Conflicted on Canada Day: Being patriotic means owning ALL of our nation's history

Yesterday I visited parks & landmarks in Ottawa with significance to Indigenous communities; Pindigen Park, Chaudière Falls and Pangishimo Park, to collect trash and pay my respects. I planned to do this on Canada Day, however due to probable rain I decided to do it a day early. As I've learned more about the unsettling colonial history of Canada and the truth about the genocide and forced assimilation of Indigenous people these past few years I find Canada Day to be a conflicting holiday.

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Reading with Pride: I'm unapologetically proud of this LGBTQ+ inclusive children's book list

Let's talk equality! Having LGBTQ+ conversations as adults can be fairly easy. But how do you approach conversations about gender equality with your children? Firstly, if you are asking that question, you're doing something right! Good parenting means teaching about equity, tolerance and love- and leading by example, even if you grew up influenced by biases or have a lack of understanding of the current gender spectrum. It's important that you remember that discussing sexuality is not discussing sex. Additionally, discussing gender identity and same-sex attraction will not change your child's identity. We are born this way! Guess what else won't change your child's identity? READING about gender identity and same-sex attraction! 

Guest blog: Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month With These Dog Accessories

Another LGBTQ+ Pride Month is upon us, and we are so excited to celebrate safely amongst our friends, family, and allies. Pet parents love to include their dogs and cats in their daily activities. Pride month is no exception! We’ve curated this list of LGBTQ+ pet apparel and accessories that will let your furry companion join the fun. You will find something for every pet and every pet parent’s budget. Now your dog and cat can look adorable while celebrating LGBTQ+ pride this month or year-round!

National Indigenous Peoples Day: Children of residential schools were silenced and we need to speak up

The summer solstice arrived today with the rising sun. The sun also brought us National Indigenous Peoples Day, a holiday to recognize the contribution and celebrate the history, heritage, and culture of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. June is National Indigenous History Month but First Nations peoples have been on our minds since the sad discovery last month. The 215 children discovered buried at the Indian residential school (IRS) in Kamloops opened a wound for Canadians that has never healed for First Nations peoples; it's been festering. The history of the colonization of Canadian Indigenous people is a dark one, and there is no doubt new tragedies will be unearthed in the near future. I visited the memorial that has been created at Parliament in Ottawa to pay my respects to the lives lost in the IRS system.