Firstly, I am Canadian and British, having spent twelve wonderful years in Vancouver near the Kwikwetlem First Nations land. I loved it there. I love Canada and Canadians. I felt more at home there than I do here in England because of the community, because of how friendly and welcoming Canada is as a nation to immigrants. I took part in Canada Day and it helped me to feel at home in a new country. There were firefighters making pancakes, flags, maple leaf t-shirts, fireworks and loud music. One memorable year Delhi to Dublin were playing a loud set in our local park. Those were, and are, good memories. And though I feel this way about Canada, I am more British than I will ever be Canadian, because England is where I was born, where I am native too. I feel so much love for my native land that it perhaps makes it easier for me to make the leap to how the First Nations of Canada feel out their home and native land.
The history of the residential schools, of the murdering of children, the breaking of their culture, the theft of lands and the ability to live on the land as their ancestors did has not been addressed in the manner they deserve and require. The long and deadly shadow of those days extends into the everyday lives of First Nations peoples today and everyday until real change happens. I support "Idle No More," and Buffy Sainte Marie. We can't party and celebrate while they suffer. We can't pretend that the nation wasn't born from genocide and brutal conquest. We can't not see what they as a nation are really owed. We need to address the issue of "Crown Lands" and talk about who are the rightful guardians of these sacred places.
"Open Letter From Mother Earth," was one of the earliest pieces written on Descriptionari. It felt as if it flowed through me rather than from me. This is from me, it is personal and what I owe the First Nations of Canada, to say what I believe is true.
It's time for a more inclusive Cross Country Checkup, for sure.
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