Dusk on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I understand what this day means for the First Nations People on Turtle Island in Kanata. But what does this day mean for me? I am a Filipino-Canadian; born in The Philippines. My ancestry is from an island nation that itself was brutally colonized by the Spanish in 1565. It was the Spanish colonizer version of cultural genocide. So I can somewhat understand what the First Nations People are still experiencing. My family immigrated to Canada’s East Coast (no, not Ontario you Plebes 😊). I grew up within a North American privilege of education. In my early days of schooling, I was never taught the truth of Canada’s encounters and treatment of the First Nations. Back then, they were still being called Indians, and any historical “information” had the gloss of colonizer whiteout all over it. It has taken a lifetime of noninstitutionalized eduction to be introduced to First Nations culture and people. Now, I am honoured and proud to be friends (and now family) with many First Nations people. I learn the truth of Canada’s encounters and treatment with the indigenous people of this beautiful and majestic country. What National Day for Truth and Reconciliation means for me is that I am doing my own small part as an ally, as a friend, as an uncle in my own path toward this day’s hope. I work alongside, and within First Nations communities within the theatrical, dance, events, and conference sectors. I keep an open spirit, mind and heart when listening to First Nations People. I support their businesses and share many aspects of their spirituality (I’ve disavowed/taken myself away from Catholicism and following a polyglot version of my ancestral spirituality 🤗). This is what National Day for Truth and Reconciliation means for me. 🧡 https://www.instagram.com/p/CjPzNw9OJZBtL7RETItTkYVjvkNcQgOOXU_d5k0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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