There is something terribly wrong. I come from a mixed racial family.
I have a black aunt, two native brothers and my parents and myself are
white. I see nothing wrong with this. We are a family, and like any
other family our relations are based on love and understanding.
Unfortunately there are others who would disagree.
I have recently come to know that the Saskatchewan Tribal Council
wishes to separate our family. Apparently they see our family as a
disgrace. They have made plans to tear my brother Jesse from our arms.
He may not be related to me by blood, but our hearts do not care. I
love him as I do all my brothers and sisters. True he does not share
the same skin color as I, but I have never seen this as a problem,
rather a blessing. Together we have a greater understanding of love.
We share the same life. We share the same culture.
I am afraid for my brother. He is being sent to live in a home void of
love, and many of the necessities of life. He is being sent “home” to
a mother who gave him away over nine years ago. She has other children
who live in poverty, scraping by on what little funds they are given by
a local welfare organisation. Most of this money never sees these
children, but goes to support addictions. This mother lent Jesse her
womb, nothing more. She does not love him.
Throughout Jesse’s life with us we saw it as important that he remain
in touch with his mother, to know where he came from. Once a week he
goes for sleep-overs, bringing treats and presents for his mother and
sisters. She does not want him, only what he brings. She rarely shows
any affection for any of her children. I feel sad for them.
Jesse may never get to read this, but I felt that someone should. The
Saskatchewan Tribal Council is a horrible discriminatory organisation
designed not to meet the needs of it’s people but to “fix” families that
were never in trouble in the first place. Jesse is my brother,
regardless of race or blood.
Jesse started high school this year, at the same school I attended, and
thanks to the Saskatchewan Tribal Council I may never see him graduate.
I love him, and no-one seems to care.
Jesse was taken from us on November 12th, with him went a piece of our hearts.
