Commentary

The issue between hereditary leaders and the Canadian government unveiled what is known to most people of colour. Racism is alive and well in 21st century Canada.

"Fear of the unknown. It’s the reason people are hoarding toilet paper and other supplies. It’s not because they’re crazy, it’s because they’re afraid. When there are so many uncertainties and things we can’t control, our nature is to look for anything we can control."

Currently, my grit is being tested and my world view is getting blind-sided with so many unforeseen and unexpected changes. Political decisions, election predictions, economic forecasts and public health emergencies.

Many Canadians remain uninformed about First Nations issues and Aboriginal title. They adopt conquest mentalities failing to understand that treaties were negotiated over conquest.

All three parties – CRPS, SEA and ISC – are set to meet together this week. Whether they can reach an agreement on behalf of the students is not clear. What is clear is that SEA must negotiate equivalent levels of funding to not only maintain status quo with Exshaw School over the long term but to enhance service delivery as well. Equality for Indigenous children should be the objective.

In small groups, we challenged each other about our interpretation and notions related to philanthropy. We agreed the word was not well understood, and many remained convinced that philanthropy means "large gifts of money."

First Nations are aware that the Indian Act perpetuates governance problems and that meaningful change is virtually impossible to make under this law. They recognize that their inherent right can be a pathway to effective governance.

Universal access to publicly-funded healthcare is a source of national pride and a social policy that Canadians are willing to go to great lengths to defend.

This Christmas season, Santa suggests that each of us recruit the talents of a network that is trustworthy, grateful and optimistic. Choose to spend time with courageous, generous and grateful people, because young super-heroes need role models who demonstrate honesty, kindness and positive ways to give back and be grateful.

"Every fiber of my being says we need to keep that school as it is – it is so successful as a launching pad to life. And in my head I think – is this not what Truth and Reconciliation is supposed to achieve."