DJ à University-Rosedale, Toronto, ON

I recently came across Ben Nu Productions, and I was shocked to hear that the owner expressed deeply harmful and ignorant views about Indigenous peoples in Canada. Specifically, he suggested that, despite the atrocities of colonization, Indigenous communities should just be “happy they’re alive.” This perspective not only minimizes the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples but also completely disregards the centuries of violence, cultural erasure, and systemic discrimination that continue today. Colonization didn’t just happen in the past, it has a long-lasting, devastating impact that is felt across generations today. As a business owner, it's important to be responsible for the platform you have, especially when your words perpetuate harmful stereotypes and dismiss the lived experiences of entire communities. I will not be supporting a business that holds such disrespectful and ignorant views. I urge others to consider the values and ethics of the businesses they support. We all have a responsibility to stand up against harmful rhetoric and promote respect, understanding, and inclusion for everyone, especially for Indigenous communities who continue to fight for their rights, culture, and land.