The "celebrations" planned for Canada Day in Owen Sound haven't been cancelled. I'm stunned by this. I just sent the following email to Mayor Ian Boddy, Deputy Mayor Brian O'Leary and each of the Councillors. And now I'm going to call City Hall...
Thank you for walking back the absurd idea of blaring sirens and lights on July 1 to "celebrate" Canada Day. But it's not enough.
Thank you for suggesting a period of time to "reflect" on the atrocities suffered at the hands of governments and churches, and on the ongoing inequality, racism and trauma the First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples continue to endure. But it's not enough.
While the bodies of children are discovered in unmarked graves, their families and communities are (re)traumatized and are mourning, it's unbelievably tone deaf and insensitive to "celebrate" Canada Day as we have typically. What has happened – and is happening – is not "something that our ancestors did to their ancestors" as Deputy Mayor Brian O'Leary said. It's been in my lifetime and in yours – because it's NOW.
Please, for the love of humanity, put yourself in the shoes of the Indigenous people! We non-Indigenous don't have to ask them what they want us to do. It should be obvious. And if you don't see it, surely the outpouring of response through social media should make it obvious. Surely the communities across this land that are cancelling "celebrations" out of respect and dignity, should make it obvious.
CANCEL THE FIREWORKS. It's not enough but it's a start.
JOIN THE "WALK FOR THE CHILDREN" on July 1 at 4:00 pm. It's not enough but it's a start.
Begin each Council meeting with an EXTENDED LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT that is included in the minutes and seen by those viewing to help raise awareness as Councillor Carol Merton is putting forth. It's not enough but it's a start.
There is so much we can and must do. All of us.
Honestly, I'm genuinely surprised the "celebrations" haven't been cancelled, that on the eve of those events I have to write this plea. This is a time to lead. Please do.
In the interest of truth and reconciliation,
Lori-Ann K E Caswell
Owen Sound
