Using my new year's resolution to free my tree, and myself, from the bondage of colonization

When the light bulbs on Marina Commanda Westbrook’s pre-lit tree failed, she came to a new year’s resolution. (Submitted by Marina Commanda Westbrook)

This First Person column is the experience of Marina Commanda Westbrook, an Anishinaabekwe who lives in Ottawa. It was originally published in January 2022. For more information about CBC’s First Person stories, please see the FAQ.

As I took the decorations off my artificial Christmas tree and put them away, I found myself mulling over new year’s resolutions. At this time of year, we are called to reflect on life; how we can improve or be a