Some of you have heard me talking about the children of all diversities who came to the CDN Human Rights Tribunal hearings and stood with First Nations children to end Canada’s discrimination. They have grown up and want to share what they saw and learned❤️
Amazing new resource! Young people who participated in our social-justice based reconciliation campaigns as kids speak brilliantly about their experiences & impacts of practicing loving justice for First Nations children.
@SpiritBear
Virtual School:
Breaking news! Federal Court dismisses both federal government appeals- the Tribunal’s compensation decision and decision for First Nations kids off reserve get help under Jordan’s Principle stand!
The long history of discrimination against First Nations children Learn more about how Canada repeatedly chose to not act on solutions to stop the harm to, and deaths, of children and why it is still a problem.
I am stunned by Mr. Trudeau's statement that he is not fighting Indigenous children in court. In June, the federal government litigated against First Nations kids to deny them help under Jordan's Principle and to avoid paying compensation to victims of fed. discrimination.
It is Orange Shirt Day to honour the Residential School survivors and the children who were lost. Here is a thread on what you and your family can do today to make reconciliation a reality! Start reading the TRC Calls to Action and pick some to work on.
The victims had to ask the Church for the apology and travelled to the home of the wrongdoer to get it. It was the same with the Canadian Government. I honour those who went. I am just sad they had to go. The best apology is changed behaviour.
Please be as shocked and horrified over the unmarked graves of these children as you were last summer. The number is growing and so should our demands for action on the TRC Human remains found near Alberta residential school site likely children
No flag at half staff for the 215 children who died in residential schools that Canada operated
@CanadianPM
Lower the flags and stop fighting First Nations kids and IRS survivors in court.
Such a disgrace- Indigenous peoples did not choose what language was beaten into us in residential schools. English and French are not endangered languages- Indigenous are.
As Canadians learn about the story of the tragic deaths of 215 children in the residential school in Tk'emlups the Secwepemc First Nation, know this- Canada knew about the death rates in the schools, had tools to deal with it and chose not to. Thread
Mi’gmaq fisherman take less than 5 percent of the lobster and this racism is the response. The feds must also lead by example and acknowledge and end their own systemic racism.
First Nations have faced a contaminated drinking water crisis for years. We need to ask why it is just an outrage when it affects non-Indigenous peoples.
Dear
@Sheila_copps
This comment is a disgrace to you, your party & all fair minded Canadians. Absent any facts to buttress your claim you would be well advised to look up “defamation” and “respect” as your comment embodies the former and is bereft of the latter.
Just heard the sole proprietor of Victoria Barber Shop in downtown Ottawa who was forced to close. Does not qualify for government help but if you make a donation to help keep the business afloat she will pay it forward with free haircuts to low income folks. Help if you can.
Now for the story of how these occupiers violated the charter rights of all of us who live and work in downtown Ottawa and have had to endure this for three weeks. Grateful for the safety and quiet❤️
The pictures of these irresponsible parents putting their children on the front lines of the police action is beyond description. So sad for these children and I hope they have a loving caregiver to look after them b/c there are serious questions about the judgement of the parent
Breaking News! The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has just approved the $23.4Billion compensation agreement for children, youth and families affected by Canada’s discriminatory conduct towards First Nations children, youth and families. Link to decision coming soon!
I have been part of many protests- all peaceful and had permits. This is not a protest- it is an unlawful occupation and should be referred to as such.
In a taxi today in Ottawa talking about what freedom really means. He said in his country if they criticized the government they would kill you & your entire family. The people shouting freedom in Ottawa have no idea that they already have it.
Thank you to the 90+ percent of truckers who are vaccinated and do us all a great service. The others are an indignity to themselves and a public health hazard for the rest of us.
Dear vacationers in the Okanagan Vernon and Kamloops area- pack up and go home because people who are evacuating due to fires need places to stay. Some from Logan Lake are sleeping in their cars b/c no room in hotels.
Had the federal government listened to this public health inspector in 1907, the lives of thousands of children in residential schools would have been saved. Take 2 mins and watch:
Canada could have ended under-funding of First Nations education, water, early childhood programs, domestic violence shelters and ensured no sick child was air transported alone in Quebec and more. Instead... they bought a pipeline
The healing narrative puts the work back on the victims. We need to talk about the justice narrative as there is more “healing” to be done by the offender than the victim.
Over 6000 children’s graves on government run residential schools and counting and the question taking up significant air time in the French debate was on one group burning books? I am so sad for those children, their families and the moral state of Canadian politics.
Update! Parliament’s flag now at half mast. Thanks to the power of the people. Now let’s get the gov’t to implement all the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. We can do it!
For those who are not from Ottawa - this protest was illegal from day one- you need a permit to protest on Parliament Hill and things like fires are not allowed
You can make a difference today! Tell your MP to vote yes in Parliament this afternoon to end the federal government’s litigation against Residential School Survivors and this generation of First Nations children.
Someone told me years ago that there are two types of people in politics/leadership. People who want to do something and people who want to be someone. Strive for the first and avoid the latter.
Systemic racism = no clean drinking water. Canada can get clean water pumping in other countries and yet it says First Nations without clean water 4 decades should be "patient" and grateful for the progress made so far. Nope-
#fairness4everyone
Res. 15
Suspending her from the Senate is not enough as a suspension assumes the ability to learn and reform. Ms. Beyak has chosen unbridled stupidity at every turn. She ought to be dismissed permanently without any pay, benefits, or pension.
“Ontario Sen. Lynn Beyak is again facing suspension from the Red Chamber for failing to complete her anti-racism training — a project that started off on the wrong foot when she told her instructors she was Métis because her parents had adopted an Indigenous child.”
@DerekSloanCPC
Dear Sir, Dr. Tam works for Canada. She shows us that every day. Your statement does more to diminish you than her. You can criticize ideas but unsupported personal attacks are inappropriate. Please retract and apologize.
This is a turning point in reconciliation. Canada either fully complies with the Tribunal's rulings & ends discrimination in other public services or it continues to fight First Nations children. Whatever choice they make- it is time for Canadians to make them famous for it.
The horrific news of a race crime in London, Ontario reinforces the need for the public to speak out against all forms and sources of discrimination and to stand in solidarity with the communities affected. ❤️
He is out of patience? These blockades have been up for a few weeks and yet Sunday marks the 13th anniversary of the Caring Society and AFN filing the human rights case regarding Canada’s discrimination toward First Nations kids and it is still going on.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government has done its best to resolve the situation including calls today to Wet'suwet'en leadership and says much work needs to be done but in the end "the barricades must come down."
#wetsuweten
Depicting a child environmental activist being sexually assaulted on a sticker is disgusting. Thanks to the whistleblower and I hope a full investigation is launched into the perpetrators and those that support them.
BREAKING: The Bureau of Indian Affairs today told the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe that the Secretary of the Interior has ordered that their reservation be disestablished and their land be taken out of trust.
Dear 338 newly elected MPs- here is your TRC work plan for the country. You owe a moral & legal duty to stop fighting First Nations kids & residential school survivors in court & to implement the Calls to Action to end other injustices. We are watching.
Breaking good news! The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders that First Nations children without status resident off reserve who are recognized by their Nations for the purposes of Jordan's Principle are eligible for services/products! 1/2
Today's language tips! 1) Do not use Indigenous when describing something First Nations, Metis or Inuit specific (i.e.: reserves are only FN); 2) avoid the possessive tense in descriptions of FNMI relationships to other gov't or peoples ( use F.N. in Canada v. our F.N.)
We can get clean drinking water to the space station and construction on parliament buildings never stopped due to Covid so there is no excuse for this. Just a lack of political will and action.
Today marks the 9644th day of Neskantaga FN Boil Water Advisory. Pictured here is Raphael (6) pulling a trailer and Hailey (9) helping their mom get drinking water from the reverse osmosis system. Imagine they have to do this too in the middle of the winter at -40 weather. 😡
Imagine paying $16 to $45 dollars for one regular box of tampons and then being the very youth who do not get free menstrual supplies in their schools. Lived reality for First Nationa youth-
@fordnation
and
@CanadianPM
fix this unfairness via Jordan’s Principle.
Today I asked the Min. of Education
@Sflecce
why First Nations schools are not included in Ontario free menstrual products program. I was not given an answer.
Jurisdictional issues should not be dividing provincial and First Nations schools and students.
I am so sad that the federal government filed its appeal on compensation to victims of Canada's discriminatory conduct the day of the annual memorial for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls. My thoughts and prayers are with their spirits and their families.
Global News caught up with Justin Trudeau, who was vacationing in Tofino on Canada's first National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
His official itinerary placed him in "private meetings" in Ottawa.
Full story here:
#cdnpoli
#bcpoli
Breaking GOOD news! The Tribunal has just ruled in favour of First Nations children and caregivers on key issues regarding compensation for Canada's discrimination. Read the order below- reasons to follow.
Dear Journalists reporting on COVID. Please do not use “Indigenous” unless the issue applies to all three groups to the same extent. First Nations, Métis and Inuit have distinct circumstances that get lost in umbrella terms like Indigenous and make it harder to tackle.
Dear
@JustinTrudeau
You keep insisting that your government is not fighting Indigenous kids in court. Here is the webcast of the government fighting to deny First Nations kids access services off reserve & to deny human rights compensation to all victims of fed. discrimination
Here is the link to the Federal Court webcast of the government fighting against First Nations kids wanting to deny them help under Jordan’s Principle and compensation Federal Court - Webcast
Refreshed Dr Bryce’s resting place today with orange pinwheels! He blew the whistle on the needless deaths of kids in residential schools in 1907. Visit him at plot 60
@BeechwoodOttawa
On National Indigenous Day, join me in calling for all politicians to take mandatory training on Indigenous Peoples, residential schools, the TRC and the contemporary injustices facing First Nations. Metis and Inuit peoples today!
#Knowbetterdobetter
It is Christmas Eve
@CanadianPM
Please drop all of your legal fights against First Nations children and families and fund all public services fairly. These children are sacred and they deserve more than lumps of coal from your government.
Breaking - Federal Court approves for First Nations children, youth and families in the amount of $23.4B. Thinking of all the victims and looking forward to seeing comprehensive supports throughout the process🧡
Unbelievable. Why would Canada pay for the security services of a wealthy couple who has stepped out of public service while First Nations kids can't even get a proper school or a clean glass of water?
Canada has not failed - it has chosen to not implement the solutions to remedy the injustices. It is not failing- it is continuing to chose to act in unjust ways.
It turns out that the person distributing the disgusting decal is a volunteer with the same Red Deer
@rcmpgrcpolice
that said there was no criminal offense. Given the conflict of interest- an independent review is needed & the volunteer must be dismissed.
This would be a good day to announce that they will drop all appeals of the Tribunal orders and finally fully comply with the orders and stop fighting residential school survivors in court.
Dear
@JustinTrudeau
Speak clearly against Mr. Trump's egregious actions against peaceful protestors and American citizens. Speak clearly, speak loudly, and don't stop talking until justice comes and Trump is out of office.
I am honoured that my birthday is on Orange Shirt Day🧡 Take action by honouring the residential school survivors, the children who were lost by joining us
@BeechwoodOttawa
today at 9 or downtown at 61 Sparks starting at 10:20
Maybe I am alone in this but when these political "crisis" occur they take up a lot of political/media oxygen. I believe in gov't accountability but I am much more concerned about the children in Cat Lake FN living in moldy homes.
As the Government of Canada announces the largest settlement in Canadian history to compensate for and reform the First Nations child welfare system, here’s our tribute to Cindy Blackstock (
@cblackst
) and the
@CaringSociety
for their determined advocacy.
#cdnpoli
#FirstNations
The importance of people learning about the crimes and abuses of the British Crown toward Indigenous Peoples vastly outweighs any need to know about royal family dysfunction. I watched an interview and will not be buying the book. I will re-read the TRC report instead.
All she wanted is for First Nations students to have ”safe and comfy schools” so they can “grow up and be someone important.” She passed away at 15 waiting for Canada to treat her equally. Other First Nations students are still waiting.
Dear
@PattyHajdu
Congratulations on your appointment. You can take a huge step towards implementing the TRC top calls to action by complying with legal orders to end discrimination v. First Nations kids and dropping all appeals. The time for justice has come.
Residential school survivors told their truths. You can help make their dream of justice a reality- call your MP & demand the feds stop fighting Indigenous kids & residential school survivors in court & implement the TRC Calls to Action.
They were asked to vote on stopping litigation against First Nations children and residential school survivors. They chose not to show up or to abstain. Remember them.
Given that year 151 starts in just a few days, I am going to post a few tips for governments to decolonize.
#1
- do not lament the wrongs of the past while perpetuating them in the present. The first step to reconciliation is stop the harm and learn not to do it again.
People knew better back then and people know better now. Watch this 8 min. documentary on why so many First Nations, Metis and Inuit children died from preventable disease, abuse and neglect and what Dr. Bryce did to stop it:
An RCMP officer in Kinngait (Cape Dorset) has been removed from the community after a video was taken of the Mountie hitting an intoxicated man with his truck. There are now six active investigations of RCMP incidents in Nunavut.
Breaking good news for First Nations kids! The Tribunal issues another order today requiring Canada to pay for family friendly buildings to house prevention services and to support services under Jordan's Principle. More coming soon!
We are returning to court again so children and families get the compensation they deserve. Canada has spent well over 10 million in legal fees alone. Our lawyers
@sarah_mrc
@anneslevesque
and David Taylor of
@conwayllpsrl
work for free with
@SpiritBear
Please thank them:)
R/T if you will join me in keeping an eye on whoever wins the election tomorrow to make sure they implement the TRC Calls to Action and the MMIWG Calls for Justice. If they don't do it- let's make them famous for it and vote them out of office at the first opportunity.
Federal Gov't arguments that they are enforcing the "rule of law" re: the Wet'suwet'en would have more integrity if the CHRT did not have to issue 9 non-compliance orders (and counting) to the feds since 2016 for failing to end discrimination towards First Nations children.
My mom who lives in BC had a good observation. During the recent BC election she received calls offering to drive her to the polls but no ride for seniors to get the vaccine.
To both the person who drew this and
@jkenney
who seems oblivious to how inappropriate this is given violence against women and the subjugation of women - take a First Nations studies and women's studies course. You both need it - desperately.
What is systemic racism? Why is it so hard to see and disrupt? Do good people discriminate? Why do others feel those affected are "complaining about everything?" Starting today, let's talk about First Nations systemic racism in my new twitter learning series
#fairness4everyone
During the holidays we rely heavily on service professionals like store and restaurant employees, postal workers, transportation and sanitation workers. I just want to say thank you and ignore the grumpy people. It takes more class to serve than be served.
The “healing” narrative puts the work back on the victims. We need to talk about the “justice” narrative with greater strength - because that is where apologies find meaning.
As an Ontario taxpayer, I support the teachers and the students who deserve the best education possible. Dear
@fordnation
drop the buck a beer and use the money for education.
“Educators in every school board will not stay silent as the Ford government proceeds to decimate our publicly funded education system,” says
@etfopresident
Sam Hammond. Read joint release:
Join all
#onted
educators on Friday, Feb. 21.
#ETFOstrike
#ONpoli
Dr. Bryce spoke out to try to save the children's lives. It would have cost 15,000 out of a national budget of over 100 million. Canada said no. Dr. Bryce kept talking and was pushed out of the public service- he published this in 1922:
Honouring the children who are being found on the grounds of residential schools by ensuring justice for this generation of First Nations, Metis and Inuit children.
Proud my birthday is on Orange Shirt Day. Remember and honour the residential school survivors and then let your federal candidates know you support the Spirit Bear Plan to end all inequalities that continue to pile up on the hopes and dreams of First Nations children
She graduated top of her class in mathematics and also has a doctorate in chemistry. It shows in her presentation of the facts. I hope she inspires girls to go into STEM!
This is how Angela Merkel explained the effect of a higher
#covid19
infection rate on the country's health system.
This part of today's press conf was great, so I just added English subtitels for all non-German speakers.
#flattenthecurve
I want to honour all the children who protect other children from neglect and abuse. They are unsung heroes of child protection that must inspire all adults to step up so they don’t have to.
Dear
@CanadianPM
Bee should not have to ask you to get clean water to her community so she can go home. It is a basic human right that is not met by more excuses and delays. She is worth the money and she is worth the effort. Take action ASAP.
This story just gets worse. The RCMP volunteer who distributed the disgusting decal also is a senior manager for the energy firm featured on the sticker. Please
@CommrRCMPGRC
look into the RCMP's handling of this case immediately. Red flags everywhere.
Fresh off of the reconciliation election pledges & just days before Orange Shirt day, the fed. gov't files an appeal to overturn a CHRT order ensuring First Nations have proper buildings for prevention services to keep families together & help 4 kids under Jordan's Principle.
When the law is not just; the people must be. Demand an appeal and change in the criminal system in ways that lead by example- with dignity, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to truth.