Why you Shouldn’t be Celebrating Canada Day- and what to do Instead.
Updated on June 30th 2022, in respect to current-day developments.
Content Warning: Mentions of Genocide, Residential Schools, Violence.
Collective Article by: Lazaya Villeneuve, Isabella Thurston, Meera Baswan, Kelsey Roote, Neegahnii Madeline Chakasim, and Jennifer Wu.
Introduction:
On July 1st, 2021, after the discoveries of thousands of unmarked graves of Indigenous children in various residential schools throughout Canada, there was a surge of increased action and awareness regarding Indigenous communities. The year of 2021 marked a milestone when it came to public awareness of Indigenous issues and rights. Thousands came together to call out Canada Day and question what it represented. The #The CancelCanadaDay movement was able to gain increased traction, and cities such as Victoria, Winnipeg, and Saskatoon organized large-scale ceremonies to honor Indigenous communities and recognize the ongoing genocide of Indigenous peoples through wearing orange and marching to show their support.
This year however, many cities are moving back toward traditional Canada Day celebrations. It is imperative to recognize that advocating and practicing allyship toward Indigenous communities cannot be a one-time event - it is something that is ongoing. It is important that this year, allies continue to support Indigenous communities, and continue to challenge the basis of Canada Day.
To date, over 2000 (officially recorded) unmarked graves of Indigenous children have been found -however, the real number is said to exceed 10 000, which includes unrecorded numbers and the countless residential schools that have not yet been searched.
The awareness of the ongoing genocide of Indigenous peoples must continue.
Here are Some Reasons why the Basis of Canada Day can be Problematic:
Canada as a country was built upon the genocide, colonization and oppression of the original owners of this land.
Canada has committed biological genocide through the forced and coerced sterilization of Indigenous women.
“Forced sterilization is the act of performing a permanent and intimate medical procedure, like tubal ligation, without free and informed consent to prevent conceiving or causing a pregnancy. Doctors in Canada have committed a biological and cultural genocide by forcefully sterilizing thousands of Indigenous women, and other women of colour.
This act started at least in the 1930’s, and was outlawed in the 1970’s in some provinces. However, it still persists in other provinces and territories, with a case as recent as 2018 in Saskatchewan. The horrid act of forced sterilization was to essentially end Indigenous people(s) as a whole, as they could no longer procreate.” (NMC)
Canada has committed cultural genocide, through the installation of “Residential/Day Schools” - which has caused present-day intergenerational impacts, destroying family dynamics and traditional gender identities.
So-called Canada Day fails to recognize that the genocide of Indigenous peoples is ongoing and has yet to end.
Indigenous communities still don’t have access to clean drinking water. Celebrating Canada while not acknowledging the underrepresented and underfunded Indigenous communities who lack basic necessities is extremely harmful.
Why celebrating Canada Day Without Acknowledging Indigenous Voices is Harmful to Indigenous Communities
Celebrating Canada Day is harmful to Indigenous people because it silences Indigenous voices, causing further marginalization of Indigenous communities. The genocide of Indigenous peoples here in Canada is ongoing and has never ended.
The effects of “Residential Schools” continue to this date, as seen through the disproportionate rates of violence, abuse, homelessness, poverty, poor health conditions, loss of culture and victimized discrimination Indigenous people face.
Canada Day can encourage white counterparts into thinking there are no internal issues within Canada, while there are many issues among Indigenous communities in Canada such as no access to education, no clean drinking water, and the MMIWGT2S epidemic - as a result, many become blinded by the reality of the treatment of Indigenous peoples and believe it was along time ago, and that it’s not prevalent today when it very much is.
What can you do instead?
It is important to continue to recognize Canada Day as a day for mourning and acknowledgment in regard to the atrocities continuously committed against Indigenous communities.
Support and Honor Indigenous Children by Wearing Orange:
By wearing orange, you can stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities. The color orange represents the “Every Child Matters” movement, which was put into place to honor the countless Indigenous children whose lives were taken from them through the Residential School system.
Don’t Buy Fireworks - Instead, Donate:
On average, people in Canada spend around $90 each on fireworks for Canada Day. This year, instead of spending this money on fireworks, donate to Indigenous organizations and Residential School Survivor funds instead. This can make a huge difference, and has a meaningful and lasting impact.
Educate yourself on the reality of Canada’s history, and the injustices Indigenous peoples still face. Educate friends and family on why we should not be participating in Canada Day.
Attend rallies, protests, and vigils
Sign petitions
Educate yourself on the ongoing genocide of Indigenous peoples
Listen to Indigenous voices.
Show respect to all Indigenous people across Canada.
Support Indigenous artists, brands and influencers.
Donate to Indigenous organizations, such as the IRSSS
Call write government representatives to demand change:
A good way you can make a difference is by contacting elected officials, through contacting and sending letters to demand change. As an individual, you can demand change.
Learn about the stolen land you are living on.
Unlearn the harmful narratives of Indigenous peoples that are portrayed in the media, films, school, etc.
Recognize and acknowledge your privilege.
Resources to learn and unlearn:
Here are some resources for individuals to begin their education or continue their journey. These resources are a good tool in learning about Indigenous history and the injustices that are still faced today. Share these resources with those around you and have conversations, while amplifying Indigenous voices in all spaces.
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act - Bob Joseph
Indian Horse - Richard Wagamese
Seven Fallen Feathers - Tanya Talaga
Five Little Indians - Michelle Good
The Education of Augie Merasty - Joseph Auguste Merasty
One Story, One Song - Richard Wagamese
Podcasts:
All My relations @amrpodcast
Unreserved - CBC radio
Movies:
We were children by Tim Wolochatiuk
We Can’t Make the Same Mistake Twice - Alanis Obomsawin
Stories are in our bones - Janine Windolph
Indian Horse (based on the book)
Helplines for Indigenous peoples:
Indian Residential School Survivors Society - 1-800-721-0066 & 1-866-925-4419 https://www.irsss.ca/
Hope and wellness helpline: 1-855-242-3310
