The month of July in Canada crosses the threshold of summer with a personal warmth of nostalgia tethering the enormity of presentiment. From coast to coast to coast, every Canadian embraces this particular time with elation and anticipation. It signals placid days for families to take pleasure in while their children are off from school. The luscious and picture-perfect landscapes in every trail and park surrounding each neighbourhood make up for bitterly cold months that previously stalled one’s sights and plans. The cool breeze spanning the scenic lakes and beaches becomes irresistible to engage in.
At the onset, Canada Day serves as a precursor to radiate not just with a flag-waving mood but more of a quintessential merry-making. With every maple leaf flag hoisted across communities, the backdrop of a vibrant multicultural diaspora gathered together elicits optimism. It depicts a unified Canada that is apparent throughout this period.
Beyond the anticipation of a blistering heat wave and basking in a sun soaked atmosphere, the magnificence of nature certainly impels us to seize a distinctive moment of gratitude. Canada’s preservation of nature and its natural resources remains impeccable. Thanks to the magnanimity, immensity, and relentless guardianship of the indigenous communities, anyone can enjoy the flora, fauna, mountainous terrain, and bodies of water that are safe and protected yet accessible across the country.
The affinity of the intense heat to Philippine rudiments ushers an outburst of recollection that links itself to the Filipino counterpart of indigenous communities back home. It may be perceived as somewhat serendipitous; yet one can see the familial loop between Filipino-Canadians and Canadian Aboriginal peoples during the month of June. While it is officially designated as the National Indigenous History month, Filipino-Canadians also celebrate June as Filipino Heritage month. Whether or not these two designations are deliberately assigned, the interconnection cannot simply be ignored.
For aboriginal communities, June is an auspicious time for all Canadians to acknowledge the vast heritage, history, and strength of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. For the Filipino-Canadian diaspora, fiestas abound far and wide, often flexing its events up until October. Both communities flourish in showcasing their respective cultures and heritage through the arts.
Immigrants from all cultures cannot truly abscond from the historical aspect of indigenous peoples who are deeply rooted to the founding of Canada. Amidst the country’s richness and beneficence, the familiar themes of historical oppression, abuse, colonization, and marginalization cannot be undone. Undeniably, they continue to repose with facts. Just like the aboriginal communities, these encumbrances are lived experiences commonly shared by all immigrants. Thus, every concern the indigenous communities advocate for ought to resonate with every Canadian regardless of cultural background.
There are at least fifty distinct indigenous tribes in the Philippines ascribed to major groups namely, the Cordillerans in Luzon (Igorots); Lumads in Mindanao ( Subanon, Manobo, and T’boli); Mangyans in Mindoro; Aetas and Dumagats; and Badjaos in Sulu archipelago. Much like the Canadian aboriginals, these tribes protect and safeguard the rich natural resources at their own expense. Despite their altruistic efforts, they face enormous danger each passing day. The incomprehensible systemic practices of illegal land grabbing, environmental degradation, and resource extraction further expose the potential extinction of these indigenous communities.
When a Filipino immigrant chooses Canada as an adoptive country, a fragment of Philippine roots is being transplanted to the Canadian terra firma. Inevitably, these roots are intertwined with that of the indigenous peoples. Whether the interweaving becomes profound or peripheral, the Filipino indigenous strand is eventually embedded with the Canadian aboriginal way of life. Two indigenous roots become one, further solidified when one attests to be Canadian.
The recent FIFA world cup for which Canada hosted alongside USA and Mexico unveiled an unpleasant reality that many Canadians would not seem to notice. Amid the frenzy and cheers augured by the presence of a Canadian team, who, for the first time, finally played center stage for the whole world to watch, the sharp contrast in manifesting loyalty and patriotism was in full display.
When Canada was playing against other teams, some Canadians carried other flags instead of the maple leaf flag. When Canada was playing during the round of 16, they taunted others who were rooting for Canada. It was one of those preposterous encounters with supposed immigrants who were calling other Canadian citizens ‘sore losers’ in the very Canadian domain that they thrive.
Suffice it to say, the divisive incident is not exclusive to Canada. Every country in the world holds an analogous anecdote about the impact of multiculturalism regarding unity and disunity. After all, multicultural progression persists with a consequence. While immigration continues to be volatile, indigenous communities remain firm and grounded.
No matter how harsh these trifling babel took to alienate Canadians, the multicultural make up of the Canadian team highlighted the resounding esteem, finesse, and sportsmanship that every legitimate Canadian athlete bears in the international arena. Time and again, Canadians have proven that they are certified winnables in all aspects. Rightfully so, the city of Brampton now prides itself as the “soccer capital of Canada” since five prodigious members of the Canadian team are Bramptonians.
As Canadians continue to reflect on the historic performance of this year’s Canadian soccer team, it is fitting to refer to Stephen Eustaquio, one of Canada’s midfield players, who categorically expressed with exhilaration what every Canadian spectator witnessed during FIFA: “Canada is finally a soccer country….”
The cheering and flag-waving overtones have dissipated for now; but Filipino and Aboriginal festivals, picnics, exhibitions, and concerts carry on even during the dog days of summer. Amid scorching celebrations, the indulgence of nature quietly and calmly glimpses the rapture of the multicultural Canadian spectrum. One thing is unequivocal: as the aboriginal communities faithfully safeguards the vast majority of natural resources for years to come, they are no longer alone in preserving, protecting, and enriching the history and heritage of Canada. ####