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Happy Canada Day

I didn't see it posted so I thought I should.

I'm Indigenous, full blooded Ojibway/Cree from northern Ontario. Both my parents survived the residential school system in the 50s and I attended the last vestiges of Christianized schooling when I was growing up. We saw a lot of discrimination against us in my family and we were always made to feel less than every other Canadian we ever knew.

Even with all that ..... my dad always enjoyed celebrating this holiday because he just thought it was fun and a good time to celebrate with family and friends. Maybe he just didn't know but whenever this time of year comes around, all I can think of is how much he enjoyed just having a bit of fun today in the middle of summer.

In my own experience, I've travelled the world to 34 countries so I got see and compare how our country compares to the rest of the world. With all its shortcomings and blemishes .... this is still a great country and a prime example of decent democracy. It isn't perfect and it is very problematic and unequal in many ways ... but its on the top of the pile of mostly or more democratic places on the planet. I may be wrong on that but that is just my opinion.

So with all that said .... to all my Native, non-Native, nation born, immigrant, brown, white, black, and every shade in between ....

Happy Canada Day to all of you.

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  • Happy Canada Day! Thank you for this beautiful post, it made me tear up a bit. I've made Canada my adopted home 14 years ago, and not a day goes by when I don't thank my fucking stars.

    • My mom and dad were born and raised in the wilderness and my family on all sides has been part of this land for thousands of years ... even with all the trouble we suffered from colonialism and racism, my dad always reminded us that life was better now than it was a generation ago .... years ago I thought that was kind of dumb but as I grow older I've come to understand what he meant ... it isn't perfect by any means but it is still good and its up to all of us to make sure it doesn't regress but only moves forward, not just for one segment or small group of people ... but for everyone who was born here, came here, were forced here or had to be here.

      I'm happy to be part of this land with you .... kitchi-meegwetch doodem ... it means 'thanks very much, my friend' in Ojibway/Cree from northern Ontario.

      • Thank you for your kind words, my friend. It is an honor to be welcomed to your home, this beautiful land. I hope tomorrow brings more unity and kindness, and I will do my best to do my part to make that happen.

23 comments