RE: Indigenous Erasure on the 4th of July: Prayer for a Common Memory
Thank you for sharing this, I agree that we need to create a common memory. A lot of people do not know the real history or their country, many don't even know what these celebratory days stand for.
A lot of people think that Canada is this really friendly place but the story of racism and hatred of first nations people is still deeply woven in our cloth. There is a lot of anger flowing through veins of both the indigenous (First Nations and Inuit) and non indigenous people of this country. Many don't even understand why they hate.
A lot of Canadians judge the reserves without ever having stepped foot on one. The slurs and nastiness is quite shocking. When people share the insane food prices in the North the response is"why don't they just move". A lot don't realize that without many of the Arctic settlements were placed purposefully to protect the sovereignty of Canada's borders not to mention why should they leave their community and family and way of life? I get into a lot of arguments when ignorance is spewed. It is a topic that really fires me up.
Our government attempts to make themselves look good and appease people with celebrations such as: Indigenous peoples day and multicultural day to go along with Canada day but this is not enough. They need to educate and tell the truth and take accountability for what has been happening and is still happening today. If all people including the younger generations that are in school today are educated properly on the history of our country (and it's failure to do right by its people) the future will be a lot brighter for everyone. We need to be strong as a country and that will only happen if there is unified love, compassion and respect.
Phew. If felt good to share a little of how I feel about this. Needless to say there weren't any fireworks or parties at our house on July 1st - Canada Day.
YES - so much about what you shared is true here ,too. this whole "why don't they just move". - paired with their actual, literal traumatic displacement (that is a part of our history people just want to gloss over?!!?!). the entitlement is sick. i'll have ini take a look at your comment and he may have more to say. this canadian context comes up sometimes in discussion- as you say, i think a lot of people want to say/think that canada is so friendly and doesn't have these same atrocities hidden in its closet, but the indigenous displacement, indian residential schools, and way native populations (big focus on the amount of missing indigenous women here) are treated across the country speak volumes.
yes^^^^
i'm glad you shared about it- personally, it's enlightened me how FEW people (who comment on our stuff regularly here) have chosen to even acknowledge this post ... that there is still such a stigma attached to speaking out, speaking the truth, etc. i am betting that many of the homesteaders on this forum (from US) actually would vehemently disagree with me on this article. this is truly where the US is. that is how trump got elected. this underbelly is america and i'm getting over my fear of being unpopular by saying that. i've been burned for speaking out in my family about politics- the fervor and depth of opinion (even if not fact based- or differently fact-based) is so strong that even with a family we cannot "go there".... but i can't be silent any longer. it's time for us all to step up and speak to these things that we know even though it may be difficult or unpopular to articulate.
thanks again for your comment @walkerland. <3 much love to you.
Sometimes humans and human nature (or the nature which many currently embrace) gives me a very heavy heart.
You have very bravely opened up dialogue on a topic that is very contentious. I think it is good to make people feel uncomfortable. Hearing the truth is often very uncomfortable. I do understand why after a certain point sometimes we have to take topics off the table with our families. I only hope that what we do say will sink into their conscience and eventually effect some level make sense to them.
When you mentioned the missing and murdered aboriginal women my heart instantly ached with sadness. I've written about this before (not here) and the lack of attention and outrage that it has garnered in our country horrifies me. Having spent my life in a place where indigenous culture was the only culture that I appreciated I have seen it all, from all sides and perspectives. I know what is true and there is a lot to be answered for.
The one thing that everyone should be aware of is that oppressed people here and in many other countries are finding their voices and strength and bravely standing up. Change is coming.
On a side note. The Inuit culture is fascinating and I think you might enjoy reading this PDF. http://apihtawikosisan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/InuitWay_e.pdf