Image by Heather Manitowabi
As July 1st rolls around this year, we would like to take a moment to remind our Canadian community that we do not celebrate Canada Day as part of our commitment toward decolonization and because Canada Day represents a celebration of colonialism, genocide, as well as the ongoing oppression of Indigenous communities whose land we are guests on.
Do you know whose land you are on? Those of us who are treaty people have obligations to the land and original people of that land. Those of us who live on unceded territories such as so-called British Colombia have much to reflect on as well. How do we show up in integrity with the awareness that the Canadian government willfully turns a blind eye to all this?
This week we released a documentary called “Unceded.” Through the lens of Anishinaabe Heather Manitowabi, we meet siblings Wayne and Cindy Mousseau-Pheasant who were taken during the 60s Scoop. This is a journey to the unceded Anishinaabe territory of Wiikwemkoong; a story of resilience and beauty of the human spirit. We encourage you to take it in to learn more below.
Did you know:
60s Scoop Survivors are still waiting on the Canadian government for their settlement payment?
The Canadian government capped 60s Scoop settlement payments at $25,000? This doesn’t begin to cover the harm caused by this intentionally destructive government policy.
That First Nations children are grossly overrepresented in the foster care system today?
73 percent of First Nations water systems are at high or medium risk of contamination due to surrounding mine and waste activity?
Over 10,000 unmarked graves have been discovered beneath residential schools across Canada?
So instead of wearing red and white, attending Canada Day festivities or wishing anyone a “Happy Canada Day,” we encourage you to wear orange (or black), share resources, have difficult conversations with those you care about, and send Justin Trudeau your letters urging him to take action on these items immediately.