Photo Courtesy of Wayne Glowacki 

By Katarina Ziervogel

Last year’s Canada Day stood out from any celebrations in the entirety of Canada’s history. Why? In the wake of Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the MMIWG inquiry ongoing, the Government of Canada celebrated the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. It marked the celebration as a historic event across the country with several large Canada-based corporations participating in the 150th anniversary. The iconic Canada 150 signs were installed in cities across the country.

The controversy behind the 150th anniversary of Canada has gained attention among all Indigenous communities due to the tendentious, unforgettable events of Canada’s history and its relationship with Indigenous People. The hashtag #Resistance150 was created to spread awareness of how Indigenous Peoples have suffered at the hands of colonialism, cultural genocide, and brutal assimilation tactics for more than 150 years.

There are a good number of Indigenous People who did not engage in Canada 150, and may not be engaging in the celebration of Canada’s day and moving forward. Instead of celebrating Canadian Confederation, which excludes Indigenous People and brings back painful memories of their suffering at the hands of Government of Canada, some may choose to not to participate.

Show support towards the TRC and their momentous steps into reconciling the relationship between Canada and the Indigenous people. Start by celebrating the Indigenous people who have been more than grateful to share their land, art, culture, and traditions with the rest of Canada, despite the fact that they have lost so much in the past hundreds of years. Honouring the work of the TRC will bring the entire country and Indigenous People closer to an inclusive celebration of their motherland.

Celebrate Canada’s Day by reading, or rereading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.

https://nctr.ca/assets/reports/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf