Canada. Land of the strong and free. At who’s expense?

BBQ, friends and fireworks. Every Canada Day until now.

This year, its different.  This year, I feel indifferent to a party and fireworks. Its like my senses are heightened and awareness is super sharp. There are days in which we find ourselves so swept by all the noise, and others when you only hear one sound. This year, I hear the cries, the frustration, desperation and grief. It doesn’t feel like a time to celebrate, and I question so much of the things I’ve been taught and heard.

My history in Canada started in the 70’s when my mother, crossed the oceans and landed in Canada to start a new life. One by one, she helped others make the trip and gave them shelter when they arrived. Soon my father was here, and their life together continued in this beautiful, vast land.

I remember all the stories. Frigid winters. 25 cent bus rides and an infrastructure they had never seen before. They struggled. They were attacked and belittled. They were discriminated against and scared, missing the comfort of home, a small Caribbean Island where they left their securities and familiarity.

You see, here in North America, we have continued to portray a life of ease, convenience and luxury. Who wouldn’t want to visit or live in such a place? Wouldn’t parents want as many advantages for their children also? Young people with dreams of a bright future shouldn’t want to follow their light wherever it takes them? Families reuniting and bringing generations together…it seemed like everything was perfect in the western region of the world, and my folks along with countless others decided to make the scary, uncertain trip to Canada.

They came…by choice. And although they faced many adversities and heartache, they fought, and worked hard, and prayed that their children would have a good life with equal footing amongst, and be treated the same as our peers. I’m proud of my parents, and grateful for all they’ve given me, taught me and supported me through.  I wish that more parents were given the chance to do the same for their kids…without fear, anger, and grief being their reality.

Canada Day. I’m disappointed.

Upon the recent findings of human remains and unmarked graves of hundreds of Indigenous children, taken, beaten raped, bullied, starved, and forgotten, spread across Canadian land, I am heartbroken, and furious. Such atrocities don’t happen in Canada?

We are the land of the free, and embrace cultural diversity. There aren’t any nooses hanging in my neighborhood…and besides, most of the ‘colored’ live in certain neighborhoods anyway, so there should be few acts of racism, if any. Remember, Canada is known for its constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, founded on the rule of law and respect for rights and freedoms. ??? ?? ?

My beautiful country, has stains that will not be forgotten, need full attention and compassion, and justice rewarded. I stand in this, as a Black woman who can identify with the feeling of “learning not to like yourself’. What has been done to Indigenous people’s is past horrific and I pray there will be healing for all.

So what do I do for Canada Day this year? I suppose I still ‘celebrate’ and do fun things with the family. But this year and moving forward, learning, reflection and support will be at the center of how I spend the day. And many after.

They say when you know better, you do better. Let’s do better Canada. Let’s be better. Happy Canada Day.