This has been an especially difficult week for indigenous people in Canada. As a settler person, I understand that I will never fully understand the generational trauma of residential schools. I will listen to survivors and their families with an open heart and a willingness to learn whenever I am given the opportunity.
215 children. Some are estimated to be as young as three years old. I cannot imagine how this feels to indigenous communities. Absolutely heartbreaking. Completely devastating.
A few years ago, I was introduced to the provocative works of Kent Monkman, and I feel like his work “The Scream” is particularly appropriate to share at this time.
Article: Joyce Echaquan died of pulmonary edema, could have been saved, inquiry hears (CBC)
Joyce Echaquan’s last moments were filled with cruel mockery by those where supposed to provide care to her. Echaquan died, and her death could have been prevented. This case is a tragic example of how Indigenous health is overlooked.
Interactive Article: What the Tulsa Race Massacre Destroyed (New York Times)
One hundred years ago, a thriving community of black businesses was destroyed by a riot of angry white people. We are only starting to understand what was lost in this awful violence. In this collection you can virtually walk through the places that were so important to the community before their destruction.
This week, a dramatic situation unfolded. The Belarusian air controllers called in a bomb threat and effectively took a plane out of the air because a dissident writer was on that plane.
The ramifications of this action are significant and have set a terrible precedent. The world is a more dangerous place now.
The Daily has a good summary podcast of these events and the situation with Belarus.
Article: ExxonMobil and Chevron suffer shareholder rebellions over climate (The Guardian)
This month, the UN Environment Programme stated an “urgent” need to reduce greenhouse gases. In what might be seen as a possible positive first step, two major companies may be reducing their emissions sooner and by a more significant amount than we previously thought!
Article: Samoa Elected Its First Female Leader. Parliament Locked Her Out (NPR)
This is a fascinating story – and shows that even when a democratic process is in place, there can still be major issues with transition of power.
Article: Remembering When Americans Picnicked in Cemeteries (Atlas Obscura)
I actually think this is a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Graveyards are beautifully maintained green spaces in cities where sometimes there aren’t many other options. I don’t see anything ghoulish about spending time surrounded by reminders of people who went before us. I think if someone were to try this now, it would make others uncomfortable so I don’t think I would ever try, but I hope it’s something that we can consider in the future.
I’m sure I have included this amazing place before but trying new (to me) flavours of lemongrass chicken and pork belly reminded me to sing their praises.
If you follow the instructions on their Instagram closely, you’ll come out with perfect dumplings every time. And don’t forget the sauce!!!
