Read on Twitter
1. This isn't the way that I wanted to see my name in the New York Times. Nor is it something I want the many people, items and stories on the Witness Blanket to be associated with. (A thread responding to this article and my work with the CMHR) 1/22 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/06/world/canada/museum-of-human-rights-discrimination.html
2. I have, however, been meaning to write about #SystemicRacism and the supremacy of colonialism for awhile now, and being mentioned in this article makes it into a responsibility.
3. These are extraordinary times and this world is changing in ways and at speeds that a year ago few could've imagined. In the spring of 2019 I signed a unique agreement with the #CMHR that I believe is an example of how artwork and culture can set a pathway for systemic change.
4. It is based in Western and traditional legal orders, and in addition to a signed contract that sets out multiple shared goals and responsibilities, it was enacted through Kwakwaka'wakw ceremony.
5. Although I had heard about challenges in the CMHR's early years, particularly the denial of colonialism as genocide, conversations with people at various levels of management convinced me that the museum had moved on from that position.
6. Having since travelled to a genocide conference in Cambodia to co present with the CMHR about that topic, I still believe this to be true.
Through these interactions, I have built many strong relationships and friendships with current and former employees of the museum.
Through these interactions, I have built many strong relationships and friendships with current and former employees of the museum.
7. I offer this context, not in defence of the museum or myself, but to be forthright about my relationships and to say that since hearing about allegations of systemic racism, I have been paying very close attention to this situation.
8. Systematic to systemic.
I have thought a lot about systemic racism lately, initially in response to the #BLM protests and killings of #RodneyLevi and #ChantelMoore (among others)at the hands of police in Canada, and more recently because of the allegations against the CMHR.
I have thought a lot about systemic racism lately, initially in response to the #BLM protests and killings of #RodneyLevi and #ChantelMoore (among others)at the hands of police in Canada, and more recently because of the allegations against the CMHR.
9. Canada is built upon the systematic racism of colonial arrogance. From terra nullius forward, laws were made to displace Indigenous peoples, exploit and oppress Chinese, Black and other IBPOC, all justified merely by the racist idea that White European people were superior.
10. What began as systematic, intentional racism, is now so deeply embedded within this society and its institutions, that it has become systemic, quietly working exactly as originally designed.
11. #SystemicRacism is hidden in plain view and plain words, justified as small missteps or unavoidable human error. How many times have you heard the following?
"That wasn't his intention."
"It was an honest mistake."
"It was unfortunate, but could happen to anyone."
"That wasn't his intention."
"It was an honest mistake."
"It was unfortunate, but could happen to anyone."
12. Yet in the sum total of who is disproportionately affected by police violence, wrongful incarceration, generational poverty, etc... it is ALWAYS Indigenous and Black people, and especially women who bear the brunt of this never ending series of "unfortunate events."
13. I believe that there is #SystemicRacism within all institutions and at every level of and form of governance in Canada... from the #RCMP to banks, monetary and medical systems -- from the #Arts to museums, universities and social safety nets.
14. So I was not surprised by the allegations against the CMHR, and although I didn't experience any issues in my own interactions there, I would be naive to believe that any organization of that size is free from prejudice, either conscious and unconscious.
15. My responsibility in this.
I have read the review, and at this point, rather than commenting directly, I am going to spend some time thinking about and discussing it with others.
I have read the review, and at this point, rather than commenting directly, I am going to spend some time thinking about and discussing it with others.
16. Having placed perhaps the most significant work I will ever make into shared stewardship with the CMHR, I feel a responsibility to do everything within my power ensure that all parties live up to the ideals and responsibilities that we committed to in ceremony.
17. What I will say now is that I support the individuals who have shared their experiences, as well as anyone else who has been harmed.
18. I recognize the emotional, cultural and financial harms that they have endured and I am hopeful that their courage will lead to substantive change, not only in the CMHR, but across this country.
19. Changes in leadership sometimes feel like progress, but unless they turn from a moment or a movement into an ongoing practice of anti racism, that continually and critically interrogates inequity at every level...
20. ...then we continue to live in the status quo of incremental changes that placate most of us just enough to stave off revolution, and while IBPOC lives may collectively become ever so slightly less terrible...
21. ...those who benefit most from the systems of oppression, steadily and exponentially grow their wealth and privilege at a speed drastically out pacing any ground we gain by small steps.
Clearly it is time for a seismic realignment and re-imagining of our social order.
Clearly it is time for a seismic realignment and re-imagining of our social order.
22. I view the agreement I made with the museum, rooted to Indigenous perspective, recognizing the agency of the @WitnessBlanket and the stories it carries, as one step toward structural change.
I commit to continue being part of that transformation.
Gilakasla
I commit to continue being part of that transformation.
Gilakasla
