astra márta writes under a pen name. With the great spirit in mind, chi miigwech was birthed by the desire to elaborate on saying "thank you for the food and everything that made it possible" before a meal. It is also an expression of gratitude and respect for everything that exists. astra is Anishinaabe from Manitoba and a survivor of the Sixties Scoop who grew up in the unceded Mohawk territory of Tiohtià:ke (Montreal).