In 2016, while attending the ‘Decolonising the Academy’ Conference at the Edinburgh University, one of the speakers, a “white” lady, mentioned that her people have been raped, killed and continue to be systematically marginilised in Canada. She was speaking of the Métis. Whom I had never heard of until that point.
She stated that while she recognised her proximity to whiteness it pained her to be viewed as simply white in her African Studies class at Oxford. It happened that I was sitting next to her friend, I think Polish. I leaned over to her and pointed out that I totally understood her experience and offered my solidarity.
In the evening in a more relaxed atmosphere, at the Earthy Cafe, they came over to my table and the teary Métis lady repeatedly thanked me. I was moved, to this day.
Blessing Kgosi e tsile Kgasa 