Monthly Archives: September 2013

I have really enjoyed how our ASTU class and our other Law and Society courses have been pushing us to become educated on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada(TRC)’s Reconciliation Week in British Columbia.

I am one quarter (25%) First Nations. Up until grade 11 in high school, this really meant nothing to me. In fact, it was something that I think I tried to hide from. In my grade 11 Social Studies class, guest lecturers had come in for one of our lessons. These guest lecturers were victims of the Residential School System in Canada. They started first by telling my class about this part of Canada’s history, which I had honestly never even heard a peep about before, then went on with their testimonials. I couldn’t believe my ears that day. This couldn’t be true. This wasn’t like Canada. I would have known about this if it was such a huge part of my Country’s history. This wasn’t right.

After that class, I decided to learn more about my heritage and its history in Canada. I took a First Nations Studies class and a new English course offered called English First Peoples 12. These two classes did just the trick, I really learned a lot about my heritage and gained a multitude of respect for that 25% that makes up who I am.

In my first couple of weeks at UBC, in ASTU, we have looked at the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Its platform is one that all Countries really should aspire to conform to. I would say, in general, that Canada abides to supporting many of the Rights recommended in the Declaration. However, in class, when asked to go through the Declaration and count how many of the rights were ignored in the Residential School System, the results were shocking.

Although I was unable to participate in the events held at the PNE on Wednesday for Reconciliation Week, I have heard some stories, I have analyzed the events in past classes, and it still really hits home and breaks my heart. This week has definitely been a time of reflection for myself. It has been a time for me become even more educated, and make even more connections to my heritage with current events and even class lessons. It has also been an opportunity to share stories and share my knowledge on the matter of Truth and Reconciliation and the Residential School System with my peers. I always seem to forget how much I have learned about First Nations People and how much I have to share with my peers. This week has reminded me of that. I am always so grateful for times like these.

————————————————————————————————————————-

Some shocking news to me considering what is being brought to BC this week (TRC):

In the province: http://www.theprovince.com/news/Canada+rejects+rights+panel+call+review+violence+aboriginal/8931873/story.html

Seen about 2/3 through the article, news about yet another offensive cheer during Sauder’s F.R.O.S.H. mocking First Nations people:
http://ubyssey.ca/news/sauder-rape-cheer-ubc-vows-fight-systemic-issues-following-investigation554/

If you haven’t heard the about UBC’s first scandal of the semester, check out The Ubyssey‘s article here: http://ubyssey.ca/news/sauder-chant-325/?fb_action_ids=10153215723320384&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582

Although the news may be old, the thought of it is still fresh in my mind. Obviously something like this is going to get a lot of attention. Personal opinions, blasts toward UBC and Sauder, and judgements about Sauder FROSH leaders and attendees will surely be flying around.

My personal opinions on the content of the cheer aside, my biggest question is What will be their punishment? Merriam-webster defines punishment as “A penalty inflicted on an offender through judicial procedure”. Who is the offender in this case? Is it the FROSH students chanting? The leaders for teaching the cheer? The leaders’ leaders? It is Sauder’s fault? UBC’s fault?

Deciding who should be punished is next to impossible. Who is going to decide what who will punished is also beyond me. I’ve heard students suggest that FROSH be banned all together. I did not participate in any FROSH events, but I appreciate that it is a tradition at UBC. I appreciate that it can be a great way meet other students in your faculty and to become used to your new surroundings at university. Banning FROSH doesn’t solve the problem. Nor does it undo the damage done by the words in the cheer itself. Banning FROSH would punish innocent future first-years. The students participating this year had their FROSH, they had their experience. Taking it away from others wouldn’t be fair. As far as I have read, there have been no real effort from anybody to make an apology toward FROSH attendees who may have felt uncomfortable during the cheers, and also no apology to the public who is all shocked by the entire scandal. A formal apology is the first step that needs to be taken. A real, genuine, “owning up to your mistake” apology needs to be made. No beating around the bushes.

As far as a punishment goes. I just don’t know. It’s not for me to decide, but I’d like to know if anybody has any ideas. At this point I need to do more research on the subject. If readers have a link or know what has been decided or what is floating around as ideas as “punishment”, please share.

I am not a professional blogger. I do not think I have the most important or powerful opinion on this topic. I just want to share what is on my mind. Maybe it will resonate with some readers and maybe we can start some discussion. So if you agree or disagree with anything I have written, wish to add to what I have said or share what has been on your mind – Comment! I’m writing because I want to hear the opinions of other students.

Hey ASTU100,

This is test. Lookin’ good!

À bientôt!

Welcome to UBC Blogs. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!