A Have an idea for a story? Mi news@theotherpress.ca ¢ The ‘Other Press’ of the ‘80s ¢ Deadly attack in Kashmir ¢ Zero Discrimination Day on March 1 ..and more Remembering the survivors of residential schooling » Proposed federal bill looks to create commemorative statutory holiday Roshni Riar Staff Writer n early February, a Canadian federal bill aimed at creating a new annual statutory holiday was proposed. The bill’s focus is to encourage the Canadian public to observe Indigenous truth and reconciliation and remember those who suffered through the residential school system. Approved by the House of Commons Heritage Committee, the statutory holiday—National Truth and Reconciliation Day, to be observed on September 30—is meant to remember and recognize the horrors that Indigenous children and families faced in residential schools for over a century across the country. The committee settled on September 30 for the statutory holiday as September was typically when Indigenous children would be sent away to begin residential schooling. The holiday would replace Orange Shirt Day, an unofficial day of remembrance for the victims of residential schools. National Truth and Reconciliation Day’s proposition was added onto Bill C-369. Already in discussion for months, Bill C-369 seeks to designate June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Organizations such as the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) and Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) supported the creation of both separate annual holidays. The development of a statutory holiday to honour survivors was put forth as a call to action in the 2015 National Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. The report—when looking at Canada’s actions of public commemoration— recognized the Canadian government’s prior efforts but emphasized the need for further initiatives in their call to action. As well as the creation of the statutory holiday, the report also encouraged the development of a proper federal reconciliation framework, installations of accessible public monuments, and funding for Indigenous artists to flourish and contribute to the reconciliation process with their art. Bill C-369 must still be voted on in the House of Commons. The Indigenous Languages Act—Bill C-91—was also tabled early February. The act focuses on the maintenance and continued existence of Indigenous languages through education, support, and funding. While many Indigenous communities have expressed support for the act, not all groups agree on the process of consideration. In a public announcement following the bill’s tabling, ITK’s president Natan Obed criticized it as “yet another legislative initiative developed behind closed doors by a colonial system” due to the bill’s lack of Inuit-specific content. Gagan Mann, a former Psychology student, said in an interview with the Other Press, “These are good steps forward, but I think that [additional steps] still need to be made. “While I’m not Indigenous and can in no way speak on behalf of anyone who is, I feel like there are crucial supports for overall welfare and survival that are being overlooked” Mann thinks that setting aside the time to observe truth and reconciliation is Photo of Elder Evelyn Commanda-Dewache at 2015 Truth and Reconcilliation event by Shari Narine important, but she fears that the introduction of a statutory holiday will only appeal to the public for personal gain. “There are people who will recognize the Canadian government's efforts, appreciate them, and perhaps [research and inform] themselves of the history. The Languages Act could be interesting, but the criticism it’s [receiving] is also valid.” Mann hopes to see Indigenous peoples consulted more thoroughly on their immediate needs and desires so that future federal bills can be structured around these requirements. United Nations pushes to dismantle discrimination Illustration by Cara Seccafien Tania Arora Staff Reporter veryone deserves a life of peace and dignity; hence, Zero Discrimination Day is celebrated each year on March1. The day has created a worldwide movement that aims to end forms of discrimination in all countries. Each year a campaign is organized with different agendas revolving around discrimination. This year, the theme highlights the urgency to take strict action against discriminatory laws. In many countries around the globe, people are treated differently on the basis of who they are, where they come from, and what languages they speak. Many are subjected to undue restrictions and the denial of basic human rights. Discrimination can be based on health status, identity, community, race, gender, religion, and much more. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) released a brochure this year which stated, “Ending discrimination and changing laws is the responsibility of us all. Everyone can playa part in ending discrimination and can try to make a difference, in ways both big and small. The Zero Discrimination Day 2019 campaign challenges people to act against laws that discriminate in their country.’ Many laws—including property laws, migration and citizenship laws, workplace legislation, and more—contain discriminatory provisions. The preamble » Zero Discrimination Day on March 1 for the Charter of the United Nations puts an emphasis on ending discrimination, stating that the peoples of the United Nations are determined “to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small.” As mentioned by UNAIDS in their brochure, many of these discriminatory laws can be amended. Ending discrimination worldwide is not a one- day process or an easy one but requires efforts by everyone to come together and contribute towards making a difference. The Zero Discrimination Day 2019 campaign highlights that individual members of society can make a huge contribution towards ending discrimination and helping others to do the same. UNAIDS offers steps people can actually follow to start implementing positive change, such as volunteering for organization working to reform laws and calling out discrimination wherever you see it. Saksham Thakkar, a student at Douglas College, said in an interview with the Other Press, “It is really hard to figure out if discrimination has actually increased or decreased. [To] date, in [a] majority of [...] countries, same-sex marriage is a criminal offence, companies still pose restrictions on HIV-affected patients, many girls marry at the age of 18 or lower. The way to [our] destination is long when there will actually be zero discrimination”