Racism Isn't Just a Crack in Canada's Foundation, it is the Foundation
Photography by Gabriel Ramos
Written by Raymond Deleary, Executive Director, Atlohsa Family Healing Services
Racism in this country runs deep. So deep that it is seemingly impossible to uncover, target and address with any level of success. The racism in existence in this country seeps into every nook and cranny of society, including right here in London and Middlesex – as it has done so for centuries now. From my perspective, racism arrived here on this land along with the ships that sailed here from across the ocean. Prior to that racism was unknown, there were no words for it. This is the place that we must begin from if we are going to address racism in all of its forms and even think about achieving racial equality.
The very foundation of this country and subsequently this city's development, our current society and reality, is premised on the notion that one race is dominant over the other because of their racial differences. This is the experience of Indigenous people, the Anishinabe, Haudenosaunee and Lenape people who originate from this part of the world. Throughout the history of Canada's development, Indigenous people have experienced genocide. Let's try stating that another way. The people that came here from foreign land, committed genocide on the Indigenous people of Turtle Island (now called Canada in part.) In turn, Canada and all of its components have been created as a result of genocide. Let that sink in. Pause. Think about it some more. What thoughts do you have after reading those statements over and over again? The very foundation of our society is premised on racist action. At every pivotal point in this Country's history from initial contact, the fur trade, establishing the colonies, confederation, independence from Britain - each step has been premised on racism.
Racism exists and is entrenched within the highest law of the land (Canadian Constitution for Canadians) and therefore is within laws that govern provinces and territories, and therefore informs all of the regulations for government operations, business development and municipal affairs under which the majority of society operates under. How is this possible? Although not explicit in the words contained therein, the Canadian Constitution and the precipitating steps to developing it, blatantly ignore the intended relationship between the Indigenous civilization and the newcomers.
We have ourselves a faulty foundation. The very foundation that this Country is built on is not just cracked here and there, it is made of a substance that is derived from inequality and racism.
What would you do to resolve a faulty foundation in your house?
Indigenous, Black and People of Colour should not be responsible for identifying solutions. We, they, can be a part of the solutions and have been willing all along. The fight for equality and justice has been and is just that – a fight. It shouldn't have to be a fight. In striving to achieve racial equality in our community it is necessary for each member of the community to understand how such has not been and is not the case and to address that truth with humility and bravery. Redirect the utilization of power, authority and wealth that has been attained on the blood, sweat, tears and lives of Indigenous, Black and People of Colour to investing in realities that achieve equality.