52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing - Week 35

Week 35 – Attend a Demonstration or Gathering from Robertson, David A. 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing

This week, we are invited to attend a demonstration or gathering. Unlike Truth and Reconciliation Day, which we can mark on our calendars months in advance, this is about making space in your calendar when an opportunity arises.

The challenge with demonstrations, however, is that they often happen in response to a traumatic event.

A few examples of traumatic events that have spurred demonstrations include:

• Tina Fontaine, a 15-year-old girl who went missing. Before her disappearance, she had contacted authorities who were supposed to keep her safe. Instead, her body was found wrapped in plastic and a duvet cover. The man accused of her murder, a 53-year-old white man, was acquitted.

• Colten Boushie, who was shot in the back of the head. The man accused of his murder, a 50-year-old white man, was acquitted by an all-white jury.

• The “discovered” unmarked graves at former residential school sites. Robertson points out that it is unlikely that your school had a graveyard, yet for Indigenous communities, the burial of children at residential school sites was already known. Their voices went unheard. This is why “discovered” is in quotation marks—it is important to recognize that Indigenous communities had known about these graves and the children buried there for years.

So, what do you say to today’s youth who see these injustices happening?

You tell them that they are loved and they matter.

You show up. You listen. You learn. And from there, you figure out what actions come next.

This outward expression of allyship means a lot to Indigenous communities. But if you don’t show up, there is no starting point.

How are you showing up this week?

Want to read last weeks post, you can do so here.