As Canada celebrated 150 years as a country, it became very clear that not everyone believed the festivities were justified. While some may have found these actions unpatriotic, our willingness to examine weaknesses is actually one of the keys to our greatness.
In her classic book Mindset, psychologist Carol Dweck explains how a person with a "growth mindset" knows that their talents are just the starting point. Ability develops through dedication and hard work. As a result, life and learning become exciting adventures.
Perhaps the same can be said for countries. In celebrating our history, we not only recognize our accomplishments, we acknowledge our challenges. If we can work together to overcome these, our future becomes a growth-filled journey.
There are indeed many things that Canada needs to work on. Yes, we are a great and diverse land of opportunity, but when we look closely between and beyond our borders, we realize how much we need to improve.
First Nations protesters, for example, set up a camp on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in the days before the Canada Day festivities. Thousands of years of their traditions were disrupted by European colonization, causing deep wounds that have yet to be healed. What was interesting in this incidence was that the protesters were not only allowed to stay, they actually met with the Prime Minister who rightfully acknowledged the legitimacy of their concerns.
In a UNICEF study of children in the developed world, Canada ranked 25th out of 41 countries. We were in the top ten in environmental awareness and education but we ranked near the bottom in child poverty, food security and as a peaceful and inclusive society.
This may be a hard pill for Canadians to swallow. We like to point south of our border at how much better we are than our neighbours. While it is true that we outperformed the United States in almost every category, we were far behind countries like Norway, Germany, Ireland, Japan and South Korea, and even behind several countries who have rebuilt their democracies and economies after emerging from behind the Iron Curtain.
Much of problem comes from what our protesters were saying on Parliament Hill. The conditions for aboriginal children in Canada are simply unacceptable. Funding for federally funded schools on reserves, for example, is 30 to 50 per cent less than in provincially run schools. In almost every category, from health and nutrition to personal safety, these children lag far behind other young Canadians. Despite the promises of the federal Liberals in 2015, we have not seen significant changes in these numbers.
How does a nation with a growth mindset respond to these facts? We seek improvement. It would not be unrealistic, for example, to move Canada into the top ten in all categories by 2025.
In a democracy like ours, this is achieved by holding our elected officials accountable. It is also vital that those of us in positions of service become mindful of our own prejudices, and treat each person we work with like the most important person in the world.
In addition, we know that there are many non-aboriginal children who suffer. My experience in teaching urban at-risk students has been that when resources and opportunities become available, no one asks the ethnicity of a young person in need. This is something that has to continue.
Yes, Canada is a great country. What makes us great, however is our willingness to look honestly at the needs around us and to respond in creative and effective ways.
With this growth mindset, and the creativity of a diverse and grateful population, we can be assured that our country will continue to thrive as we move into an uncharted and exciting future.
Gerry Chidiac is a champion for social enlightenment, inspiring others to find their greatness in making the world a better place. For more of his writings, go to www.gerrychidiac.com
