I’m not certain how to reply when someone calls out “Happy Canada Day!” so, for now, I’m returning it with a blank stare.

The Federal Government is still dragging its bureaucratic feet regarding the 94 calls to action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Even more frustrating, the Federal Government still can’t tell us how many calls to action have been completed! Even more evidence that this is not a priority.

To date, there are more Indigenous children being removed from their families and communities at large than in the peak of the residential school system.

There are still 29 long-term drinking water advisories for First Nations communities, some of which have been in place for 25 years!

So yeah, I’m swallowing hard and trying not to grind my molars when I hear cheerful “Happy Canada Day” rhetoric.

I’m not celebrating. I’m torn, and frankly, more than a little embarrassed.

Acknowledging that I was born on the stolen lands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and currently live on the stolen lands of shíshálh Nation.