Thursday 17 October 2013

Promoting Lies and Misconstruing Facts: The CPC Government’s 2013 Speech from the Throne


            On October 16, 2013 the Harper government introduced their plans for the next year and on. Some important items relate to balancing the 'fiscal books' by 2015 to reeling back spending. These points, as well as the problems that exist with these goals, have, and are, being pointed out already by major Canadian media outlets. However, what is also deplorable, and not mentioned by the majority of media outlets is the fact this government claimed, through its throne speech, that prior to European settlement there were no established nations.
            My first reaction was a resounding ‘WHAT THE HELL?!?!” Before going further into the many issues that the statement “they were undaunted. They dared to seize the moment that history offered. Pioneers, then few in number, reached across a vast continent. They forged an independent country where none would have otherwise existed” creates, lets look at the sections that relate to Indigenous nations and peoples.

What the Throne Speech Says about Canadian/Indigenous Relations:

 Point 1:
“…we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation. This extraordinary document is part of the legal foundation of our country. It recognized the rights of [Indigenous] people in Canada for the first time and established the basis of their relations with the Crown. (Governor General, Throne Speech, October 16, 2013)
Problem:
Where do I even start.  First, they express Indigenous people as if we are all one (highlighting the lack of recognition of our ethnic differences as well as the differences in relation with Canada and the Crown). Secondly, the Royal Proclamation did not recognition, for the first time, in Canada – Canada didn’t exist – there were tiny colonies not even equal to the size of present day Ontario or Quebec.  Lastly, the Royal Proclamation did not, for the first time, establish the basis of relations with the Crown – relations had been ongoing long before 1763.
Fact:
The Royal Proclamation, 1763, was designed to alleviate tensions between English Settlers, the newly acquired French colony of Quebec, and to bring forth peace and friendship with the various Indigenous nations who fought alongside the French Empire, as allies and separate individual nations.  Peace was sought after decades of feuding that was brought over from Europe by the two major empires and encompassed various Indigenous nations as independent allies  - on both the English and French sides. The Royal Proclamation would be followed by the Treaties of Niagara, 1764, to further entrench ‘peace and friendship’ as separate and individual nations. In closing of point one – I have no clue what Royal Proclamation they are celebrating or speaking of, it doesn’t exist.

Point 2:
“Our government will take further steps to see that those traditionally under represented in the workforce, including people with disabilities, youth, and [Indigenous] Canadians, find the job-training they need.” (Governor General, Throne Speech, October 16, 2013)
AND
“Our government recognizes the tremendous potential of Canada’s First Nations, Metis, and Inuit populations to strengthen the growing Canadian economy. It will continue working with First Nations to develop strong, more effective, and more accountable on-reserve education systems.” (Governor General, Throne Speech, October 16, 2013)
Problem:
Job-training is indeed important. However, how can job training be achieved when this current government is ‘maxing-out’ the paternalistic views in how this can be achieved for Indigenous peoples? Top-down approaches have not work and still do not work. Telling Indigenous peoples in isolated communities that, in order to obtain social assistance, requires you to take job-training courses is problematic and stereotypical. Furthermore, controlling what types of education Indigenous peoples are allowed to access, while preventing proper and equal funding to elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students, will not fix the issues.
Fact:
Work with our nations rather then trying to control us – its not 2003, 1969, 1942, or 1876.

Point 3:
“Canada’s natural wealth is our national inheritance and our Government will ensure that the jobs and opportunities it brings are available to all Canadians. In particular, Canada’s [Indigenous] peoples must have every opportunity to benefit.” (Governor General, Throne Speech, October 16, 2013)
AND
“Our government recognizes that the future prosperity of the North requires responsible development of its abundant natural resources. Northerners must benefit from this treasure. Our Government will work alongside Inuit, First Nations, territorial governments, and industry to ensure that Northerners are well trained to take their full place in this new economy.” (Governor General, Throne Speech, October 16, 2013)
Problem:
How is this properly achievable for Indigenous peoples (and I specify it this way because Canada’s Indigenous peoples expresses ownership – To the Harper government: You do not own me or any other Indigenous peoples – stop with the paternalistic terminology) when this government has imposed legislation after legislation – especially the Omnibus Bill in December of 2012 that infringes on Indigenous rights over lands?
Fact:
Respect the treaties and stop being paternalistic – Canada has been told this since confederation and many documents highlight this.

Point 4:
“[Indigenous] women are disproportionately the victims of violent crime. Our government will renew its efforts to address the issue of missing and murdered [Indigenous] women.” (Governor General, Throne Speech, October 16, 2013)
Problem:
How can this government express this when it is simply focusing on the issues of abuse that impacts Indigenous women in their communities? Don’t get me wrong, it is important to deal with all violence and murder – but what about outside of the communities? What about in Canada’s cities, towns, villiges and along its roads/highways? How can this be achieved when this government refuses to, despite the call of International forces, the provincial governments, Indigenous organizations, Indigenous peoples, and Indigenous governments, to hold a public and national inquiry?
Fact:
Establish an Inquiry and actually deal with the issue, the inaction of doing so only leads to an increase in missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Point 5:
“Our government will continue our dialogue on the treaty relationship and comprehensive land claims.” (Governor General, Throne Speech, October 16, 2013)
AND
“Our government will continue to work in partnership with [Indigenous] peoples to create health, prosperous, self-sufficient communities.” (Governor General, Throne Speech, October 16, 2013)
Problem:
What dialogue? Since 2006 the Conservative government has unilaterally made decisions on its own, through the specific use of ideology from Tom Flanagan, Manny Jules, Patrick Brazeau and the  C.A.P – most specifically when Brazeau was in charge, to bolster their continued colonial and paternal mentality. If the dialogue the Conservative government refers to means lacking proper consultation, forcing legislation upon the Indigenous nations and peoples, infringing on Indigenous jurisdiction and rights, as well as ignoring the treaty/nation-to-nation relationships – then yes that is ‘dialogue.’ In 2013, it is clear this government has not, and is not willing to learn from past mistakes.

However, one must wonder why they would bother to move past colonialism and paternal mindsets? Especially when they just expressed in the Throne Speech that Indigenous nations didn’t exist?

Pre-European Encroachment:
            Despite the claims made by Stephen Harper and the Conservatives, (re: the challenges settlers faced were “[undaunting]. [But] dared to seize the moment that history offered. Pioneers, then few in number, reached across a vast continent. They forged an independent country where none would have otherwise existed,”) there were vibrant and highly developed societies (nations) on Turtle Island.
            I will not go into detail because of how long this blog already is – but I strongly suggest taking the time to look into it. For instance, Kiera Ladner has done some amazing work on Nehiyaw and Blackfoot governance; Taiake Alfred, Patricia Monture-Angus, and Susan Hill on the Haudenosaunee Confederacy; Leanne Simpson, John Borrows on the Anishinaabeg nation; to name but a few (see below for sources on various nations). In fact, Indigenous nations comprised anywhere between 30-40 different and unique establishments – some who had federated with one another and others who had not.
            Most interestingly to point out is that many Indigenous nations had a form of governance that was representative of its population and spoke of forms of democratic values long before European states deposed of absolute rule by a King and/or Queen. They all had their own laws, citizenship codes, and spirituality. However, in some way this, in the eyes of the Conservative government, entails the mentality that there were no nations or ‘countries, in a more modern context’ prior to European encroachment. Then again, no one claimed that to become a politician means you must understand the true formation of the Canadian state.

Responses/Reactions Post-Throne Speech:
            As I mentioned, I was shocked when I learned of the Conservative government’s blatant ignorance on Indigenous nations pre-European encroachment. However, I have not been the only one – many people from the various Indigenous nations, as well as non-Indigenous allies, took to social media to express a massive ‘WTF.’ Unfortunately, while following the reactions on twitter the only one I saw deplore this clear violation of history and Indigenous nationhood and recognition was the Liberal Member of Parliament for St. Paul’s (Carolyn Bennett). I did not see anything from CPC MPs Leonna Algukkaq, Rob Clarke, Shelley Glover, or Rod Bruinooge; Nor did I see anything from the NDP Aboriginal Affairs Critic. So, I thank Carolyn Bennett for pointing this out to the social media – allies like her are important.
            It doesn’t help that many non-Indigenous peoples did not even second guess or call into question what the Governor General, on behalf of the Conservative government, said about pre-European settlement. It also doesn’t help that almost all media outlets ignored it as well.  Even worse, the current Canadian government continues to use this ignorance to its advantage in its ‘divide and conquer’ mindset for keeping control.

Conclusion:
            This morning, there was still a lack of discussion on what the governments comments entailed and how it negatively impacts every other point relating to Indigenous peoples that they said in the Throne Speech. However, what did make the news was the ‘twitter feud’ between Green Party Leader, and MP, Elizabeth May and CPC Minister, and MP, Jason Kenney. May mentioned there were no monuments to victims of Capitalism.  Kenney’s response: “Or perhaps that’s because free societies didn’t murder tens of millions in gulags, planned famines, etc.” (Kenney October 17, 2013).
            To Jason Kenney I say: This is true, it was not done in gulags when relating to Canada. To Elizabeth May, I express it wasn’t entirely done based off of capitalism. For the genocide and atrocities committed in Canada it related to racism, imperialism, religion, and colonialism.
            Additionally, to Kenney, I express that ‘free societies’ do murder  - they murder when its government refuses to recognize history (such as John A. Macdonald’s restriction on food to Indigenous groups in the prairies to starve many to death in order to prevent uprisings against Canada’s oppression and the pre-existence of nations before Europeans coming to North America).  Free societies murder when they try to assimilate and steal children away from their families. Free societies murder when they ‘beat the Indian’ out of the child. Lastly, free societies also murder when their government looks the other way as Women and girls go missing in their cities and towns as well as along their roads and highways.
            What may be the worse of this entire situation? That Conservative MPs Leona Algukkaq, Rob Clarke, Shelly Glover and Rod Bruinooge (who claim Indigenous background) sat idly by as these misconceptions were perpetuated in their governments Throne Speech of 2013.

References and Suggested Readings:

Alfred, Taiaiake. Peace, Power, Righteousness: An Indigenous Manifesto. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 2008
Alfred, Taiaiake. Wasase: Indigenous Pathways of Action and Freedom. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2009.
Borrows, John. Canada's Indigenous Constitution. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2010.
Borrows, John. "Seven Generations, Seven Teachings: Ending the Indian Act." Research Paper, National Centre for First Nations Governance, Ottawa, 2008.
Borrows, John and Learnard Rotman. “The Sui Generis Nature of Aboriginal Rights.” Alberta Law Review 36, no. 3, (1997): 9-45
Epp, Roger. “We Are All Treaty People: History, Reconciliation, and the “Settler Problem.” In We Are All Treaty People: Prairie Essays, by Roger Epp, (2008):121-141
Gordon, Todd. Imperialist Canada. Winnipeg: Arbeiter Ring Publishing, 2010.
Henderson, James Youngblood. “Empowering Treaty Federalism,” Saskatchewan Law Review 58, 1994: 241-300
Ladner, Kiera L., “Governing Within an Ecological Context: Creating an Alternative Understanding of Siiksikaawa Governance”, Studies in Political Economy, (2003), pp. 125-152.

Ladner, Kiera. Peace and Good Order: A Treaty Right to Parliamentary Representation? Ottawa: Carleton University, 1996
Ladner, Kiera. “Treaty Federalism: An Indigenous Vision of Canadian Federalisms.” In F. Rocher and M. Smith’s New Trends in Canadian Federalism, 2nd Edition. Peterborough: Broadview Press, (2003): 167-194
Mecredi, Ovide and Mary Ellen Turpel. In the Rapids: Navigating the Future of First Nations. Toronto: Penguin Books. 1993.
Montour-Angus, Patricia. Journeying Forward: Dreaming First Nations Independence. Halifax: Fernwood Publishing, 1999.
Simpson, Leanne. Dancing on Our Turtle's Back: Stories of Nishnaabeg Re-Creation, Resurgence and a New Emergence. Winnipeg: Arbeiter Ring Publishing, 2011.


Monday 14 October 2013

A Decade Later: Stepping Aside Becomes my ‘Policy’ for 2014 (Short Version)


I write this as my two-year term as Co-Chair of the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission is coming to an end. In four months, members of the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC) will be meeting in Montreal for another biennial convention that will seek to secure a new two-year mandate of its internal structures as well as policy the party members seek to adopt and have fused into its platform for the 2015 election. During the last 20 months I have witnessed first-hand the push from hard-working Liberals to see the party move forward, rebuild, and re-establish itself. This has included outreach, a leadership race, and much internal restructuring and rebuilding. After 10 years of involvement, with ‘climbing the internal ladder’ for the last eight years, I wish to express that I will not be seeking re-election as Co-Chair of the Indigenous wing of the party in February 2014.

Not only will I not seek re-election, despite the opposite call from many which is truly humbling, I will be removing myself from any internal party positions for the next while due to items relating to my PhD and my personal life. Like many, I have given much time, energy, sweat and tears to the cause – I especially have done this for rural and Indigenous representation. During this time I have watched many good people lose electoral districts; the disenchantment and loss of good people due to the internal feuding between 2005-2011, and parts of this party implode into itself – such as the Indigenous wing prior to 2012. Although I look back on these negative components with sorrow, I look at what has been achieved since 2011 and am happy and humbled to say I was apart of the struggle, rebuilding, and re-establishment of our party. If I could talk to my 19 year-old self on this day in 2003, I highly doubt I’d believe my own self with what I would end up achieving and assisting with.

(For information on how I became involved, and my experience in doing so please see the 'long-version' of this entry).

Aboriginal Peoples' Commission (APC) - 2012 to Present:

After a two years under our belts in the APC, not to mention the destruction from May 2011, and the next LPC Biennial Convention set for January 2012, Cherish Clarke and I began the discussion of potentially running together (I would like to express a special thank you to Tanya Kappo for her support and discussions with us to replace her as the Co-Chairs - you have taught me so much and I am ever-so thankful). I had been adamant at the time that I did not want to run unless done so with Cherish because of her passion, previous involvement, as well as her connections to her Tlingit nation.  Additionally, Cherish was someone who could represent ‘northern’ understanding while I could understand 'southern' items Additionally, she was from the West and I the East. After her run for the Territorial Legislature in the Yukon, and time involved with the Territorial Executive of the Liberal Party of Yukon), not to mention her familial duties, work, and connections to her peoples and territory, Cherish and I set out on building a team to run with. The first two we were able to approach was Naomi Sayers and Kevin Seesequasis.

Fortunately, I had known Naomi as a fellow student at the University of Western Ontario and her passion on the rights and representation of Indigenous women and youth was absolutely amazing. I had discussed involvement over a period of a year with Naomi, and am thankful she opted to get involved. Originally, we had hoped she would seek the Youth Representative position – today I know how wrong we were and am so truly thankful that it was the Indigenous Women’s Representative position she would be elected to.

In relation to Kevin, we happened to find him on facebook (Social media has many uses). Cherish came across him first due to his volunteerism and communication presence from Saskatchewan during the 2011 election. By the middle of the summer Cherish and I were convinced we needed to approach him and asked Tanya Kappo to do so at first. After being on an executive with no VP of Communications, Cherish and I knew it was important that someone who was savvy in that field would be needed – we had no doubt Kevin was that person (and I can say neither of us doubt it today). Over the last 20 months, the ability for the APC to communicate for its outreach strategy has been important and Kevin’s quickness on our social media accounts, and his time in prepping our newsletters and other releases, has been, in my mind, the most important part of the success we have had for rebuilding. Another individual to note is Cheryl Matthew. Although Cheryl had to step down six months later, I want to acknowledge her and the important work she did in that period in assisting us with financial matters and hosting our first Fundraiser, in Ottawa - the first for APC since May of 2009.

As it came closer to the January Biennial, others who we had not known of also would put their names forth – Glenn Wheeler for VP Policy, who has done consultation on Urban Indigenous policy opportunities. Unfortunately, like other organizations, others who put their name forth turned out to speak more then take action (in some cases there was also no speaking) and/or isolate themselves from the team. Despite this issue, there would eventually be people to replace those who were not able to fulfill these duties.

In November of 2012 James Harper joined us as the APC Youth Representative. The work he has put into giving Indigenous youth a voice and representing them in the APC and throughout the party has been absolutely important (I truly hope to see him nominated for this position again!). In March of 2013 Ted Martin would join the team as our VP of Membership and Organization (in the short period that he has been with us Ted has been doing the best to organize us properly and keeps us in check. Additionally, he is now highlighting our sub-committee rules, prepping us for our Biennial Meeting and assessing what needs to be considered for change in our constitution.

Throughout our term we have been re-launching our regional wings of the APC too! When the 2012 executive was elected in January, there were no longer any active regional wings of the APC. Although we have re-established BC to Ontario, and are working on further entrenchment in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, PEI, and Nova Scotia (with people on the ground as interim presidents), not all have been able to properly move forward. Despite this, most, exempting 2, have been trying their hardest, while juggling their personal lives, employment, as well as school, in order to assist with rebuilding. To these individuals: Sheryl Fisher and her team (APC-BC); Daniol Coles (APC-Ablerta); Reina Sinclair and her team (APC-Saskatchewan); Steve Vanloffeld and the team there (APCO); Julie Pellisier-Lush (APC-PEI); and, most recently, Nadine Bernard (APC-Nova Scotia) – I say thank you/Chi-Miigwetch for what you do to assist the APC and LPC.

The work all of those who I have named have assisted to contribute to the following, action, and voice the APC has today. Over the last 20 months, we have gone from no presence on social media to one that entails 1500+ followers on facebook and 1875+ followers on twitter. The APC has gone from 300 members and no supporters to a combined total of just over 1000 (this is a huge success as we in the APC heave to deal with more then just why someone should vote Liberal - but also why they should utilize the Canadian system at all - which I focused my entire M.A thesis on). In 2012 the APC presented no policy at the Biennial Convention. In 2014, we plan to have 8-10 for delegates to consider. Pre-January 2012, I would argue that the APC was not taken seriously by the internal structures of the party, since at least 2007, due to the fallout and implosion the commission had suffered. I believe I can safely say that many in the party now know the importance of working with the Indigenous wing when it comes to policy that impacts Indigenous peoples; that we are active and important to work with for outreach and for understanding Indigenous peoples. Lastly, that the APC means business. My hope: The APC will continue on this movement forward and that the LPC continues to learn and understand the validity and reasoning for the APC’s existence in the party – to educate, assist with out reach, and prevent the mistakes of not considering Indigenous views on various policy options (from Abolishment of the Monarchy to self government and resource development).

To those who understand this and have worked especially close with us to help in bringing forth this understanding (MPs Carolyn Bennett, Justin Trudeau, Joyce Murray, to name a few; ex-MPs: Bob Rae, Larry Bagnell and Tina Keeper; and ‘power-brokers’ inside the party: Blake Rogers (LPC-Yukon), Kieron Testart (LPC-Western Arctic), Brian Rice (LPC-BC), Wendy Butler (LPC-Alberta), Evatt Merchant (LPC-Saskatchewan), Howard Stevenson (LPC-Ontario), Alexandra Mendes (LPC-Quebec), Maryanne Kampouris (National VP Policy), Mary Pyenburg (National Womens Liberal Commission), and Sam Lavoie (Young Liberals of Canada): Chi-Miigwetch/Thank You.

Additionally, the territory and places I have travelled to, and the people I have met, under the Liberal banner has been absolutely appreciative and awe-inspiring. From my tiny community of Manominiiking to events and meetings from Windsor to Ottawa and up to Thunder Bay; from Hull to Montreal and Quebec City; Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Vancouver, Whitehorse, and Halifax (Mi'kmaq, Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, Nehiyaw, Squamish, and Tlingit territory) (to name but a few) - CHI-MIIGWETCH/THANK YOU.

Conclusion:

Now, if you have actually followed this entire ‘blog,’ I will summarize my experience as one that has been ‘a whirlwind’ adventure’ - that has had many successes, frustrations, and debates. For many of you that I mentioned, you will know I take a position I fill seriously and do it to my utmost abilities – with the use of my stubbornness, ‘street’ and ‘book’ smarts, and that I do try to meet ‘half-way.’ I have tried to make sure that the various opinions and understandings from Indigenous peoples are considered and heard – it is time to bring to an end this view that all Indigenous peoples are the same. We are not, and that must be considered (it is something that this executive, for the most part, has done well at recognizing – there are, on traditional lines – Metis, Inuit, Mi’kmaq, Nehiyaw, Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, Dene, Tlingit, Squamish, Haida, and many more Indigenous nations. Post-contact, there are non-treatied areas, modern-treatied areas, Numbered treatied arieas, as well as pre-Confederation treaty areas. Additionally, there are on-reserve First Nations, traditional Indigenous peoples, non-traditional Indigenous peoples, Urban Indigenous peoples, and so on.

This must always be remembered – coupled with remembering the past in order to properly move forward as is important. If we forget and simply look forward, we will be doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past and forget why we are doing the work we do in the role of the APC. Lastly, the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission is indeed a wing of the Liberal Party of Canada. Although those of us situated as members or the executive team in it, it is imperative the APC always remember they, in my view, have a duty to bring forth the Indigenous voice, teachings, and understanding to the party and be that bridge between Indigenous peoples and Canada’s political ways. We cannot be a ‘megaphone’ for political rhetoric but a voice to push for understanding, education, change, and respect to the Canadian/Indigenous relationships and jurisdictions.

With that, I express a sincere Chi-Miigwetch/Thank you for the 10 years I have spent growing and climbing the internal ladder to enter the position I have served for the last 20 months. It will be difficult come February to move aside but it is important for me to do so and return to being a non-executive/board member of the party.  But do know I will cherish the gifts of friendship I have obtained, the life skills and knowledge I have learned, and so much more.

Chadwick Cowie
Co-Chair (Male)
Aboriginal Peoples Commission
Liberal Party of Canada
(2012-2014)


Tuesday 8 October 2013

Struggling from Within: The Need for a Better Mental-Health Strategy in Canada


           The last few weeks have been a 'trying' time for me due to various reasons. I began thinking more deeply on this ‘trying time’ because of a video I was sent last week – a video of me in relation to being an Indspire Educational Award Recipient for 2010/2011 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7tv6WUb1bo ). In the video I highlight my wants and desires with my education; I also highlight the personal and internal items that have consistently been a battle for me. This ‘battle’ I refer to is something that 20 per cent of Canadians deal with at sometime in their life. Additionally, 8 per cent of Canadians will experience a major episode relating to this ‘battle’ sometime in their life – but for some of us, it lasts for many years.
            The ‘battle’ I highlight is Depression, and to some extent Anxiety alongside of it. That is right – I deal with Depression and Anxiety, something I have been burdened with since as early as the age of 13. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with this internal battle and the toll it was having on my well-being - if it were not for my sister during those early years of suffering from it, I do not know what the end result would have been for me. Additionally, I have struggled with how to share my story on this topic due to the stigma that exists towards mental health - making this blog entry a three years in the making kind of thing.
My depression continues to take its toll in certain ways: from doubt, to worry, to general people who claim understanding but truly do not grasp what depression does (those of you who also suffer from this issue will know what I talk about). It has taken me 16 years, more then half of my existence, to come to the point where I can write this out and make it public knowledge – I do it today in hopes of bringing understanding to people about what those of us who go through it deal with on a daily basis 
            Some have a hard time grasping that for those of us suffering from depression simply ‘cannot just snap out of it,” “just get over it,” or, on many occasions, tell ourselves “it will get better.” For some, and I specifically talk about myself here – confiding in people we trust or coming to for reassurance is of utmost importance. Shrugging your shoulders and telling us to stay positive and optimistic does not fix the issue. Nor does it instill faith in us towards those of you who do this – instead it leads to a complete lock down of trying to bring forth understanding with you - the trust has been broken.
            It is due to the stigma and complete lack of understanding that many choose to hide it, in fear of being judged, hurt, and out of concern of people not comprehending its overarching effects it has on our day-to-day lives. But, it is the reminder that I tell ‘my story’ in the Indspire video that I now share my story. As I grew older and consistently dealt with my depression it became clear I was losing the battle. The battle cost me my 'original' final year of my undergrad in 2008; it has cost me friendships as well as time with family. For me, I knew when my bouts of depression would set in and I knew there were ways to get me out of them. One such item was keeping myself consistently busy and involved in projects and volunteering – which I did not realize helped until my late teen years. However, eventually I could no longer ‘lift myself up’ and out of the times I would sink into darkness. The worst situation came when it set in during January of 2008 and never went away until that following October.
            Many did not know how much it was affecting me at this time – that on most days I couldn’t move from my couch, bed, or I simply disappeared into a Simulation world on my computer. I left that year from School feeling defeated and never thought I could go back – it was the persistence of my soon-to-be M.A advisor, Dr. Kiera Ladner, that eventually, after about 4-5 months of convincing, that I should return to school and increase my GPA and set my sights back on my goals of achieving an M.A and Ph.D. It was difficult to agree to go back – there were many anxiety attacks that accompanied my consistent battle with returning to school. Upon my realization that I would indeed go back to school I made myself a promise: If I sank into the darkness of depression again I would finally seek professional help. This is exactly what I did in February of 2010 when another strong battle commenced. The decision to do so has assisted in allowing me to increase my undergrad GPA, obtain my M.A, and now be working towards obtaining my PhD. During this time I am thankful for the support network I had – those who understood and took the time to realize that ‘I can’t just get over it.’  The key words: They took the time to understand; if only more would do this.
            As highlighted above, the amount of people who it is believed suffer from depression in Canada is 20 per cent. On many occasions, this links to the rate of suicides being 24 per cent for 15-24 year olds and 16 per cent among 25-44 year olds. The rates are far higher for young people who are LGBT/Two Spirited as well as for Indigenous youth. Almost half (49 per cent) of those who suffer with depression do not seek help because of the stigma attached to depression, stigma such as “they just are feeling sorry for themselves,” “trying to get attention for themselves,” and so on. Stats also show that costs to Canada’s healthcare are estimated to be over $8 billion (with the costs being between care and disability/early death). The costs could be lowered with proper legislation and policy, deaths that could be prevented with proper education to Canadians, and simple understanding from society. This doesn’t even include the personal costs that exist for people who need psychological help and the purchasing of medication to assist.
            I am happy to see, especially over the last few years, the push for discussion and proper recognition of the issue of depression and other mind-related ailments that affect people of all walks of life, creed, ethnicity, and region. This has been especially dominant in the Young Liberals of Canada, with noticeable discussion in the Ontario Young Liberals. Yet, the policy seems to never make it to the biennial conventions. Perhaps it also relates to the stigma that exists towards it? I truly do not know. What I do know is that although people acknowledge its existence, many continue to lack proper understanding of how to best handle and support those of us who are going through our bout of depression.
            It is indeed true that there are many who have come into my life, some who are still there now, who simply never understood, despite my consistent reminder to them that depression, and the negative effects that it causes, are still an issue for me. Thus, as I have pointed out to these people: Telling me I am over-reacting, laughing at me and telling me I am making a big deal about something, telling me to get over it, and expressing I am looking for a fight or attention – DOES NOT equal support, understanding, or help in my dealings with my internal battles.
            For me, items that may be a breeze to others, may be an extremely difficult process for me when it comes to self-related understandings and feelings. Despite this, the medication I take to assist in subsiding the majority of the effects from my depression help me to keep moving forward and to keep reaching for my goals. However, it does not completely numb the blows from people who lack proper understanding of this issue we call depression. I hope that in Canada, federal and provincial governments take this issue seriously and have meaningful and proper discussion on the issues relating to mental health.  We do not ask for special consideration or special status, or to be considered feeble and week – All that seems to be consistently asked for is proper understanding from those in our day-to-day lives; those on our ‘teams’ and for the proper supports need to seek help without judgment.
            I share my story, as I did in the Indspire video, because those of us who deal with it can overcome it and get through the cycles that may come with it.  I also share my story to say thank you to those who have stood by me and who have supported me when my bouts with my depression have been at their worst. I especially thank my sister for being that person through my teens and early 20s, when it was at its worse; for always bring me back to 'reality' and preventing me from 'ending it all.' I was fortunate I had her at the time that medication was not yet something I could turn to. I was fortunate to have her support and understanding.
We can get the help needed in order to succeed in life. We can overcome and climb ‘those steps to our dreams.’ But understanding from others is key and can go a long way to assist with overcoming our additional obstacles and achieving that success.


Sources: