July 1st @ Home in East York

A Day to Acknowledge, Reflect, and Educate

Please take July 1st to acknowledge Canada’s historical atrocities, educate ourselves and reflect on how we move to a Canada where we honour and uphold our original agreements with Indigenous peoples to share and live peacefully following the principles of friendship and respect.

Also please reflect on actions that we can each take to challenge discrimination and racism in our communities, governments, and other structural levels as we advocate for a Canada where we can honour and uphold our original agreements with Indigenous peoples to share and live peacefully following the principles of friendship and respect.

2:15 pm Moment of Silence

Please observe a moment of silence in memory of the Indigenous children in unmarked graves connected to former residential schools.

Tragically these grave sites was not unexpected for Indigenous communities. The reality of the residential schools and many other injustices impact the Indigenous Peoples daily.

7:30 pm Show of Appreciation of our Essential Workers and Community

The pandemic has been extraordinarily challenging for all of us. Not however in equal measure.

Some were able to work from home. Meanwhile health care workers worked as the emotional toll and workloads became crushing. Essential workers kept grocery stores and pharmacies stocked and open, while our lights stayed on, our garbage was picked up, and social services where provided. Teachers, education workers and families worked to navigate the ever-changing upheavals in the school system.  Families have dealt with the mounting pressures of childcare, elder care, and other family and community responsibilities. There are also the economic challenges. Many have struggled with reduced wages or a loss of employment. We know our local businesses continue to struggle to remain viable. There is also clear evidence that the impact of the pandemic has been disproportionately felt in racialized, low-income communities and by seniors.

The COVID-19 numbers in Canada and around the world have been frightening. Many of us are dealing with the ongoing impact of COVID-19 including grief from the loss of family and friends.

There are also many moments of gratitude.

With pride we have witnessed the leadership of Michael Garron Hospital in the fight against COVID-19. We have seen neighbours reaching out to each other with compassion and support. East Yorkers are rallying to support our local businesses.

Join us in the clanging of pots and pans as an expression of appreciation of essential works for their incredible work during the COVID-19 pandemic.