The night began with a drumming performance with singing, and was followed by a free meal, open to anyone. During the meal, the speaker Irkar Beljaars, from the radio show Native Solidarity News on CKUT, introduced some of the struggles faced by first nations culture in the past as well as the present, highlighting residential schools, the Harper government and their negative effect on modern intiatives, as well as importance of learning from and supporting our elders and educating our children to avoid past mistakes.
Dinner was followed by a screening of the documentary We Were Children which critically discusses the realities behind the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The genocide of the first nations people of Canada is our country`s biggest shame. The UN has been urging the Canadian government to acknowledge it`s crimes, but the Harper government continues to deny this history. It`s heartbreaking to learn about what the people in power of this country have done in the past, as much as it is to witness communities struggling in and out of reserves. Moreover, dealing with insulting cultural stereotypes in our modern culture and lack of government response for basic services is unconscionable. Knowing the suffering, many non-native people are left wondering how they can engage and help out.
What you can do
- Educate yourself. Not sure why people are offended? Find out why. Discuss, read articles online, listen to radio interviews, check out books, and most impacting - check out some of the many documentaries that has been created to show what has happened and is happening to the first nations cultures of Canada.
- Challenge racially offensive costumes and vocabulary. "Sexy Squaw costume for kids"
- Change your mentality from go-to cultural stereotypes and jokes from one of compassion and understanding for the struggles of the people you see.
- Spread the word. Speak up about the injustices of the past and present. Discuss with friends and family. Clarify misconceptions and offer insight and perspective.