Conflating patriotism, national identity, & civility as positives—w/out talk of colonialism or Canada’s ongoing role in harm—simplifies conversations that urgently need to happen.

I welcome dialogue.
But I'm not here to witness or entertain veiled attacks on people actively harmed by these systems.

While I speak from lived experience and our right to challenge these systems, this isn’t just about me.

Whether you’re aging, disabled, struggling financially, Jewish, Muslim, 2SLGBTQ+, neurodivergent, or part of any group that’s been racialized, stigmatized, or scapegoated—anyone can be othered.

Language like “they should be grateful to be here” functions as a dog whistle.
It subtly implies that some of us don’t truly belong—or that our right to speak out is conditional.

These attitudes need to be challenged.
Silence is complicity.

As Ukwehu·wé, we believe part of our responsibility on Turtle Island is to challenge harmful attitudes—especially from those with power and platforms.

Respect for these lands means respect for all people.
Gratitude doesn’t mean silence.
Civility shouldn’t be used to suppress discomfort.

The critique came from a host who, in another segment, strongly condemned Palestinian perspectives—without acknowledging Israeli state violence or referencing what many human rights orgs have described as acts of genocide.

On air, I were confronted with commentary that criticized “marginalized people” for being ungrateful to live in Canada and dismissed protest language like “death to Canada.” I pushed back.

I think it has to do with the way we structure the show for syndication, but I’m not 100% sure