How Discovering and Embracing our Rich Cultural LegacIES Can Unlock New Possibilities for our World
My entire life, I have always felt a deep connection to Indigenous culture and spirituality, even before I connected with my indigenous heritage and Métis family. However, growing up in a predominantly white-oriented culture, I experienced fear and shame about exploring my roots. It wasn't until a few years ago, that I took a leap of faith and embarked on a journey of self-discovery that would not only transform my life but also reshape my perspective on work and the world around me.
My quest began with a simple DNA test, a decision inspired by the support and counsel of close friends and enabled by a combination of DNA and internet technologies.
My great uncle, a family genealogy enthusiast, was the first person I connected with. His message read, "We are too closely related for me to not know who you are." After summoning the courage to respond, he swiftly connected the dots, and within hours, my biological father called me. He had never known I existed.
Months later, we finally met face-to-face—an unnerving experience, like recognizing oneself in a mirror. He welcomed me with a warm embrace, and together we began our journey to catch up on the years we had missed. Our shared love of horses became a bonding point, and I discovered that my family had spent centuries as horse people.
I discovered that I am Métis, with ancestors hailing from the Plains Cree, who lived and raised horses on the same prairie plains where I grew up and raised horses. Connecting with my newfound family, I learned that they had been caring for the same lineage of horses for over 300 years, a breed known today as the Tennessee Walking Horse or Rocky Mountain Horse. While I grew up breeding, raising, and training Morgan horses, I quickly fell in love with our family's curated breed of powerful, sleek, and well-tempered horses.
My journey has also led me to a deeper appreciation of the wisdom and values that Indigenous cultures have to offer. As I have delved deeper into my Métis roots, I've discovered that there are many lessons from Indigenous approaches to life, sustainability, business, and innovation that can benefit our modern society.
Since discovering my heritage, I've embarked on an emotional and paradigm-shifting journey to connect with my culture, family, and history. I've been welcomed with open arms by my relatives and fellow Indigenous community members, many of whom have stories similar to my own. Still, it can feel strange claiming a heritage and culture so different from the experience I was raised in. A heritage that some feel the need to criticize (“you’re not actually proud of that Indian culture, are you”), be-little my experience, or tell me I don’t have the life experience to claim…reactions that speak volumes about the issues they are wrestling with in their own human experience. But as a single father, my toddler and I are discovering our family and heritage together, and I'm more determined than ever to embrace and celebrate our rich cultural legacy from both sides of our family.
I want to help and encourage others, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, to connect more deeply with their culture. In Canada, we say, "America is a melting pot, Canada is a mosaic." I believe that diversity is beautiful and should be embraced.
By enabling and welcoming others to experience our own culture – and being open to explore and understand theirs – we can break down barriers and share a richer life together. Unfortunately, the current public discourse around "wokeness" and "cancel culture" often drives a wedge between us. I fear both extremes of the narratives of conformity and segregation - often politically correct messages that promote taking offence, divisiveness, and intolerance. However, I believe that if we approach other cultures with respect and genuine curiosity, we can bridge these divides and foster greater understanding and unity.
My personal journey of uncovering my Métis heritage has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life. It has inspired and empowered me to integrate Indigenous values and approaches in my work, particularly in the development of technology solutions that respect and honor the unique cultural identities of all peoples. By incorporating Indigenous perspectives into the design and implementation of new technologies, we can create systems that empower individuals and communities while preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage.
The possibilities for revival of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions, supported by advancements in technology, is truly inspiring. As Indigenous communities reclaim their voices and assert their rights to self-determination, the fusion of traditional wisdom with modern innovation is creating new opportunities for growth, healing, and empowerment for cultures around the world.
In the coming articles, I will delve into various aspects of Indigenous culture and technology, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and strength of Indigenous people.
Together, we will explore how Indigenous entrepreneurs and innovators are driving positive change in their communities, how technology is empowering Indigenous people to preserve their languages and traditions, and how the wisdom of Indigenous cultures can guide us towards a more sustainable and just future for all.
My personal journey of uncovering my Métis heritage has been transformative, both on a personal and professional level. It has taught me the importance of connecting with our past, cherishing the wisdom of our ancestors, and using this knowledge to shape a better future.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and celebrate the richness of Indigenous cultures, and I hope that my journey will inspire others to connect with their own heritage and embrace the beauty of our diverse world.
As I continue to learn more about my Métis heritage and the traditions of my ancestors, I am constantly reminded of the importance of the Seven Generations philosophy. This Indigenous principle emphasizes that our decisions today should be made with consideration for the well-being of the next seven generations. By incorporating this long-term perspective into my work, I strive to develop technology that will have a lasting, positive impact on current and future generations.
My journey has also led me to recognize the deep spiritual connection that Indigenous people have with their ancestors and those who have passed on before us. It is this connection that has driven me to use my skills and knowledge to create innovative solutions that honour and respect the heritage of my ancestors (a rare blend of Métis and Mennonite-if you haven’t yet tried borscht with bannock and butter on a winter night, you haven’t really lived) while empowering them to shape their own future.
The resurgence of Indigenous culture in today's society is a testament to the resilience and strength of First Nations people.
As more Indigenous entrepreneurs and innovators step forward and take on the mantel of leadership, they are forging new paths for technology and society. The move towards self-governance among First Nations communities is also creating unique opportunities for collaboration, growth, and empowerment.
My personal journey of discovering my Métis heritage has been a life-changing experience that has enriched both my personal and professional life. As I continue to explore my roots, I am eager to share my story with others and inspire them to connect with their own culture and heritage. By embracing the diversity of our world and fostering a spirit of understanding, respect, and unity, we can break down barriers and build a brighter future for all.
I invite you to join me in this journey, as we delve deeper into the fascinating world of Indigenous culture, technology, and innovation. Together, let's celebrate the resilience and wisdom of Indigenous peoples and discover how we can all learn from all cultures to create a more sustainable, equitable, and compassionate world.