Before I get to what this post is really about, and I will because I get it, please allow me to first share about myself for context: I'm a first generation Canadian, born in our Centennial Year to European parents. Caucasians born in 1936 and 1946, raised Catholic and Lutheran, they emigrated here separately from a small village in Austria and from Hamburg, Germany. They lived what war and its aftermath really means. My mother spent much of her childhood in orphanages. The only time I can recall my father ever showing anger towards me was after I innocently stated war is stupid and nothing is worth dying for. "You have no idea what you're talking about!" He was absolutely right. His reaction was so out of character in my ten year old experience that it inspired a lifelong curiosity and thirst to listen and learn. It's taken me decades to unravel my origin family's generational trauma that began when Germany annexed Austria and as the Nazis gained power, committed atrocities, and were defeated in the brutality of WWII. Each generation to follow has adapted and healed and we were able to do so because of our place of privilege in Canada. It was a profound experience to watch my mother being sworn in as a citizen. My parents taught me to appreciate and love my country. And I do. Deeply. In spite of our flaws, each day my heart is filled with gratitude to live here. My first child was born on Canada Day. I was a proud military spouse. No opportunity to wave my red and white maple leaf flag escapes me. Though the situations are different, I can draw the connections between different historical events and feel empathy. While it's never my intention, I'm well-aware that I can come off preachy. Knowing all that, please, I beg of you - September 30th is NOT. ABOUT. US. It should hurt. Don't turn away.
On this second National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, accept that we can be both proud to be Canadian and still recognize the truth about how our nation was formed and the suffering it caused. It's up to each of us to help move forward towards reconciliation. That can't happen until truths are acknowledged without caveats and we put in the work. Germany did it. Canada can too. We must hold our government to continue working on Indigenous issues and act in ways that reflect our current values. It is shameful that today, there are people on this land without clean drinking water and that children in the foster care system are disproportionately Indigenous. Orange Shirt Day began at a small event in British Columbia and awareness has spread across the nation. Each small act is a step forward. Let's try to make sure our actions are contributing to a future that mirrors the country we want to be.
Don't post giddy selfies in orange shirts and move on to forget for another year. Take steps to learn, find a way to help push the movement forward, have the hard conversations with children, family and friends. If you can, attend events or donate to reputable organizations that assist Indigenous people. Source out and support Indigenous businesses. Listen but don't expect to be taught. Mourners owe us nothing. Do what you would do with anyone who is grieving: let them know you care, tell them you're sorry for their loss and express your willingness to do what you can to help. Give them grace if their pain is manifesting as anger. We can honour the children by resolutely standing by the survivors and descendants, as they honour their ancestors and losses in whatever ways feel appropriate to them. Whatever you do, don't say things like "Happy T&R Day!" This isn't a celebration. As someone said on Twitter, this is their Remembrance Day. It should be treated with respect and all the dignity that was stolen.
- The origins of Orange Shirt Day
- Donate to the Orange Shirt Society
- The National Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Make a Donation to NTRC
- Indigenous Books for Children
- P&G Indspire initiative for Indigenous Students
- Compilation September 30 Events in Ontario
- Watch The Secret Path: The Story of Chanie Wenjack
- Click the picture below to watch The RWCOnversations
🧡 Every Child Matters 🧡