As we approach Canada Day — and the prospect of a return of “freedom” protests in Ottawa — let’s consider the meaning and symbolism of the Canadian flag.

After the so-called “freedom convoy” occupied Ottawa for weeks this past winter, many of us took a hard look at the symbolism of the Canadian flag and its newfound association with white supremacy. Some, like me, experienced a new fear or anger based on what we feel convoyers are trying to make the flag represent.

Other communities have always felt this way about the Canadian flag.

After unmarked graves were found at the sites of former residential schools, the Canadian flag was flown at half-mast in many places. And last year on Canada Day, there were calls for #CancelCanadaDay and many chose to wear orange instead of red and white.

Other movements like Land Back, Resistance150, Idle No More, Pride and Black Lives Matter have also raised awareness about challenges to Canadian nationalism and belonging.

In today’s episode of, Don’t Call Me Resilient we take a look at the changing meanings of the Canadian flag, multiculturalism, citizenship and what it means to be a settler of colour in Canada. Our guests are Daniel McNeil of Queen’s University and Lucy El-Sherif of the University of Toronto.

Daniel McNeil says “The flag can be many different things. But I think the critical question is to ask, why are those who acknowledge its violence depicted as killjoys or marginalized or stigmatized?”

Two equally interesting articles on Canadian identity were also published today. One that looks at why some people no longer stand for the national anthem and another that asks settler Canadians to think about land back this Canada Day.

Also today:

• The St. Lawrence River tourism industry: Caught between fantasy and reality
• Why social media ‘fitspiration’ can fail: Weight-inclusive fitness posts are more likely to motivate young women to exercise
• Rather than focus on the speculative rights of sentient AI, we need to address human rights

All the best.