Mosab Al-nomairy

The last decade witnessed one of the largest waves of migration out of the Middle East as a result of political turbulence. Hundreds of thousands have left for new countries in which to settle and start a new life. Having survived the quake by moving from one place to another, we have reached the point where we must think about understanding these new countries and knowing its present and its history. Perhaps the most important question for us, as refugees in new countries, is how we can have the tools to be more effective and present. The simple answer to this question is to gain the appropriate knowledge.

In Canada, it is no secret that there is an idealized image of this country being propagated among us as newcomers. This image was formed through the promotion of Canada as an open, ideal, multicultural country, without addressing the depth of the historic problems experienced by the components of this society. These effects are still evident today.

We, as new citizens, and as a part of this country’s present and future, must know more about these issues. We will not be able to participate and contribute in these, our new societies, without knowledge. We need to know the structure of power and oppression here. 

The most important issue that we should support and build our awareness of is the Indigenous issue. It evokes a long-standing debate about Canada’s contemporary history, issues of colonialism, and the modern state. The Indigenous population is still suffering today from the impacts of discriminatory policies practiced against them since the founding of this state. In this regard, the residential school system is one of the most painful chapters. The discovery of the remains of 215 children has brought this painful memory to the fore for everyone. Solidarity vigils swept Canadian cities. The anger led to the destruction of Canadian historical icons, such as the statue of Egerton Ryerson. Today, Canada is being asked to reconsider its entire colonial history.

Today, as newcomers and settlers in this country, we must listen to its people. Its Indigenous people. The gains we enjoy today, such as a sense of safety, civil rights, and democracy, are matched by the continued marginalization of Indigenous peoples and their territories. We have to sit with the victims of this country. Like it or not, we face a genuine moral question: do we reap the benefits of this country without being critical to its past and present? Or do we stand with Indigenous peoples in their struggle against the destruction and marginalizing of their societies?

Indigenous people and refugees both know well the bitterness of persecution and discrimination. They share a lot of experiences, values, and emotions. The timing, between finding 215 childrens’ remains and the recent, hateful murder of four in London, Ontario, is coincidental, and the events share much more in common. 

Bridging the gap between Indigenous people and refugees is an important step. BAM – Books Art Music Collective recognizes this need and plans to host an event to achieve this goal. A dialogue and art work between the youth will take place to “share the accurate history of Canada and empower both communities to stand together against racism, discrimination, and injustice.” The goal of this conversation is to “encourage youth to remember and learn from the past and ensure that past injustices are not repeated,” according to BAM. 

“People generally share many more commonalities than differences,” points out BAM’s Indigenous Community Ambassador Jenna Robar, Lnuꞌk/Mi’kmaw and an Acadian woman from Unama’ki (Cape Breton), “and it’s no different for Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island (North America) and Newcomers. Indigenous peoples and Newcomers are both equity-seeking groups, with strong cultures, and many stories and teachings to share. This event is important because it brings those groups together in a way where they will lead the conversation. This first conversation is focused on Canada’s colonial history, the impacts it has had on Indigenous peoples, and the importance of learning about our roles going forward- starting now.” 

“We expect both groups to learn something from one another. Both are likely coming in with thoughts or assumptions about the other, but we’re hoping that they focus on what they can share and find the similarities to make lasting connections.” 

The event is one of the first steps towards forming such lasting connections.  

“As Syrian youth and new Canadians, we have observed significant gaps in the system for providing an accurate history of Indigenous people living in Canada. Anecdotally, we have seen that there are several negative stereotypes associated with Indigenous people, including assumptions about their addiction to alcohol and drugs, unemployment, and violence-related stories,” added Hanen Nanaa and Hani Al Moulia, recent Syrian newcomers and Co-founders of BAM Collective. “We were told that Indigenous youth are not friendly or welcoming towards new immigrants. We believe that those assumptions are establishing a prejudiced, incorrect understanding of Indigenous culture and history within our and other newcomer communities.” 

“We believe this perpetuates the racism, discrimination, and bias faced by Indigenous youth,” Nanaa and Al Moulia continued, “and we must do our part in educating our communities to ensure Syrian newcomers do not go through their lives ignorant of residential schools, the ongoing impacts of the Indian Act and previous laws, the significance of treaties, or the contributions of Indigenous People’s to and within today’s Canada.” 

Since 2019 BAM – Books Art Music Collective a youth-led collective aiming to empower equity-seeking young people through art and community engagement in Ontario and New York has been working closely with Indigenous youth across Canada. Together they noticed a vast gap in the system and recognized the need for having a brave space for both communities to come together and exchange personal experiences to meet shared needs and to celebrate shared successes through dialogue, art, and relationship-building. To honour the National Indigenous History Month BAM launches a conversation to bridge the gap between Syrian newcomers and Indigenous youth in Ontario. This conversation is founded by the Laidlaw Foundation and Innoweave, in partnership with the Syrian Canadian Foundation, Indigenous Refugees Movement (IRM), and Henna Platform to share a more accurate history of Canada and empower both communities to stand together against racism, discrimination, and injustice. The goal of this conversation is to “encourage youth to remember and learn from the past and ensure that past injustices are not repeated.” 

“Healing Through Music and Dialogue” event will take place virtually on July 1st, 2021 at 6:00 PM via Zoom. The event will mourn the 215 Indigenous children found in Kamloops Residential school in B.C and highlight the importance of land acknowledgment while encouraging newcomers to learn about Indigenous history. It will also feature an Indigenous educator who will be facilitating a discussion on residential schools and its ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. To BAM, art is essential to provide youth with a creative space to practice healing and emotional expression and encourage them to use their creative talents to advocate and speak up on this issue. Therefore, this event will also feature Syrian and Indigenous artists performing and sharing their stories through music. 

This event is an opportunity for newcomers to do their part in educating themselves and their communities about the genocide committed in Canada toward Indigenous people, in an effort to work toward truth and reconciliation. 

We invite Syrian newcomers and Indigenous youth to be part of the journey and to bridge the gap for their communities and other newcomer communities! Spots are limited, please fill out the form to receive more details on the event.