Some hundred or so people gathered in the early hours of July 1, 2017 in Wells Hill Park, at St. Clair and Bathurst to mark Canada’s sesquicentennial with a sunrise ceremony. Organized by the area’s Member of Parliament Hon. Carolyn Bennett (Lib. Toronto-St. Paul’s), also Minister of Crown – Indigenous Relations, a circle was formed around an Anishinaabe elder, who proceeded to greet the sun, the day and the anniversary with traditional rites. Drumming, chanting, wafting smoke from sweetgrass on those who so wished the experience was meaningful for many. Certainly for first-timers at such an event, including the undersigned it was a marriage of the past with the hope of a peaceful, blessed future. It must be noted that other than the elder and his crew the vast majority of those present were, judging by pigmentation, of European extraction, although the multiculturalness of Toronto was certainly visible.
Later that day three wise indigenous women led a water ceremony on a walk through urban, once forested, unsettled lands. This gained prominent attendance as well and evening television news coverage. Positive and affirming, once again. No divisive remarks heard, no negative commentary.
What has happened in the last three years? Surely, the vast majority of those proud to call Canada home – either as newcomers, descendants of war refugees, those able to trace their lineage back here for generations have not changed their respectful, accepting ways?
But thanks to what can only be called a culture of division, not unity negativity is poisoning the airwaves and social media. The multitudes using hateful language, not accepting that humanity, at least in some parts of the globe has made tremendous strides in attempting to rectify – and avoid – the sins of the past.
One of the most distasteful words utilized as a result of protest is conversation. Political leaders and commentators seem to believe that just talking about concerns will lead to change. Change also has become a meme – as if an element of a culture or system of behaviour, which is how the concept is defined, has value during trying times. Perhaps for some it does – for a meme behaviourally is reinforced by imitation. Not genetically, not through education, not through introspection. It is that imitation aspect that is troublesome, especially when it is not accompanied by any degree of common sense.
To call modern Canadians colonizers is an insult. What happened in the past was certainly colonization. But among the explores, fur-traders, coureurs de bois were many, many individuals who genuinely respected indigenous cultures, sought to learn their language an culture, and intermarriage was not always for the sake of convenience, but as any human union should be, because of what the two brought to the relationship.
It is a common trait among Europeans to if not to speak the language of others, neighbouring people, then to at least be able to greet and thank them in their tongue. I can do that in Anishinaabemowin. And more. Can you? Greet my Cantonese neighbours (even if I am a gwailou, a white devil - ethnic slang and slurs exist everywhere, alas). Efforts to communicate are always appreciated. It is not a “conversation”, but a sign of respect to do so.
The time for conversation among the elite is past. The mindless chants for change from protesters are being heard but the divisions are not of any value. The time is for action of a positive nature, not exhortations that cleave lour polity even further, reduce years and years of efforts to understand others. Respectfully and acknowledging our differences. All of them, by all of us.
TÕNU NAELAPEA