My parents were married on Canada Day. My mom immigrated from India in the 70s. My dad came from Bangladesh as a refugee in the 80s. They both endured many hardships in their home countries, in immigrating, and in living here. Their struggle gave me a life I'm so grateful for.

As a settler, Canada Day is always conflicting. It's not just a day to celebrate Canada; it's also a day for contemplation of our colonial history, which is still very much alive. It's a day to recognize & accept the work we need to do to ensure justice for Indigenous peoples.

The more I learn about my own history, where my parents come from, and why they left their countries, I also see the toxicity of a colonial legacy. And so my identity as a Canadian is a complicated one, and I don't take my citizenship lightly. There's a tension necessary to hold.

I am extremely grateful to be a Canadian and to have the opportunities that my parents knew weren't possible in their home countries. I am also becoming increasingly aware of the history that made these opportunities possible.

Happy Canada Day, everyone.

There's much to celebrate, but we've got some serious work ahead to be the country we think we are. I'm hopeful we will get there.

Oh, and Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad