CRRF Marks National Indigenous Peoples Day with a Continued Commitment to Work Alongside Indigenous Peoples to Combat Hate and Racism

Along with celebrating the traditions and heritage of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities, National Indigenous Peoples Day is also an opportunity to reflect upon and acknowledge the systemic barriers, inequality and racism Indigenous Peoples continue to face.

CRRF believes there is an urgent need for all Canadians to come together to combat hate and racism. CRRF continues to learn from Indigenous Elders, communities, organizations and leaders that in order to do this, meaningful relationships must be built in support of reconciliation. CRRF is on the path of learning how to entice reconciliACTION and remains committed to mobilizing action on this journey.

In this spirit, the CRRF and the YWCA release the final installment of the joint #BlockHateCampaign today. In this campaign, we learn from Brandi Morin, a Cree journalist, who shares her experiences of online hate and racism. Brandi’s story sheds light on the hate Indigenous women are subject to online and why the need for government regulation remains urgent. To conclude the campaign, and in response to Brandi’s story, Betty Lentendre, a Cree Elder based in Edmonton,  Treaty Six, offers a prayer highlighting the urgency of the issue as it impacts on our collective well-being.

CRRF understands that June 21 is the longest day and the shortest night of the year and is a time associated with gathering.  On this day and every day that follows, CRRF encourages Canadians to learn from and work alongside Indigenous Peoples across this country to combat hate and racism and to expand knowledge of rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and significant contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in Canada.

About the #BlockHate campaign

The #BlockHate campaign is a joint collaboration developed by the CRRF and YWCA Canada. It was first launched in 2021 and features racialized women who share their lived experiences as victims of online hate speech. The campaign speaks to the urgency of addressing online harms. To see the digital campaign, visit the Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts of CRRF and YWCA Canada.

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