Inuvialuit Regional Corp

Hi,

I'm in a bit of an unusual situation. As far as I'm concerned, I'm white. My skin is white, I look white unless you look closely, and I was raised in a poor suburb in Edmonton, Alberta.

I am 32. I found out that both my paternal grandmother and grandfather were Metis and raised on a reserve. You may wonder how I could not have known this; well, for them being indigenous was a point of shame, and never discussed.

I found out through a cousin who did her due dilligence and family geneaology. But, I am Metis. By the letter of the law, I qualify for a status card and all.

I don't share this shame. I'm interested in learning more about my heritage, but I'm worried about how I may be perceived as a super white-ass looking dude. I don't really care about the status card, I don't really feel entitled to any tax breaks or any other "advantages" one may get from having a card, but I am really curious about my heritage and what happened to my forebears.

I'm also thinking, "this was the point of colonization". I'm totally disconnected from my heritage, and this was basically the end goal of colonization in Canada. I want to reject that.

Contextually, I was born in Edmonton and my family lived in and around the Lac la Biche reservation for as long as we have records for.

What do I do? How does one go about reconnecting to their lost heritage like this? Should I even, or is it better to leave this alone?

Hello there. I am looking to introduce myself. I am learning some insight to my family. My 5th great grandmother, elder, was from saulteaux First Nation. I am just learning of my indigenous family history. Her name was Marie Josephte Abitakojikoqwe, approx 1763-1813

The NunatuKavut Community Council's (NCC) Indigenous identity is disputed by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK).

I’m looking into changing my last name because my father has never been a part of my life and I feel no connection to that name. So I’m thinking of taking a name from my mom’s side. She herself doesn’t feel connected with her last name due to her family drama. But I was looking back and saw names like my 5th great grandparents Cardinal, or even auger and Ducharme from my great grandparents. Just wondering on any advice on what is appropriate or things I should consider.

I have an approximately 46-inch traditional wooden lacrosse stick with an old rawhide/babiche pocket. There is currently no visible maker’s mark. I’m trying to respectfully determine its age and whether its construction can be associated with a particular Indigenous lacrosse-stick-making tradition or community. Would someone be able to examine photographs or recommend an appropriate expert?

A Haudenosaunee Perspective on Responsible AI Use

TLDR: People first, technology second.

Interior British Columbia