Ban Canada Day: ‘No Celebration’ among Unknown Graves | Children’s Rights Issues

Warning: The article below contains details of residential schools that may be frustrating. Canadian School-Based Survivors Survivors and Family Crisis Line are available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.

“Nothing to celebrate.” This is a message from many Indians in Canada, celebrating its Canadian Day Thursday just weeks after the remnants of Indian children they have been found in an unknown grave.

The rest were found in previous wards in areas formerly “residential schools” – forced organizations in which American children were subjected to physical and sexual abuse, psychological trauma, starvation, and other forms of violence.

In the days leading up to Canada Day, local leaders and law enforcement officials are urging people to end any celebrations. Instead, he is calling for the day to reflect on Canadian history and support the Indians.

“We need to realize that there is nothing we can do to celebrate this country right now, especially in light of the insignificant words and actions of the @JustinTrudeau government. It is a day in which we can work together to find a way to make this world a better place to celebrate, ”Indian author David A Robertson he wrote on Twitter.

The Oshkaatisak Council of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents many of the first states of northern Ontario, has stated that it will not end Canada Day and is instead planning to “wear orange and spread the shameful history of Indian Residential Schools and the dangerous legacy that continues today”.

We must realize that there is nothing we can do to celebrate this world right now, especially in view of the empty words and the inaction of @JustinTrudeau government. It is a day when we can work hard to find a way to make this world a reality. / 6

– David A. Robertson (@DaveAlexRoberts) June 27, 2021

“As an Indian nation, we must stand up and shout all over Canada. The true history of this country is being revealed, and it is time to unite and demand justice and accountability,” Oshkaatisak Council member Mallory Solomon of Constance Lake First Nation said on Tuesday.

Several cities in Canada have canceled their Canadian Day celebrations in response to recent findings 215 Remnants of natural children at Kamloops Indian Residential School in the province of British Columbia (BC) and many others 751 unidentified graves at the Indianval Resident School in Saskatchewan.

Chief Jennifer Bone of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, central Manitoba, he added in June that the community believes that 104 graves can be found in three cemeteries on the grounds of Brandon Residential School, which opened from 1895 to 1972.

Canadian residential schools have been in operation since the late 19th and early 1990s. This was part of a larger colonial operation aimed at seizing Indian territories and forcing the entry of First Nation, Metis and Inuit children into Canadian citizens. Various congregations, including the Roman Catholic Church, had at least 139 schools in Canada.

Indigenous Indians in Canada, especially school survivors and their families, are included faced a new challenge since an unknown tomb was found, after many years he wants to answer with real justice from Ottawa and the Catholic Church has grown significantly.

“As the First Nations cry and reflect on the difficult time we are in Canada following the remnants of 215 children at the former Residential School, the Council has decided to set aside time to reconsider, instead of looking forward to Canada Day broadcasts. He said Lisa Helps, mayor of Victoria, BC, on June 11th.

Dave Ryan, mayor of Pickering, Ontario, about 40km (25 miles) east of Toronto, said the city should focus on “education, reconciliation and meditation” on Canada Day. The city’s flags will also be hoisted between June 30 and July 2, Ryan said in a video participate on social media.

“It doesn’t feel like a time to celebrate,” the council in Dawson City, Yukon, which canceled its celebrations on Canada Day, said. reports CBC News Writer.

President Justin Trudeau said last week that Canada Day would be a time for Canadians to reflect on “the relationship, our relationship with the Indians and how they have changed and should continue”.

“I think Canada Day will be a time to reflect on what we have achieved as a country but what we need to do,” he told reporters.

Not everyone who supports the protest against Canada Day, however, like Conservative Party leader Erin O’Toole, who said he was “concerned that past or present injustices are being perpetrated by a minority group of freedom fighters.” which they use to refute the very idea of ​​Canada itself “.

“As someone who has served in Canada and recently asked to lead our country, I will not be silent when people want to ban Canada Day. I am proud to be Canadian and I know that many people are,” O’Toole wrote on Facebook. post.

“We are not perfect. There is no world. We must admit our mistakes. There is a difference between constantly criticizing our peers and choosing to oppress Canada. ”

But Idle No More, a leading group that is leading Cancel Canada Day demonstrations across the country, said banning the event was “little known” following the discovery of an unknown cemetery.

The group says about 50 municipalities have decided to ban Canada Day activities so far this year.

“It is heartening to see 50 municipalities removing Canada Day out of respect for the plight of Indigenous peoples. Every city and town should follow this,” said Idela No More partner Sheelah McLean. words on Monday. “Indigenous landmarks and Indian kidnappings are not fun.”