I have been listening to recent discussions about removing statues of Sir John A. Macdonald. This is a recurring discussion that has happened quite a bit in recent years. Oddly enough, it seems to be largely coming from Canada's settlers.
It is interesting to see non-Aboriginal people making these calls to whitewash Canada’s history. In Charlottetown, there are calls from folk to remove Sir John A. Macdonald. As an Inuk man, I vote to keep Sir John A. Macdonald seated on his bench on Victoria Row. Hiding the sins of our past because we are uncomfortable with them only ensures they will be repeated.
Canada was built by racists with a racist agenda to assimilate and/or annihilate Aboriginal people. The entire Indian Act — which is still law today — is based on this premise.
Instead of removing a statute to assuage guilt and shame, why don’t we accurately and truthfully represent our collective past — the ugliness and the horrific along with the good and celebrated? For example, in this instance, it can be accomplished by including the truth of Macdonald’s legacy on a plaque alongside the statute.
I also feel it is inappropriate for white people — who may be feeling shame and embarrassment over Canada’s history — to propose their own solutions to a problem we — the Aboriginal people — are still acutely facing today.
It is better and more appropriate to give us the space and opportunity to speak on our own behalf. And when we do speak, can you really and truly listen? Can you meditate on what is shared so you can understand the issue from our perspective and experience? Don't just react and give into the temptation to just do something. Instead, please do the hard work of reconciliation with us and not for us. The 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada is a great place to begin.
Nakummek, thank you.
Jonathan Hamel is an Inuk man who lives in Belfast, P.E.I.
