Want to be an ally for Indigenous people? Here's how you can help
Ever since the shocking news out of Kamloops, B.C., several days ago, Canadians have been doing some soul-searching -- wondering how they can help their Indigenous neighbours towards healing and change.
Fran Morrison has been an ally to First Nations people her whole life.
For years, Morrison has been going to powwows and other events in Indigenous communities.
When she heard of the horrific discovery of the remains of 215 children near the Kamloops Residential School, she decided to attend a vigil Sunday evening on the Shubenacadie First Nation.
"Somebody said to me before I went, 'Aren't you nervous about going there?' and I said 'why would I be nervous?' 'Well, you're probably going to be the only white person there,' and I looked at them and I said, 'that's the kind of thinking that we have to stop.'"
Kelly Serbu is a Halifax-based lawyer whose work with residential school survivors -- along with his Metis heritage -- has given him a unique perspective on this.
"I adjudicated claims in Indian residential schools across the country for a decade," Serbu said.
He says plain and simply, the time to wake up is now.
"Silence is no longer an option, and it should never be an option," Serbu said. "If people hear derogatory comments made about Indigenous people, or stereotypical comments about Indigenous culture, speak up. And let people know that that's not acceptable anymore."
Samanta Krishnapillai is founder of the On Canada Project, an organization that's started a nation-wide initiative called "Settlers Take Action."
"We, as non-Indigenous people who live on this land, do have a responsibility for reconciliation," says Krishnapillai.
She says there are four steps her group is calling on people to take.
"Learn the land, do the research, understand what truth and reconciliation is, and connect with your elected officials and demand better," said Krishnapillai.
Some are wondering whether Kamloops will be a wake up call we'll look back upon years from now -- or whether the mistakes of the past will wind up being repeated?
"The time for change is now, but it was before now, quite frankly," Serbu said. "It's not enough to show outrage and shock and dismay and then, you know, not do anything a month or two months later. I think the foot has to stay on the gas pedal, and we have to right the wrongs of the past."
Serbu says for anyone still unsure on how exactly to be an ally, he suggests at the very least writing their MLA or other politicians and to their church.
If they have kids, try to educate them or make a donation to one of the several groups that helps residential school survivors.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.