NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY AND NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION
National Aboriginal Day of Action at Marina Park
The article below was published in the Chronicle Journal and the Thunder Bay Source for the National Aboriginal Day, and the National Day of Action.
National Aboriginal Day (June 21) is here, followed by a National Day of Action (June 29). I am frequently taken aback by the general misconceptions that are commonly expressed in the social mainstream on Aboriginal issues. This may be easy to understand since most of the official documents and media coverage is from non-Aboriginal sources. However, to reduce tension, and promote harmony between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, we need to be aware of both past and current issues that need to be resolved. Knowledge of the richness of Aboriginal cultures and the diversity of First Nations can benefit Canada as a country where all citizens are united.
In his recent report regarding the events that took place in Ipperwash, The Honourable Commissioner Sidney B. Linden stated that "Every Ontarian should understand that this province and our country were built upon the treaties negotiated with our First Nations, and that everyone shares the benefits and obligations of those treaties. Every Ontarian should also realize that treaties are not historical artifacts from some distant time. They remain vitally important and relative today".
Many non-Natives do not understand (and therefore cannot appreciate) the benefits they have accrued from the treaties, and what First Nations have lost as a result of government policy. Aboriginal people signed treaties and agreed to live in peace and harmony with the non-Aboriginals. Even when the treaties were breached, Aboriginal people have continued to live harmoniously with other races anticipating fair resolution to the agreements made with the white settlers. Centuries later, First Nation communities across the country still have more than 800 outstanding land claims that are yet to be resolved. Seven of those are close to home; Fort William First Nation has only had two of nine land claims resolved.
Public education (extending further than just educational institutes) regarding Aboriginal issues is imperative. Colonization, the legacy of residential schools and the inter-generational impacts, as well as patronizing attitudes that lead to negative stereotypes have affected our relations. However, with increased knowledge and an open mind we can learn to co-exist harmoniously.
The National Aboriginal Day is designed to raise awareness of the diverse Aboriginal people of the land and the contributions they have made, and continue to make to this great country. The National Day of Action, on the other hand aims to garner support among the general public, and prompt all of government to act on the many outstanding issues in regards to addressing First Nations grievances. The focus is not on blockades and other forms of rowdy protests, but building bridges with Canadians through education.
We hope that all Canadians will attend peaceful rallies and events on June 29, and sign the online petition of the Assembly of First Nation’s Website to Make Poverty History for First Nations. We also urge the general public to write their local MPs, the Minister of Indian Affairs, and the Prime Minister to express support for speedy action on First Nations issues.
Sasha Sky, Regional Multicultural Youth Council
The following is Sasha's speech on the NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY OF ACTION at Marina Park:
Good morning everyone! I am Sasha Sky, Past President of the Regional Multicultural Youth Council. Thank you all for making the time and effort to participate in this solidarity march. It is very impressive to see so many non-Aboriginal people here to support for the cause of the First Nations.
The Multicultural Youth Council is honoured to be invited by Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Stan Beardy to share the platform on this special day. It is important that young people are engaged in what is going on so that we all understand what our leaders are fighting for.
We are pleased that the federal government is working with Aboriginal leaders on a process to speed-up the settlement of unresolved grievances. But, we should keep up the pressure to ensure that we move forward, and not return to the status quo.
As we focus on Treaties and broken promises, we should not forget about the legacy of residential schools on individuals who attended these institutions, the families, communities and the inter-generational impacts on today’s Aboriginal children and youth.
While, we are grateful that after long delays to acknowledge the harm done, final compensation packages are being worked on. But it would be a big mistake to think that these payments will solve everything, and from now on things will be fine.
Residential schools tore apart Aboriginal families and communities. Children between the ages of 5 to 16 were taken away from their parents to attend schools run by strangers far away from home. Boys and girls were segregated, and they could not learn to be a brother to a sister and vice versa. Noone gained experience to be a parent, child or grand-child. The wisdom of Elders, teachings of parents, and the love of families did not exist. Instead, they learned to be ashamed of their culture, history, language and spirituality, as if the Creator had made a mistake to make them that way. And, as we are aware now, there was physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in residential schools.
The scars run deep and the damage done continue to haunt residential school students and their relations. There evidence is there to see in communities, on our streets, in negative lifestyles and high suicide rate in a country where many new immigrants consider paradise.
As the day ends, and we go back to our homes, let us build on the spirit of solidarity and reach to Aboriginal people hurting because of the failure to respect, and appreciate the original inhabitants of this land, Let us open a new chapter and build bridges of understanding so that present and future generations can live in harmony and prosper together.
Thank you all for listening.