“Our nations have persevered despite these efforts and atrocities and we encourage our first nations and Canadians to recognize that this upcoming Canada Day,” says Chief Dean Sayers.
The head and council of the Batchewana First Nation will not be participating in Canada Day celebrations this year.
Canada Day has become a day of reflection for many because of the continued discoveries of unmarked graves in residential schools and the barriers that Indigenous communities face in Canada’s legal and governmental systems.
The leadership of the Batchewana First Nation has suggested that its members put on their costumes, connect with nature, and use drums and voices to remind Canadians that Indigenous communities are still active.
Chief Dean Sayers ’statement and more information from the Batchewana First Nation council are included below in his full press release.
With Canada Day just around the corner, the head and the Batchewana First Nation Council have agreed that they cannot participate in any celebrations while the remains of Indigenous children continue to be discovered in the former residential schools.
Many early nations in Canada still feel the impact of the legacy of residential schools that sought to “kill the Indian in the child”. Ground searches have become commonplace in most old residential schools with the number of unmarked graves constantly growing.
“Our history in Canada’s educational institutions may be well known, but what is not recognized are the barriers we face on a daily basis within the Canadian legal system, the justice system and the systems of government. We continue to reject the North British Act. “American Prime Minister John A McDonald’s who tried to extinguish our nation. Our nations have persevered despite these efforts and atrocities and we encourage our first nations and Canadians to recognize it this coming Canada Day.” Said Chief Dean Sayers.
While BFN’s leadership will not be participating in any of the Canada Day celebrations, there are some ways to suggest spending the day; wear your orange shirts that recognize the “every child matters” movement, put on your traditional costumes, visit the water, get out on land, use your drums and voices to remind Canada that our nations they are still here and are as strong as ever.