Laws of Matriarch

I received an email from Jordan's principal letting me know that Angel's dental work will be covered. I am incredibly thankful for this support. However, I am still disappointed that First Nations children often lack status in Canada and the dental coverage that comes with it, mainly due to the lengthy and burdensome process of registering with the Department of Indian Affairs. First Nations communities urgently need programs like SOS, which provide immigrants with opportunities for housing and business support. On a positive note, my boy received his Indian Status Card after he turned 5 years old.

To those who doubt my words, I don't need any proof. As I’ve said, we live daily with threats and retribution. Fear is intentionally instilled to deter us from fighting for the freedom of Indigenous peoples. For the past 13 years, I have written countless letters, with the support of Hereditary Chiefs advocating for the return of my grandchildren. When I’m in court, I speak up to correct any inaccuracies presented by the Director's counsel. Yet, this approach is no longer effective, and our Hereditary Chiefs are often ignored. Judges can be swayed in their decisions, influenced by their own understanding of systemic racism. On March 6th, there will be a presentation hearing for my granddaughter. I ask that you please pray for Dax’gyet. Sharing government-approved articles has never brought about change. Most often, the news perpetuates fear, controlling society by highlighting another tragic story of a Native child harmed by a family member or a placement gone wrong. They rarel...

I don't even understand how it can be that Canada continues to take so many of our children—so many of our Indigenous children—into foster care every single day. It baffles me that so many Canadian citizens remain silent while this happens. Like anyone else, I enjoy a good movie; I love watching Netflix and going out to the theatre every so often. I relish getting popcorn and a nice cold Coca-Cola. I adore traveling whenever I can, and I appreciate all the things that come with privilege—like makeup, dressing up, nice clothes, and good food. Despite the stereotypes that exist about us as Indigenous people, the truth is that we share the same joys and experiences as everyone else. We love our children—our little Indigenous ones, who are being taken from us every day. You might not realize it because of the stereotypes and racism, but we are loving parents. We have aunties, uncles, grandmothers, and grandfathers who care deeply for our kids.  Yes, the legacy of Indian residential sch...

My beautiful granddaughter celebrated her second birthday this week. She has been in the care of the ministry for an extended period, and I was informed that my nephew (not her father) decided to give up his rights in November. This prompted me to begin the application process in December 2018 to try to bring her home and out of care. Like many of our children, she has been separated from her family and community, which complicates efforts to reconnect her with her roots and the extended family who love her.  Below is my letter to the political parties regarding the urgent need to address this issue: --- I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the ongoing removal of our Indigenous children from their families and communities and the role of delegated agencies in this process. As a Gitxsan person, I understand the profound impact that these separations have on our children, families, and culture. Our children belong with us, surrounded by their families and the traditions...

I’ve moved back home a few times, and each time I found myself back in Vancouver. I think a lot of people trying to make it here in Vancouver face similar struggles with transitioning. I’m thinking about starting a project that mirrors those immigrant settlement programs, the ones that offer help with temporary housing, financial support, and access to social services. Transitioning can be tough for everyone, and sometimes we need those opportunities to help us get by and thrive. We all deserve support as we navigate these changes in our lives. In addition to the challenges faced by immigrants, it's important to recognize the unique and often dire circumstances that refugees endure. Many refugees arrive in Canada fleeing from regions where they have experienced or witnessed horrific acts of violence, oppression, and even genocide. They escape persecution, conflict, and systemic atrocities in search of safety and a chance to rebuild their lives.  For instance, the ongoing conflict ...

I just had my last lesson come through, and it’s hitting me hard. It sounds so obvious, but it’s one of those clichés that I’ve never liked; things like "they see themselves in you," "they’re just jealous," "bullies are controlling," and "good and evil are the same." But now, the dots are finally connecting. I’ve faced bullying from my own siblings, and I know I’ve said some pretty hurtful things to my loved ones when I’m in that fight mode. When I’m in fight or flight, fear takes over, usually triggered by anger or hatred. I’m overly sensitive to everything around me; I can feel everyone’s emotions, even their first thoughts, and sometimes I can sense what substances they might be using. We mirror ourselves in others, and when we see ourselves in someone else, sometimes it brings up fear. Growing up, I witnessed a lot of horror and terror in my community and at home. I learned to become invisible, or else risk facing violence myself. But this mo...

I’m feeling like I’m losing myself to the hatred and racism that society throws at us. It’s hard to find support for Aboriginal people who are brown and have accents, and often, it’s not even coming from our own community. You ever notice how you hardly hear Indigenous accents in local workplaces? Up here on the North West Coast, our accents are deep and rich, carrying the weight of our culture. In this society, the preference is clear—white skin is the standard. There’s a long history of hiring practices that favor white skin and Euro accents, and it continues today. You see Indigenous folks being hired, but many of them don’t have the same lived experiences or connections to our traditions. A lot of them are self-identified as Aboriginal, Métis, or classified under Canada’s Indian Act, but they don’t always embody what it means to be truly Indigenous. Our traditional laws follow the Laws of the Matriarch; if your mother is Aboriginal, then you are too. It’s a law based on respect fo...