How to Celebrate Canada Day in 2021 as a Non-Indigenous Canadian

July 6, 2021

Canada: a peaceful and proud multicultural nation, full of kind people.


This is the stereotypical view of Canada. While some Canadians may be proud of this stereotype, I believe it to be dangerous. I believe this longstanding harmonious view about Canada and Canadians can be very harmful because it can encourage people toward the idea that societal change in Canada is unnecessary.


Canada has a racist history of cultural genocide toward the Indigenous peoples - this dark history has recently been brought to light due to the recent findings of numerous unmarked graves of hundreds of Indigenous children at the sites of multiple Residential Schools.


How can one take pride in their country and be patriotic when that very country has and continues to oppress certain cultural groups? Indigenous peoples are the most marginalized group in Canada. The people who first occupied this land often face squalid living conditions.


It is important to acknowledge the injustices that Indigenous peoples have faced for centuries and continue to face. However, that is not enough. 


We must listen to the Indigenous peoples and learn how we, as non-Indigenous peoples, can right all the historical wrongs and create equity for all. 


Indigenous peoples themselves must decide how to move forward from the devastating findings of hundreds (and perhaps thousands) of Indigenous children who lost their lives due to the Government of Canada and the Catholic church. Non-Indigenous peoples in Canada must support the decisions of Indigenous peoples and help facilitate those decisions.


Ultimately, we must use Canada Day as a day for reflection, grieving, and thoughts about how we can create a better Canada - free from racism, discrimination, and marginalization.


Kashia Knowlton is a summer student at Nationhood Council House. Kashia attends McMaster University (majoring in Indigenous Studies) and is from Oakville, Ontario.


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Understanding Jordan's Principle: Accessing Supports for Indigenous Families

By Bimaadzwin Team • December 18, 2024
Message from Bimaadzwin CEO, Isadore Day

Forward from Bimaadzwin CEO, Isadore Day

By Bimaadzwin Team • December 18, 2024
At Bimaadzwin, we stand with First Nations families and communities in seeking justice and healing for the harms caused by discriminatory systems. The First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement is an important step forward in addressing the historic inequities that have deeply impacted our children and families. As we look toward the opening of the Claims Period in 2025, this is a time for preparation and reflection. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the strength of our people and the importance of ensuring every child and family receives the compensation and supports they deserve. We encourage all eligible Class Members to access the resources available and take the steps needed to prepare for the Claims Process. Together, we can move forward in our shared journey of healing, equity, and reconciliation. Isadore Day CEO, Bimaadzwin  Settlement Update: Claims Process for First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement Class Members of the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement will be able to submit their claims for compensation beginning March 10, 2025 . Who Can Submit Claims in the First Period? The initial Claims Period will open for two of the nine Classes included in the Settlement: Removed Child Class : First Nations individuals who were removed from their homes as children between April 1, 1991, and March 31, 2022 , while living on reserve or in the Yukon, and placed into care funded by Indigenous Services Canada. Removed Child Family Class : The caregiving parents or caregiving grandparents of these children. Compensation will not be available until the Claims Period opens. At that time, Class Members will need to submit a Claim Form to the Settlement Administrator to begin the process. Key Deadlines for Submitting Claims Adults (Age of Majority as of March 10, 2025) : Have three years from the Claims Period opening date to submit their claims. Minors (under the Age of Majority as of March 10, 2025) : Will have three years from the date they reach the Age of Majority to submit their claims. How to Prepare for the Claims Period David Sterns, Class Counsel and partner at Sotos LLP, advises Class Members to begin preparing now for the Claims Period by ensuring they have: Government-Issued Identification : Verify your ID is up-to-date. A Reliable Mailing Address : For correspondence related to your claim. A Bank Account : Ensure it is in your name so compensation can be deposited directly. Free Resources and Support Class Members will not need to pay anyone to help submit their claims or receive compensation. Several free resources will be available: Contact Centre : Open now at 1-833-852-0755 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, excluding statutory holidays). This service will expand when the Claims Period opens. Claims Helpers : Available once the Claims Period begins, they will provide one-on-one support in completing Claim Forms virtually or in-person where available. They can also connect Class Members with local services and wellness resources. Online Information : Visit the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle website for updates and detailed guidance. Mental Health and Crisis Support Acknowledging the emotional impact of this process, Class Members can access 24/7 mental health and crisis support through: Hope for Wellness Helpline : Call 1-855-242-3310 or visit the Hope for Wellness website. Services are available in English, French, Cree, and Ojibway upon request. Kids Help Phone : Youth can call 1-800-668-6868 or text FIRSTNATIONS to 686868 for support. Looking Ahead The First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement is more than a legal agreement—it is an acknowledgment of the harm done to First Nations children and families and a commitment to repair and rebuild. For those planning to submit claims, preparation is key. Begin now by gathering documents and verifying your information. Support is available every step of the way to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. For further questions, Class Members can contact the Settlement Administrator at 1-833-852-0755 or visit the official website for updates. For First Nations Leadership if Bimaadzwin can assist in this effort for your community members please contact us at https://www.bimaadzwin.ca/contact or call (705) 849-8796.
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