Assembly of First Nations open letter to Black Lives Matter

BY OMNIYA ALI

“It’s about exposure and understanding and respect.” The cure to racism could not have been broken down to a simpler equation by Marlene Poitras, Regional Chief of Assembly of First Nations Alberta Association. There is undeniably a shared history of colonial violence, enslavement, dehumanization, genocide and erasure in both the Indigenous and black communities in North America as mentioned by Ms. Poitras; and as echoed at several Black Lives Matter rallies “Black liberation and Indigenous sovereignty are interwoven.”

Canada has infinitely claimed an image that encompasses more compassion and humanity than the rest of the world, that cannot stand true as long as its history is being censored through the education system to fit their desired image. The suffering that minority groups such as the Indigenous and black communities have endured throughout the decades in Canada is deserving at the very least of responsibility.

“Education is a huge thing because our lives matter, black lives matter, Indigenous lives matter. We’re human beings like everyone else, the colour of our skin doesn’t dehumanize us because we all have the same aspirations and ways that we want to be dealt with fairly.” Reconciliation cannot be a term used lightly when the people in power are unable to declare the very existence of those atrocities in their fullest form. Dehumanization is truly taken to another level when the very right to the validity of trauma and suffering cannot be provided to those individuals.

“Racism, a lot of it is learnt behaviour and in order to get rid of it, it’s going to be a while. But we just need to continue to educate people and be cognizant that it’s going to be a process that will take time to unfold.” Much as Ms. Poitras stated dismantling a framework that has dominated since the beginning of time is not going to be a simple task. However, giving into the notion that individuals have too small of an effect is simply counterproductive. As B.C. Regional Chief Terry Tegee argued “We don’t need a reform of a broken system. We need a revolution of hearts, minds and souls to create justice and equality.” That can only be possible however, in the event that every individual retains hope and continues to fight for ultimate unity and justice.

The list of actions that yet need to be pursued is never ending, however, on the individual level something as simple as reflecting on one’s values can make a plentiful difference. “The way that I was taught is that you regard another human being as a human with respect and dignity and that is something that I was taught and we just have to continue to educate people to try to dismantle the racism that exists.” Ms. Poitras goes on to add that it is almost completely in a parent’s control as to how their children treat and perceive others. If they have an understanding from a young age that we are all humans with similar aspirations and desires many issues surrounding racism can easily be alleviated.

Although education and exposure are the main keys to unlocking the ceaseless disputes of racism, another one according to Ms. Poitras is being given the opportunity to participate in the discussion. “Just giving us the opportunity to have discussions and to provide some recommendations on how the government is dealing with issues, even policies and legislations that impact Indigenous people and black people. We have to be at the table to have those discussions and to inform the government what’s going to work. We have to do it together. The way of dealing with us is not something that will be tolerated any longer.” Ultimately, people need to make a bigger effort to understand and learn about Canada’s history, learn, read, and discuss in order to be able to spot the indubitable existence of systemic racism with more ease.

A good resource to begin with according to Ms. Poitras is “Unwritten Histories” guide to black history in Canada.