On July 1st, Idle No More and other organizations such as ARC Vancouver put on a demonstration for Cancel Canada Day. Many speeches from Indigenous activist and other BIPOC people kept the crowd engaged and educated on the discrimination indigenous people have faced in Canada.
Anti-Racism Coalition is a new grass roots organization that’s emerged in Vancouver from the Black Lives Matter movement. Their initiatives are to create a safe space for BIPOC people to gather and feel supported, to educate and create workshops for white folks and to educate protestors on facts. They also want to bring in more Black owned business back to Vancouver, specifically where the Hogan’s Alley once lived. Hogan’s Alley was a black prominent neighbourhood in Vancouver that got displaced due to the construction of a viaduct.
They are strongly dedicated to educating Canada on the genocide of Indigenous people and reviving Black culture in Vancouver.
Xhalida September, a founding member of ARC Vancouver gave a speech at the Cancel Canada Day event. The event started with several Indigenous artist, from dancers, to singers, to poets, to activist, all performing in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery on July 1st, which for most Canadians is celebrated as Canada day. Cancel Canada Day was put on as a way to acknowledge how Indigenous people have been mistreated by the government of Canada and how this is not a day to celebrate a country who has done everything to eliminate Indigenous culture, traditions and people. From the Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, to the 60s scoop, to residential school and social workers removing children from their homes, Canada is not to be celebrated until reconciliation is in affect.
In this segment, Xhalida September and Kamika Williams speak of their own experience of growing up in white dominant community lacking resources to be supported, heard and safe. This grassroots organizations is rising and is looking towards a brighter future for our society.
By Olivia Leigh Nowak
