DO ANYTHING


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 and off reserves. The police frequently fail to take reports and ignore or downplay bullying incidents. Victims are often blamed for trying to defend themselves or others. Schools may support the offenders, leading to the victim being suspended. This neglect can push our elders and youth into despair, resulting in suicidal thoughts and depression.

Are you disabled?
Those with disabilities on Indian reserves have limited or no access to First Nations medical services and receive minimal social assistance.

Have you been raped?
In cases of sexual assault on the reserve, offenders are often protected while victims are forced to leave, facing homelessness. The police take little action and rarely file reports.

Are you a victim of violence?
Violence against women is rampant, and often, women are criminalized while the children are taken away by MCFD. Men may gain custody if they take responsibility, but women often fight as long as they can, only to end up dead, addicted to drugs, suffering severe mental health issues, or homeless.

Every tragic event that befalls Aboriginal women is met with further victimization by doctors, MCFD, police, and even our own communities.

In our native communities, which once revered all forms of life and adhered to the laws of Matriarch, there is now more gossip, shame, and neglect directed at the vulnerable.

I refuse to remain silent, even though it often feels that way as an Aboriginal voice. I write complaint letters almost daily to politicians and occasionally to my own community. I challenge your knowledge and beliefs when necessary.

If you support Aboriginal people, you uplift everyone.

As an Aboriginal woman, I have experienced and witnessed all of these issues and more.

Let’s take action to combat racism in Canada. Do something, anything, to make a difference.


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