I stand with Wet'suwetin
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, unemployment, lack of education, incarceration, or being forcibly separated from our families and communities. We should not have our lands taken or our water and earth poisoned, leading to illness and death, all while lacking genuine support to heal from the intergenerational trauma caused by ongoing genocide.
We must unite as Indigenous peoples for the sake of our children and grandchildren. Together, we will fight for a better future.