This blood quantum stuff is complex, and leaves me vulnerable as it’s difficult to discuss, especially in polite conversation.

Thankfully, I’m not the only one who has been thinking of this. I’ve talked to many native people who are also struggling with the same issues.

“It’s absolutely vital for us to actively be thinking of keeping our bloodline strong, within all aspects of our life,” said artist Sarain Fox (Ojibwa from Batchewana First Nation).

“That means only dating native, and it means making the decision to only have children with another indigenous person. I think these are things we have an obligation to consider.”

While I am thankful that my children would retain their rights as status Indians, if I didn’t marry an Indian, my grandchildren would not have status — unless they married another status Indian. It would be hypocritical of me to pressure them to marry First Nations only, if I myself didn’t feel it was important enough to make that decision now.