Hello Class of English 470! My name is Chloe and I’m currently at the end of my 3rd year as an English literature major. I grew up in Richmond, B.C. and since I love travelling, I’ve explored many different parts of British Columbia. There is no doubt that B.C. is the most beautiful, nature-filled place on Earth and I’ve been to many places in my life! I started my university career at SFU, then I transferred to Douglas, and finally, I chose to finish up my degree at UBC. I’m taking this class in the distance-ed format because I like the structure of this course (blogging) and since I’m taking 5 courses, it makes school easier to manage in terms of my schedule. I’m excited to learn from all of you!
Canadian culture had an extensive influence on my life growing up. The aspect of Canada that I appreciate the most (other than the amazing air quality) is the art. There is no art like Canadian art. Ever since I visited the Museum of Anthropology at UBC for the first time 6 years ago, I fell in love with the piece by Bill Reid called “The Raven and The First Men”. I remember I was captivated by the smooth carvings and the backstory of this piece. How Barry McWilliams from the “Raven Finds the First Men” described the backstory of the piece:
“In the original Haida story – Raven mates the Chitons with the groins of the men from the Clam shell, they experience strange emotions, then the Chitons, back again on the rocks, grow large and the first Haida – both men and women are “given birth from these”
Another piece I appreciate immensely from Bill Reid is the “Spirit of Haida Gwaii”, which is situated in the YVR airport. Other than Bill Reid, other Canadian artists and authors that I admire include Margaret Atwood, Corno, and Emily Carr. I love Atwood’s depiction of dystopian societies like in “The Handmaid’s Tale”.
Throughout the duration of this course, I expect to learn much about the stories of First Nations and their beautiful cultures. It seems like the course will provide detailed perspectives of the relationships between Canadian culture, literature, and tales. We will read books, stories, and articles on topics of Indigenous cultures and the other social personalities that make up the Canadian personality. We will likewise look at how stories have formed these diverse cultures. Furthermore, the course will examine the ways in which the indigenous and non-indigenous interact by exposing us to the stories that define Canada as a country. I hope to learn perspective from these stories and learn more about the connections in Canadian culture.
Additional Links:
Works Cited
Cross, Anne. “The Raven and the First Men from Conception to Completion.” UBC Museum of Anthropology. UBC Museum of Anthropology, 1990. Web. 8 Sept. 2016.
Ferreras, Jesse. “15 Stunning Works Of Aboriginal Art From Across Canada.” The Huffington Post. N.p., 2015. Web. 08 Sept. 2016.
Marie Mauz´e. Bill Reid (1920-1998). European Review of Native American Studies, Christian F. Feest, 1998, 12 (2), pp.11-14.