Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW9g8jI2XuM

We love democracy,  we need democracy

We will dissent when our morals say

We have our voices  and we will use them

Please don’t take democracy away

And we object to your squelching protest

We love discussion, we love debate

And we will value  different opinions

We abhor a heavy-handed state

In our democracy, it’s OUR democracy

There is no room for Bill One’s flaws

We love our Charter… and Bill One scares us

We abhor this heavy handed law

So in Alberta, we have to fight for

The right to gather and disagree

When those elected… will not protect it…

We will fight for our democracy. 

Written by the Calgary Raging Grannies, revised in July 2020 in response to the UCP passing a vaguely worded bill banning protest in public and private spaces.  It was first written in April 1999 in response to government pronouncements that the Opposition serves no purpose, and teachers may lose their right to strike.  It was first revised in March 2015 for a rally against Bill C-51, Harper’s secret police bill. 

Tune:  Battle Hymn of the Republic

Our eyes have seen the story of a past that we deplore

A chapter in our history that we simply can’t ignore

Our treatment of First Nations can’t continue any more

Our relationship must heal.

Sing for reconciliation

March for reconciliation

Work for reconciliation

Our relationship must heal.

When we think of treaty people, the “First Nations” come to mind

But think a little harder of the treaties that were signed.

You cannot have a treaty with one pen upon the page

Two peoples must engage.

So we join with the First Nations ‘cause we’re treaty people too

Our ancestors committed us and we must carry through

It’s time to listen harder and it’s time to act and do

We’re treaty people too.

Truth and reconciliation

That’s our promise to First Nations

Work for reconciliation

This relationship must heal.

The Feds are clearly willing, and the Province is on side

We think that all Canadians are primed to change the tide

We think the time has come to set the ugly past aside

Let justice be our guide.

Truth and reconciliation

That’s our promise to First Nations

Work for reconciliation

This relationship must heal.

First Nations will take leadership; but our support is owed

Pushing politicians to advance this worthy goal

And think of ways that each of us can make our country whole

This relationship must heal.

Truth and reconciliation

That’s our promise to First Nations

Work for reconciliation

This relationship must heal.

We want an end to squalor and to inequality

We want to see First Nations with their rights and dignity

If we want to see our country just as strong as we can be

We can do things differently.

Sing for reconciliation

March for reconciliation

Work for reconciliation

This relationship must heal.

And so we challenge each of you to come and do your part

What do you have to offer that you promise with your heart?

Let’s ask First Nations friends we know, what’s needed first to start

This relationship will heal.

Sing for reconciliation

March for reconciliation

Work for reconciliation

This relationship WILL heal.

Author:  Granny Lynn, Calgary Raging Grannies

Date Last Used by YYC Grannies:  March 2016

Copyright:  None

Additional Notes:  Was written for IWD 2016 when theme was “Opportunity for Women”.  Can be useful in our desire to support reconciliation with Indigenous peoples