Brittany J. L. May

Today is my 30th birthday and growing up I was always proud to be born on “Canada Day”. We were always taught that we were superior to our American neighbours, more compassionate, loving, and inclusive. And I have to say I’ve believed that for an embarrassing amount of time. Over the last several years of unpacking my somewhat complex ancestry, I’ve realized that we’re certainly no better up here. 

I am a Métis woman living and breathing on my ancestors’ land and I’m here today in spite of the atrocities they faced. Indigenous folks all over this country still face racism today from the law, from the government, and by society.

Today I don’t celebrate “Canada Day”. Today I celebrate my 30th birthday for my Indigenous ancestors. I am here today because of them.

I will continue to educate myself and those around me but we all need to be doing our part. Before you celebrate “Canada Day” today ask yourself why. 

Today, for my birthday I ask you to learn.

• Educate yourselves on the Indian Act.

• Support Indigenous makers and creators, follow, buy, and hire! You can go to my “following” as I use this account to mainly follow Indigenous artists and voices.

• Donate to support Indigenous-led groups and groups that are supporting Indigenous communities.

• Read about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Womxn.

• Learn what’s happening right now to the Wet’suwet’en people in BC.

• If you know of Indigenous history in your background explore it.

Any of those can be your birthday gift to me.