Gitxsan resilience











I know that many of my Gitxsan relatives have faced shaming when they’ve tried to advocate, raise their voices, or protest against the ongoing genocide that Canada perpetrates against us. Yet, this was not always our reality. 


In the past, we stood strong together to protect our communities. All nations would come together to safeguard our women, children, and our sacred lands from the encroachment of outsiders. 


Today, I see a spiritually strong community, with some of us managing to survive the ongoing assimilation efforts intact. However, the connections within our community have frayed. Even when those who should be present at feasts come to contribute and witness, there is a significant gap in our communal ties.


Despite the government-funded programs that exist, gambling remains a primary source of income for sports and activities within our communities. Yet, Canada continues its genocidal practices against the Gitxsan and all Indigenous peoples. This is our crucial moment to fight for the future of our children.


When I organized the Gitxsan Youth Movement in 2000, I had to stand firm in my beliefs. I was pressured by the Gitanmaax band to accept a white girl into our program or risk losing our funding. Government funding should not be allocated to support white individuals at the expense of our own community members. 


That white girl ended up stealing from a store during our travels, which brought the police into the situation. Thankfully, her privilege allowed her to escape with just a warning when I explained that she "didn’t know any better." Unfortunately, due to limited staffing and funding, I was unable to send her back home as a consequence.


I returned home for a short while and discovered that my mother was struggling to get help against her adult neighbors who bullied her. The house she placed in my name to avoid turmoil when she passes is now inaccessible, leaving her cold this winter. This oppressive treatment of Indigenous peoples is sadly accepted as the norm.


In our communities, we often remain silent when women and children are victimized. The offenders are allowed to stay, while the victims are forced to leave if they can. However, I have witnessed our elders being cared for in Gak, and I see them advancing in protection and security. 


We have learned to oppress ourselves, and this is not a reflection of our cultural values. Some among us have adopted the Indian Act as if it were our own law, and some have even turned to patriarchal principles to determine what it means to be Gitxsan.


Though some may view me as an outsider, this experience has only made me stronger. My culture is deeply embedded in my upbringing, nurtured by my Chiefs and elders. I speak with my mother every day, grounding myself in our traditions.


I see the devastation wrought upon us, and I regret not doing more to sustain the Gitxsan Youth Movement. I used to connect the youth with elders in safe spaces to foster learning and growth. We were once a respectful people, adhering to the laws of our matriarchs and honoring the life-givers.


Now, we do very little for our community, and we take minimal action to protect Gitxsan territory. Even when opportunities arise, fear and oppression keep us paralyzed. 


Our elders, women, and children endure suffering as we follow Canadian laws without question. Many fear losing support from Indian Affairs and Canada, believing that stepping away from oppression means losing crucial funding.


We must prioritize what is best for our children and grandchildren. 


Let us have faith and pray; our ancestors stand with us. Every thought is a prayer. 🙏🏽

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