I’ll be attending the Los Angeles rally outside the Canadian consulate again and I invite anyone in the are to join me. The address is 550 South Hope St. and we will be going from noon to 3:00 pm.

Now, as a general rule I never tell other people what to do with their lives, even when friends ask for direct advice.  I think the best I can do is help people understand their situation or themselves in a new light.

However, for those of you who are still deciding whether or not to attend a rally tomorrow, I will take this opportunity to remind you of some things I think could help you make a decision.

If you go, you might have to be outside and endure cold. But let me remind you of the First Nations on and off reservation that lack adequate housing, even in winter, due to intentional chronic under-funding by the governments of Canada and the United States.

If you go, you might have to miss a meal. But let me remind you that Chief Theresa Spence is in far into her hunger strike and has drawn up her will in preparation for death.

If you go, you might have to spend time away from loved ones. But let me remind you of the many First Nations who will never see their loved ones again because they lost them to suicide, preventable diseases, substance abuse disorders, the jail system or murder (many of which remain unsolved).

If you go, you might have to miss a day of work.  But let me remind you of the staggering unemployment rates in First Nations communities.

If you go, you might be arrested.  But let me remind you of the over-representation of First Nations in the Canadian “justice system.”

If you go, you might be criticized by friends, co-workers, members of the media or complete strangers.  But let me remind you of the racism, stereotypes and unjust accusations and criticisms First Nations have had to and continue to face in Canada.

I could go on, but I think you get the point.

(TLDR Version: Get your ass to a rally tomorrow!)