“How many of you identify as an ally? Me, too! But what does it really mean to be an ally? It’s the word that means being a supporter invested in creating a more equitable world. But it also encompasses a power dynamic that we all live in. There is a deep history of heroism in the word – monuments have been erected for the allies of WW2. So when I use the word “ally”, am I saying that I want to use my resources and privilege to be a hero to others? A privilege that was given to me by a system created to oppress the very people i seek to help?”

Heather Paul

Heather Paul identified as an ally when she took on her position as the Executive Director of the Skwxwu7mesh Lilwat7ul Cultural Centre. But the job, which she loves, turned into “a fast pass into my own ignorance and complacency, caused by one of the most successful propaganda machines of the last thousand years – colonialism. I think we’ve all been duped.”

So, what does one do with that revelation?

Maybe, suggests Paul, instead of trying to be someone’s saviour, true allies might need to realize that we’re actually the ones who need help, to deprogram ourselves from this powerful propaganda machine, and to get really uncomfortable and start addressing our complacency.

As the team at the SLCC practice, as guided by wise elders, “love the person, hate the system.”