A Secret identity
My entire life, I have always felt a deep connection to Indigenous culture and how their alternative to modern Western forms of government enshrined in a deep spiritual connection and societal commitment to the Creator. However, growing up on a prairie farm nestled in between several Mennonite, Catholic, and Christian communities, I saw many forms of racism - from overt and intentional attacks to naive and well-intentioned verbal faux pas.
As someone who was “part indigenous” but appeared “white enough”, I was often able to avoid the brunt of this verbal diarrhea. But the words still stung, knowing that the secrets of my identity would make me a target. Based on my experience, the sad truth is that racism towards First Nations peoples thrives amongst both our settlor and immigrant populations.
So, it wasn't until my late 20s before I felt safe enough to move past the feelings of guilt and shame I held about my identity and heritage. Finally, I was ready to embark 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
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. I learned that we shared a love for horses and that my family has spent the past four centuries caring for the same lineage of horses, a breed known today as the Tennessee Walking Horse or Rocky Mountain Horse.
As I have delved deeper into my Métis roots, I've discovered many lessons from Indigenous ways of life that could absolutely transform our governments, corporations, and communities - if we would only start to listen. Moving from learning about Métis people to having a personal share in the rich stories and deep history in Canada was inspiring. I always felt I was supposed to keep this part of me hidden, that I should not even ask about my family, my ancestors, because it would look like I was seeking “handouts from the government”.
Who defines my identity?
Since discovering my heritage, I've deepened my resolve 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 shared their own stories similar in many ways 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 father, my family and I are now experiencing and discovering our heritage together.
Whether you are Indigenous, non-Indigenous, mixed - I believe all of us who choose to live here in Canada have a duty to learn and understand the vision our ancestral founders had for all people to flourish and prosper here together. In Canada, we say, "America is a melting pot, Canada is a mosaic." This country was founded on the belief that diversity must be embraced in order to our future, our children’s future, and their children’s and so on.
Diversity is the key to discovering, sharing, and preserving our Rich cultures and heritages
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.
Canada’s Coming RenaISSance
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.
One such First Nations teaching, known as the Seven Generations principle, emphasizes how we must consider the impact of our words and actions today on the well-being of the next three generations. In Seven Generations philosophy, you are the middle generation, you stand on the shoulders of your ancestors (three generations back), and you must choose carefully with a 100 year or greater view of the future. This long-term perspective has endured 400 years of genocide, betrayal, and gaslighting.
Now, we see the fruits of the British rule of law on the streets of our cities. In the governmental overreach and lack of accountability of our federal and provincial governments.
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 resilience and strength of OUR First Nations peopleS
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.