Background on BIPOC and the Black Lives Matter Movement
A large part of our world’s history is rooted in the discrimination & mass oppression of minority groups including Black, Indigenous, & people of colour (also referenced with the acronym BIPOC). According to the BIPOC Project, this term highlights the unique relationship that individuals of colour have toward those who are white. They also aim to disassemble white supremacy while improving racial justice, specifically in the United States. While racism exists in Canada, & that is to be acknowledged, it is important to recognize & honour where a major call to action originated.
Mass Incarceration & Forced Labour
There exist many racial narratives associated with people of colour. Consistently, BIPOC are victims of mass incarceration stemming from the war on drugs. During the war, different drugs were associated with different races or ethnicities; bills were passed to make it easier for police to convict & arrest BIPOC. Indigenous folks are equally stereotyped within Canada for drug-related offences, crimes involving theft, & violence. The latest report of Canada’s Correctional Investigator, Howard Sapers, reveals that while Indigenous people comprise only 4.3% of Canada’s population, they represent 25% of all federal inmates. Melissa Gorelick outlines a troubling paradox in her United Nations article: 30% of female prisoners in Canada are incarcerated for addiction-related or self-defence crimes concerning domestic violence. There is a failure to recognize the prevalence of drugs & alcohol & violence within their communities, rationalizing their misconducts to be reactionary rather than premeditated.
As a result, prisons began to fill up, & institutions found a way to exploit victims of incarceration through labour. Prisons legally use forced/cheap labour of those incarcerated because the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects against the enslavement of Peoples (what was previously referred to as slavery & involuntary servitude), explicitly excludes from its reach those held in confinement due to a criminal conviction. In Canada, Prison labour is said to be a means of “rehabilitation”. Incarcerated persons receive a fraction of what they should be earning because prisons deduct their costs for keeping them in there from their wages & forcing them to continue working to avoid punishment.
Police Brutality
Historically BIPOC have experienced violence and harm at the hands of society, the police & the criminal justice system. This violence and harm continues today. The generational results of colonialism, enslavement, war, mass incarceration & forced labour have affected BIPOC in the worst way possible. Indigenous, Black and racialized Folx, 2SLGBTQQIA+ Folx, street-involved Folx, Folx living with mental illness, and the intersections of those communities are disproportionately killed by the police. As of April 2024, Tracking Injustice cites 748 police-involved deaths spanning from the year 2000 to 2022. That is approximately 62 deaths per year, consistent with the 53 that occurred in 2023. Moreover, 1,581 deaths occurred while in custody in the 22-year span, followed by an additional 79 in 2023.
Black Lives Matter (BLM)
Black Lives Matter, often associated with its hashtag (#BlackLivesMatter) is a global organization in the U.S., U.K., & Canada with a mission to eradicate white supremacy & build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by state & vigilantes. BLM was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murder. Trayvon was a 17-year-old who was followed & fatally shot by a neighbourhood watchman. His wrongful death sparked much controversy after his killer became victimized & his story is the unfortunate one of many racial injustices.
An additional influential case supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement, & a driving force toward change, was the tragic death of George Floyd. The 46-year-old Black man, died from having a knee to his neck for over 9 minutes by a police officer, while in custody for using a counterfeit $20 bill. His death was plastered on the Internet, sparking national controversy & global protests against police brutality. George Floyd’s murder was the catalyst for mass protest & re-igniting the defund the police movement across Canada, citing the importance of community-based solutions & restorative justice measures.
Black Lives Matter - Canada exists as a national resource for black activism in Canada. By supporting black-led community groups, like Wild Seed, & Book Stores, & coordinating national campaigns such as Defund the Police. Black Lives Matter - London is a powerful advocate for justice and Black liberation.
Defund The Police
Defund the Police came as a demand from the movement itself. Abolitionists, activists, & other patrons have used it to emphasize that more money given to police services does not equate to a better society. Interrupting Criminalization, for instance, has created a Zine on police abolition. Instead, these funds can be relocated from such organizations & put toward community-led alternatives including social workers, social institutions, food banks, housing for the homeless & other societal demands. For years, the police have failed to keep society safe, & each time the government provides a monetary band-aided solution.
Why Don’t We Use All Lives Matter?
When #BlackLivesMatter came in conjunction with the BLM social movement, some people began to question the partitioning that came with it. Controversy ensued, with questions of whether it should be corrected to “All Lives Matter”, yet this phrase is not what is important to the greater discussion. Systemically, BIPOC have been marginalized by their communities & countries, facing stigmatization & scrutinization. This is why the movement has come with the hashtag Black Lives Matter; it is not being divisive, it is fighting against the concept of segregation. All lives can’t matter if their lives don’t matter.
It’s important to note there have been many racial injustices involving fatal shootings by police in Canada; however, we must acknowledge the catastrophic deaths that took place (in the United States) & honour that it is because of these lost lives that movements such as Black Lives Matter & Defund the Police have originated. For further information on racial profiling in Ontario’s capital city, the Ontario Human Rights Commission has created a timeline of events, though their list is not exhaustive of all incidents & activities.
How Can We Enact Change for the Future?
RESOURCES
ACTIVISM & DIRECT ACTION RESOURCES
Activism 101: Types, Examples and Learning Opportunities
Activist Handbook & What is Activism?
Amnesty International - How to Stay Safe When Protesting
Human Rights Careers - Types of Activism
Protect the Protest - Amnesty International
Toronto Prisoners’ Rights Project
What is Activism: Definition, Types, Role, Examples, Importance
INDIGENOUS RESOURCES & DECOLONIAL INFORMATION
Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women
Southwestern Ontario Aboriginal Health and Access Centre
Southwestern Ontario Aboriginal Health & Access Centre offers multiple health care services with holistic & high-quality care. Dental, medical, mental & traditional healing. These services are provided to Indigenous people who live on & off the reserves.
INFORMATION RESOURCES
Black Lives Matter
https://m4bl.org/
https://blacklivesmatter.com/herstory/
https://www.blacklivesmatter.ca/
Bloomerang - https://bloomerang.co/blog/what-is-volunteerism-a-guide-to-the-history-benefits/
Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women & Women of Color
FOOD RESOURCES
Food insecurity is a growing concern in our London community. Individuals & families experiencing barriers to accessible food resources can find their situation temporary or long-term. Everyone’s situation is different, but some contributing factors may be due to:
job loss or unemployment
increasing cost of living
poverty
racism & discrimination
chronic health conditions
lack of affordable housing
Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre
The Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre hosts a program called ‘The London Good Food Project’. The mission is to tackle & relieve food insecurity in the London, Ontario community. The experience of food insecurity can be traced to a lack of financial resources centring on distinct roots in social, cultural, & monetary factors, with low-income individuals & families affected the most facing substantial obstacles that leave ideal health & well-being & disease prevention as unattainable goals.
London Middlesex Community Housing (lmch.ca) - London-based Community Food Security Initiatives
Middlesex-London Health Unit - Food Insecurity
Urban Roots London - https://www.urbanrootslondon.ca/
Urban Roots is a not-for-profit philanthropic group located in London, Ontario & centred on repurposing underused land for farming. Their goal is to generate a self-sustaining, urban farming system that can be replicated at new sites. Their organization produces, harvests, & supplies quality organic produce for the community, consumers, & businesses. Urban Roots London cultivates agrarian opportunities for organizations & the community.
HOUSING RESOURCES
Living in London - Homelessness Prevention Response
Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) - https://www.you.ca/about
Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) has been guiding the youth of Middlesex County & London toward success since 1982. YOU is aware that many young people require direction & assistance to realize their potential, they feel that investing in young people & healthy communities is necessary. YOU programs are intended to support young people in leading productive lives, whether they require necessities & housing, access to medical or dental care, or assistance with education & work. YOU is a great resource available to young individuals.
OTHER VALUABLE LOCAL RESOURCES
Atlohsa Family Healing Services - https://atlohsa.com/
”Atlohsa Family Healing Services is a non-profit, charitable organization. We have been serving individuals & families across Southwestern Ontario & beyond since 1986 providing low-barrier wraparound services to community members with complex needs, including mental wellness, substance use, homelessness, domestic violence, & trauma. We specialize in providing strengths-based healing & wellness supports, utilizing trauma-informed & harm reduction approaches.”
London InterCommunity Health Centre (LIHC)
offers an array of vital community services providing an equitable & inclusive space supporting vulnerable populations with a focus on community development & promotion of health & preventative services. Some programs offered include:
Health Outreach for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, Youth Outreach
Harm Reduction, Addiction Assessments – education, support, & treatment referrals
Primary Care Services, Trans Health Care
Diabetic Care, Chronic Conditions & Chronic Pain, HIV & Hepatitis C, Community Dietician
Seniors & Women’s Programs
Mental Health Care
LUSO Community Services
LUSO Community Services organizes several annual events & activities to encourage community involvement. LUSO also provides space for locals to socialize, make new friends, & establish connections on social media. They take great pride in working with several partners, locals, & companies to enhance the quality of life for those residing in Northeast London & Argyle. LUSO is a great resource for children, families, immigrants, newcomers, & others. LUSO has been a member of the community for more than 43 years. LUSO is dedicated to promoting individual well-being & diversity within the London community.
PHSS – Medical Care and Complex Care in the Community
PHSS is a community care service prioritizing the well-being of people with disabilities. Each person aided by this service has their own complex medical care needs, PHSS ensures that medical care & the ability to stay within the community is important. Whether it be family, friends or a neighbourhood PHSS is passionate about ensuring a good quality of life & care.
SafeSpace London
”SafeSpace London is a volunteer-run & community-funded support centre for sex workers, accomplices (allies), & women & gender non-conforming folx who are in crisis. Our model is one of empowerment, with a goal of meeting folx where they are, & helping those who provide sexual services to operate with safety & dignity. We aim to make real a community that strives to raise the basic living conditions of its most vulnerable & exploited members.”
INSIGHTFUL LITERATURE
Let This Radicalize You by Kelly Hayes & Mariame Kaba
Rehearsals for Living by Robyn Maynard & Leanne Betasamosake-Simpson
Care Work, Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
Everyday Acts of Resistance: People, Places, Practices, edited by Jeff Corntassel, Taiaike Alfred, Noelani Goodyear-Ka’ōpua, Noenoe K. Silva, Hokulani Aikau, Devi Mucina
A Knock on the Door: The Essential History of Residential Schools by Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
A Stranger at Home by Christy Jordan Fenton & Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton
(Un)learning Colonization and Abolition
It all begins with an idea.
Abolition: the act of officially ending or stopping something.
Decolonization: a long-term process involving the bureaucratic, cultural, linguistic & psychological divesting of colonial power.
Unlearning: the process of discarding something from your memory.
Drawing on the Indigenous Corporate Training Timeline
Background on BIPOC and the Black Lives Matter Movement
How to Check for Reliable Sources
CRAAP: Not all information is good information, especially online! CRAAP Test provides a list of questions to ask yourself when deciding whether a source is credible enough. This can let you reflect on relevant & reliable information & prevent you from spreading unintended misinformation to others.
C: Currency
The timeliness of the information - when was the information published?
Has it been revised or updated?
Is there more recent information on the topic? Would older sources be beneficial as well?
Is it accessible from a functional link?
It’s important to read the relevant information, & you need the history & effects experienced to create a good argument/point to your peers or counsel.
R: Relevance:
Does it relate to the topic?
Who is the intended audience? Will it relate to them?
Is the information written in an accessible way for your viewers’ language & vocabulary??
Have you looked at a variety of sources before selecting one to use?
The information must be relevant & understanding your target audience is imperative or will be less impactful.
A: Authority:
What is the source of information? Who made it? What are their credentials & affiliations?
Are they qualified to talk about what they have written?
Is there contact information for a publisher or an email address?
Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
Make sure your sources are credible & support the cause you are learning about & writing about.
A: Accuracy:
Is it reliable, truthful, & correct? Where does the information come from?
Does the evidence support the information?
Has the information been reviewed or referred? Can you verify any of the information from a different source?
Does the language or tone seem unbiased?
Are there grammatical errors, typing errors or spelling errors?
To relay this info to others & for yourself, it should be accurate & truthful, otherwise, misinformation can harm your cause.
P: Purpose:
What is the reason the information exists?
What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, sell, teach, entertain or persuade?
Is the info propaganda, fact, or opinion?
Does the author make their intentions clear? Is the point of view objective & impartial?
Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, or institutional biases?
It’s important to know the author’s research motives & sources. It can do more harm than good by sharing misinformation.
Click on the image for a link to the source!
FAKE NEWS: Some of the toughest parts about finding resources for new movements & deciding which side of an issue you want to be a part of, is the abuse of misleading information in the media. With many politically driven websites & major news sites, the narrative can change rapidly.
Learning From Well-Informed Individuals:
Aside from online or written literature, the best way to understand the history of minority groups, such as BIPOC, or LGBTQIA+, is to speak with them directly. To get honest information, you must seek information from well-informed individuals & those most informed are the ones who have been marginalized themselves. There are many ways to contact people, including speaking to people you meet at rallies or protests. Additionally, you can reach out to authors of websites or books, or speakers on podcasts & gain more information from them. Speaking with knowledgeable individuals, hearing their stories, & asking specific questions are some of the best sources of credible information available. They have lived it, know someone impacted by history & can only hold the dialogue necessary for others to acquire.
Examples of Reliable Sources
Black Lives Matter
Colonialism & its Impacts
More Than Words
Save the Children
What Does “Every Child Matters” Mean?
Yellowhead Institute
Drawing on the Indigenous Corporate Training Timeline
In 1492, explorer Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) “discovered” ‘The Americas’. Part of his ‘new world’ “discovery” included so-called Canada. As explained by Royal Museums Greenwich, he didn’t make this trek or discovery alone; aboard his other ships were Europeans who remained on this land & eventually became instrumental in taking it over. This was possible due to the Doctrine of Discovery, described by Indigenous Corporate Training Canada as a framework for Christian explorers to claim territories inhabited by non-Christians. By doing so, European settlers intended to increase their resources to gain more gold, silver, fish & furs for trading. In the Canadian context, Indigenous Peoples were displaced through the overhaul of their land & seizure of their culture & community. Then began the inception of what Canadians call home & what Indigenous folx were forced to surrender.
Much of the discourse on the colonization of our country revolves around European settlers invading Canada, but this isn’t what it was always referred to. It is important to recognize that the continent of North America was & is still referred to as Turtle Island, by many Indigenous folks. Furthermore, Deshkan Ziibing (Antler River), also known as the Thames River, runs alongside the grounds of King’s University-College. This is why land acknowledgements hold such importance. (For more information on land acknowledgements, Sara Mai Chitty has created a More Than Words document). The land we call our home came at a great cost to the Indigenous individuals who were stripped of it. This section intends to showcase the events, acts, & policies that led to the formal government apology in 2008 & the Calls for Action in 2015.
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission issued its final report after seven years of convening & creating a repository of all reports in their center. It provided space for the survivors of the residential school system to speak their truth. By 2013, the Government of Canada proclaimed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, occurring annually on September 30th. This date is significant since it was the anniversary of when the commission began. It is also referred to as Orange Shirt Day.
Orange Shirt Day was the chosen symbol because of the story of Phyllis Jack Webstad. In 1973, Stswecem’c Zgat’tem First Nation Elder of Williams Lake, British Columbia, wore a bright orange shirt to her first day of residential school where it was stolen from her. She was only six years old. With this, comes the slogan “Every Child Matters”, a phrase that should not come as a reminder, but one that should simply be known.
Below is a brief timeline, inspired by the Indigenous Corporate Training Brief Timeline & the Nelligan Law Legal Timeline. These events of Indigenous history in Canada are not exhaustive of the extent they underwent or what we intend to recreate for the future. It is important to emphasize that the events follow up to recent times, as this is still an ongoing pressing issue.
1492: Explorer Christopher Columbus (1451-1506) “discovered” ‘The Americas’. Part of his ‘New World “discovery” included the country now known as Canada.
1763: The Royal Proclamation was introduced & signed by King George III. This document gave limited recognition toward Indigenous communities, provided them with stipulations for treaty agreements, & eventually led to them being seen as hindrances rather than allies.
1812: According to the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women, the War of 1812 created impoverished & famish conditions, forcing Indigenous nations to sign treaties which forfeited their land & resources. This led to mass amounts of illnesses, such as smallpox - introduced by the Europeans, & deaths.
1867: At this time, Canada became a Confederation. Indigenous people were further seen as barriers as the new Canadians took over Turtle Island. The British North America Act, now known as the Constitution Act, gave jurisdiction to the federal government over land access.
1876: The Indian Act was introduced allowing the federal government greater control over the rights, land, & resources of Indigenous folks. It required the assimilation of non-Indigenous practices, forced children into separate schools & attempted to eradicate their culture.
1883: The establishment of residential schools dates back to 1883. There, hundreds of thousands of children were isolated from their homes & heritage to convert them to the Euro-Canadian standards. By 1996, they deliberated on the efficacy of the schools, & the last one was finally shut down.
1960: The “Sixties Scoop” involved numerous Indigenous children being removed from their homes & placed in boarding schools or foster homes with a similar objective to the residential schools. By 1982, a revised Canadian Constitution acknowledged the rights of Indigenous individuals of all statuses.
2008: Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, delivered a formal apology to the survivors, & their families, of the 139 residential schools. The speech cited the abuse & injustices within the 139 institutions.
2015: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada set forth on June 1, 2008, to report on the history & negative implications of the residential school system. It was active until 2015 when it concluded its mandate. As of 2019, September 30th is now Truth and Reconciliation Day.
2019: The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Inquiry began in 2016 to address the violence against Indigenous girls, women & Two-Spirit folx. In May 2021, hundreds of mass graves were discovered on the grounds of residential schools; the exact number is still undetermined.