Indigenous

We live on the unceded territories of the Secwépemc and Ktunaxa People, and the chosen home of the Metis People of B.C.

We hear this a lot these days, and it is my hope that when it is said or written, it is done so with true intent and not just because it is expected of a person.

It is one thing to say the words, a different thing altogether to understand them and feel the weight of them in your heart.

I grew up here. I have worked with both our First Nations bands here as a journalist, as a youth worker, photographer and as a friend. This is such a critical time, a time when we put our words to work.

I have friends from both bands here, people I grew up with, played with, laughed and cried with. Many are family to me.

We are in the midst of such healing and growth. There is the potential for so much collaboration and friendship between our local governments. I am not of our local bands, but I have indigenous blood. I am proudly Metis, and I am ever thankful to be so. I am thankful each time my foot touches soil and even more thankful, and humbled, each time I am invited and welcomed to a local First Nations event.

May we all go forward and work together, and treat each other and ourselves, in a good, kind, gentle way.

All my relations.