THE MESSAGE:

We can study, party, protest, change the world, celebrate... or NOT.

Some Universities in Canada have student unions that are demanding a stance against Celebrating our 150 birthday. These student unions are claiming to be dissatisfied with the way our governments have dealt with the aboriginal peoples. Their protests are based on the perception that discrimination is at the roots of the development of Canada as a nation. Recently they have expanded their actions to condemn the state of affairs in Palestine.

THE BLURB:

DALHOUSIE U. IN HALIFAX

The student union passed a motion proclaiming “the current celebration of Canada Day was an act of colonialism.” The union pledged not to partake in “any Canada 150 programming.”

MARY MACDONALD

Mary MacDonald, is in a wheelchair and represents students with disabilities. To the Union's claim about representing marginal students, MacDonald was quick to point out its hypocrisy. Dalhousie’s Tiger Patrol, which is a student ride-home service organized by the union and subsidized by the university, isn’t wheelchair-accessible. MacDonald recalled that she had emerged from an evening class into a blizzard and watched able-bodied students board the van while she had to make her own way home. Hence she decided to run for election to the Union.

Accordingly MacDonald objected to the motion which, “Seems to question the very legitimacy of Canada and, almost subverts the celebration of pride in our country.” She stated at the meeting, that a person can celebrate Canada Day, be a proud Canadian and also have empathy for others who are suffering. She also pointed out that the motion inferred that you’re a racist if you express pride in your country. "This motion is blatant shaming, of being a Canadian."

RYERSON STUDENTS’ UNION

The union protested the events on their Facebook page, calling Canada 150 “Colonialism 150” and began writing its own posts in a “Countdown to Colonialism” series that explain aspects of Indigenous culture and history.

PHYLLIS MCKENNA

Phyllis McKenna, an Indigenous student at Ryerson, supports the union’s decision. “To spend half a billion dollars on Canada 150, while Indigenous communities are without basic necessities such as clean drinking water or safe adequate housing . . . "Where is the reconciliation?" McKenna stated that the federal government is not committed to reconciliation, but if it was to show commitment, she is "Sure we would have something to celebrate."

The union’s stance has angered some students, with many writing comments criticizing the union for its position, and stating that the union does not represent all Ryerson students with their views.

The RSU’s decision was supported by the Canadian Federation of Students and the University Graduate Students’ Association.

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

Algoma University is a post-secondary institution in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Established in 1965, Algoma U is a teaching-focused and student-centred post-secondary institution. It specializes in liberal arts, sciences, and professional degree programs. It is Located on the former site of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School.

The students are represented by the Algoma University Students' Union (AUSU). AUSU is a local 82 of the Canadian Federation of Students. The union at Algoma University did not celebrate Canada 150.

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY

The Graduate Students’Association at Laurentian University also passed a motion to not celebrate Canada 150. I could not find any concerns, protests or ideas from the student unions.

CANADA’S LOST GENERATION

Across Canada, barely four in 10 young First Nations adults who live on reserves have graduated from high school. Even among young aboriginals living off-reserve, the high-school dropout rate is three times that of non-aboriginals. The costs in unrealized human potential and lost opportunity are incalculable, for them and the country. But who or what is at fault? Is it the lifestyle of the seemingly isolated bands that make up The Assembly of First Nations? Should they give up their attempts to decry the development of the Canadian way of life and get on board as the Irish, Italian and Chinese immigrants have done? Is First Nations a realistic life choice for Canada? WILL THE THRONG EVER ABANDON THE CRIES OF COLONIALISM AND RACISM? Please, Lord let them avoid the hidden vipers and start 'Becoming'!

THE QUESTION:

Are university students overly critical of the status quo? Are their views too idealistic?

THE LEMON:

Awarded to 1st and 2nd generation aboriginals who take advantage of government handouts such as free post secondary education and still complain of "no reconciliation."

THE QUOTE: