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National Indigenous Peoples Day: June 21, 2021 -Islam Unravelled Anti-Racism Initiative
6-17-2021
“Colonization is not some phantom of the past – it is a very real system that continues to harm indigenous people, especially women and children, and must be addressed” – Foundation for a Path Forward
(Vancouver, BC) — June 21, 2021, marks National Indigenous People’s Day. In our role as the Official Faith Based Community Convener for British Columbia, we have convened a National Conference in partnership with Norm Leech from the VACPC.
In light of the recent horrific discovery of the bodies of 215 Indigenous children buried at a residential school in Kamloops, the vision for this event is for speakers to share their voice and lived experience in addressing anti-Indigenous discrimination and systemic racism.
This is not just a problem from generations ago. In Canada, according to census data, 52.2% of children in foster care are Indigenous, (while accounting for only 7.7% of the total child population). This means 14,970 out of 28,665 foster children in private homes under the age of 15 are Indigenous.
Dr. Turpel-Lafond’s November 2020 report In Plain Sight described findings of widespread systemic racism against Indigenous peoples in the B.C. health care system. In particular, 84% of Indigenous peoples described personal experiences of racism and discrimination that discouraged them from seeking necessary care and that reduced access to care, negatively affecting their health. These outcomes reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate the cycle of inequity.
A 2014 report by the RCMP, titled "Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women: A National Operational Overview", found that more than 1,000 Indigenous women were murdered over a span of 30 years. From 2001 to 2015, the homicide rate for Indigenous women in Canada was almost six times as high as the homicide rate for other women.
Across Canada, First Nations communities are working to heal and overcome the generational trauma colonization inflicted upon them and their families.
As allies, helping to highlight the hidden history, voices, and truth of First Nations People, we would like to invite you to join elders, community leaders, cultural leaders, and elected officials on National Indigenous People's Day. We are convening representatives of the First Nations and allies to address the topic of Truth, Justice and Reconciliation.
Supporting organizations in this initiative include the Ministry of Canadian Heritage, the Province of BC, Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network, VACPC, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, Foundation for a Path Forward, the Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice, and IDRF.
About Islam Unravelled Anti-Racism Initiative
Islam Unravelled Anti-Racism Initiative is the Official Faith- Based Community Convener for anti-Racism initiatives in the Province of British Columbia, working in partnership with Resilience BC.
Event Details:
Date: June 21, 2021
Start Time: 5:00PM - 7:00PM PDT | 8:00PM - 10:00PM EST
Platform: Zoom, YouTube Live Simulcast
Public Link (to share on Social Media): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-indigenous-peoples-day-truth-justice-reconciliation-tickets-159481089231
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