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Happy Canada Day – July 1st: A Time for Celebration and Reflection Shaina Tranquilino July 1, 2024

Canada Day, celebrated every July 1st, marks the anniversary of the Confederation when Canada became a self-governing dominion within the British Empire in 1867. This day is often filled with festivities, fireworks, parades, and patriotic displays as Canadians come together to celebrate their nation.

Yet, amidst the jubilations, it is crucial to remember that Canada’s history is complex and multifaceted. This land we celebrate on Canada Day is also the ancestral and unceded territory of Indigenous peoples who have lived here for thousands of years. As we don our red and white attire and wave our flags, we must also take time to honour and acknowledge this truth.

Celebrating Canada’s Achievements

Canada has much to be proud of. From breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty to multicultural cities and a reputation for politeness and peace, Canada stands out on the global stage. Our contributions to science, technology, art, and humanitarian efforts are commendable. Canadians have a rich heritage of resilience and innovation, and Canada Day is an opportunity to celebrate these achievements and the diverse fabric that makes up our nation.

Acknowledging Indigenous Land

However, alongside these celebrations, we must recognize that Canada’s history is deeply intertwined with the histories of Indigenous peoples. Before European settlers arrived, Indigenous communities had established thriving societies with their own cultures, languages, and governance structures. The process of colonization led to the displacement, suffering, and marginalization of these communities.

Acknowledging that we are on stolen Indigenous land is a vital step towards reconciliation. It means recognizing the sovereignty of Indigenous nations and understanding that the lands we live on were not given up willingly. It is about honouring treaties and commitments that have been made—and too often broken—and working towards meaningful, respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples.

Doing Better as a Country

As we celebrate Canada Day, it is also a time to reflect on how we can do better. This includes:

Educating Ourselves and Others: Learn about the history and cultures of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This knowledge can foster greater understanding and respect.

Supporting Indigenous Communities: Advocate for policies and initiatives that address the disparities faced by Indigenous peoples. Support Indigenous businesses, artists, and organizations.

Acknowledging Land Rights: Understand and respect the concept of Indigenous land rights and the significance of land acknowledgments. These acknowledgments should be more than just words; they should be accompanied by action and commitment.

Promoting Reconciliation: Engage with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. These recommendations provide a roadmap for repairing relationships and creating a more equitable society.

A Day of Unity and Reflection

Canada Day is not just a day for celebration but also a day for reflection. It is an opportunity to come together as a nation, acknowledging both our triumphs and our responsibilities. By recognizing the full scope of our history and committing to a path of reconciliation, we can honour the true spirit of Canada—a spirit of inclusion, respect, and unity.

So, as we celebrate Canada Day this year, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the land we are on, honour the Indigenous peoples who have cared for it long before us, and commit to actions that foster understanding and justice. Only then can we truly celebrate the beauty and promise of Canada.

Happy Canada Day! Let's celebrate and reflect together.

Following Through on My New Year's Resolution: September Update Shaina Tranquilino September 30, 2024

At the beginning of the year, I set a resolution that felt deeply meaningful and personal: every month, I would donate to a different organization that I felt called to support. My goal wasn't just to give financially, but to invest in causes that resonate with my values, communities, and ongoing efforts for change. As we are at the end of September, I want to share a little about this month's donation and reflect on what this journey has meant so far.

For the month of September, I chose to donate to the Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF), an Indigenous-led charitable organization that is dedicated to educating the public and raising awareness about the history and lasting impacts of the Residential School System in Canada. Established in 2000, the LHF has been doing the vital work of helping Canadians understand the trauma and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities—particularly those who survived these schools, as well as their families and descendants.

I was moved to donate to the Legacy of Hope Foundation because of the important role they play in truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation. The Residential School System is a painful chapter in Canadian history, one that forcibly separated Indigenous children from their families, stripped them of their languages, cultures, and identities, and subjected them to harsh, abusive conditions. The effects of this system continue to ripple through generations, impacting the well-being of Indigenous communities.

Through education, exhibitions, and workshops, the Legacy of Hope Foundation not only illuminates this dark history but also provides a pathway for healing and fostering just and equal relationships between Indigenous Peoples and Canadians. Their work in expanding awareness, honouring survivors, and encouraging reconciliation is inspiring, and supporting them this month felt like a small but meaningful way to contribute to this vital movement.

What has been particularly powerful for me is the Foundation's focus on creating a space for healing and understanding. The work they do to showcase the resilience and strength of Indigenous Peoples, while also making known the injustices they have faced, is something we need more of in our world. It’s a reminder of the importance of not only learning from history but also taking active steps towards repairing harm.

Over the course of this year, each donation I've made has been an opportunity to reflect on what I value and how I can help create positive change in the world. From environmental causes to social justice initiatives, each organization I've supported has been a piece of a larger puzzle, one that is about compassion, equity, and the belief that even small actions can lead to big differences.

As I continue with this New Year's resolution, I'm filled with gratitude for the work being done by organizations like the Legacy of Hope Foundation. Their commitment to truth, reconciliation, and healing reminds me that while the road may be long, we are all part of the process of building a better, more inclusive future.

In the months ahead, I look forward to learning about new organizations, supporting diverse causes, and keeping the spirit of this resolution alive. It's been a rewarding and eye-opening journey, and I'm excited to see where the next few months take me.

If you're interested in learning more about the Legacy of Hope Foundation or supporting their work, I encourage you to visit their website and explore the many ways they're contributing to education and reconciliation across Canada.

Here’s to continuing the path toward positive change, one month, and one organization at a time. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/legacy-of-hope-foundation/