Day 59: Canada's What? - 0km

Days Inn in Blainville

Canada's what? 150th birthday? More like 150 years of colonialism...

This is a hard blog post to write, mostly because I feel strongly about this subject, and I know it could offend many. But I also know that my aim with my blog posts is to post honestly, my personal truths, my thoughts and opinions without censoring myself for the desire to be liked or agreed with.

I've had a bit of a problem with the idea of celebrating Canada's 150th birthday We were even on CBC news for this reason. I think it's totally fine to have the association, and it really was just a coincidence it fell on 150. But 150 years of what? Canada's last residential school was closed in 1996! Reading articles and stories of Indigenous people's who's last 150 years of history has included theft, genocide, and destruction of land, identity and self.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canada-150/canada-day-indigenous-perspectives-on-canada-150/article35498737/

Where do I fit in all this? I do love Canada, I'm currently exploring my relationship to it, to the people that live here. It's been an incredible journey so far, and Canadian's really do live up to their "Canadian kindness and hospitality". I feel safe at night when I sleep, I'm not threatened by war, there's plenty of food and water, and overall Jewel and I have been completely spoiled by the inhabitants of the province's we've been through. But I can't help feel like something is wrong. This part of Canada's history that is hidden, that we no longer see. The Truth and Reconciliation project is great, and it's definitely time that something like this is happening. How can Indigenous people heal if nobody wants to talk about what happened? There cannot be reconciliation without truth and acknowledgement first. I'm happy there are steps being taken in this direction, and I only hope it grows to reach more and more Canadians.

Finally in the past few years, it has become a topic of conversation. I've seen art and theatre, read books about it. And people are now protesting and setting up Tepee's on Parliament Hill which is frickin' awesome. I guess, I just think there's more to it than waving red and white flags and drinking beer and lighting off thousands of dollars in fireworks. I think National pride is great and important, but I think knowledge of what we are actually celebrating is equally important.

I'm celebrating the people that we have met along this journey. The incredible selflessness, patience and pure kindness we have experienced. I do celebrate the Canadian's I know, the inhabitants I've met personally along the way. It gives me so much hope, inspiration and peace knowing there are so many amazing people out there, and all in this country. I know without a doubt I am so privileged and lucky to call Canada my home. I believe it should continue to be a home for all who seek safety, opportunity, and to follow their dreams. But this also means acknowledging ALL people, equally.