Canada to blame for UN seat failure
Yes, it is embarrassing that Canada, and Mr. Trudeau, did not get voted a seat on the United Nations Security Council. But it is more Canada’s fault than Mr. Trudeau’s. We claim to be a friendly, decent nation of people. But our record in terms of racism toward our First Nations people is horrific. And the many racists among us are not too friendly with Blacks, Asians and those from the Middle East, either.
If you have never watched We Will Stand Up, a film made about the killing of Colten Boushie here in Saskatchewan, then you need to see it. Mr. Boushie’s family went to Ottawa, and finally, to the United Nations, to try to get help in their quest for justice. Do you not think that that visit to the United Nations did not affect opinions of people voting about which country to accept onto the council?
I am not anti-farmer or anti-settler. My grandfather came to Canada in 1898 and eventually settled to farm in Saskatchewan. Being Ukrainian, he and his family also suffered a lot of prejudice from European settlers. After all, white supremacy was the ingrained feature of European countries for hundreds of years. Back then, Ukrainian immigrants were viewed by the government of the time as boorish peasants, but at least were admitted to have white skin.
While the Liberals have recently made some moves to help Indigenous communities to achieve justice and economic stability, not enough has been done. The score for the Saskatchewan Party is much worse: The premier did not even have the integrity and decency to meet with Indigenous people who were protesting for justice and demonstrating in front of the legislature two years ago.
And do you think our chances with the United Nations were helped by the protests by Indigenous people blocking the rail lines all across Canada? No, our population was seen as a bunch of racists making deriding comments about those trying to protect their lands and environment while ruining the economy for white people. Just read Facebook.
Norway and Ireland are not having constant fights with Indigenous people, and that worked in their favour. G. White, Regina