Posts by Christine Miskonoodinkwe-Smith
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In the Blog
Here’s how you can help a friend struggling with depression
Learning how to be a good support system when you don’t understand what they’re going through READ MORE
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In the Blog
12th Annual Strawberry Ceremony Held At Toronto Police Headquarters
The crisis of the missing and murdered First Nations women of Canada is both a national tragedy and a national shame. The first women’s memorial march was held in 1991 in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in response to the murder of a Coast Salish woman on Powell Street. Though her name is not spoken out of respect for her family, an annual march on Valentine’s Day to express compassion, community and caring for all women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside commenced. Since then, memorial marches across Canada have been held annually. READ MORE
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In the Blog
Call for submissions: Bawajigan Stories of Power
In the anthology Bawajigan (Anishinaabemowin for Dream) editors are gathering fictional stories about what it means to dream and be Indigenous, how dreams weave their way through our realities, how they impact history, lived experience, and the stories we tell each other and the world. READ MORE
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Body Dysmorphia
Content warning: sexual assault, fat phobia- Body dysmorphia is an open letter to Victoria’s Secret READ MORE
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In the Blog
Award Winning Métis Author Inaugural Writer in Residence
On March 7, 2015, a small crowd gathered to celebrate the appointment of Award winning Metis author Cherie Dimaline as the 1st Aboriginal Writer in Residence at a Toronto Public Library—the North York Central Library. READ MORE
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Behind the Scenes
Donning an Editor’s Hat
I’m a writer first and foremost, but since joining Shameless Magazine over a year ago, I have had to also don the hat of an editor for the column “Beyond the Books.” The Beyond the Books column was started when I joined team Shameless and it aims to give a voice to Indigenous peoples and discuss issues that are not normally talked about in books or the classroom. READ MORE
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Blog Series
A Letter to Myself
Dear Christine, or is it Chris or Chrissy? I don’t know what you go by these days. I know if I were to say “Christina,” you would get mad and turn all silent before sternly saying, “I hate being called that, don’t ever call me that!” READ MORE
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In the Blog
Sports Series: Cross-Post - Sports Just Don’t Jive With Me
Are you ready to play? The fall issue of Shameless, our sports issue, will be on newsstands in September. Subscribe now to get it when it’s released! This piece originally appeared at Christine’s Blog. The very word “sports” makes me cringe. Sports have never really jived with me, and I envy people who can get out there and enroll in any form of sport and have fun while doing it. To me, sports have meant more than just … READ MORE
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In the Blog
We Need to Get Over It?
One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to the mainstream hearing about First Nations injustices are the words ” Get over it.” I cringe when I hear the words “get over it.” Those very words are loaded and carry so many connotations to it, and those seem to be the words that prevail on message boards on news sites when another injustice towards First Nations peoples is brought to light. There have been many injustices … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Have A Heart Day
Dr. Cindy Blackstock, a member of the Gitxaan Nation and Executive Director for the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society reminds us every February 14, to ‘Have a Heart’. A champion for the cause, Blackstock utilizes the day to draw attention to one of the most vulnerable sectors of society; Indigenous children. Her vision is to have a generation of First Nations children who are given the same opportunities to succeed, celebrate their culture and … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Day of Action-Thousands Converged on Parliament Hill
Bundled up and braving the cold, thousands of First Nations peoples from across Canada converged on Parliament Hill in a national day of action on January 11, 2013. The day of action was to protest the omnibus budget Bill C-45, and bring awareness to mainstream Canadians about the wrongs our Prime Minister Stephen Harper has done to all Canadians, not just First Nations peoples. Bill C-45 has been a huge focal point for the movement Idle … READ MORE
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In the Blog
Bill C-45 Affects All Canadians, Not Just First Nations
Bill C-45 is a 457-page omnibus budget legislation bill (also known as the Jobs and Growth Act) that will make changes to several Canadian laws and enactments. Bill C-45 includes the following: Bill S-6 First Nations Election Act Bill S-8- Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act Bill S-2-Family Homes on Reserve and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act Bill C-428 Indian Act Amendment and Replacement Act Bill S-207- An Act to Amend the Interpretation Act Bill S-212- First Nations Self Government … READ MORE
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In the Blog
What Is It Going to Take For PM Stephen Harper to Meet With Chief Theresa Spence?
What will it take for Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper to sit down and speak with Chief Theresa Spence? Will it take all First Nations and allies to continue stand- ins and protests, staging blockades or will it take worse before our PM Stephen Harper finally admits to himself that what he is currently doing, (which is nothing) isn’t working. It was December 11, 2012, that Chief Theresa Spence of Attawapiskat First Nation began a hunger … READ MORE
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In the Blog
The Idle No More movement
The Idle No More Movement began with four women: Nina Wilson, Sylvia McAdam, Jessica Gordon and Sheelah McLean. It has evolved into a movement that has spread across Canada and the international stage. Idle No More began in early October when Bill C-45 was being discussed. The movement’s focus is on grassroots voices, treaty rights and sovereignty. Bill C-45 is a 457-page omnibus budget legislation bill (also known as the Jobs and Growth Act) that will … READ MORE
