What is an ally?

I think I'm having trouble getting started on this topic because I am still figuring it out somewhat. My awareness of the term ally is not new. I've been aware for many years that there are marginalized people all around me whose voices need to be heard and supported in the name of equity. An ally provides a pillar of support, not another voice. An ally focuses on learning and understanding the truth and then sharing that truth.  

Until recently, I thought I was an ally because I pay attention to the issues and I'm infuriated by the injustices I see. It hurts my heart, for example, that there isn't a more widespread urgency in Canada around the Truth and Reconciliation calls to action. In my opinion, not enough people even know what I mean by that. They don't understand that we will never get to reconciliation without everyone's collective awareness and acceptance of the truth. It's one thing to be aware and to continually be learning, but this doesn't necessarily make me an ally. It maybe makes me a wannabe ally. 

Someone like the late Gord Downie (of Tragically Hip fame), who did the work and really engaged with the indigenous community in Canada, is definitely an ally. Using his platform and his massive talent, he made a contribution to moving the truth part of TRC a little bit closer to reconciliation. More of this needs to happen. More white people need to do this work. There are so many amazing indigenous voices sharing stories and working so hard to help people understand the truth and all its implications. But it's not their job to rally the white people to get over the history. It's up to all the white people to follow the lead of people like Gord Downie and work it out. The recognition that he received from the indigenous community is what makes it possible to say he was a true ally. They called it. That's how it should work. 

It's my job. I feel that very deeply. It's up to me to figure out how I'm truly going to participate in a true allyship, beyond just leaning in and listening and being concerned. There are lots of allies out there who I can learn from. I just have to find them. 

This is why I'm here. I'm working it out within myself so I can get my act together and figure out how I'm going to really make a difference. 


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