and deserve our utmost respect. This life-giving ceremony is separate from the men. If you disagree, maybe take a moment to talk to your ancestors about it. Regarding patriarchy: If this is just about power, control over women, and fear of weakness, then we’re not really discussing ceremony or spirituality. I believe this is a fight against patriarc...