This past weekend I was reflecting on Canada Day (you can read past blogs here), and how different the narrative is this year – specifically, how I haven’t heard the strong Indigenous voices and narrative that Canada’s 150 celebration brought up last year. I know that activism takes its toll. …
Aboriginal
Canada: 150 years of…?
This year Canada as a colonized country is 150 years old. And we’re going to celebrate. I imagine that on July 1 there will be a plethora of festivities, with flags and music and who knows what else. Canada means different things to different people, for sure. You can read more …
Reconciliation in Canada
Last week I attended the Canadian Race Relations Foundation Conference – Inclusive Canada, 2017 and Beyond. It was a thought-provoking and intense two days with a strong theme of Indigenous inclusion. The opening keynote was by Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Ambassador for Reconciliation Canada. He …
The Power of Words
Today I'm writing about words and choices. In our post-colonization societies, the use of words still reminds us (if we are aware and paying attention) of who is in charge, and who has value – and who doesn’t – in the eyes of the state. Take some of the names of sports teams, for …
Racism in a Costume
If you haven’t heard about it already, Disney has a new movie coming out (Moana), featuring Maui – a revered figure in Polynesian culture. That’s a topic all of it’s own; that a company will take culturally significant figure (particularly an Indigenous one) and make a movie with it. But that’s a …
Why I Won’t be Saying Happy Canada Day Today
Today I put my foot in my mouth, big time. I mentioned it was Canada Day to a new American friend, and cheekily suggested he could wish me a happy one. And he is Indigenous. Yup. That's right. I will give you a moment to let that sink in. I have been doing Diversity & Inclusion work …
[Continue reading] Why I Won’t be Saying Happy Canada Day Today
Happy Thanksgiving!
Last night I was at a dinner at the University of Toronto's Hart House, hosted by the Centre for International Experience and First Nations House. It was a lovely meal. Here is some food for thought. The Great Hall has portraits all around the room of Hart House wardens, and university chancellors …