Your Subdued Canada Day Open Thread

Look – it’s been a pretty bad few weeks up here in the Great White North. Among the ‘highlights’:

So I’m not going to pretend that there isn’t some national soul-searching going on in the wake of all this. All of which, naturally, has put a damper on the annual celebration. (I assume some activist was arrested for trying to throw paint on/at/near Justin Trudeau at the national celebration in Ottawa.) I’m going to use some of my time here to bring people up to speed so you can understand why there’s protests outside the Cup games in Montreal.

For lack of a better expression, this issue will become, over the next couple of decades, Canada’s reckoning with slavery. In short, the Residential School system operated for over 100 years – between 1879 and 1996 – under the auspices of the Indian Act (1876) and in that legal capacity removed over 150,000 kids from their homes to centralized learning institutions, with the dual purpose of trying to eliminate their culture (government) & save their pagan souls (religious). That’s why you are hearing stories about Catholic schools coming out of this – the federal government, because education is a provincial power, contracted religious orders to run these schools because they could operate within their own curriculum & without provincial funding. Beyond the Catholic Church, there were schools run by the Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and United churches.

They based this principle of the research of Egerton Ryerson, whom the university is named after. Ryerson recommended that domestic education and religious instruction was the best model for integrating the Indian population into the greater population. This was reinforced by the 1879 Davin Report, which studied Indian schooling in the US and Canada & recommended the partnership with the churches, because they had a common goal to, to quote Rudyard Kipling,

Take up the White Man’s burden –
And reap his old reward,
The blame of those ye better,
The hate of those ye guard.

The federal government had a “don’t ask; don’t tell” policy towards how the schools were run. As long as the common end result was pursued, there was little concern for the ancillary damage.

This guy.

In 1920, a civil servant & Canadian poet named Duncan Campbell Scott pushed the government to make attendance mandatory, believing that indoctrination would be the best way to assimilate the aboriginal population into the greater society. He couldn’t have been more clear with what he was doing,

“Our objective is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed into the body politic and there is no Indian question, and no Indian Department, that is the whole object of this Bill.”

but the stereotype of the uncolonized Indian allowed many people to rationalize the situation. Even in the age of official multiculturalism (brought in by Justin’s father), most Canadians preferred to live with their heads in the sand about the whole thing.

Until I was in my 20s & taking courses at university, I was basically one of them. From then, obviously, I know better.

In 2007, and modeled on the post-Apartheid South African “Truth & Reconciliation” Commission, the Canadian government began hearings into the Residential School system. What came out was horrific – you can read the whole report here – and has been the basis under which this historical reckoning is coming to light. Unmarked graves is just the beginning of what will come to light. A friend of mine’s wife was a recording secretary for the Commission, and she’s still in therapy five years later.

If you like, Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip worked on a solo project before his death called the “The Secret Path“. It grew out of his researching a Maclean’s story called, “The Lonely Death of Charlie Wenjack.” It was about a boy who tried to escape a residential school, only to freeze to death walking the track tracks to what he thought would be his freedom.

As much as I can’t stand The Tragically Hip & their overblown place in Canada’s rich musical landscape, I can’t deny that this is an important entry point to many people learning about Canada’s national shame. So if you’re inclined, give it a look. If nothing else, it’ll give American commentists an answer when a Canadian brings up slavery & tries to act morally superior.

Sorry to be dour on a day of national celebration, but it’s too important a teaching moment not to pass up. Canada is a good country, but we can’t deny some bad things were done to the people supposedly under our care.


Tonight’s sports: (it’s a holiday, so I prepped it early. Apologies if schedules changed.)

  • NHL:
    • no game. Stupid Gary Bettman.
  • NBA:
    • Atlanta at Milwaukee – 8:30pm | TNT / Sportsnet
  • MLB:
    • Mariners at Blue Jays – 7:00pm | Sportsnet360
      • Canada Day in Buffalo!
    • 2021 Google MLB All-Star Starters Reveal – 9:00pm | ESPN / TSN4
    • Giants at D-backs – 9:30pm | ESPN / TSN4
  • Futbol:
    • MLS:
      • Austin vs. Portland – 9:30pm | TSN3
    • Copa:
      • resumes Friday
  • Wrestling:
    • IMPACT – 7:00pm | AXS / FiteNetwork Canada

Well, I hope July 4th isn’t as traumatic to your national psyche. Enjoy the futbol tomorrow.

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Beerguyrob
A Canadian man-child of indeterminate age, he stays young by selling alcohol at sporting events and yelling at the patrons he serves. Their rage nourishes his soul, and their tips pay for his numerous trips to various sporting events.
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WCS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlRPEfACJhw&ab_channel=CSSavage

If it’s Canadia Day, even subdued, it calls for RUSH.

Dunstan

Unlike some people downthread, I’m not going to spoil the Top Chef finale, other than to say… Gail Simmons in an off-the-shoulder top. We are all winners.

Dunstan

Oh, I’m watching Top Chef Amateurs. Gail in a zipper-top. Sigh.

Gumbygirl

I need to get to bed early so I can get my stuff done tomorrow at a reasonable time. Good night!

facebook_1625118642392_6816241622259621036_123371154112520.jpg
yeah right

Just got back to my room after a lovely evening at the Low Commander domicile and I must say he has a wonderful family.
Great time with delicious food and I’m happy to report that the uber ride back was flawless. First time I’ve said that in almost 2 years.

I’m going to Legoland tomorrow!

Gumbygirl

It’s those Legoland ads that sucked you in! You are living your best life, good for you!

yeah right

Littlest right is going to be 5 on the 4th of July, of course we’re going to Legoland!

yeah right

That drive from LA was all kinds of fucked up and I left at 12:30 on a Thursday! I can see the 5 from my room and let’s just say driving to San Diego this weekend would be a really bad idea.

Gumbygirl

I have to go down to San Bernardino tomorrow and I wish I’d been able to do it today. The crawl up the hill is going to be a nightmare with every tourist in So Cal thinking it will be cooler up here. They are wrong! Go to the beach, it’s hot as fuck!

yeah right

Man the weather is amazing here. 65 with a marine layer. I definitely lucked out weather wise.

Gumbygirl

I would kill a hobo for some of that.

yeah right

I know a guy.

Viva La Tabula Raza

So, are the marines assaulting your beachhead?

yeah right

They absolutely were. Of course the morons driving on the 5 south had to slow down to watch.

Dunstan

Greetings on this most drunkest of drunk Canuckian days.

Dunstan

Don’t be silly, nobody actually cares about the CFL.

SonOfSpam

Sounds like someone needs a Roughrider.

Dunstan

Don’t threaten me with a good time.

SonOfSpam

Gross. Wash the damn thing before you use it to protect your balls.

BrettFavresColonoscopy

Man i need to pee

Gumbygirl

I have seen that movie a zillion times, and it always makes me laugh. I am 10!

SonOfSpam

How To Pick Up A Trump.

Doktor Zymm

Wine list!

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Doktor Zymm

Anyone ever hear of Johnett? Apparently it is a Swiss single malt. I might have to give it a try, just for the hell of it

Last edited 3 years ago by Doktor Zymm
SonOfSpam

Lead singer of Concrete Blonde is Johnette Napolitano.

But their biggest hit was about alcoholism.

This info is probably not helpful.

Gumbygirl
Redshirt

“Canada: We’re not as evil as America!”

Rikki-Tikki-Deadly

This game sucked. It was never close, but it was never a big enough blowout that things were truly out of reach for the Hawks, so I never felt comfortable turning it off. And now there’s no point in turning it off because Top Chef doesn’t start for another ten minutes.

Gumbygirl

Who do you think will win? I think it will be Dawn, but should be Shota.

Last edited 3 years ago by Gumbygirl
Rikki-Tikki-Deadly

My money is on Gabe, actually, but I won’t be surprised if it’s any of them.

Gumbygirl

Me either.

Gumbygirl

You amd Gabe are the winners! Dawn choked again, and they couldn’t pretend it didn’t happen in the finale. It seemed like they reeeaaaallly wanted her, it wasn’t subtle. Her story is cool, Olympian in an Olympics year, but she was oddly slow for someone who’s claim to fame is speed.

Gumbygirl

Really. You would think she could handle pressure better than anyone, but she folded like an ironing board. I bet she jumped the starter gun all the time when she was running!

Doktor Zymm

Pre-departure beverage, and a pencil case with generic socks and lip balm in it!

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herodotus450

Does it have a little pair of scissors, tweezers, and a tooth pick in it?

Doktor Zymm

I wish! Although probably not a good idea to give people the means to cut their toenails on a plane

herodotus450

Only took me three episodes, but I finally figured out all the British actors in this BBC show are actually playing French characters, complete with British accents. Tally-ho with the camembert, eh jeeves.

Doktor Zymm

So, do you think Canada will stop involuntarily sterilizing Native women now? They were still doing that as of a couple years ago when they got sued for it.

Doktor Zymm

On board and in my seat! We used the biometric gates, which was cool. They didn’t announce boarding groups, which wasn’t. ACH! The disorganization of it all!

Senor Weaselo

Disney’s Jungle Cruise, in theaters July 30th.

Me: “I can’t wait for Hall of Presidents, the movie! What attraction hasn’t had a movie… Space Mountain, Splash Mountain…”
Madre Weaselo: “It’s a Small World.”
Me: “I’m not sure if I want to or really don’t want to know about what they’d do in that movie.”

SonOfSpam

I might wanna see Splash Mountain, depending upon how the splash is delivered.

Redshirt
Senor Weaselo

So I’m positive I almost tore my something today. Nearly hyperextended my knee in the rain, because my sneakers are basically racing slicks. Which means they lost traction and slid around on, of all things, the paint they put in the crosswalk.

Doktor Zymm

Gotta ice skate across! Or go barefoot like a hobo! Or wrap your shoes in newspaper like a classy hobo!

Senor Weaselo

I had my violin with me since it was getting back to my car from teaching for the first time in person since the before times. I wish I could ice skate. The one time I went was many ass-bustings.

I gotta take Senorita Weaselo to the Bryant Park Winter Village anyway, so that’s a chance to learn how slightly better. And steal the zamboni, of course.

Senor Weaselo

And of course, barefoot or newspaper gets you murdered in certain parts of Ontario.

Doktor Zymm

Hard case for the violin I hope

Senor Weaselo

Come on, I’m a professional. Of course I have a Bam case. Though I may need a new one soon, it’s been through the works and is down a strap at this point, after a good 7-8 years.

King Hippo

/waves at fellow White Devils

Doktor Zymm

Oh and a happy Canada Day to all of you on the other side of the longest unguarded yet closed border in the world!

BrettFavresColonoscopy

This was phenomenally well written, BGR.

SonOfSpam

*For a Canadian.

Doktor Zymm

On the plus side, even though it looks like it is going to be a full flight, it is a lot of families and couples traveling together, so I got one of the throne seats they usually charge extra for (yes, swiss charges for seat assignments in business) without charge!

Doktor Zymm

At SFO, checked in for my flight on Swiss no problem, except I forgot to add my precheck. Not a big deal though with Clear. The Polaris LOunge is still closed so I schlepped a terminal over to the UNited club for a glass of cheap red and a prepacked pasta salad. Premium!

litre_cola

Cheap red or free red?

Doktor Zymm

Cheap to them, free to me. Or rather, complimentary with the price of my ticket

litre_cola

As long as it isn’t out of a 6L box and it’s free. Drink on.

Doktor Zymm

Naw it is in a bottle and would probably retail for $9.99 At a 7-11 or other fine convenience store of your choice

Sharkbait

Beggars can’t be choosers in airports.

Says the guy who needs booze to fly

ballsofsteelandfury

This is my Friday. I’m starting a 4 day weekend bitches!! WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Doktor Zymm

I love early Fridays, woooo away good sir!

ballsofsteelandfury

Safe travels to Macedonia, good lady!

Redshirt

Holy shit! They did it. They selected Castellanos and Winker to both start in the OF in the All Star Game.

Someone from a Cincinnati sports team got recognition?!

Aw, hell. This is a Coma Dream is it? I’ve been in a coma since I got COVID in December. The only logical reason.

litre_cola

I wore orange today and was at a pool with people decked out in Maple Leaf regalia. I tried to engage one person in a conversation and before I got angry I just went and hit my vape pen to chase away the outgoing throat punch.

TheRevanchist

I didn’t know about wearing orange, or it would have been a Los Gigantes shirt, celebrating the tribal bats of Mr. Barry Bonds.

litre_cola

First Nations asked that as a day of reflection you wear an orange shirt.

It indeed was my orange Gigantes jersey, only orange item I own, no Bonds, but #28 no nameplate

TheRevanchist

Buster Posey. Quality jersey.

Redshirt

Every single game of the Dirt Chargers (FU LA) and the Dirt Bengals has a Rain Delay Breakage and this one especially sucks because Cincy’s pitcher as a no-no through 4.

This series is just like a Broadway Play, it has at least one intermission and its not on TV.

Senor Weaselo

Rebuttal: Last night in the Bronx.

herodotus450

Some days are good days, some are bad, and some days, while reading the wikipedia article for actress Honeysuckle Weeks (real name) you come across this sentence:

[Honeysuckle Weeks] married hypnotherapist Lorne Stormonth-Darling, of a landed gentry family of Lednathie, Kirriemuir, Scotland, in an impromptu Buddhist wedding ceremony while on holiday in the Himalayas in 2005

Redshirt

Words. Those are words.

Gumbygirl

Pfffft. Peasants. Gumby and I got married on Mars, with Jesus as our minister. The band was all the members of the 27 club.

Doktor Zymm

I met someone who dated 27 members of the 27 club

Rikki-Tikki-Deadly

The Bucks currently have 3x as many points as the Hawks.

Don T

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Redshirt

BREAKING NEWS: “Commissioner Manfred has suspended some handicapped guy for four games for Conduct Detrimental to the League. He has also been fined an undisclosed amount.”

Don T

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Viva La Tabula Raza

Don’t worry, I’ll be there soon to throw some Dollar General paper towels at you!

litre_cola

So fucking true it hurts.

King Hippo

and you’re NOT EVEN MURRIKAN!!!

Doktor Zymm

I think my next away message will just read ***LOCATION REDACTED***

ballsofsteelandfury

So, apparently Australia learned it from Canada, huh?

herodotus450

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Don T
Don T

This is wonderful. I posted it on my Facebook.
Nationalism ain’t bad. It’s just that it should come after other values: generosity, understanding, respect, not promoting racism… You know, the stuff taught at home and worthwhile schools.

scotchnaut

If you’ve eaten a cookie and wondered about your destiny, this movie is for you.

scotchnaut

Really relating to the girl that says “not like this”.

scotchnaut

Gonna watch “Finding Neo”* for the nth time.

*The Matrix

Viva La Tabula Raza

Whoa.

Senor Weaselo

We watched it for my college “you have to take a writing course.” The topic of the course was counterculturalism.

Redshirt

I would’ve guessed “how to steal from the Bible without no one noticing”.

Senor Weaselo

We also watched American Beauty, which is its own bunch of questions.

We did not watch Fight Club.

Viva La Tabula Raza

Sounds to me like Canada needs to come up with their own version of a really pissed off band to write and sing songs about this fucked up shit, like Midnight Oil in Australia. Aside from The Tragically Hip. They could probably sing about tar sands and fisheries exploitation too.

Last edited 3 years ago by Viva La Tabula Raza
Viva La Tabula Raza

Is Kim Mitchell still around? Or did he go for soda and never return?

Dunstan

Light the patio lanterns, and he shall appear

scotchnaut

Max Webster tells me that he’s still around, toeing the line

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II8uJi21i04&ab_channel=StevenRichard

Viva La Tabula Raza

It’s been 40+ years since I’ve seen MW open for Rush. Dudes look pretty good for their age.