Laws of Matriarch

This morning, I was gifted a dream that felt like a sacred blessing.  I found myself at work, but it was different—a new location resembling a store, where we were meant to serve as legal advocates for our people. It was a beautiful space, filled with Indigenous creations, as others busily prepared for the opening. I couldn’t help but smile at the warmth and spirit evident all around. Yet, my heart felt heavy with worry for Conan. Even though I knew he was safe, anxiety crept in, whispering that something was amiss. I felt a pull, as though he needed to reach me in a moment of urgency.  I hung my jacket in a cubby, my cell phone tucked inside, but when I went back to find it, the space was crowded with other coats, making it impossible to reach my phone. The office continued to fill with people, and I felt the tension rise, knowing I couldn't connect just yet.  Then, the traditional people arrived. With every announcement, joy filled the air as they sang and danced upon...

Good morning, beloved community! Today is a new dawn, a fresh opportunity to embrace the beauty around us. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. ❤️  Yesterday, my heart was heavy with worry for my mother, who has crossed the threshold of 80 years. In those moments of uncertainty, I turned to prayer, and the weight began to lift, reminding me of the strength we hold when we lean on our traditions and one another. I sincerely apologize to anyone I may have unintentionally hurt with my words during times of stress. Thank you to the incredible women who have surrounded me with your support, strength, and prayers. Your kindness empowers us all. ❤️  Life can throw us challenges that feel insurmountable, but it’s in those moments we find our resilience. My yea’a taught us to honor and listen to our elders, even when their voices are raised in anger. Their words are rooted in love and concern, a testament to their care for our futures. We are truly blesse...

--- Dear Guardians of Our Children, I am writing with a heart heavy for my granddaughter Dax’gyet, who has been away from her family for what feels like an eternity. At just 10 months old, and having faced the challenges of being born early, she has shown strength that runs deep in our people. It’s time for her to be home, surrounded by love and heritage. Dax’gyet is currently in foster care with a nurturing family in Surrey. They are caring individuals, and I appreciate their role in helping her thrive during those crucial early months. But she is stable now, and the call of her people is strong. It’s time to bring her back to the warmth of our community, to her true family.  You know as well as I do that our Indigenous communities have faced countless challenges, often compounded by a system that has not treated us fairly. The shadows of the past—residential schools and systemic racism—linger and impact our futures. Many of us carry the weight of these injustices, and it’s an uph...

Should we really shake things up by pointing out that white folks have been drinking while pregnant for hundreds, maybe even thousands, of years? And today, they might have more access to alcohol than many of our people who are struggling in extreme poverty? 🤔  If that’s the case, it makes you wonder how many of the laws in Canada were crafted by white men who don’t understand our reality.  The old stereotype is crumbling:   Researchers have found that Native Americans actually drink less than white people. It’s frustrating how these misconceptions persist while we’re just trying to live our lives and care for our families.  But there’s hope. As we share our truths and challenge these outdated beliefs, we can pave the way for understanding and respect. We deserve to be heard and to break free from the chains of these stereotypes. Let’s keep pushing for change and lifting each other up.

I had this dream where our houses were all wrecked by a hurricane, even my ex’s place was gone too. His truck was broken down because he never took care of it, so he just left it on the side of the road. I didn’t want to use my van because I’m always low on cash for gas, so I had a little chat with his truck and, to my surprise, it started right up! 😂 I just hoped he wouldn’t see me using it and get angry like he usually does. If he did, I’d have to make up some excuse about running out of gas just to keep the peace. But you know what? It felt like a good dream about starting fresh and moving on. ❤️

Sim’O’get Lax’Ha’get,   The highest chief, our guiding light,   God is in us, God walks beside us,   Our ancestors whisper wisdom in the night.   Respect the spirit, let it flow,   In every breath, let love grow. ❤️   The animals and plants share their voice,   In nature's embrace, we find our choice.   They speak to our spirits, a sacred dance,   In the heart of the forest, we find our chance.   Every thought we hold, a prayer sent high,   Carried by the wind, to the vast, open sky.   In the stillness, we hear their call,   In every moment, we’re one with it all.   So let us walk gently on this earth,   Honoring our roots, celebrating our worth.   With each step, we honor our past,   In unity and love, our spirits will last.

It’s often women who stand up for what’s right. Canada has never really listened to women, and when it comes to Indigenous women, it’s even worse. Today, I feel like I might just throw in the towel. There’s so much hatred and racism directed at our people, and then there’s the lateral violence within our own communities. It’s exhausting to hear the ignorant comments from those who are privileged in Canada.  We see it all over social media—people posting hurtful memes and spreading false narratives that paint us as lazy or criminal. The media sometimes sensationalizes our struggles, focusing on the negative aspects of our communities without showing the strength and resilience we have. Articles often highlight our problems but ignore the systemic issues that cause them, leading to more hatred and misunderstanding. I’ve had some support from my friends and family, but honestly, it’s not much overall. That’s just the way it is, sadly. I keep pushing for our people, trying to break do...