Indigenous Tea

Dear Canadians:

It has taken me weeks to even begin wrapping my head around the reality of what happened. The bodies of two out of three Indigenous women were found in a Winnipeg landfill. Not because the government cared. Not because law enforcement felt urgency. But because of relentless protests, an Indigenous premier, and the unwavering love of their families who refused to let these women be erased.

As an Indigenous woman in Canada, my vote is sacred. It is a tool for self-determination, a way to honor my ancestors, and a means to fight for a better future for my people. That is precisely why I would never cast my vote for Pierre Poilievre or the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC).

Canada's history is riddled with human rights abuses against Indigenous peoples, and among the most horrific is the forced sterilization of Indigenous women. While many may believe this is a dark chapter left in the past, the reality is far more disturbing—forced and coerced sterilizations have continued into the 21st century. This ongoing violation of bodily autonomy and reproductive rights is a glaring example of systemic racism within Canada’s healthcare system, proving that colonial violence is not a relic of history but a persistent, insidious force.

The Seven Grandfather Teachings are a set of guiding principles that have been passed down through generations in many Anishinaabe communities. These teachings represent core values that promote a good life, harmony, and respect for all living things. While they originate from Anishinaabe traditions, their wisdom can resonate with and be practiced by anyone seeking to live with integrity and purpose.

Let's face it, misconceptions about Indigenous peoples in Canada often stem from ignorance, misinformation, or deliberate attempts to undermine Indigenous rights. Common myths suggest that Indigenous communities receive numerous "free" benefits—such as healthcare, tax exemptions, housing, land, and education—and that they mismanage government funds, with leaders living in luxury. These myths not only misrepresent the realities Indigenous peoples face but also fuel resentment and discrimination.

As an Indigenous woman in Canada, I find myself reflecting on whether we have truly grown as a country or if it’s all just smoke and mirrors. What I can say is that I have seen an increased level of support, and I do believe there are some genuine people out there trying to make positive change. For that, I want to say thank you—Niawen kó:wa & Chi-miigwech—to those of you who are.

Canada loves to present itself as a progressive, developed country, a place of opportunity and fairness. But how fair is it when there are still Indigenous communities without access to clean drinking water? It’s 2025, and somehow, this is still a reality. Generations have grown up under boil water advisories, relying on bottled water for something as basic as drinking, cooking, and bathing. Imagine living like that—knowing the water flowing from your taps could make you sick, knowing that no matter how many promises are made, help never really comes.

For decades, Canada has marketed itself as a country that values human rights, equality, and reconciliation. So, let's shift the conversation from clean drinking water—an issue that still plagues many Indigenous communities—to the reality of Indigenous children in the foster care system, it becomes glaringly obvious that not much has changed since the days of residential schools.

Did you know that Indigenous veterans who fought for Canada in World War I and II were denied the same rights and benefits as their non-Indigenous counterparts?

When people think about colonial laws, they often assume they’re relics of the past. But in Canada, the Indian Act—first passed in 1876—is still in effect today. While it has undergone amendments over the years, it remains one of the most controversial pieces of legislation governing Indigenous Peoples. Here are some things you might not know about it:

Since the May 2021 announcement by the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation regarding 215 potential unmarked graves at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, Indigenous communities across Canada have undertaken extensive investigations into unmarked graves at former residential school sites. These efforts, primarily utilizing ground-penetrating radar (GPR), have identified over 2,000 potential unmarked graves as of February 2025.

Since I applied for University last week, people keep asking me why I’m shifting from Indigenous social services to Indigenous governance. Why would I leave the frontline work that I love, that I'm good at, that I’ve done for years? Why step into government and politics now, especially with the world in the state it’s in?