Canada Day is a day of grieving and this year especially has been a very emotional one, bringing up many traumatic memories and feelings. For so many people who struggle with systematic racism and abuse. Growing up in Canada had started out as a place of pride, where kindness always seemed to take forefront of our characteristics and then we try stand proud of how progressive our country is. Yet our history often swept under the rug, put aside into a single chapter, brushing over the fact that Canada tried to wipe us from our culture not even that long ago, last residential school closing in 1996. A year after I was born. It’s not something that will be wiped clean just because the government gave a “whoops sorry” as a response, instead we ask for responsibility. Recognition and reconciliation. These past few months have been hard to bare. But I do appreciate those who stood by our side and let us speak our voice and showed compassion and empathy. We see you and appreciate you. Our hearts and sorrow go to those 1, 505 children who never made it out and those who survived. May this help us move forward and be the start of positive changes. 🧡
The sheer amount of unmarked mass graves of First Nations children at these residential schools that have been revealed the past few months have been upsetting. What was even more upsetting was that First Nations survivors of these schools have been telling people of the existence of these graves for decades, and the government was refusing to provide any funding. I only hope that the remains are able to be identified and returned to their families.
Absolutely!! Whereas I’m thrilled people are finally listening to our voices it doesn’t change the hurt of being ignored and disregarded for so long. I’ve even had an ex who asked me why we make such a big deal about what happened in the past and being 15 I couldn’t fully respond because of the lack of knowledge but it was still absolutely horrible to experience. my biggest frustration over these past few months have been Justin Trudeau’s silence and refusal to show any real remorse and lacking the ability to listen to our voices.
As long as it is still in living memory, it is not in the past. The last residential school closed not even 30 years ago. Both survivors and perpetrators are still alive, as well as the families of those that were taken who still grieve the loss of their child[ren], siblings, etc.
No pride in genocide. I'm frankly disgusted that people could still celebrate Canada Day today with what has finally been brought to light. I hope you, your family and community have the support that you need right now. 🧡 Also, fuck Trudeau.