'If we are to live together and live together in a good way, then let us all take this opportunity to lift each other up.' - Robert-Falcon Ouellette
Today is a celebration. A day of lifting people up; of highlighting all the good and great that Indigenous peoples have accomplished.
It is also a Day of Reconciliation. A day to reflect on our relationship with each other. As a city, province and a country, our relationship with each other is so important for all of our collective futures. Together we need to fix and heal the damage of the past and work together to build a better tomorrow for all of us.
On this day, I invite all of you to take the opportunity, even just a small moment to connect with Indigenous peoples. It could be as simple as going for an Indigenous meal or going to an event being held to celebrate indigenous peoples. Or watching something on YouTube, Instagram, or even TV; but find something which is a celebration of all that is best.
This is also a day for Indigenous peoples to help others, who might not have the opportunity in daily life, learn about us. It is a day to build a bridge; to build relationships, to make connections so that future generations will not need to live in the mistakes of the past.
If we are to live together and live together in a good way, then let us all take this opportunity to lift each other up.
We didn’t create this Canada, we inherited it. And we don’t have to leave this Canada to our future. We shouldn't and we won't.
Together, we can change the Canada we live in.
Tapwe akwa khitwam (truth and see you again).
Robert-Falcon Ouellette