It’s been a heavy week. We’ve seen unprecedented conversations about anti-Black racism, police violence, and allyship. We’ve also seen solidarity between Indigenous Peoples and the Black Lives Matter movement from individuals and organizations.
At the same time, this week marked the one-year anniversary of the MMIWG final report and the five-year anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. And on Thursday morning a Tla-o-qui-aht woman was shot and killed by police in Edmunston, N.B. during a wellness check.
It’s a lot. So, we’ve decided to put together a weekly roundup of what we’ve been reading, news of the week and local announcements to help you cut through the noise.
Worth your time
- Pam Palmater spoke with journalist and activist Desmond Cole on her Warrior Life podcast this week. In the episode, they talk about anti-Black racism in Canada and the United States.
- The Root’s Michael Harriot put together a detailed timeline of events, from 1619 to present day, that led to the ‘Fed-Up’-rising that is currently taking place.
- Many people are sharing resources to go deeper on anti-racism and being an educated ally. This list from Glitter Guide, includes books, articles, videos and podcasts you can use to educate yourself.
News of the week
- On the one year anniversary of the MMIWG final report, the government did not announce when it would release it’s action plan. As APTN first reported, the action plan has been delayed, which the government says is due to COVID-19. IndigiNews connected with Vernon-based MMIWG advocate Meagan Louis to talk about it.
- Grand Chief Stewart Phillip is currently on dialysis and announced this week that he’s in need of a kidney and looking for a donor.
- A Nunavut RCMP officer is under investigation after allegedly hitting a man with a truck in Kinngait, APTN reports.
- On Thursday Chantel Moore, a Tla-o-qui-aht woman, was fatally shot by a New Brunswick police officer who was responding to a “mental health check.” The Edmundston Police Force said the officer shot Moore to “defend himself” because she allegedly had a knife and was making threats, CBC reports.
Okanagan latest
- To lift your spirits, IndigiNews published two profiles of youth this week. Twelve year old Leroi Bent talks about his dreams of being an actor and professional powwow dancer. And grade 12 student Destany Lulua reflects on going back to school and graduating amid global pandemic.
- June 3 to June 7th was the 11th Annual Spirit of Syilx Unity Run. The run raises awareness of mental health and violence within the Okanagan Nation, to “promote Nationhood among the youth, and to promote healthy living.” Runners participated virtually this year, you can check out photos and videos from the run on the Okanagan Nation Alliance Facebook page.
- The Nk’Mip RV Park is now reopened to campers, the Osoyoos Times reports.
- In preparation for this year’s wildfire season, Westbank First Nation and West Kelowna are teaming up to dedicate $30,000 in funding to promote FireSmart principles and initiatives.
- On June 5, 2020 a peaceful Black Lives Matter rally and vigil was held in Kelowna, B.C., where hundreds of people attended in response to the killing of George Floyd and to raise awareness of systemic oppression, racism and police brutality.
