A review of a Scholar Strike teach-in

ALYSSA MARKS

The Scholar Strike is a justice advocacy strike that took place from Sept. 9-10. It called for the pause of academic duties and to use the space/time to focus on anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism in Canada. Over the course of the two days, public “teach-ins” were hosted online, where speakers discussed various issues surrounding race-based prejudice in Canada. All of the teach-ins can be found on the Scholar Strike Canada Youtube channel.

One of the teach-ins, called ‘Legacy of Policing Indigenous Lands and Bodies in Canada,’ was hosted by Dr. Pamala D. Palmater, a Mi’kmaw citizen, lawyer, associate professor, and Chair in the Indigenous Governance at Ryerson University.

Palmater spoke about Canada’s democractic responsibility to advocate for marginalized groups during times of injustice. She further spoke about the relationship between the Canadian government, its institutions, and white supremacy, mainly discussing how the two entities actively govern Indigenous communities. Below are a few key takeaways from the discussion: 1. Tools of racial supremacy have been upheld and idolized in the Canadian justice system.

The “a few bad apples” argument is an illusionary technique to mitigate the hardships of marginalized communities. A future of accountable power starts with confronting racial prejudice that is entrenched in Canada’s social, political, and environmental institutions. Oppression begins with rewarding white supremacy and the brutalization and punishment of those who do not fit within the standards of white supremacy. The policing system in Canada has been designed to oppress. The concept and placement of white supremacy in the policing force is intentional and actively supported by officials. This institution inherently practices corrupt power, and will refuse to relinquish this privilege unless otherwise physically forced. Canada’s police force fails to address state-sanctioned assaults against Indigenous people, and in doing so, it makes the entirety of the institution culpable for the violence perpetrated against First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities.

Palmater also highlighted what action can look like for allies. She emphasized that everyone has the obligation to self-educate on issues that are disproportionately affecting Indigenous peoples. Willful ignorance is not an option, considering the amount of resources that are available. Individuals with wealth and/or educational and/or positional power must take the steps necessary to advocate for equity-seeking groups. This could entail using one’s privilege to donate, organize, volunteer, etc., or to simply spread the word about current events.

The Scholar Strike advocates a crucial message by actively promoting education and action to challenge and dismantle all forms of racism and race-based violence in our institutions. It would be productive to include information from their teachins in school curriculums across Canada. Canadians must learn about the racist nature of their government — and how to support the communities that have been disenfranchised — mainly by becoming an active ally.

The Scholar Strike provided a platform for these types of discussions, broadcasting information and experiences from marginalized groups. This is important in

evolving the public discourse surrounding anti-Black and anti-Indigenous sentiments, and working towards dismantling current discriminatory systems. Creating a space for these topics is essential in the ongoing fight for justice.