All Welcome Here

Excellent discussion of the Model Minority myth, diversity within Asian communities, and the normalization of anti-Asian racism (within the larger, white supremacist discourse). #repost @zenerations HOW DOES PERCEIVED PROXIMITY TO WHITENESS AND THE MODEL MINORITY MYTH FACTOR INTO RACISM AGAINST ASIANS? ... **Please recognize that we are not saying other forms of racism have not been normalized; we are trying to shine a light on the plight of Asians in the wake of recent attacks. All people of color are disadvantaged by white privilege, some more than others. We recognize the longstanding struggles of the Black, Latine, and Indigenous communities, and we are in no way trying to invalidate their experiences. Comparing the struggles of POC benefits no one but the oppressive system, it is more important for us to stand in solidarity with each other. (Reference 10th slide) In the wake of recent attacks on Asians around the world, it is imperative to raise the questions: Why is racism towards Asians so normalized? Why are derogatory phrases like 'Ching Chong' so ingrained and embedded into people's vocabulary, and often dismissed as harmless jokes? In addition, how does the Model Minority Myth and East Asians' perceived proximity to whiteness act as an underlying factor? This ties into how racism is normalized towards Asians. The model minority myth, which alludes to the idea that Asian-Americans are all inherently wealthy and successful, plays a great role in this because it creates a fallacy that Asians are immune to racism and discrimination. We as a generation must acknowledge how these ideals contribute to Asian discrimination and violence, and put in efforts to UNLEARN these mindsets. This article is part of a MULTI-PART MEDIA SERIES on Asian identity, discrimination, history, and culture brought to you by Zenerations and led by @caseysgraces and @evieannefitz . Part two coming soon! _ Contributions from Nomin (@nominnr), Elisabeth Hoole (@elisahoole), Xavier Cortez (@xvr.crz), Keya Raval (@keyarav), Sanjna Mizar Art by Lilly Marsh ( @tumblingbooksco ) and Graphics by Sophia Delrosario

MUCH needed tool. Thanks to @alisonkellytrustee for sharing this new resource! #repost @pobcadvocate Today we have officially launched the School Racism Reporting Tool. If you are a staff member in Ontario public, Catholic, and private schools who is aware of incidents of anti-Black racism perpetrated against students, colleagues, or even yourself, you can report it anonymously. Click the link in our bio to learn more. #racism #education #school #ontario #antiblackracism

A German radio personality unloaded on BTS, spewing vile racism and comparing them to covid. (BTS is a South Korean septet and arguably the biggest group in the world. You could say I’m something of a fan ) He justified his statements by saying, in part, You can’t accuse me of xenophobia just because of this boy band. I have a car from South Korea. What in the actual I can’t be racist because my best friend is Black kind of absurdly twisted trash? (Also, it won’t surp...rise you to hear his car is actually Japanese.) This excellent article by Jae-Ha Kim (Journalist), exposes and unpacks the layers and layers of racism in this incident and in BTS’s experiences in the west. It connects this with the rising waves of anti-Asian racist incidents, including murder, and shares Kim’s own experiences. https://www.teenvogue.com//racism-bts-continues-to-face-is

On this first day of March, I’d like to leave you with a final thought for BHM. You cannot understand anything about Black History Month or about Canadian history, if you do not understand the profoundly brutal racist genocide on which this country was founded. If you cannot see the clear lines from the arrival of the colonizers to today’s pipeline enthusiasts, no substantive change is possible. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission tells us that we are each responsible for reconciliation. It’s YOUR JOB (and mine) to work to repair relations, learn and tell the truth, and build this place into the one it claims to be.

Black History Month may be over but our learning never ends. Some specific and concrete ways to eliminate anti-Black behaviours from yourself (and keep them out of our lives)! https://sharaioconnor.medium.com/full-stop-casually-anti-bl

So, the Region of Durham is taking some well-deserved heat over their Black History Month Scavenger Hunt. In case you can’t read the image, it includes asking their employees: - 3 questions about African geography - to dance to a reggae song... - to Have a conversation with a Black employee As much as I’m WTAF-ing, it has definitely been noticed that our municipality hasn’t bothered to even acknowledge BHM. They certainly haven’t proclaimed it (as they do with many other months/weeks/days). Black History Month has been officially recognized by the government of Canada since 1995, so it’s not new. Sure, we can go make a deputation requesting the proclamation but how do you feel about it? Does it matter to you? Are you surprised? #blackhistorymonth #blackcanadianhistory

Read this letter https://www.cbc.ca//baffinland-protestors-open-letter-1.59 (Link in bio - Resources page)

We’ll be dropping lists of novels, movies, docs, podcasts, YouTubers, etc. to get you started. #blackhistorymonth #blackcanadianhistory

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR!!!!! Wishing us all plates of dumplings and the longest noodles and all the good fortune. It’s sad not to be able to travel and meet with friends and family this year. But let’s hope we can be at a dragon dance next year!... (Second pic is Canada Post’s permanent lunar new year collection)

Looking for some reads for Black History Month? Sooo many to choose from at our friends Books and Company (289 Picton Main)! @bookscompany_picton #readblackauthors

Please take the time to write and make our schools more inclusive and educate ALL of the students to live in the world. Contact info at the bottom of Alison’s comment! #repost Posted @withregram @alisonkellytrustee Next week, a 3-part motion I drafted alongside @kristenmparks, will be discussed and scheduled for a future COW meeting. It highlights the need for the board to encourage and support the Education Centre and all HPEDSB schools to celebrate Pride Month, Black Hist...ory Month and Indigenous History Month. If there are any students, family members, allies and/or community groups in support of this motion, please send me a letter of support to [email protected]

Thank you so much to the incomparable Shannon Helm and company for bringing this amazing show to our town. Hope to see you in Picton!

Joyce Echaquan died tied to a bed while nurses hurled slurs and abuse at her. She went to hospital for help - like we all do - after experiencing stomach pains. In crisis, she started recording live on Facebook, screaming for help and saying she was being overmedicated. She had come to record hospital staff because of the ongoing racist treatment she'd received for prior visits for her heart condition. Near the end of the seven-minute video, hospital staff are recorded talki...ng in her room. Two women are heard calling Echaquan stupid, questioning her life choices, saying she’s only good for sex and that she would be better off dead. Quebec Premier François Legault called what transpired in the video totally unacceptable. But asked whether he believes the incident speaks to systemic racism in Quebec, Legault said he did not. I really don’t think we have this kind of way of dealing with First Nations people in our hospitals in Quebec, he said. The premier’s remarks are in contrast with the findings of the Viens commission, a three-year inquiry into the way Indigenous Peoples are treated by public services in the province. In its 488-page report, published almost exactly a year ago, the commission concluded that racism and prejudice against Indigenous people on behalf of hospital staff remain prevalent. One professor told the commission the situation is so dire many Indigenous people will avoid going to the hospital over fears of being discriminated against. For those who have to go, they mentally prepare themselves first for the treatment they’ll be subjected to. #thisiscanada #racisminhealthcare #racismkills #nomorereports

Our hat's way, way off to the incomparable Shannon Helm for organizing this incredible art show in Picton. Over 20 local artists reflecting on the John A Macdonald statue in Picton as part of the conversation we're all having on what is a welcoming community that is open to everyone. Thanks to the participating artists: Rebecca Maracle, Melanie Gray, Nella Casson, Marc Keelan-Bishop, Tim Snyder, Mel Larkin, D'Ari Lisle,Susanne Larner, Rhonda Nolan, Bay Woodyard, Hri Neil,... Egan O'Sullivan, Audrey Laliberte, Teresa Westervelt, Jesse Fraser, Nadia Feller, Ambivilently Yours, Ruth Laliberte, Kat Burns, Aiden Haley, Alex Hicks, Tomas Del Balso, Camilla Leonelli, Pam Patterson, Christine Durant, Laura Jean, Krista Dalby, Christine Renaud, and Carol Anne Ross. Thanks to the following Picton businesses: Books and Company, City Revival, Ye11ow, McDougall's, Magpie, Gilbert and Lighthall, The Vic, The Crepe Escape, Zest, Maran's, Beacon, Picnic, Keep, Kelly's, County Sunshine, Rosehaven, Coriander Girl, Taste Your World, Luna, Fieldmade, County Drugstore, All Welcome Here committed to donating funds to artists who wanted support with materials. All credit to Shannon and to all of the artists and to the businesses of Picton!! Hope to see you upstreet this weekend! #pec4poc #intersectionspicton #notmyjam #thatjamstatue Experience Picton (edit: updated artist list to add more and update names!)

Working group update. First though, if you haven't gone to the County's website to make your opinion about this statue known, please do so. This online public consultation will close on OCTOBER 2nd at 9:00 am. Read more from the County about how to comment and the overall timeline here: https://mailchi.mp//notice-consultation-on-sir-john-a-stat ... I realize that I didn't post an update from the last meeting. It was a very, very short meeting in which we only heard one deputation. The deputation was from community member Sarah Hall who felt that the statue should remain but a companion website should be built that offers personal opinion and discussion on the statue. Today, we had another working group meeting. We first received a deputation from Sean Carleton, an Assistant Professor in the Department of History and the Department of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg). Professor Carleton explored the nature of statues as celebration/commemoration. He took some great questions and handled some rudeness (from a wg member) with grace and a thoughtful response He focused on the meaning of celebrating a figure like Macdonald who's policies and actions were genocidal (according to the United Nations definition of genocide). Straight facts! All the facts. The full picture. Brilliantly bringing home the point that those of us who want the statue gone do NOT want to erase history, we want the WHOLE story told. When you tell the good and the bad, it's really, really impossible - for me at least - to take selfies with that damn statue. To celebrate that man. Our second deputation was from Sandy Latchford, for the Museum Advisory Committee. Ms. Latchford explained how the Committee has determined that bringing the statue to Macaulay (house, museum/church or grounds) would not be appropriate for curatorial reasons. It is too large to be appropriately placed in the church and does not belong in the house. Placing it outside would create a host of other problems (around protecting it from vandalism and an inability to contextualize him or build the necessary information around him to present a balanced picture). Personally, as a resident, I've seen all that our Museums have done to be representative of all of our histories and the complexity of all of our communities. I know that they have put on or brought in exhibitions focused on Indigenous history and art and on Black history. They share the voices of women and try to look at history through multiple lenses and some really, really interesting and cool perspectives. I think it would be a genuine shame to lumber the museums with this statue. It was a mistake in 2015, don't make it their problem in 2020.

CBC's Fatal Police Encounters. The Deadly Force database looks at role of race and mental health in deaths. Indigenous and Black people are over-represented in the deaths. Police killings are on an upwards trend (since 2000) and note that 2020 data is only for the first 6 months of the year. Are you also shocked at the volume of "Unknown" victims?... https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/fatalpoliceencounters/ (link on carrd in bio) #ithappensincanada #defundthepolice #fundmentalhealth #stopkillingus #blacklivesmatter

Great twitter thread and so worth sharing #repost @blackphysiciansofcanada

#repost Posted @withregram @talon_simon LINK IN BIO: Here is a Google Doc with ways to support Mi’kmaq in Digby.... (UPDATE) - Sept. 22 12:46am - List of Supplies Needed Updated, Location of Wharf & More Sources of Info When sending funds to the emails below, make sure to clarify that they are for food and supplies for people on the frontlines. - [email protected] - THE OFFICIAL 1752 MODERATE LIVELIHOOD - [email protected] - Tara Marie Francis - [email protected] - Chief Andrea Paul Supplies Needed (Food supplied well right now): Large bins, utensils, meal prep/disposable Tupperware & sharpy markers. For allies bring: Flashlights, First-Aid Kits, Blankets, Firewood on site at 60 Saulnierville Road, NS. - contact [email protected] with questions about this document (original creator) - @charlierosecon on Twitter - @charcon on Insta Typo at the bottom: Go to www.kukukwes.com #1752Treaty #TreatyRights #EastCoastLobsterStrong #Mikmaq

We want to share the full post and comments from @qtf.clothing as there’s been so much discussion. Thanks @qtf.clothing for this amazing initiative for our community! #repost @qtf.clothing A note on why we named this co-op Queer Trans Fat Clothing & why we chose to support these communities specifically ... What do the words "queer," "trans," and "fat" mean? And why do we use them? In our communities there are lots of words that have been used to hurt us, including some of the ones we now use to identify ourselves. For lots of people, including us, the process of reclaiming language can be a powerful way of healing. We use "queer" as an umbrella term to encompass many identities along the 2slgbtqia+ spectrum. Yes, it has been (and still is) used as a derogatory term, but the queer community has reclaimed it to wear the term with pride. "Trans" is short for transgender and we're using it as an umbrella term to also include nonbinary, gender fluid, and gender nonconforming identities. "Fat" is not a bad word - it's only a bad word if we think fat bodies are bad, which hopefully we are all working to unlearn. Fatphobia (or the fear of fatness & the oppression of fat people) makes us believe that our worth depends on the size of our body, which just isn't true. Of course not everyone who's fat wants to use the term to identify themselves - and that's fine, we all get to identify how we want to. But for those of us who find joy, pride, and strength in naming the thing that makes us look how we do (our fat), the term is very important. We want to be clear that the three of us behind QTF (Ellis, Finn, and Lila) all use one or more of the terms "queer," "trans," and "fat" to identify ourselves and that's why we chose to name our Co-op this. (See our About Us post) We decided to use this language to identify ourselves to our communities and invite you to this space. So, why are we specifically supporting 2slgbtqia+ people and fat folks? Because being marginalized reduces your access to things you need. And these specific marginalizations (being fat, queer, and/or trans) impact access to clothing. For example: finding affordable plus

Did you hear? Shani Mootoo’s book, Polar Vortex, is longlisted for the 2020 Gillet Prize! Shani is a BIPOC author and County resident (and she’s funny as hell). This novel was the first book for our BIPOC Book Club. We unanimously loved it. It was so revealing about marriages and secrets and what goes unsaid. ... If you haven’t had a chance to read it I can’t recommend it strongly enough. You can get your copy at @bookscompany_picton or @peclibrary #shanimootoo #gillerprize #bipocbookclub

All Welcome Here has signed (and I have signed personally) - have you? - Judith

#repost Thank you @saskteaches - this is so perfectly and clearly stated. #thatjamstatue #notmyjam ... From @saskteaches: Not up for debate. Knock every single one of those statues down. Period. I had a conversation with one of my teacher friends last night, Chris Schmidt-Watt, and they sent me Erica Ifill's article after we talked about how we will be teaching about issues like this. He said "this article really sums up where I stand on this issue." People have to overcome this strange idea that we need statues to remember our history... "Our history" what does that even mean? We all have different histories and before this place was called "Canada" it was already home to the Indigenous groups that lived there. Their home was STOLEN from them. WE ARE SETTLERS ON THIS LAND. What are we celebrating when we talk about this guy? The trauma and unspeakable acts of violence this man is responsible for has ruined people's lives for GENERATIONS. I am in utter disbelief that in 2020 this is still up for debate. It shouldn't be. What a world we live in. If your comment is aggressive or makes light of this. You will be And yes, I spelled his name wrong in there once but I'm not fixing it because I don't respect him or care. I made my point. #teaching #teachers #premier #canada #johnamcdonald #bipoclivesmatter #indigenouslivesmatter #indigenoushistorymatters #whiteprivilege #bias #criticallens #changeperspectives #challengeyourthinking #listentovoicesoftheoppressed #figureitout #stolenland #education #learning #whataworld

#repost Posted @withregram @qtf.clothing We're an online source of free clothes for queer, trans, & fat folks in Prince Edward County Our goal is to connect you with clothing that fits your body & affirms your gender. We know how hard it can be to find affordable clothing especially in plus sizes & from queer-safe businesses. Clothes are an important part of mental & physical health, employment, identity, and most other aspects of life ... So how does it work? SHOPPERS: We will post available clothing here & on facebook. Comment or send us a DM to reserve your picks & set up a time to pick it up (or coordinate for local drop-off) Also DM us if you're looking for a specific item & we will contact you if we receive what you're looking for. DONATIONS: We are always accepting donations of gently used clothing in all adult sizes. Send us a message to coordinate pickup or drop-off COVID SAFETY: We wash every piece of clothing we receive & package them in plastic ziploc bags. Items are only available after they've been washed, packaged, and untouched for 48hrs. Pickups & drop-offs of clothing are curbside only unless specified, in which case everyone involved must be wearing a mask. COMING SOON: Starting in October, we will offer a binder, bra, & breast form exchange! More details to follow #queer #trans #2slgbtqia #lgbt #princeedwardcounty #plussize #fat #binderexchange #genderaffirming #safespace #community #clothing

I’m incredibly excited to be leading this discussion of Desmond Cole’s The Skin We’re In with @peclibrary. September 24th at 2:pm. Hope to see you there and let’s talk! From @peclibrary September 24 Join Judith Burfoot of All Welcome Here for a book club discussion of The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole. This group will be held on Zoom. Limited to ten participants to ensure everyone has an opportunity to ask questions and discuss, so register early. Puncturing the bubble o...f Canadian smugness and naive assumptions of a post-racial nation, Desmond Cole chronicles just one year2017in the struggle against racism in this country. It was a year that saw calls for tighter borders when Black refugees braved frigid temperatures to cross into Manitoba from the States, Indigenous land and water protectors resisting the celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, police across the country rallying around an officer accused of murder, and more. Register: https://buff.ly/35dqdEF or call (613) 476-5962 #theskinwerein #desmondcole #pec4blm #pec4poc #peclibrary #supportlocallibraries

Hateful, ignorant, creepy and disgusting. Semenya’s lawyers argued that her intersex condition is just one of many genetic variances that athletes can have, and women with other genetic gifts aren’t forced into medical treatment to remove them in order to compete.

You aren’t responsible for or required to be dumped on. These are profoundly exhausting times for us BIPOC folks - spend your energy wisely. And if you’ve found yourself saying these things, please educate yourself. Focus on BEING anti-racist not on being uncomfortable. #racialgaslighting #activeantiracism #pec4poc #idontseecolour #justajoke ... From @ogorchukwuu

1492 LAND BACK LANE, IN FACT, IS ABOUT SINCERE, COMMITTED, DEDICATED INDIGENOUS MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN RECLAIMING TRADITIONAL TERRITORY DEEMED HISTORICALLY BEL...ONGING TO THE HODENOSAUNEE PEOPLE. As of this moment, 36 indigenous people, and their supporters, have been arrested by the OPP for PEACEFULLY occupying historically significant HODENOSAUNEE LAND! Compounding the offence against HODENOSAUNEE PEOPLE, among the arrested is my son, Karl Dockstader, who is, along with his broadcast partner, Sean Vanderklis, co host of One Dish, One Mic, every Sunday for 2 hours on CRTB, RADIO 610. KARL AND SEAN COVER INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND ISSUES OFFERING INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVES ON INDIGENOUS CURRENT WVENTS. Both Karl and Sean are THIS YEAR'S RECIPIENTS OF THE CBC/CANADIAN JOURNALIST FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP AWARD, RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR WORK IN INDIGENOUS REPORTING. Karl did exclusive immersion reporting at 1492 Land Back Lane the last week of August. The OPP claims vaguely that he engaged in some activities outside of journalism boundaries, deemed by the OPP to be a criminal offence. SERIOUSLY?! TGE OPP, A POLICE FORCE DETERMINED WHAT FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IS, AND IS NOT, FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IN CANADA?! In conclusion, let me see if I understand all of this correctly. LAND DEFENDERS OF HODENOSAUNEE TRADITIONAL LAND ARE CRIMINALS FOR RECLAIMING THEIR OWN LAND, BECAUSE SOME OBSCURE CANADIAN JUDGE AND A POLICE FORCE, THE OPP, ARE THE SOLE ARBITERS OF FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED HODENOSAUNEE TRADITIONAL TERRITORY?! INDIGENOUS HODENOSAUNEE EMBEDDED REPORTING, IS CRIMINALIZED BY THE OPP BECAUSE THE OPP IS THE SOLE ARBITER OF WHAT IS, AND ISN'T, REPORTING FROM THE SCENE?! Systemic racism; police state; no Charter of Rights and Freedom protection for Canadion indigenous people; the OPP is the sole arbiter of ONLY INDIGENOUS JOURNALISTIC STANDARDS; obscure judges decide corporate interests outweigh indigenous rights; indigenous people's civil and human rights are discarded and dehumanized; indigenous families, disrupted and denied because obscure judges and the police have now permanently stained them as criminals forever!! Mr. Trudeau and Mr. Ford, there has never been one standard for all, in the history of Canada. 1492 Land Back Lane is just another chapter in Canada's legacy of oppression, repression, and suppression of indigenous PEOPLE in Canada. SHAME ! Canadian people, see your governments for what they are. The Land Defenders of 1492 Land Back Lane are dads and moms who are people! Karl Dockstader, my son, is a dad, a husband, a person! None of them are criminals!

There are 7 pages of these lies, stereotypes, willful ignorance and just garbo. I lol’d at the last one too repost @withregram @decolonizemyself #settlerisms I can't even count how many times I've heard these and more. #stop last comment just made me lol #weseeyou #yyr #firstnations #nativeamericans #nativeyouth #2spirit #lgbtqia #racism #derailing #oppression #bullshitters #conservatives #thisiscanada #uneducated #canadaiscomplict

#repost @quicklewinsky via @itsecogal and @femmesfataleswoc

Happy Labour Day. A holiday in honour of workers, too many of whom had to work today. This time should be teaching us all very, very clearly who’s work is important, is critical. Work is already underway to erase those lessons (see Premier Doug Ford’s recent comments about teachers). ... Don’t buy into the lies that minimum - and less - wage work is somehow inferior. We all KNOW it isn’t. Support and respect them as workers and as people. Demand increased minimum wage, employment rights for migrant workers, an end to tipping culture, gender based pay disparities, part-time work that deliberately keeps workers just beyond full-time work with sick time and benefits. Support unions. Without them we wouldn’t have work weeks or limits to work hours. No health and safety requirements or the right to refuse unsafe work. Overtime. Parental leave. Workers compensation and retirement benefits. How do we want our work to change and how are we going to fight to keep the changes that have already happened? #labourday2020 #workersrights @cupeontario @uniforcanada @osstf_feeso @etfoeducators @actranational @pwuconnects Need I go on?

1492 Land Back Lane has recently opened put out a call for auction items in support of their legal defence fund. You can also support the land defenders by donating supplies - check their facebook group to see what's needed - and volunteering to transport goods. You can donate to their GoFundMe at https://ca.gofundme.com/f/legal-fund-1492-land-back-lane. Or donate directly to [email protected].... All links on our carrd at https://allwelcomehere.carrd.co/ (in bio). From 1492 Land Back Lane: Six Nations Land Defenders have mobilized to stop the the Mackenzie Meadows housing development project bordering the town of Caledonia. Mackenzie Meadows is one of several housing developments within the area that are directly violating the sovereignty of the Haudenosaunee. Collectively we remain firm in our stance that action must be taken to stop the ongoing development of our lands.

Today at Crepe Escape’s Belleville location. Maybe not related to their visible signs in support of #LandBack but crepes don’t seem controversial to me. - Judith