july 1

July 1 is Canada Day. It is a day that commemorates the formation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. It has become an increasingly complicated day over the past few years as society at large is finally willing to acknowledge that the colonial history (and present) of Canada is not something to be celebrated. As Canadians finally begin to recognize that the formation of Canada as a nation is synonymous with the colonization of this land from its Indigenous stewards, and as the nation mourns the discoveries of unmarked graves of residential school students, it feels wrong and shameful to be observing - let alone celebrating - July 1.

July 1 is also a holiday in Hong Kong. Establishment Day commemorates the date in 1997 that sovereignty over Hong Kong was handed back from Great Britain to China. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the handover, and tensions are still very high from the 2019 protests. This day is usually marked with protests and marches held by pro-democracy groups. We are still witnessing the growing pains and heartbreak of a region that has been operating as a democracy for 150+ years that now falls under the rule of communism.

It is an interesting juxtaposition between Canada and Hong Kong as I feel an affinity for both places. Hong-Kongers are watching their rights to protest, to speak openly and to criticize government disappear, while Canada has increasingly been turning a mirror to its own ugly, abusive, colonial past.

I am trying to accept that this is a complicated day for me - for many. I am heartbroken about Canada’s colonial history - and the colonial systems that are still very much alive. I mourn for all the Indigenous families that were torn apart by residential schools, the Sixties scoop, and other mechanism of cultural genocide. I mourn all the Indigenous children who were sad and scared, separated from their parents, abused, neglected, murdered. I seethe at the racist history of Japanese internment camps, Chinese head tax, Komagata Maru, racial segregation - all while Canada propagates an image of multi-culturalism and diversity.

art by Northern Tutchone/Dene artist Justien Senoa

AND - I am grateful to live in a place where I can protest and speak openly against the government. I am grateful to live in a democracy - no matter how much I question the efficacy of democracy - it is still a privilege to live in a democracy that many people do not have. I am proud to live in a place that opens doors to refugees and immigrants. I am so grateful to live in a nation with universal health care and prioritizes social security. I recognize there is still racism within these systems and they need to be improved - AND I want to recognize and celebrate the liberties that being a Canadian affords me.

Despite - or maybe in spite of - my conflicted feelings, my family and I found ourselves at the Canada Day Parade in Whitehorse today. It lifted my heart to see a sea of international flags to represent the heritage nations of present-day Yukoners. For better or for worse, we are Canadians. Let’s make the most of the privileges that status grants us and keep speaking up for the things we believe in.