I Can't

I can't do it. I can’t celebrate Canada Day this year. In light of recent events, I’m not sure fireworks and memes and inspirational videos are appropriate.

Rather, every Canadian flag should be at half-mast this Canada Day.

I love Canada. And I believe we are a country capable and competent of taking the necessary actions for reparation and reconciliation. I believe the Canada Days of the future will be about the celebration of our hard work to be a more inclusive and just society--because we will have come to own our origin story, rather than dismiss it or outright hide it.

But I don’t think we’re there yet.

(I mean, if you had a friend with a rumoured sketchy past, would you feel comfortable hosting their birthday party if it came to light that they had murdered a bunch of people? I don’t know about you, but that’s kind of a deal-breaker in my relationships. There’s a lot of work that would need to be done there.) 

This Canada Day, I think we need to spend the time:

• Actually honouring the land treaties we have abused for years. Do you know who the first peoples were on the land that is now your home?

• Grieve the thousands of children who were taken from their families, traumatized in residential schools, and then buried there—nameless. Schools should not have cemeteries. 

• Make a personal commitment towards reparation and reconciliation. What is one action you will take today? Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Check your own bias, stereotypes, and assumptions.
• When it is pandemically safe to do so, participate in a blanket exercise in your community.
• Read the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's (TRC's) report and calls to action, and act on it.
• Start acknowledging the treaty land at gatherings you host.
• Donate to services that support those impacted by the generational trauma of growing up indigenous (shelters, mental health agencies, addictions recovery, etc.). 
• Make purchases from local businesses owned by indigenous individuals. 
• If you are Christian, ask your church what actions it takes towards reparation and reconciliation. Consider how you can use your voice for change in your faith community.
• Hold people [lovingly, but firmly] accountable for racist, derogatory language. Here’s a primer.

Yes, I am honoured to be a Canadian. I believe I am more than my ancestors’ bigotry and bad theology, and I believe Canada is more than that too. But this year, for me, Canada Day will involve reflection rather than celebration. Humility rather than pride. I am checking my privilege. I am doing the work.