Anti-Canada Day with ICA
July 1st in so-called Canada has been historically celebrated as the anniversary of the effective date of the Constitution Act, then called the British North American Act, 1867. For Indigenous peoples in so-called Canada, July 1st represents a celebration of the ongoing colonization, genocide and oppression of Indigenous peoples. The day, sometimes referred to as “Canada Day” has been given other names by Indigenous communities and organizations such as “Anti-Canada Day” and “Cancel Canada Day”, with numerous demonstrations and actions geared towards raising awareness of the injustices Indigenous people are facing.
On July 1st, 2020, myself and ICA’s Youth Engagement Lead Nigel Henry Robinson organized a webinar hosted by ICA’s Communications Director Lindsey Bacigal through ICA’s Facebook Page titled “Anti-Canada Day with ICA”. The live stream, now housed on ICA’s Youtube channel, focused on celebrating some of the work of our Steering Committee members to tear down oppressive systems and uplift Indigenous Peoples in so-called Canada. As the Community Engagement Lead at ICA, I feel it is important to bring people together in supportive, safe spaces to share their knowledge and experiences in this work.
As we moved through the introductions, each speaker was provided the space to discuss their current work. We wanted to highlight the diversity in the work of our steering committee and bring attention to the ways in which they are working toward uplifting and supporting Indigenous peoples of so-called Canada. We viewed this space as an opportune moment to not only learn and build capacity throughout our network, but to also showcase the interconnectedness of the many movements and actions happening across Turtle Island that are uplighting Indigenous rights, sovereignty and climate justice.
Since it was “Canada Day”, the speakers were asked “What can we reflect on for so-called Canada Day?”, allowing the speakers to bring forward what decolonial/Indigenous rights work is important to them. The conversation quickly moved into systemic racism and injustice in so-called Canada and the importance of challenging the colonial narrative to disrupt these systems. Whether it was through health, colonial law, climate justice, or an education framework, the message from the speakers was clear - the celebration of so-called “Canada Day” represents the celebration of the continued oppression and genocide of Indigenous peoples.
As a part of ICA’s goal to amplify voices, we asked the panelists to identify what events, actions, platforms they are excited to see moving forward. They identified key action items for listeners, like follow AfroIndigenousKin on Instagram and read the The Black Public Health Collective COVID-19 statement. But in the broader sense, folks called for support of movements like Black Lives Matter, LandBack, and Wet’suwet’en Solidarity. The need for dismantling the colonial narrative and colonial systems couldn’t be more clear in today’s world.
Our speakers were:
Bryanna Brown (Inuk from Nunatsiavut, Labrador; an Indigenous Community Support Worker working in anti-human trafficking for Inuit. Advocates for the rights of women, Indigenous peoples' issues, environmental justice, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), environmental injustice in relation to MMIWG, persons with disabilities, mental health, food security among Indigenous communities, human trafficking, children in the Child Welfare System, and immigration rights.)
Brendan Campbell (Montreal Lake Cree Nation & Cowessess Cree Nation; recent graduate of the Indigenous Environmental Sciences & Studies Program at Trent University, youth organizer with some anti-racist and environmental justice organizing experience)
Christopher Reid (Nisga'a Nation; PhD student in Educational Studies at McGill University supporting participatory research on urban Indigenous people's experiences with land education)
Maureen Gustafson (Anishinaabekwe, Couchiching First Nation; Master of Public Health with specializations in Health Promotion and Indigenous Health from the University of Toronto, work falls at the intersection(s) of ecological public health and Indigenous rights)
Daniel T'seleie (K'ahsho Got'ine Dene from Radili Ko; former lawyer, current self-government negotiator, and a student trainer of non-violent direct action)
As a newer team member at ICA, this event was an excellent opportunity for me to connect with some of our Steering Committee members and learn more about their amazing work. I hope that listeners experienced the same feelings as we did - inspired and informed. With a common goal of decolonizing and uplifting Indigenous Peoples, Nations and communities, the discussion demonstrated the importance of making movements inclusive and intersectional as they are all interconnected and related. This event reminded me that although we may be working in different spaces, the ongoing efforts of folks like our Steering Committee members are what we need to reach a more just and safe future for all Indigenous peoples in so-called Canada.
Miigwetch/Thank you,
Jayce Chiblow, ICA Community Engagement Lead
