Blessed by the Creator
I was a single Metis woman when I decided to adopt a new born baby boy, who was eligible for Treaty Status.
In our city Aboriginal people were much discriminated against. I lived in an era where Aboriginal people had difficulty obtaining a residences or a job. Had my Grandfather remained in his community down east, he would have inherited the position of “Chief”. He left his community and moved out west giving up his birth right to be Chief. When he arrived in Manitoba he was faced with discrimination, and refused to acknowledge his aboriginal heritage. Being an Indian became an “un-spoken word”, in our family.
My son came out of the hospital from his mother’s arms into his mommy’s arms. His mother was pregnant and had two children and was struggling. When she found out she was pregnant she asked me to take the baby and raise him.
By today’s standards, my son would have had a strike against him. He is affected by FASD .There were no studies on the effects of alcohol on children back then. If I had been aware of FASD I might have been scared off. I am grateful now that I was ignorant in this area. My grand children ‘s mother did not drink during her pregnancies therefore the next generation is not affected with FASD. My son may be affected by FASD, but he holds a full time job, has been married for 12 years to the children’s mother, he has three beautiful children who are quickly becoming professional Pow Wow dancers. I do not always agree with the choices he makes but I don’t believe that any parents always agree with their children’s choices.
I have never hidden from my son his heritage, his family or his history. We lost touch through the years due to our moving from the province but went to his reserve and were able to get reunited. As a result he met his grandmother and all the rest of his family. His sister considers me her mother as their mother passed away. I have her three beautiful children as my grand children as well as his biological cousin’s children also want me for their grandmother.
As I grow older I am so pleased at my decision to adopt. My home and life has been full of children, love and pride in my family that had nothing to do with blood.
I believe I have gained a great knowledge about my Creator, my culture and having pride in my heritage, all because I was blessed with this child.