With the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coming up, have you taken a step back from your own life to look at those around you? Most of us are lucky enough to not have to think about the injustices that continue to plague people in Indigenous communities and other marginalized groups. We call that privilege, which isn’t about wealth but rather the unearned advantages that situate us ahead of marginalized groups.
Perhaps you think you’re doing your part? Maybe you think rummaging through your closet to find your orange shirt is enough to show your support for Indigenous peoples? In my opinion, nothing could be further from the truth.
While wearing that orange shirt is a good reminder to people that the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is happening, it feels like it’s starting to become more of a token of good faith instead of bringing light to the past and present problems Indigenous peoples are suffering from.
Phyllis Webstad was six years old when she was sent to a residential school in 1973; the orange shirt she was wearing to school was stripped away from her. Webstad created Orange Shirt Day in 2013 as a reminder to everyone of all those children who never made it home.
While it’s good to show support by wearing orange, it’s hard to mesh the passionate creation of the shirt with seeing it pop up in stores like Walmart.
I couldn’t believe it when I saw the orange shirts sitting on a rack in the store, and I know Walmart isn’t the only big chain doing this. My initial thought was, “Good for Walmart for supporting the Indigenous communities.” However, the more I thought about it the more I realized these companies are creating a version of rainbow-washing, showcasing performative allyship instead of true allyship with this orangewashing.
Performative allyship is when an individual or company shows that they support marginalized groups through representation, such as wearing a pride pin, while not actually doing anything to help dismantle the injustices toward these groups. They continue to show support for the marginalized while reaping the benefits of being in the dominant group. It’s great marketing for big companies to jump at the opportunity to sell products in support of marginalized groups, and there’s little to no cost associated with it. The profit made from the selling of orange shirts is donated, sure, however, these companies aren’t necessarily donating any of their own funds.
So, how do you become a true ally and show your support? Educating yourself is the most important step. There are free classes available for those who wish to further their education and understanding, such as the University of Alberta’s free online “Indigenous Canada” course. The information is out there.
The more we teach ourselves, spread the word, and learn from those around us, the more we create a society that accepts equality for all as a rule, not an exception.