Editor's note: Ms. Slakov writes in response to the BayToday article O Canada called 'cultural genocide.' Won't be played at school board meetings.
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Dear Editor,
Your article about how 'O Canada' won't be played before school board meetings got to me in BC via a friend in Regina - it's getting around.
I see some people take offense at the idea that our anthem could be seen as 'cultural genocide.'
Part of healing is to be fully aware of our situation, even of difficult things such as how we, non-Indigenous people, have benefited in some ways from genocide.
Countries that succeed in facing such harsh truths, such as Germany regarding its Nazi past, are better positioned to move forward in ethical ways.
Let's move forward into the precarious future we face in the healthiest way we can. That can include how we start our meetings but extends far beyond that.
Sincerely,
Jan Slakov
Black Point, BC
