You are 150 years old today as “Canada”… a beautiful country from coast to coast, a land that is a mosaic of cultures, languages, food, and people, a land that opened its doors to many, and is known as a first world country. But let us not forget that our “home and native land” is older than 150 years old… let us not forget those who lived on this land before it was named “Canada.” I love Canada… I am a first generation Canadian, and I am so blessed and grateful that my father chose to come here to continue his education and settle here in 1961. Today I am grateful to live in a beautiful peaceful country, and to be Canadian. But I also bow in respect and gratitude to our indigenous elders and community, whose culture, voice, and power is part of every piece of the land we stand on. 