“The day you were born people wept. They were so happy the earth smiled. She was so happy you were a miracle. Stay strong, don’t give up. … Our children all deserve to dance together.”

~ Richard Van Camp, via the We Matter Campaign* as shared by guest Tara Richardson in Episode 2 of the Calling All Kin podcast, “Breathing Life into Indigenous Law”: open.spotify.com/episode/4…   From hosts Hiinahcit and Erika’s description of the episode: “We knew we wanted to bring you this interview with Tara because of her educational background and expertise in the child welfare system. Tara holds a Bachelor of Social Work, a law degree/ Juris Doctor, and a Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance. […] Sitting down with Tara to frame the direction of our episode, we were quickly reminded of the importance of gathering and sharing collective knowledge and experiences, and how this brings to light new truths and new connections to the work and to each other.”

Weaving that with another of their comments about the ep, the truths and connections shared in the episode touch deep. It gets a strong recommend from me, with a gentle note to take care when you do.

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A member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation and the Co-Research Director at the Indigenous Law Research Unit, Tara Richardson partners with First Nations to revitalize and articulate their own family laws under Bill C-92. Williamson shares why it’s important to “breathe life” back into Indigenous laws around children and families, and what’s at stake when we talk about keeping children at the center of child welfare decision making.

*A national multi-media campaign in which Indigenous role models, youth, and community members from across Canada submitted short videos, written and artistic messages sharing their own experiences of overcoming hardships, and communicating with Indigenous youth that no matter how hopeless life can feel, there is always a way forward. wemattercampaign.org