Truism of Peaceful Coexistence in Canada: A Clear Analysis of the Indigenous and Non-indigenous Rights

We were one big family until the unfortunate happened, we were diverted, we were distracted and well differentiated from one another. We are differentiated by colors, by religion, by race, by ethnic and by every other thing we could think of, but the root of our major separation was our defined territory. We all want to be superior, we all want to go that way and we all want to be different, we all want to be ourselves, we all want to be identified as a group of persons under one canopy, a name, a family and a nation. Even when majorities of this nation are products of mechanical accidents, yet termed a nation or state for formality sake, even when love exists nowhere amongst us.

 

The world was a peaceful place until war and war came to define who we are said to be. The freedoms we think we have today, we fought for them, fights that exist even till forever, even in situations where Africa fights Africa, a world divided against itself. Great nations are falling, all losing their peaceful coexistence as a result of racism, a nation always having the other to blame.

 

Canada ranks one of the 10 most peaceful countries in the world. Canadians believe life is meant for enjoyment and they focus more on right things, which makes life very simple. Canada is a developed country which ranks among the highest in the international measurement of government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic freedom and education. Canada has a parallel history of racial exclusion and dispossession, yet warm and welcoming, which has diverted attention from this fact.

 

At this time, so many people are not experiencing peace as they are arrested and killed, even for their color, religion or sexual orientation, which has now been deemed an defense which is not worth sparing their lives for in some places. As a matter of fact, racism in the so-called leading country has jeopardized peace even in the daylight, so many cases and instances across the world, but yet Canada enjoys a global reputation as a defender of human rights and therefore, much is expected from Canada as a land of brave and free.

 

As a leading light, much is expected from Canada despite all its effort, yet a need to respect and uphold the right of indigenous communities and visible minorities in Canada remains a pitfall. Canada as a nation has one of its greatest strength in multiculturalism, comprising of diverse ethnicity such as, Europeans, Asain, Indigenous, African, Latin, American and Oceania, with different religion including Christianity, people with no affiliation, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and others.

 

In considering various incidences of unrest in Canada, it is majorly not to be addressed as racism, affecting some group of people but rather the country in its entirety. Considering the recent case of a black woman who fell to her death after police were called to her flat in Toronto, another incidence, where the RCMP in New Brunswick shot an indigenous man to death, another case of an officer shooting a woman, while carrying out a wellness check and all other incidences has birth the recent debate on whether systematic racism is entrenched in the Canadian policies and procedures.

 

This is a pointer to Considering the history of Canada, to get a better understanding about the nation formation. It is essential to hold constructive conversation about systematic racism in Canada because it is the movement that deals with peace, love and humanity in oneness. However, to make Canada better, it takes synergy. On the 153rd Canada’s Day celebration, it is of essence to celebrate the uniqueness of all and recommit to building a system of inclusion where everyone stands to be heard and matter.

WRITTEN BY: Simisola Awe
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