What does it mean to be Canadian? If you鈥檙e struggling with the answer, you鈥檙e not alone. Canada鈥檚 identity has been debated for decades.聽
When considering Canada as a bi-national country, I believe it is time for a new title.聽
In my political science class this semester, my professor asked us 鈥渢rue or false: Canada is a bi-national country.鈥� Many answered true. Understandable, seeing as how the perspective of many Canadians is that the English and French founded the country. As an Indigenous student, I was frustrated by this.聽
Calling Canada a bi-national country erases the First People(s) of this land, as well as immigrants and refugees that are just as much a part of this country as everyone else. In Squamish, we see diversity quite often, and do a pretty good job at embracing it. The high Indigenous, Indian, and Filipino populations allow us to include and participate in other cultures.聽
We have the Sikh festival, powwows and traditional restaurants... but are we lacking in the uniting of these cultures?聽 聽
My parents and some of their friends who were raised in 麻豆社国产often told me about some of the conflicts between the Indian and Indigenous communities. Even when I was young, there was still tension between both our people.聽
When I was older, my Indian friends and I shared similar experiences with discrimination and identity politics with each other. And, I wondered, why did we waste all that time being biased to each other, instead of uniting to start a conversation about our similar experiences?聽
Recently, 麻豆社国产has had some problems regarding racism in the middle school. Some were surprised when I mentioned it was no different from when my generation was there. Often, when coming from a place of privilege to never having experienced these issues, of course it will come as a surprise. But it does emphasize the importance of educating children about these topics when they are younger.聽
Sometimes, it seems that 麻豆社国产is in its own bubble where some believe racism never happens. Many feel uncomfortable opening up this 鈥渃an of worms鈥� but it is important to step out of that bubble and critically think about your role in multiculturalism. Even things like 鈥渢okenism鈥� is a regular reality that people in 麻豆社国产face.聽
Creating the relationship between communities to ask questions and share can erase the barriers that create micro-aggressions and discrimination. It can also encourage other cultural groups in Squamish, no matter how small the demographic, to make a mark in our community as well.聽
