*record scratch*
Did he… really say that?
Of course not– at least, not with THOSE words. Premier Doug Ford at least had the sense to learn from former PM Stephen Harper’s lack of decorum regarding Indigenous issues. Of course Ontario believes in respectful commemoration… feel free to take a moment of silence during your work day!
Hello again, listeners. Thank you for joining me for this solemnly indignant issue of Luna Monday.
As you’ve probably gathered, today is National Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Also often referred to as Orange Shirt Day, this holiday was created as a way to honour and remember the victims of residential schools and their families.
For those new to Canada (or otherwise less informed), residential schools were “boarding schools” for Indigenous children, created by the Canadian government and the Church. Their goal was to “assimilate” these children into “civilized society,” by ripping Indigenous children away from their families and communities, and stripping them of their languages, their practices, their identities, and their cultures.
These institutions were nothing short of concentration camps, dear listeners. Children brought to these schools were neglected, abused– outright tortured. The effect of these “schools” is still profoundly felt throughout many Indigenous communities… and what has Canada truly done to atone for it?
Not much, all things considered.
Canada will never be able to fully right the wrongs it has committed (and continues to commit!) against the Indigenous peoples of this land. Our government could atone for 100 years and barely scratch the surface of justice– and yet, that is exactly what it has an obligation to do, and then some.
Ontario cheapening the already pantomine-adjacent holiday by not even giving it the weight it deserves definitely doesn’t do much for the thin facade of “reconciliation” the government claims is in the works.
You can learn more about Orange Shirt Day, the Orange Shirt Society and their work here.
I encourage all of you to spend your “moment of reflection” today to educate yourself on Indigenous issues. APTN National News is a fantastic Indigenous news organization with a bunch of resources to start your journey.
– Luna
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