I have my own opinions about everything just as everyone else does. I choose my own battles very carefully and in my own time. I don't feel the need to engage in every conversation that happens around me; it would be far too exhausting to do so. I conserve my energy for times when I really need to do battle. I don't agree with everything I read but I also don't find it necessary to vocalize those concerns all the time. But know this, just because I have not said anything doesn't mean that I don't have an opinion about it.
Recently, I have had the experience of having my Mohawk heritage called into question just because I didn't say what people wanted me to say. The remark came from a person of non-Indigenous heritage. I think that it's grossly unfair to do this to me or any other person of colour. Since when do I speak for Mohawk people? Why does it have to be that a person of colour needs to represent their race, when people from the dominant group are judged as individuals? The disappointing thing about the situation is that the original situation that people expected me to say what they believe has absolutely nothing to do with Indigenous people. Why should I then comment about Indigenous issues?
I only have one thing to say to people who are trying to bully me: I will always be who I am and that doesn't include behaving like you and it doesn't have to be. I don't answer to you, I will answer to my ancestors and Creator. As for attacking me as an Indigenous woman, shame on you! Walk a mile in my moccasins.
