The other day a friend of our family tagged me on social media in this video she took from June 23, 2018 when my friends and I performed at APTN's Indigenous Day Live pre-show. The beautiful woman in the bottom right corner with that amazing energy rocking back and forth is my momma bear. I'm grateful to have been raised by such a strong, kind, loving and caring woman who instilled those very traits in me. As I've replayed this video time and time again, I think of how proud she was of me and how just the other day my dad and I spoke about how even when she was in her last moments on a hospital bed, she was still promoting me to the nurses. 

With today being International Women's Day, I feel it is an important reminder to celebrate the women in our lives and to continue to honour them each day. Everyday I will give thanks and will honour my mother for giving me this precious gift of life. I will do the same for the strong and caring women who are in my circle. The same applies for the one who has been there for me throughout this tough time, who has been supportive towards me, who has continuously offered me love and who I am lucky enough to share a relationship with. 

Today, I ask the men reading this that you offer your gratitude to the women in your life. Whether it may be a sibling, a friend, a co-worker, a partner, a family member or your mother. Everyday they are to be honoured and respected. Show them that you honour and respect them, that you will listen, that you won't talk over them, that you will be present when needed and will give space as well, that you will respect their boundaries, that you care, that you will be an ally, that you are in no way, shape or form superior to them and that you will challenge any form of misogyny. 

Today, I also wanted to ask everyone if you are able to...that you hug your mother and hold them close to you. If they're a distance away, then call them. If they are in the spirit world, pray to them. Tell them that you love them, tell them that you care, tell them that your sorry, tell them that you forgive them and ask for forgiveness as well, tell them thank you for giving you life and tell them what they mean to you. 

Gi zah gin Ni Mama, I love you Mom, forever and always ❤️. 

Cody Coyote