Welcome to “Reflections on Canadian Literary Culture”. Although a Canadian from birth, I have not always been aware of the vast implications of our colonial history. It was only 10 years ago, during my first year of university, when I learned about Canadian residential schools and the atrocities perpetrated against an entire generation of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people. I was shocked and ashamed to find out that it was only in 1998 that the last residential school was closed. I simply could not fathom a Canada where this was possible.
Through attending the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s events and conference, I was introduced to the power of story-telling. During the TRC, brave individuals told personal stories of unspeakable suffering and unfathomable resilience. These stories were documented and recorded—to be shared and passed on as our national legacy—a reminder of our darkened past and a beacon of hope for a better future. However, hope is only possible if we engage with these stories through respectful and continued dialogue.
Photo Credit: Wyld, Adrian. 2015. The Canadian Press. Web. 16 May 2016.
The dialogue that emerges when we share our stories seems an appropriate place to begin this blog and this course. To reflect on the culture of Canadian literature, it is important to think critically about the stories we tell and how we tell them; to consider what these stories say about us, our values, our worldview, and our identity.
Photo Credit: Allison, Olivia. 2011. Web. 16 May 2016.
Through this blog, I hope to explore the nuances and implications of my own stories and the way I tell them. Stories are a unique medium in that they gain power and significance the more we share them. And as we share them, I believe our stories change as our perspectives are broadened and our ideas challenged. So on that note, I welcome your input, questions, and constructive advice as I work through my own literary and oral traditions in concert with the course readings and lessons.
If you are unfamiliar with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, here is a link to a video published by the Winnipeg Free Press that may help you to understand the TRC and the importance of story-telling.
Works Cited
“Stories told, healing awaits: Release of the Truth and Reconciliation report another step in journey”. Winnipeg Free Press. Dan Lett Dir. 2015. Web. 11 May, 2016.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Reports, 2015. Web. 11 May, 2016.
Anonymous
May 11, 2016 — 3:25 pm
natasha heine
May 11, 2016 — 10:54 am
Hi Janine, it’s nice to meet you!
I found myself in a similar position when I began my first year of university and learned about the darker side of our nations history. I believe the curriculum in BC for social studies has changed now to include more history on the first nations peoples of our country, but this was not the case when I was in high school. The only education I received in Canadian history was dominated by European perspectives, so it was quite a shock when I started university and learned the truth about the residential schools and the tragedies of colonization. In this course I’m looking forward to hearing the stories and perspectives of voices that have been omitted in Canadian literature and history textbooks!
– Natasha
janine fleming
May 11, 2016 — 4:00 pm
Hey Natasha,
Thanks for reading my response. I think we had a similar experience in public school. In Ontario, where I grew up, there was no mention of residential schools and our education about indigenous cultures consisted of soap carving and canoeing. I also find it encouraging that current curriculum is beginning to reflect a more accurate and productive portrait of Canada. One that (hopefully) is not solely Anglo-centric.
I’m also looking forward to the readings in this class and the insights we will gain through stories.
HeatherJames
May 11, 2016 — 7:38 pm
Hi Janine,
What a small world! Glad to have you as part of my peer group this term. Really looking forward to reading your thoughts and growing perspectives on the way you tell your own story and how you choose to represent others.
I’m so happy that you’ve reminded us about the Truth and Reconciliation Conference and the beautiful and intimate way that stories were told and expressed! It’s a good reminder that our stories are deeply personal, and need to be protected and honoured in ways that are consensual and loving. TRC was probably the first time that I really felt the weight of what it means to listen to the stories of others, and the great responsibility that comes with witnessing. I’m grateful to be starting the term with this in mind.
-Heather
janine fleming
May 13, 2016 — 4:25 pm
Small world, indeed! 🙂 It’s so crazy that you’re in this class, too.
I really appreciated the point you made about the responsibility that comes with being witness to the stories of others. I imagine that this responsibility will be a key theme throughout the semester. I’m looking forward to it!
J
claudia gillard
May 15, 2016 — 4:26 pm
Hi Janine,
It’s so nice to have a fellow BEdS ELL peer to work through this course with : )
I really enjoyed your blog, particularly your focus on TRC, as it highlights how important a willing and engaged listener/reader is to the stories of others. A responsibility indeed!
As future Secondary teachers of newcomers to Canada, I’m wondering how we can help them make sense of it all, and I feel it will be our responsibility to foster their engagement as listeners and readers, as they inherit the Canadian story, in becoming adult citizens.
Coming from the education field, we aren’t just students of this course, but preparing to be able to teach this material. So, I’m wondering, how do we engage our learners from other places in the past story of this place, and also prepare them to contribute to Canada’s story in the future?
Looking forward to the dialogue!
~ Claudia
janine fleming
May 18, 2016 — 11:39 am
Hi Claudia,
That is an excellent question. My gut tells me that the best way to engage with youth is to model the power of stories for them.
Engaging with youth involves allowing them to see a direct connection to their own lives. I think that particularly with youth who have recently immigrated to Canada, helping them to see the value in their own stories will be a crucial stepping stone to helping them see the value in the stories of others. Hopefully as they begin to explore how heritage and history impacts who they are and who they will become, we will have the opportunity to connect this to how stories from Canada’s past shape our country now and how these stories will shape our nation’s future.
However, before this process can begin, I think it’s important to foster a safe classroom environment. That’s where modelling comes into play. As teachers, we can model how to tell our own stories and respect the stories of others.
What are your thoughts?
Janine
erikapaterson
May 17, 2016 — 1:06 pm
Hello Janine,
Welcome to our course of studies together and thank you for stimulating some excellent dialogue with your insights on the TRC – I am looking forward to working together! Erika
janine fleming
May 18, 2016 — 11:40 am
Hi Erika,
Thank you for reading my post. I’m excited to learn from you this semester. 🙂
Janine
claudia gillard
May 19, 2016 — 9:56 am
Hi Janine,
It is all about empathy. I think you’re right about making it relevant and modelling being as willing to attend to the stories of others as we are to share our stories.
~Claudia