Silence is Consent

Writing sessions for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into Ontario's Curriculum were supposed to commence today. I personally couldn't think of a better way to spend my education dollars. However, at the last minute these sessions have been cancelled by the new provincial government. I'm certain that due to the 11th hour nature of this act has lead to all kinds of expenses being incurred. However, as is the way of all systemically racist constructs this will be justified for fiscal (or other equally false) reasons. I implore anyone reading this that can see the intent and trajectory of this action to raise your voice in any way at your disposal. Here is a copy of a correspondence I sent this morning to Lisa Thompson and my own MP. Feel free to plagiarize and recycle anything you might find useful.

Ms. Thompson;

I have been an educator in Ontario for over 30 years. Consequently, the variety of your predecessors that I have dealt with is myriad. However, I have never seen such an overtly racist opening salvo from any of that cohort. I was a member of the early incarnations of the Ministry's Indigenous Education Committees. I witnessed the struggles of maintaining a profile that garnered significant support on any level. Yet, as has been the case for over 500 years, these efforts have persisted. I was hopeful that the advent of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission would have politicians move to a more enlightened view of their position leading to these recommendations being implemented in all aspects of our society... with Education being at the forefront. You just proved my hope to be misplaced.

In cancelling the writing sessions for those working on embedding the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission into our curriculum you have made a striking statement about the priorities of your Ministry. In my years in Education I came to know and loathe the reality of systemic racism. I found that this issue created a very distinct dividing line. On one side there are those of us who actively work to break down this system of discrimination and on the other are those naively ignorant of its existence or actively perpetuating it. This act has clearly shown which side of that line you have planted your flag. When you come out and say this had nothing to do with race you will be affirming my suspicions by using the time honoured techniques that continue to grease the machinations of this long standing, insidious system of oppression and white privilege

You are in the early going of your tenure and still have the chance to turn and face a direction that history will hopefully judge

. I am indeed hopeful you walk the path you are on in order to be in a position to do what is best for people. Your actions regarding this issue will determine the direction of this path. I look forward to your well informed, people centred response. Until then, I will remain

Attentively Yours,

Dean Huyck

8 Oliver Street

Guelph, Ontario

N1E 3B5

Ok, go be an active participant in our democracy.