I never heard the story of Chanie Wenjack, an Ojibway boy who lived in Northern Ontario, until today.
And although it made me feel terribly sad, I'm glad I did.
Because it couldn't be a more Canadian story, or a more powerful story of resistance.
Even if it ended so tragically.
For eighty-five years the statue of Lieutenant General Edward Cornwallis has loomed over a park in Halifax.
To honour him for being the first governor of Nova Scotia, and the founder of Halifax.
In recent years native groups have tried to have the statue taken down and his name removed from other parks, streets and buildings in Nova Scotia.
For his decision in 1749 to issue a bounty for the scalps of Mi’kmaq men, women and children.
But sadly I see that initiative has gone nowhere.
One of the things I hated the most about Stephen Harper's years in power, was the way he tried to rewrite the history of Canada.
By making it all about the monarchy and war, and erasing all mention of the peaceful values that helped make us the country we are.
So I'm glad to see that the Liberal government is also planning to destroy that part of his foul legacy.
I see that the Canadian Human Rights Museum has finally opened its doors in Winnipeg.
Which as someone who has fought all his life for human rights, is something I would normally celebrate.
Except for the ghastly almost unbelievable fact that it doesn't recognize Canada's aboriginal genocide.
Because Stephen Harper and his disgusting Con regime won't acknowledge what was done to our precious native people.
