In 2023, the struggle for Indigenous rights in Canada persists, as evidenced by the ordeal of an Aboriginal man who waited a staggering 28 years to obtain his Certificate of Status. This glaring injustice, among many others, prompted Caterina Petrolo, a paralegal and former prosecutor in Toronto, to take action. Her relentless pursuit of justice not only changed the life of her partner but also serves as a beacon of hope for Indigenous communities across the nation.
Caterina Petrolo’s journey into the fight for Indigenous rights began when she met her partner in 2003. At that time, he had already been battling for official Aboriginal status for over a decade. His initial application, submitted in 1992 at the age of 20, would not be approved until 2020. Those 28 years were marked by missed opportunities and a disconnect from his Indigenous community, leaving an indelible mark on his life.
One of the significant hurdles Petrolo’s partner faced was his adoption as a newborn. Raised lovingly by a white family on Canada’s east coast, he always stood out due to his unmistakable Indigenous heritage. Ironically, he never disclosed his biological family’s truth to his adoptive parents.
It was during his time volunteering with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at age 19 that a mentor encouraged him to apply for Aboriginal status. Little did he know that his status as an adoptee would lead to insurmountable bureaucratic barriers erected by the Canadian government.
Despite submitting countless forms and responding to frivolous requests from the “Indian Northern Affairs – adoption unit,” his applications were consistently denied. Even a statutory declaration from his biological mother affirming his Indigenous heritage failed to move the needle.
In 2009, Petrolo joined the battle, hoping to unlock her partner’s Aboriginal status. Yet, she encountered the same obstacles that had plagued him for the previous 17 years. Undeterred, Petrolo escalated the fight in October 2020, making it clear that they would not accept no for an answer. Finally, after 28 years of relentless effort, her partner was granted his Certificate of Status.
However, Petrolo’s commitment to Indigenous rights did not end there. She recognized the need for broader change and enrolled in an Indigenous Studies course at the University of Alberta. Her goal was to deepen her understanding of Indigenous communities and their struggles, paving the way for more effective advocacy.
“I am interested in social justice; these courses can help deepen my understanding of the ongoing struggles for Indigenous rights and could potentially help provide a framework for advocating for Indigenous peoples’ rights and contribute to the world,” Petrolo explains.
Petrolo emphasizes that all Canadians should get involved in the fight for Indigenous rights. She recommends exploring resources like the 8th Fire series, which delves into Aboriginal peoples, Canada, and the path forward. Education serves as a vital starting point for understanding Indigenous issues.
Beyond the administrative challenges, Petrolo is deeply dissatisfied with the living conditions on Indigenous reservations. She highlights concerns about healthcare, access to clean water, and housing as pressing issues that demand immediate attention.
With numerous challenges to tackle, Petrolo knows that the road ahead is long. Nevertheless, since the Canadian government has failed to address the severity of these issues, she willingly shoulders the burden on behalf of Indigenous communities. Petrolo is charting a course for a brighter future, and her dedication is an invaluable asset to Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
In 2023, while we may expect progress and justice to prevail, Caterina Petrolo’s story reminds us that the struggle for Indigenous rights in Canada is far from over. Her unwavering determination and commitment to change offer hope for a future where Indigenous communities can thrive, unburdened by bureaucratic obstacles and injustices of the past.
