As I discover I am Métis,

They refuse to search the landfill for stolen sisters

As I learn the stories and peel willow bark,

My skin feels the heat and burns,

Whiteness meeting everyone first.

As I see the names of my ancestors,

I know they were purposefully hiding these ties to keep us safer

And I feel them.

I long to belong

and know I’m not alone in the struggle of in between,

half-breeds, rebels, Métis.

With so many presenting just to get a taste of the scared,

The cred of trauma

How I dare I embrace indigeneity!

Doubt I’m enough, the card not in the mail yet.

With so many and so much stolen from us,

How dare I not?