Author: kwetoday

Racism in Canada

London Free Press, London ON, Racism Leave a comment

Racism doesn’t discriminate. Racism can affect anyone and the proof is in this article written by Glen Pearson, co-founder of Canadian Aid for Southern Sudan, co-director of the London Food Bank and a former MP.

This article is titled “Prejudice, even here in London”

It was sad to read this article because someone decided to voice their opinion in a way that was unsuitable and in my opinion should have not been said at all. It was sad to read about this 2 men being verbally attacked by someone else in a public space. What is sad is that this sort of thing happens all the time and it shouldn’t.

I thought I would share this article in hopes that people will soon realize that prejudice, racism, stereotyping … all things discriminatory, do not discriminate: it can affect anyone, any place, any time.

Writing this I am reminded of an incident I witnessed. An organization who had claimed to be creating a project with partnership between itself and Aboriginal communities, it’s own employee had openly ridiculed one of the Aboriginal communities in it’s own office. What was even more sad about this, is that this person was considered “the face of the project” and had been described as a “visible minority” herself. It made me sad when I learned that she only had said this discriminatory comment out of frustration and it was just swept under the rug.

Just because you don’t say something racist, discriminatory, marginalizing or oppressive to someone who doesn’t hear it or who you can’t look directly in the face, does not make it (for lack of a better word) “correct.” Even individuals part of a visible minority group can discriminate or have discriminatory words or behaviours towards another visible minority group (which is sometimes even worse–the oppressed further oppressing another oppressed group.)

So please, next time you open your mouth to voice your opinion whether you think you are right or not, or whether it is out of pure frustration or not, does not make it right. Remember: All things discriminatory, do not discriminate: it can affect anyone, any place, any time.

Daphne Odjig

Art History, Daphne Odjig, females, First Nations, Gallery Indigena, Picasso Leave a comment

The other day I met with a professor at my university. I was very thankful that he set aside some time to meet with me, as professor are busy all year round. I had a great talk with him about things I wanted to do with my degree and some of the things I was interested in at the moment. I also told him that I was being commissioned to do a painting for a documentary. This opportunity I am very thankful for as well. He then shared with him that he was friends with Daphne Odjig. This is a lady whose work I had just seen the week before. Her work was being featured at a near by gallery called “Gallery Indigena” located in Stratford Ontario. I remember looking at her work and I noticed that it looked like a Picasso Style. He then proceeded to tell me that she was one of the few artists (actually 1 out of 4 in the entire world) that was asked to do a memorial painting in honor of Picasso. The only word I could think of at that time was: Amazing!

And you know what, that is amazing because I didn’t know this and probably not too many do. He also shared that she wasn’t all that “big” in Canada until recently. It’s a shame that artists don’t get noticed until “later.” Ms. Daphne is still living, but as he told me “very sick.” All I can say to that is, I am thankful to hear about all of this while she is still here. It is great because she is female and she is First Nations and she is from Wikiwemikong, Ontario. There are sooooooo many great First Nations people (not just First Nations females) to be proud of and I wish the rest of Canada knew about them or at least more people…not just Canada.

Anyways, I am writing this post to share to the rest of the world about something I am proud of: being an artist, female, and First Nations.

And to also share with the rest of the world, the lovely work and a great great great accomplishment of a First Nations Female who was born right here in Ontario.

You can check out her bio and some of her work at Art History Archive and some of her work at the Gallery in Stratford, Ontario online at Gallery Indigena.

Evolution of a Painting

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Well, I can’t really show you the evolution of this painting per se…but what I can share with you is the image that I first had in my mind and what the end product was. This is the sketch straight out of my sketch book (makes sense…my sketch outta my sketch book… haha okay a wee bit too geeky)

When I first started out sketching my drawing, I knew what I wanted. Well, I sort of knew. I knew that I wanted a hand in there somewhere…holding something. And the basis of the hand holding the “circle” or the “moon” with the mother and child came from the person who had asked me to paint the picture for them. You can check out the documentary site HERE.

The Sketch (measurements: approx 5x8in)

It took about 12-15 sheets of sketching paper to finally come out with the final drawing/sketch. I used ink in the beginning of my sketches because that is what I like. I like to use ink/pen because I like to sketch an entire picture/image without lifting the source of ink or the pen off the page–I can do that more easily with ink than with lead (as the lead will smudge…ink smudges too but not as bad as lead). Also with ink, even if I make a mistake I just literally make that mistake part of the sketch or just as easily “scribble” over the mistake (the scribble usually ends up being a part of a shadow or another object…)

I used to have a hard time when I was younger with my artwork. I never really thought I was all that great to begin with. I never really showed anyone my art work. I did however end up taking art courses all the way to Grade 12. (I was even voted most artistic in Grade 10). I knew then people were actually paying attention to my work. I just continued to do what I liked to do and that was make art. The more I did it, the more comfortable I became. Also, I began to notice that the mistakes I made…nobody ever really noticed…not even if I pointed them out.

So I painted many portraits. My models for some of my early paintings came from advertisements in magazines or barbie dolls. Today, I can sketch an entire image from my own imagery … mind you it takes about 15-20 tries before I get what it is exactly I want but that is what art is: trying things out and even if it doesn’t work the way you wanted it to, use it anyways.

The end product turns out to be this… The Painting (measurements: approx 2x3ft)

You can see that not all the original details that I wanted to use in the sketch are actually in the painting. And like I said, even though it didn’t turn out how I originally planned, I just went with it.

I am definitely motivated to make some more art work.

Canada: Culture, Religion, and Aboriginals

Aboriginal, Assimilation, Canada, Cultural Assimilation, Culture, Religion Leave a comment

I write this post after hearing again this week that Aboriginals should just assimilate into society. Canadian society that is.

After thinking about this comment for some time, I am going to give the person the benefit of the doubt and say that she probably meant no harm in saying it. There is, however, harm in saying such a thing. Especially to an Aboriginal person. Why is that? Well it was the very same act *assimilation* that has put Aboriginals in the state that they are in today. Unhealthy: mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

I am then reminded of a comment my Irish friend made me to me one day. He said, “I am proud to be Canadian.” And I told him, “That I don’t think there is enough of that.” He asked what I meant and I said “proud Canadians.” I then gave the example to him that a lot of people that I know (besides him) don’t ever say: “I am a proud Canadian.” They usually say, “I am proud to be Italian…” or German or Korean or Mexican and so on. I told him in comparison to the states, Canada doesn’t really have it’s own “culture.” And it’s true about Canada, it is rather a mixture of cultures than rather a country that possesses it’s own culture.

Saying that to him I was reminded of some younger people’s lack of faith in religion. Perhaps today religion is not as strong as it once used to be. Especially in Canada. I think that religion creates a lot of difficulties especially in regards to creating divisions (and by religion I mean Christianity/Catholicism..the very 2 religions that attempted to assimilate Aboriginals into Canadian society). Even in past history, conflict and violence erupted because of people’s different views on the church and religion of the past. Sometimes people ask me what my religion is and I always answer “I don’t have a religion.” They usually look puzzled and stumped at the same time after hearing my answer. I then explain to them that my culture is not a religion and that it is my values, beliefs, and way of life. When I think of religion (mostly Christianity/Catholicism), I think of conflict, divisions, violence. I do not want to be associated to that. Most certainly I do not want someone thinking the same thing as me to associate those descriptive words with the thought or idea of practicing Aboriginal culture.

But what I am really trying to get at in writing this post and sharing these views and stories is that I believe Canada does not have it’s own culture and that it rather has a mixture of cultures. Also religion is not the same as Aboriginal culture. And that religion is not valued as much as it once was in Canada. But most importantly in regards to the comment relating to Aboriginals assimilating into Canadian society–just because Canada does not have it’s own distinct culture and that just because it does not think highly of the values of it’s own existing religions within… Aboriginals shouldn’t have to be one in the same—lacking culture and devaluing their beliefs.

And the winner of the "who receives more press award" is…. Amy Winehouse and Norway Bombing/Shootings

Amy Winehouse, Norway, Norway Bombing, Norway Shootings Leave a comment

There have been 2 great losses in the world today both occurring in 2 different countries and receiving media coverage.

I remember this past weekend when both events were announced. On twitter, more people said “RIP Amy Winehouse” than the sending out condolences out to families/friends in Norway. Right I get it, both are very tragic and some people even stated that one death should not be more tragic than another as both loses are equally tragic. I get it. I understand.

Apparently, Amy Winehouse Back to Black Album is gaining the #1 spot on iTunes and Amazon. Yes, that is great. (Isn’t it true that you make more money as an artist upon death–sadly but yup) Also, her dad is announcing a foundation in her honor which is even more wonderful.

Now for Norway. Even though the original number of deaths was 90+, is now lowered to somewhere like 70 some. Tragic. Yes. But what irks me about this situation is that you don’t ever read about the children lost or their families, friends, etc. Okay, well maybe you do but maybe one or two lines here and there. What you DO read about is whatever-his-name-Christian-white-guy.

You read about things likes: He blamed Islam. He blamed Muslims. He might be insane. He might “not be all there.” So, it’s not all his own fault–but still any of the articles that I read never said “It’s not Islam or Muslim fault anymore….”

Also, you read about things like: He has his reasons and is able to explain this. He is white. He is Christian. And what’s worse is that, he is charged with committing acts of terrorism and potentially acts against humanity, yet never labelled as a “Christian Terrorist” or “The White Terrorist.” So who is apparently #1 in the Norway situation? whatever-his-name-Christian-white-guy.

So three things I learned about this situation:

  1. A famous person makes a bigger name for themselves after death
  2. If you are white and Christian, you can’t be a terrorist
  3. The press will write how they see fit even if that means allowing one particular ethnic group to be put in a negative spotlight.

It is sad to see that Amy Winehouse made a bigger name for herself after her death. It is even more sad that this person is making a name for himself because of the deaths he caused.

Condolences go out to both families and friends of those lost in both tragic situations but can we please get this Norway bombing/shooting killer’s face out of the press…I’m sick and tired of seeing it.

Have you seen these ads lately?

Aboriginal, Boil water advisory, Canada, East Africa Drought Crisis, Water crisis Leave a comment

Have you seen these ads lately… the ones for the drought crisis in Africa. I mean, that’s pretty serious.

But have you read that 118 First Nations, as of June 30, 2011, have boil water advisories. I mean that’s pretty serious too. Click HERE to read about the boil water advisories affecting Canadian First Nations.

These ads are in Canada being shown to Canadian viewers. I think it’s odd that the website mentioned in the ads state the following:

Millions of people mostly children are in urgent need of food, drinking water and basic sanitation.

Sounds kind of like Canada for those 118 First Nations communities. Except no advertisements on television.

East Africa Drought Crisis — To donate to the Humanitarian Coalition click the link.

Me Funny

comedy, Drew Hayden Taylor, Me Funny Leave a comment

Today, I finished a book that I borrowed from the First Nations Library at The University of Western Ontario. Yup, I was being Indian that day and able to read this book at no-cost and tax free. (This being funny given that Drew Hayden Taylor thanked the reader on several occasions for purchasing the book). A book that I just happen to stumble across one day. I recognized the name, “Drew Hayden Taylor.” The book title, “Me Funny,” was what attracted me to the book in the first place, however. In the end, it was an interesting read.

This is a book about humor or wit among First Nations people, and not that there is just one type of humor. “Me Funny” describes the many uses of humor among First Nation people:

  • To learn from
  • To scold
  • To help bring one back down to reality … when one’s head has gotten to big
  • To educate
  • To share and pass down stories

Growing up on the reserve and in, what I would like to call, an all-Aboriginal family Kind of like an All-American family but except instead of suburbia you have reserves, and instead of driving a cadillac there is just a powwow van packed to the max every weekend, and instead of just one other sibling…there are 3 others and tonnes of aunties, cousins, etc…there was plenty of humor around while growing up. Reading this book helped me to remember all the ways in which my family helped me bring me back down to reality, or to help me learn, or to…yes even scold me.

The one thing that I liked in particular about this book is that in one of the essays it was highlighted that not all First Nations people are the same, and thus their humor is not the same. This is one of the things that I have trouble explaining to people: We are not all the same. They usually look at me weird and just laugh. But then I say with the look on my face: I am serious. Then I laugh. Mostly at them. Humor is about learning not to take things in life so seriously and it is about learning to look at things in a different light whether it be those things are positive or negative.

This book makes this point clear and I experienced it especially with the chapter dedicated to “Cree Humor.” I didn’t get the entire humor of it all but it was still entertaining to read: 2 half-Cree women in a gym causing heads to be turned when they left the gym even after one was whipped right off the treadmill for failing to keep up with her fast paced friend.

I remember telling someone else about the book I was reading…a non-Native person. I said I was excited to read the book and to “learn” about this topic. I mean what more can I learn after growing up on a reserve, living in 3 cities, and working and going to school a predominantly non-Native society or as Mr. Taylor would say “white society.” Non-Native is just the politically correct way of saying it. Then, the non-Native person… whoops, I mean white person replied “Yeah, because you don’t hear about that sort of stuff.” And it is true, you don’t really hear about Natives being funny and all. So, if you would like a good, relaxing read and one that you could probably finish in a day (that I didn’t do) then I suggest picking up “Me Funny” compiled and edited by Drew Hayden Taylor.

Fire!

Forest Fires, McGuinty, Ontario, Ontario Forest Fire, Red Cross, Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health Leave a comment

Here is an article titled No need to declare emergency over Ontario fires McGuinty says.

Yea, there is no need to declare an emergency. I mean there have only been …

  • 111 fires
  • 13 new fires
  • Over 480,000 hectares to date
  • Over 2000 fire personnel engaged
  • 621 out-of-province personnel
  • 17 heavy bombs, 4 light bombers, 90+ helicopters and other support aircraft
  • Oh and provincial emergency operations center is now operating at full activation and coordinating provincial efforts

Naw, we don’t need to declare an emergency. I mean most of these places are First Nations anyways. And what, First Nations have survived genocide, diseases, and residential schools. What’s a little fire gonna do?

Note: I don’t agree with McGuinty. Prayers to evacuees and their families. Let’s hope that this doesn’t get …ummm…too out of control….?!?!

To locate family members of evacuated communities in northwestern Ontario call Red Cross 1-866-356-3645 x 236

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health (Ottawa) are desperately seeking speakers who can translate for them over the phone, (Ojibway/Oji-Cree/Cree). If you know someone that can help, share the info. They are dealing with an influx of people due to the Northern Ontario forest fires. Spread the word, help our brothers and sisters who are being displaced from their home. 613-748-0657 ask for Dominique.

Emergency Management Ontario