Uniting Through Creativity: A Call to Action for Artists and Allies

 

Uniting Through Creativity: A Call to Action for Artists and Allies

These are strange and unsettling times. As someone with a mixed heritage—both settler and Indigenous—I carry a complicated relationship with this land and its history. On one hand, my Indigenous roots connect me deeply to the land, carrying the wisdom and resilience of my ancestors who have lived here for countless generations. On the other, I am also a descendant of settlers who came to Canada seeking refuge and a better life.

I recently discovered that my ancestors were on a Holocaust survivors’ list. It makes me wonder why my grandparents chose to leave Europe in the early 1900s, with two small children, to start a farm in Saskatchewan. They raised 11 children in the face of hardship and built a life from nothing. On my mother’s side, my family has spent years piecing together the story of our Indigenous lineage, reclaiming that identity after generations of disconnection.

This history of perseverance in the face of persecution runs in my blood. It reminds me that my family has faced threats before—and survived. Now, I feel it’s my responsibility to stand up and speak out against those who threaten our lives, our land, and our shared future with lies and hate.

A Canada Worth Protecting

Canada, like any place, is not perfect. Its history is marked by colonization, broken promises, and systemic inequality. As someone who straddles both settler and Indigenous identities, I feel the weight of these truths deeply.

But there is also so much worth fighting for here. The land itself is sacred. Its diversity—of people, cultures, and ideas—is a strength. And despite its flaws, I believe in the potential of this country to grow, to heal, and to unite.

To me, standing up for Canada doesn’t mean ignoring its past or pretending everything is fine. It means honoring the land, respecting its First Peoples, and fighting for a future where justice, inclusion, and care are at the forefront.

The Power of Creativity in Resistance

In times like these, it can feel overwhelming to stand against forces of division, hate, and fear. But history shows us that art and creativity can be powerful tools for resistance and healing.

Art speaks to the heart. It can reveal truths, inspire hope, and bring people together in ways that words alone cannot. A painting can show the beauty of a land worth protecting. A song can rally people to a common cause. A story can remind us of our shared humanity.

That’s why I believe the best way to fight back is not with anger or hate, but with creativity and truth.

A Call to Artists and Allies

This is a call to action. To all artists, creators, and dreamers, I invite you to join me in a movement of unity and resistance through art. Together, we can amplify voices, challenge harmful narratives, and inspire hope in these difficult times.

Here are some ways to get involved:

Create: Use your medium to express Canada’s diversity, resilience, and potential.

Share: Post your work online with the hashtags #CreativeResistanceCanada and #UnitedThroughArt.

Collaborate: Organize virtual exhibitions, performances, or panels to foster dialogue and solidarity.

Speak Up: Share your personal stories of resilience and resistance to connect with others.

This isn’t about blind patriotism or ignoring our history. It’s about fighting for a future that includes all of us—a future that learns from the past and strives for something better

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A Future Worth Fighting For

I know the challenges ahead can feel daunting. But if my family’s history has taught me anything, it’s that resilience runs deep. We’ve faced threats before and survived. Now it’s time to stand together—Indigenous and settler, artist and ally, creator and activist—and speak out against those who threaten our shared home.

Let’s protect this land, our communities, and the values we hold dear. Let’s fight back with creativity, with truth, and with hope.

Will you join me?