Caterina Petrolo: Championing Indigenous Rights in Canada

In 2023, it’s disheartening to acknowledge that Canada’s Indigenous communities continue to grapple with issues that should have been resolved long ago. Basic requests, such as obtaining certificates of Indigenous status, remain tangled in bureaucratic red tape. In a particularly poignant case, an Aboriginal man, adopted at birth, endured an excruciating 28-year wait to receive his Certificate of Status. However, this story isn’t just about one man’s struggle; it’s about Caterina Petrolo’s relentless pursuit of justice and her commitment to improving the lives of Indigenous people across Canada.

The Man Who Waited 28 Years

The central figure in this story is the partner of Caterina Petrolo, an Indigenous rights advocate, and former prosecutor in Toronto. He had been seeking official Aboriginal status since 1992 when he initially filed his application at the age of 20. Shockingly, it wasn’t until 2020 that he was finally granted his Certificate of Status. This excruciatingly long wait robbed him of precious years with his Indigenous community and countless opportunities that can never be regained.

One major obstacle in this man’s journey was his adoption as a newborn by a loving white family on Canada’s east coast. Although he was raised in a nurturing environment, he looked different from his peers, unmistakably Indigenous in appearance. Despite this, he never shared the truth about his biological family with his adoptive parents.

At the age of 19, while volunteering with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), his police mentor encouraged him to apply for his Aboriginal status. Little did he know that his status as an adoptee would lead to countless bureaucratic hurdles erected by the Canadian government.

After being redirected to the “Indian Northern Affairs – adoption unit,” he faced constant rejection, despite diligently filling out numerous forms and complying with their often unreasonable requests. His acknowledgments of his Indigenous heritage were repeatedly deemed inadequate.

In 2009, Petrolo took matters into her own hands, believing she could unlock her partner’s Aboriginal status. However, she encountered the same frustrating barriers that her partner had faced for the past 17 years. She even submitted a statutory declaration from his biological mother, attesting to his Indigenous heritage, but the file remained stagnant.

It wasn’t until October 2020 that Petrolo adopted a more assertive approach, making it clear to the adoption unit that they would not accept “no” as an answer. Finally, after 28 long years, her partner’s Certificate of Status was issued.

A Champion for Change

Now, Caterina Petrolo is on a mission to simplify the process for other Indigenous people seeking recognition of their status. She enrolled in an Indigenous Studies course at the University of Alberta to deepen her understanding of Indigenous communities and their struggles.

Petrolo’s passion for social justice fuels her desire to shed light on the ongoing Indigenous rights struggles. She hopes to provide a framework for advocating for Indigenous peoples’ rights, ultimately contributing to a better world.

She encourages other Canadians to get involved in this fight for fairness by exploring resources like the 8th Fire series, available in audio DVD and book formats. This series delves into the history and future of Aboriginal peoples in Canada, offering a starting point for those seeking to educate themselves about Indigenous issues.

Beyond administrative challenges, Petrolo is deeply concerned about the living conditions on reservations, including access to healthcare, clean water, and housing. With immense challenges ahead, Petrolo willingly shoulders the responsibility on behalf of Indigenous peoples, as the Canadian government has failed to address these issues adequately. It’s a long and arduous journey, but Caterina Petrolo is forging the path towards a brighter future for Canada’s Indigenous communities.

In Caterina Petrolo, Canada’s Indigenous peoples have found a dedicated advocate, a beacon of hope, and a tireless champion of their rights. Her unwavering determination and commitment to justice are beacons of hope in a journey towards a more equitable and inclusive Canada for all.