Canada Day 2018 contemplation

Conflicted feelings on July 1st as a visitor and first generation Chinese Canadian to this land.

I will not be taking part in the Canada Day festivities and instead will be quietly doing my work in my small corner of community.

I am immensely grateful for all the privileges and opportunities being born in this country has afforded me, but remembering this nation’s dark history and continued violation of our planet in the name of profit. Having lived on the west coast for 15 yrs now, I’ve devoted my life to treading lightly and peacefully providing respite for the societal ails that are the result of colonialism. It is an honour to hopefully leave this community better than I found it. Perhaps, it’s my personal contribution to reconciliation.

Heart & Hands would like to acknowledge that we make “our home” on the unceded traditional territories of the Lekwungen peoples (today known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations). In solidarity, we are committed to serving our community members of all nations and creeds.

Read more about Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun.