We are living in unprecedented times. We are living in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic which has caused all of us to re-envision and reconsider how we connect, how we gather, and how we will navigate our way forward together.
We are now in June of 2020 – it is Pride month – it is Indigenous History month – and it is a time to celebrate diversity and reflect on the fight for rights – for equality and for respect.
Clearly, the fight is far from over.
COVID-19 has taught us many things. It has shown that when we are privileged enough to have a home – we stay home. When we can safely maintain physical distance – we distance. When we are afforded the luxury of time and space – we sit and dream of a tomorrow when our lives will be back to ‘normal’.
Clearly, we must re-envision and rethink ‘normal’.
The hostility and expressions of violence that continue to plague our pathways to peace and justice are not normal and cannot be tolerated.
We must all take a knee together – we must stand together with Black, Indigenous and all People of Colour to categorically reject racism and all forms of oppression. The time for change is now.
We are Métis – we are fighters – we are nation builders and we have shown time and again the importance of coming together in solidarity for rights and respect.
This is about the kind of fair and just society we all want for our families and our children. It is about the health and well-being and the lives of all our relations – it is about our future and I encourage all our citizens to raise their voice.
Posted on June 5, 2020