Kendrie Upton
As the DGC BC's Executive Director, Kendrie Upton represents the organization in all facets of the industry. She's responsible for ensuring that Executive Board policies are implemented and that Members' needs are met. She has been very involved with the respectful workplace efforts that the Guild has engaged in both at the local and national levels. She currently co-chairs the cross industry Education, Training and Awareness Committee, sits on the Executive of MPPIA and serves as the co-chair of the MPPIA Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
EDI In Focus: A Message from Executive Director Kendrie Upton
“Schools should have playgrounds, not unmarked graves and cemeteries.”
– Chief Leah George-Wilson, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, CBC Interview
I love our country and will never lose gratitude for the many freedoms that I enjoy as a Canadian Citizen. A citizenship that comes with responsibilities. One such duty is to examine the truth about our country and the darker aspects of the legacy on which it was founded.
Today I turn my thoughts to the recently highlighted atrocities that form the backdrop for this year’s Canada Day. To date the remains of over 1,148 children have been located on residential school properties in both BC and Saskatchewan. These discoveries seem shocking and yet we already know that number is just the tip of this impossibly heinous iceberg.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has identified names and information for more than 4,100 children who died in the residential school system. The real number is widely believed to be much higher. Those who did not perish were subjected to untold abuse, harsh mistreatment and neglect.
This year as each of us observes Canada Day with our families, please take the time to think about what Canada stands for and how colonialism has negatively impacted our Indigenous Peoples in deeply significant and ongoing ways.
What can I do to make a difference?
Here are several ways you could expend a bit of time and energy in support of Indigenous issues as well as building your own knowledge of these incredibly important topics.
- Wear an Orange Shirt and help to spread the word about Orange Shirt Day on September 30.
- Access the DGC BC Digital Diversity Library and read any number of titles on Indigenous issues.
- Read the Truth and Reconciliation Reports.
- Write a letter to your Member of Parliament urging a forensic search of past Residential School sites.
- Write a letter to your MP urging that access to clean and potable drinking water be made available to every Indigenous community in Canada.
- Donate to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.
- Enroll in the free 12 week online Indigenous Canada course offered by University of Alberta.
- Purchase music, books or art from Indigenous creators.
- Seek information on how to be an ally to Indigenous People on your sets and in your community.
Join me today in acknowledging the truth of our past and looking to make meaningful change for our future.
Many thanks,
Kendrie Upton
Introducing: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion In Focus