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Dave Wyndorf's avatar

I really enjoyed this article. One of the issues is that BOTH the left and right have lost any ability to doubt their narrative, and have safe zones of "grey", where thinks aren't black or white--literally and figuratively. Now, when I came to Canada in 1970, I faced quite a bit of racism throughout the 70's. Being called "paki" was so common, it became normalized. On the flip side, not to excuse any of the racism, but this is a Judeo-Christian country. Even my mother, now 82, finds it offensive that you can't put up a Christmas tree. You can still cherish Canada for its openness and still honour traditions which are only happy and bring light to all. Even if I didn't celebrate Christmas, what harm does it do when someone wishes me that? They are communicating their festiveness to me. Likewise, if someone wished me a Happy Hanukah or Happy Diwali. I think conversations like this are far more nuanced, and articles like this help facilitate better conversations.

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Robert's avatar

Mr. Best has written a thoughtful and important analysis of the past and the present relationships between the Indigenous peoples and the 'Settlers' . Currently, P.M. Trudeau and Minister Marc Miller along with others have created deep divisions where none need exist. Back in December 2022, Trudeau spoke to the assembly of chiefs in Ottawa and outlined a litany of his perceived offences that we 'settlers' are guilty of. ( See it on You Tube) Mr. Miller on the other hand has done everything he can to intensify the anger that has been created over the 'mass graves' and Residential Schools issues. He, along with other elected officials, have ignored the facts presented in detail by researcher Nina Green who sent details about the 'outcomes' of all the Kamloops children which she sent to each federal MP and to every MPP in B.C. Mr. Best's remedies need to be listened to and acted on otherwise the growing division between the Indigenous and 'Settler' Canadians will become more and more difficult and harder to solve.

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