MAKAYLA WEBKAMIGAD - For My Nieces

Makayla Webkamigad was commissioned in 2023 to write for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

“This poem is very special to me and is my first published piece.

I wrote this, as a love letter to my nieces, being truthful about our family, but also being gentle, in the important role of an auntie.

Nowadays there are a lot of negative connotations behind that word, Auntie.

I wanted to use it in the traditional way, the way I was taught. A crucial role in our family system as indigenous people. Sharing love, knowledge and teachings.

Thankful to my family, for the work they did, for the knowledge passed onto me so that I hold as much information as I can about my family history, and our history as Anishinaabe people. My grandparents who all attended residential school, my parents who both attended day schools, and the legacy of resiliency I was born into. A story that a lot of us share, a story so common for our families. All across turtle island.

Miigwech to TRC for entrusting me to continue my family’s work.

To all the nieces and nephews who have an auntie or uncle that loves and supports them in everything. The ones who are there, consistently.”