Earlier this month I shot a short video about Canada Day (found below) but I wanted to post a message because there is just so much more to say….
Typically, I am the first person to wave the flag and shout the praises of our great country and the freedoms that we enjoy from wars hard fought. However, it is increasingly clear that the war we haven’t yet won is on the tenets of equality, inclusiveness and learning from the past. Recent, horrific discoveries of the burial sites for children forced to attend residential schools is quite frankly, appalling and a harsh reminder of this time in our nation’s history.
What an affront then, to our Indigenous communities to ‘celebrate’ Canada Day when what we should be doing is reflecting on what this means and how we need to do better.
I make no claim to be an expert, but I am open to learning, so here is what I know:
Long before Europeans arrived here, Canada was inhabited by Indigenous peoples from coast to coast to coast. To access rich natural resources and make space for European settlers, Indigenous peoples were forced off their land and we (settlers) began a long history of suppressing Indigenous languages, cultures and identities.
So maybe this Canada Day, we should reflect on our history; acknowledge it, own it.
Maybe we should think about the undue hardships that face so many Indigenous communities that lack the basic necessities of clean drinking water, adequate housing and access to quality education. Indigenous people experience high rates of violence, poverty, incarceration, and discrimination. Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or to go missing than members of any other demographic group in Canada.
Even today while the world wrestles with the pandemic, the Indigenous communities have been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 virus.
We need to do better. We’re starting work at the municipality on issues of equity, diversity and inclusiveness. We’re also working to understand and build relationships with Indigenous communities.
This Canada Day, I ask that you and your family take a moment to reflect on our nation’s history and consider what we can do to enact positive change. To start your discussion, please view any of the links below to find more information.
Happy (and reflective) Canada Day everyone!
Mayor Rick Bonnette
Resources
Halton Hills Public Library Indigenous Voices reading list Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Beyond 94 – Truth and Reconciliation in Canada National inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Woodland Cultural Centre Indigenous Canada – 12 week free virtual course from University of Alberta Grandmothers Voice Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation David Suzuki Foundation – Land Governance video series
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