Lately, I have felt the weight of the world pressing in—heavy, unrelenting, and at times, utterly disheartening. The political climate, the dismantling of hard-won progress, and the persistent doubling down on structures of oppression make it difficult to see the path forward. I find myself wrestling with the question: Where do we find hope when so much feels hopeless?
I have been sitting with this question, knowing that I am not alone in feeling this way. I have been seeking out voices that ground me, that remind me of what is true, what is enduring. One of those voices is my dear friend, Len Pierre from Katzie First Nation.
This week, Len offers a powerful reflection on endurance—on the wisdom of the sturgeon, on the strength found in Indigenous teachings, and on how we continue this work even when the systems around us retreat. His words are a gift, a steadying force, a reminder that while the tides may shift, our responsibility remains.
Thank you Len, for reinforcing me, for offering comfort, and for being so generous with your teachings. Huy ch q'u Siem.
These days, I find myself reflecting often. The social, political, and economic turmoil following recent developments in the United States weighs heavily on my mind. I was disheartened to learn of the president’s decision to dissolve all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) government staff and programs—decisions that will likely embolden private corporations to follow suit.
A student in my online school recently asked me:
“How do we hold our beliefs and practices in this domain when the world seems to be doubling down on white supremacy, patriarchal and capitalist structures, and eliminating DEI programs?”
Their question immediately took me back to the teachings I received in my childhood. I remember learning about the cycles of fishing, the wisdom of the seasons, and the power of water from my aunts and uncles. In particular, I was drawn to the teachings of the sturgeon—an enduring symbol of longevity, resilience, and perseverance in our culture.
My uncle once told me that sturgeons can survive being buried under landslides for years, waiting patiently until they can emerge once more. My father connected this lesson to our endurance as Coast Salish people—how we have survived the Great Flood, the last Ice Age, the smallpox pandemic, and wave after wave of colonial violence. He reminded me: we endure because endurance is in us.
As Indigenous peoples, we hold teachings that guide us through times of change and transformation. This is why our ancestors thought and planned in “seven generations.” It is why we continue to think Indigenous. Our plans are not measured in years or decades, but in centuries.
I often think about the Great Flood, when our ancestors tied their canoes to the highest peaks to survive. What must they have felt in those moments? Did they battle despair and hopelessness? Did they ever consider giving up? Yet, they held on. They endured.
Coast Salish people are canoe people. Many of our teachings return to this truth. Life is a journey, and in every journey, we are given two choices: to stop or to go on.
When I face moments that make me feel small or insignificant, I remind myself to go inward—to seek strength in my sacred space. I think about my ancestors who faced far greater hardships and still chose to go on. Because it is what we do.
Going On, Despite Resistance
So how do we continue this work, knowing what is happening around us? We go on.
We go on because it is the right thing to do—for ourselves and for the generations yet to come. It is understandable to feel disheartened, especially as these global shifts inevitably influence policies and attitudes here in Canada. But the work of equity, cultural safety, and justice remains essential—particularly in healthcare, where systemic barriers continue to harm targeted, marginalized, and oppressed communities.
Here are some guiding principles to sustain this work, even as institutions retreat from their commitments:
1. Stay Grounded in Ethical and Professional Responsibilities
Healthcare is, at its core, about providing safe, effective, and equitable care. Regardless of political shifts, our professional and ethical obligations demand that we serve all patients with cultural humility and respect. Cultural safety, anti-racism, and trauma-informed care are not just "DEI initiatives"—they are evidence-based practices that lead to better health outcomes and safer healthcare environments.
2. Reframe the Narrative
While DEI terminology may be under attack, the principles remain critical. Sometimes, shifting language—using terms like patient-centered care, trauma-informed practice, or cultural safety—can be a strategic way to continue advancing these values without triggering resistance.
3. Strengthen Grassroots and Community-Led Initiatives
Institutions may change, but community-led movements for justice and reconciliation persist. By building relationships with Indigenous, Black, and other marginalized communities outside of formal DEI structures, we ensure this work continues—no matter the political climate.
4. Leverage Data and Evidence
Healthcare is a field driven by data. Demonstrating how cultural safety and equity improve patient outcomes can help sustain these initiatives. Research has shown that Indigenous cultural safety training leads to better patient experiences and stronger practitioner-patient relationships. The evidence is on our side.
5. Be Strategic in Advocacy
Change happens both through activism and by working within systems. Identifying allies, embedding equity principles into policies, and integrating cultural safety into accreditation standards ensures that this work remains, even when political tides shift.
6. Resist in Everyday Actions
Even in the face of systemic pushback, small daily actions make a difference. Acknowledging power dynamics, challenging biases, and advocating for inclusive policies in your workplace are acts of resistance. DEI is not just about large-scale initiatives; it is about the choices we make every day to create safer, more just spaces for all.
Endurance Is Our Strength
Resistance to DEI work is not a sign of failure—it is proof that this work is making an impact. Systems do not push back unless they feel threatened by meaningful change.
And so, like the sturgeon waiting beneath the landslide, we endure.
Because we always have.
Because we always will.
All my relations,
Len Pierre
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