Embodying both oppressor and oppressed— Cathy Richardson

This piece is a result of an interview with and writing by Cathy Richardson. We approached Cathy in relation to this edition of the journal because of her perspective as a Metis woman with both European and Aboriginal heritage. When considering the issue of forgiveness, it seems important that the experiences of those with multiple cultural heritages are acknowledged and honoured. As Cathy describes, when these heritages include Aboriginal or Indigenous ancestry, and the heritage of European colonisers, it leads to complexities when considering notions of forgiveness. The following piece is offered in a spirit of exploration. It does not seek to offer answers in relation to these issues, but instead to consider the complexities. It begins with an explanation of the history of the Metis people.