Our neighbours are hurting.

They’ve been hurting.

Indigenous people knew about the horrors of the Residential school system, but the finding of the unmarked graves of loved ones is excruciating and adds to the intergenerational trauma, especially as communities are working to identify these innocent children.

As we take time to reflect on this Canada Day, we must realize that although for so many of us, this country has been a welcoming place and a country we are so deeply proud of—Canada’s institutions and policies were designed with the cards stacked against Indigenous people. They’ve harmed Indigenous people, and they continue to harm.

These truths may be uncomfortable for many of us, but as Canadians, these are our truths.

You can learn more about this by reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) reports here: https://nctr.ca/records/reports/

Many of the TRC Calls to Action speak to all Canadians: http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

Last weekend I gave out 1,000 trees in Dartmouth—Cole Harbour, encouraging folks to plant them for July 1st. Some kids told me the names they were giving their trees. And many of you shared your reasons for planting your tree.

Recognizing that Canada Day means something different for all of us, I am also reflecting on the diverse reasons you gave for planting your trees.

Planting a tree can symbolize many things, and this is reflected in some of the intentions you shared:

  •  as a symbol of their commitment to reconciliation
  • in honour of Canada Day
  • to recognize the strength of this country making its way through the pandemic
  • in memory of Indigenous children harmed by the Residential School System
  • to give back to the earth
  • in memory of a loved one
  • in honour of Canada and Canadians opening their arms and welcoming them to this country
  • to fight climate change
  • to watch the tree grow up alongside their child

This evening the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission will have an evening of reflection from 9:00pm until 10:30pm with a projection of a poem by Mi’kmaq Poet Rebecca Thomas. The poem will be projected on the Old Post Office, located at 52 Queen Street.

The presentation lasts around 5 minutes and will repeat throughout the evening. If you attend, please maintain social distance, and wear a mask. Along with other local representatives, I’ve partnered with the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission on this community initiative.