The Ryerson Students’ Union (RSU) at Ryerson University is protesting Canada 150 events, asking students to “be critical” as the nation’s sesquicentennial approaches.

“The RSU represents all students at Ryerson and cannot tell anyone not to celebrate Canada 150, however, we do strongly encourage it,” read part of a statement released by the union on Thursday.

The statement described policies that prevented Indigenous people from voting, the criminalization of their cultural practices, and the implementation of residential schools, promoted by the university’s namesake, Egerton Ryerson, as reasons against celebrating Canada 150.

“Canada 150 is incorrectly celebrating the fact that Canada has existed for 150 years,” said Susanne Nyaga, president of the union. “The land we occupy has been around for hundreds of years as Indigenous communities have been living here for centuries.

“We stand with Indigenous students and Indigenous communities therefore we will put their lives above the need to celebrate a holiday.”

Phyllis McKenna, an Indigenous student at Ryerson, supports the union’s decision.

“To spend half a billion dollars on Canada 150, while, Indigenous communities are without basic necessities such as clean drinking water or safe adequate housing . . . where is the reconciliation?”

McKenna stated that the federal government is not committed to reconciliation, but if it was to show commitment, she is “sure we would have something to celebrate.

“When that day comes, I will be more than happy to acknowledge that. But as it stands, I stand with and for Indigenous folks who feel that there is nothing to celebrate at this time.”

The union protested the events on their Facebook page, calling Canada 150 “Colonialism 150” and writing posts in a “Countdown to Colonialism” series that explain aspects of Indigenous culture and history.

The union’s stance has angered some students, with many writing comments criticizing the union for its position, and stating that the union does not represent all Ryerson students with their views.

“The fact that there is resistance demonstrates that Indigenous communities still face continuing acts of colonization and racism on their own land,” Nyaga said, in response to the criticism. “Student unions have always taken stances on political issues. We are here for our students and the reality is that in order to support some students we need to be political.”

The union’s Facebook page received more than 100 one-star ratings out of a possible five stars since Monday, when the union began its protest.

Johanna VanderMaas, Ryerson University’s manager of public affairs, said in an email that the university “respects the independence of the RSU” and has no response to their stance.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

The RSU is not alone in refusing to celebrate Canada 150. The union at Algoma University, the site of a residential school until 1970, will not participate either. On Friday, the Graduate Students’ Association at Laurentian University also passed a motion to not celebrate Canada 150.

The RSU’s decision was supported by the Canadian Federation of Students and the University Graduate Students’ Association.

Read more about: