Action versus Performative Action

I have spent the last several years working my own bias. Learning more and more as I continue on this journey. There are many issues of concern to me. Truth and Reconciliation, MMIWG, Substance Abuse Disorders and stigma, Mental Health and Stigma, Homelessness...the list is long but I think you get it.

Right now I am reflecting on what I have done, whether it is performative or action oriented as well. And, more importantly how I plan to proceed.

As a social worker, and well as a human being I enjoy doing a lot of volunteer work. I started volunteering in my early 20's and have never really stopped. I get a lot out of it to be honest. And I hope that my work contributes to the reduction in suffering for others as well.

Most of my family is from Germany, and we have had conversations over the years about how they contribute to community. I have reconciliation on my mind. I volunteer for Circles for Reconciliation as a co-facilitator. I volunteer for with other social workers at OASW to provide a circle for non-indigenous people to talk about reconciliation and continuing to educate our field about the how we can do better (FN, Inuit, and Metis have kindly joined us to enrich our group profoundly). I have had an opportunity to fund raise, to amplify other fundraisers, to amplify Indigenous owned businesses. I have donated personally as well.

Now, that is were I think I am heading. To structure my donations based on my pay and profits from my business. That brings me back to the conversation with family in Germany. Many give a percentage of their income to churches (a German custom) and it comes off their paychecks. My thought is this: I benefit from living on Indigenous Land as a Canadian Settler. If I wish to acknowledge that benefit and redistribute some of my privilege then I can do so by donating this portion to any number of FN, Inuit, or Metis organizations.

As I work this out in my mind, my thought is to ask myself where I am situated and where I spend my time geographically speaking. In Ottawa, it is the Algonquin Peoples - particularly from Kitigan Zibi but it was also a major trading route even before colonization. Also, there are many FN, Inuit, and Metis that call Ottawa home now. My favorite summer vacation is the home of the Ojibway, Odawa, Pottawatomie Nations and the Saugeen FN. Now, it's time for me to pick Indigenous run organizations that benefit these communities, make the commitment and then put it into a more organized action.

It feels good, even though, I know my small contribution alone will not irradiate the planned genocide of many peoples, it will not stop racism, it will not get water into every community, solve homelessness, find those who are missing and murdered, but nevertheless I hope it sends a message that FN, Inuit, and Metis that I see them, I respect them, and I care about reconciliation. I don't know how we will get there but I am committed to doing my part in as many ways as I can.

If you would like to join me in any capacity check out circlesforreconcilation.ca or message me. "It takes one person to make a difference, and everyone should try" - JF Kennedy.