The 2nd Indigenous Peoples Day. What Does This Mean?

Here we are a year after the Inaugural Indigenous People’s Day. A lot has happened in the last year.

There’s been apologies… the first being from the Canadian Prime Minister who, instead of embracing the inaugural day, went on vacation. Idiot.

There’s also been apologies from the Catholic Church and namely, the Pope. Whether this will change anything remains to be seen, but a long walk starts with a willingness to go. So hopefully it’s a start.

There’s also been the discovery of more mass graves at residential schools across the country. It will take years to identify and respectfully investigate the graves. More time.

The government, at the insistence of the public who refused to be blind any longer, has opened its books and files. This should have been done years and years ago… all the empty promises left spilled on the floor… they should be ashamed.

I think the biggest thing in the last year is the realization of truth. This has caught the attention of the world and will hopefully resonate with all as the truth continues to show itself.

I feel a huge earthly sigh that can hopefully clear the cobwebs of deceit and shame to make room for some fresh air to move everything forward.

This is a poem I wrote last year. I hope you enjoy.

i never knew

there is nothing I can say or do
to bring back lost babies and children
into the ever-waiting arms of their parents
though times passed wounds are fresh 

i want to embrace. soothe and ease the pain
but their wound is long standing. runs deep
within me there is guilt through ignorance borne
how could i not have known? how?

as we look t'ward the day set aside 
new meaning has birthed realizations of
sanctified genocide in beloved canada
in front of us all. now splayed bare

distrust of red surge on government duty
understood for the brutal reality 
of ripping asunder nations on their lands
generations of stolen potential. gifts of life

cross yourself and raise thine eyes
under the guise of church approved torture
bastard pedophiles left to defile innocents
no one stopped them. no. one. stopped. them.

in our world now i weep for those families
my apology of recognition is all i have to give
as i back away head down in consult to allow 
families and communities to grieve in peace

faye e arcand 

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