There was an art display at the University of Western Ontario this spring that imagined what Canada would be like if was became the 51st state. Not a popular topic for sure. Why is that?
We don’t want to be the 51st state because we understand what we would lose! Our autonomy, our free health care, our sense of safety, the things that make us Canadian. What do you think happened to the First Nations, and Inuit peoples when the colonisers first showed up? Sadly, the Christian Church was deeply intertwined with this process.
The Doctrine of Discovery, the legal basis colonial powers used to claim land, was based in a 1455 papal bull that made its way into 18th century European law. Missionaries were often some of the first to associate with First Nations and Inuit peoples and had the choice of learning from their cultures or imposing European culture and frequently chose the latter, especially when it was to their advantage like when Jesuit priests decided they didn’t like not being able to have control over First Nations women. Residential schools further reinforced assimilation practices suggesting that conversion however obtained was a benevolent act of salvation. We made FNMI peoples the equivalent of the 51st state and worse, and we did it in the name of God.
Reflecting back on this truth, former Archbishop and Primate Michael Peers delivered an apology on Aug. 6, 1993, saying: “We failed you. We failed ourselves. We failed God.” Historically, we imposed the norms, perspectives, and values that were most familiar and best suited us, ignoring the gifts and wisdom of FNMI peoples to the point that they became marginalised and efforts were made to erase their existence. How do we change this pattern today? How can we tell a different story?
Education, building relationships that are respectful and reciprocal, being open to the gifts of FNMI peoples, reading, following content creators on social media, supporting FNMI businesses, attending powwows, etc.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight; O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
We can change the patterns from the self-centred focus of colonial practice to a more expansive perspective that embraces the wisdom and gifts of diverse peoples. This can create incredible opportunities to learn from their stories and experiences, but it might also teach us something about ourselves. We can be blessed when we open ourselves to the gifts of others. That is the wonder and grace of God’s Creation.
May we be continually opened to the possibilities knowing that God works in and through all people. This we pray as we sing: 352 Amazing Grace