Bozhoo (Hi)! My name is Ode’ and my pronouns are they/them. I am Anishinaabe and I speak Ojibwe, English, and French. I am 5 years old and I’m in Senior Kindergarten. I’m also a Club kid! I live with my Nookomis (grandmother) and she teaches me about my ancestors, our language, and about my relationship with the land.
These days, I spend most of my time in Toronto, which is on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnaabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.
I love spending time outdoors and watching the world around me. Some of my favourite things to do include fishing and gathering berries. I have learned lots of lessons from the land, like how important it is to respect everything and everyone around us no matter how big or small.
I have many friends at Clubs from coast to coast to coast. My friends are my family and it’s important for me to talk to them about Truth and Reconciliation because we all have a part to play.
I believe that everyone has a right to be cared for and protected in all parts of their lives. No human or bear should ever be turned away from getting what they need to be their best self.
Ode’ is part of the Reconciliation Ambearrister program, created by our friends at the First Nations Children & Family Caring Society. And a big thank you to BGC Canada’s National Youth Council for working with Ode’!
Stay tuned for more Ode’ blog posts as they guide BGC in our Truth & Reconciliation work over the next year.
