Ed and I thrive today because our ancestors came to Canada to work on stolen land. Even today, we live on the unceded territory of Kwantlen, Á,LEṈENEȻ ȽTE (W̱SÁNEĆ), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō), Semiahmoo, and Coast Salish nations.

I love Canada, but Canada is not a place worthy of celebrating this year. To that end, Ed and I are donating our Canada Day wages to the Indigenous Residential School Survivors Society and True North Aid. We are privileged to be in a position to do this, and we are only in this position because of our ancestors and the stolen land they were given. I am reading, and learning, and listening. If you’re able, please help in any way you can. We are ALL thriving – whatever your level of thrive may be – because of our ancestors and the atrocities committed to build this country.

Here are some resources that friends have shared with me.

• Reconciliation Canada
• Where to donate to support survivors of Residential Schools, via MacLean’s
  • Indigenous Residential School Survivors Society
  • Legacy of Hope
  • Orange Shirt Society
  • True North Aid
  • First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
• Truth and Reconciliation Committee of Canada: Calls to Action
• Assembly of Seven Generations
• Water First Education and Training
• Indigenous Ally Toolkit from the Montreal Urban Aboriginal Community Strategy Network
• Write to your MLA, MP, and the PM
• Educate yourself about the Indigenous land you live on

There is so much work to do, and it’s on all of us to help.