Month: April 2011

What an amazing way to end my collegiate career. GEOG 495 has been like no other class for me. I have taken seminars before but never a Community Service Learning course. Before we had even begun the class there were plans in the mix for Celia and Marla, (representatives of Jolom Mayaetik and K’inal Antzetik respectively) to join our class each for four weeks during the semester. Thank you to the Dean of Arts for the grant that paid for their airfare and visas! It was truly a privilege to have our community partners working directly with us in Vancouver. This class gave me the opportunity to use my hands as well as my mind and voice. This is extremely important to me because, as an arts student, my undergraduate degree does not stream me directly into one line of work. I now have a degree in international relations and what work I find after I graduate is not specified in the very least. I feel that this class gave me the opportunity to utilize the skills that I have learned in the five years I have been at UBC. It took group work to a new level. We broke off into different working groups over the course of the semester as we organized our various events – the exhibit, the weaving lunch, rhizome fundraising night, and the final event. Depending on what was needed for the event, we all looked within ourselves to see what we could offer as well as out into the world, to see what we could glean from it. I feel that this process has helped me to learn more about what I have to offer the world and has also helped me to envision myself applying my skills outside class and after I graduate.

Our class was the first I have ever taken that has helped me to question the system which I live in, my own privilege and oppression in my society, and the power structures that keep those in place. At the beginning of each class and event we held, we made an acknowledgement that our class was taking place on unceded Coast Salish territory. At first it seemed awkward and a bit fruitless to me. But now I see it as a way of inviting consciousness and spirituality into the class. I think that it seemed awkward to me because I had never done it before but also because it acknowledges a conflict that has yet to be resolved or seriously recognized by the majority of Canadians. The acknowledgement opens up a space in class that works toward listening, discussing, and learning about how indigenous peoples are marginalized and oppressed in Canada, Mexico, and throughout the world. I then have the choice to be compliant or indifferent to this marginalization or to take a stand against it.

This class was never easy. We discussed highly political and heavy concepts in class. These discussions did not fully answer the questions I had, rather they gave me new questions about the world I live in and tools with which to answer them. Thank you to all of my lovely classmates for trusting each other, challenging each other, opening up to each other and working together to help establish a new relationship between the students of GEOG 495, la mano, Jolom Mayaetik and K’inal Antzetik. Thank you to our inspiration prof Juanita Sundberg, to Jennifer Boundy for helping to dream up this relationship, and to Marla Gutierrez and Celia Ruiz for having the courage to put your trust in us students and to come to Canada.

Throughout the term we’ve been encouraged to reflect on THE PROCESS. I think reflection is great but putting down your thoughts is tough because it requires that you think and reflect some more!!!

I think the main things that this class has blessed me with is:
1) trained diligence in writing down my thoughts and experiences
2) an appreciation of knowledge (not eurocentric knowledge but indigenous knowledge)
3) delight in the various talents, personalities, and HEART of my classmates.

I think our class has been seeking to be compassionate. Gloria Anzaldua writes that “compasssion triggers transformation” I think this has been true of our class.

We all rave about how great a course this is! I think it’s true that the students are awesome and Professor Sundberg is wonderful but it’s really the knowledge and thinking that comes from this class that counts for something. This processes of learning has been tough, exhilarating, and rewarding and it has changed me. I think that is what sets this class and this education apart!

It is unbelievable how fast time has passed, four months ago I walked into a classroom atmosphere that was unlike any other I had experienced at university. The style of teaching was not a linear model where the professor pours their knowledge into students, but rather an atmosphere where each individual can learn from his or her peers through class discussion. The amazing Professor Juanita Sundberg facilitated this kind of learning environment by creating a safe space where each individual could express his or her opinions, thoughts, and experiences. To me this learning experience was tremendously valuable, but at the same time it took me a while to get used to.  I want to acknowledge the great contribution that each and every one of my classmates made to my learning experience, and the overall value of this course. I also want to thank Professor Sundberg for a tremendous job in stimulating interest in the subject matter, and passionately presenting us with  the social, political, economical and cultural processes that are taking place in Mexico.

In my opinion the best aspect of Geography 495 is that it takes the form of a community service model, where I could apply what I was learning to real life situations, and event organizing. I enjoyed the opportunity to work with our community partner La Mano from Vancouver, and put solidarity into action with Jolom Mayaetik from Chiapas. It was an amazing time working with Celia and Marla the two representatives that joined us from Chiapas, Mexico. Throughout the term our class put on four main events; each event had the goals to raise awareness for women’s autonomy, educate individuals about weaving as a form of creative resistance, and help Jolom Mayaetik sell their weavings. In my opinion, the class reached their goals in all four events, and had an amazing time, and unforgettable experience in doing so.

My most memorable events throughout the term were at Rhizome café, and the final event. At the Rhizome café I was happy that I had the opportunity to witness the amazing talent of my classmates in this energetic and well-planned event. It was also special because both our visitors from Chiapas, Mexico where with us for this event. I am happy that they could both enjoy what geography 495 had planned. The next event that is most memorable is the Final event. This event took a lot of work the night before, most of the class got the opportunity to cook with Marla until 1am! Which was such a fun experience, to be with your colleagues in a kitchen until 1am. The event itself was a total hit, it included, dancing, food, prizes, silent auctions, weavings, and a very emotional and well articulated speech from Marla Gutierrez.

To conclude, I find it adequate to thank all my classmates for the contribution they made in making this an amazing class. I would also like to thank our community liaison Jennifer Boundy founder of La Mano for helping us establish this relationship with Jolom Mayaetik. A huge thank you to Celia and Marla from Jolom Mayaetik for all the knowledge, and friendship they gave us, and finally a Special Thanks to Professor Juanita Sundberg for all her hard work in creating this class, and all the administrative processes that take place behind the scenes.

Acquiring the ability to critically locate oneself within global social, political and economic processes is truly invaluable in understanding the role solidarity plays in shaping one’s interpretation of their surroundings.  Reflecting on my experience in geography 495, I feel as though I have become more critically aware of the interrelation between individual and social processes, and the role that knowledge and power play within this.  By examining how knowledge is produced and within what context, I feel as though the relationship between perspective and the impact of such, has been integral in broadening my understanding of solidarity in the sense that I may position myself within a more global context.  In recognizing the role that I play in reinforcing unequal structures of relational divisions, I believe has deepened my understanding of what I understand solidarity to mean.

Reflecting on the term, “Songs, Stitches and Slams” stands out to me perhaps the most.  In exploring the politics of North-South solidarity, the meaning behind the practice of weaving for me has evolved greatly from the first day of class, as I feel I am now more in touch with the processes which act to represent a culture and history behind each piece of art, and with that, an individual struggle.  Not only engaging with the weaving on a more tangible level, we were able to bring together the community, communicating through forms of art, poetry, song and weaving, and creating a space for open dialogue.  This I feel, demonstrates weaving as truly a lived practice, the embodiment of solidarity which has acted to strengthen my own understanding.

I feel extremely privileged have been given the opportunity to be involved in a collaborative community partner based class in my final term of study at UBC.  Through our partnership with Celia and Marla, the knowledge and experience I have gained through forming these cross-cultural relationships has been something I will not forget.  While when I walked into the classroom at the start of the semester I did not expect to become this involved, I am very appreciative to the experience it has given me and the perspective I have gained.  I feel extremely fortunate for the experiences I have shared with the class of geography 495.  Through our incredible teamwork, we were able to turn a vision into a reality.

Geography 495 is unlike any other class experience that I have had at university. The basis of the learning was through community service, and all of the classes work culminated in our final event, “ Weave Got the to Right to Party“, which took place at the Wise Hall. The event brought together first,  the class together in  an informal setting without being confined to the social constructions of the classroom, and secondly it brought together the family and friends of  my fellow classmates to celebrate Solidarity. Attendees got to experience authentic Mexican cuisine with meat and vegetarian tortas, a silent auction, take part in a raffle,the oppurtunity to purchase one-of a kind authentic garments woven by the women of Jolem Mayetik, here accounts from both Professor Sundberg, and Marta one of the two women who come up from Jolem Mayetik weaving cooperative located in Chiapas, Mexico, and dance the night away all in celebration of Celbrating Solidarity.

The major thing on took out of the experience was how people from all walks of life  came together through this class and made such a big impact on change. Through all of our busy schedules as university students everybody used there connections, provided their best effort big or small, to put on four great events that helped raise money, and get the word out about Jolem Mayetik. Its crazy to think about what people can do when they work together, and its beautiful to see and live the accomplishments of the work the class did together as one. Geography 495 is the class for any body, and you are guaranteed a possibly life perspective changing positive experience.

If you wanted to experience a class that is different than any other class, Geog 495 is the class to take. Not only do you get to know everyone in your class pretty well, but you get to know them outside of the classroom setting as well. There were many different events that had been put together by my peers. The one that I enjoyed the most was the last event where we all got together to cook before the actual event on April 19th. Instead of just being apart of the planning crew, I was put into action peeling beets, carrots, cutting up lettuce, blending vegetables, and frying up tortillas. Even though my hands were bright red and almost lost a finger or two from peeling the beets, it was still a lot of fun. We got to see everyone in the class show off their cooking skills and we also got to work side by side with Professor Sundberg. Instead of Professor Sundberg being distant, she was like one of us getting down and busy with cooking. We all had to work together in order to get all the cooking accomplished on time. We were all very comfortable with each other, so my classmates were not ashamed of asking for help when they needed help, which helped to speed up the cooking process. What took the longest time was the frying of the tortillas because the deep fryer was so small. We thought that the tortillas would stick to each other, so we only put in three or four tortillas at a time. However, Jorge and I figured out that the tortillas will not stick to each other, so we ended up frying twenty tortillas at a time. Jorge and I finished frying the tortillas in no time without having to stay up all night. I enjoyed every cooking momment with this class because we worked so well with one another. I wished this class lasted two semesters instead of only one!

As the semester wraps up, I look back at my experience in GEOG 495 with great appreciation and a sense of accomplishment. I feel a strong sense appreciation for the personal journey this class has evoked in me, and feel accomplished in all I have gained from this experience. Throughout the course I have been encouraged to expand my conceptions of north-south relations, of solidarity work and of my many roles in the inequalities and oppression found throughout the globe. GEOG 495 has encouraged a much deeper and more complex understanding of these things. This has been a really powerful experience for me and has helped to fuel in my a desire to continue this type of work.

I also appreciate the opportunity GEOG 495 offered for me to work with such wonderful and inspiring people on such successful projects. This experience was completely different from anything else I have done at University, and I appreciate that we were able to do this work in a university setting. It was really rewarding to combine theory with practice, and research with active work. This experience stands out as the most insightful and beneficial class of my University career. This is the only class I have taken at UBC in which we have actively practised what is being taught in the classroom. This was a really unique and powerful experience, and taught me more than any other element of my University career has taught me.

I feel really accomplished in the work we have all put into this class and into our events. Together we hosted four extremely successful events, and were involved in several other endeavours. Women Weaving World: Resistance and Sharing across Cultures was amazing because it displayed some of the similarities and differences in the experiences of indigenous weavers from different cultures. It was really interesting to hear from both Celia and Deb Sparrow about their relationship with weaving and the significance it has in their life and culture. I think Women Weaving Worlds: Living Resistance was very successful in displaying the complexity of weaving as a form of art and as a form of resistance and change. The gallery displayed that the weavings have a history and that they are created through a long and complex processes. Slams, Songs and Stiches was a successful way of fund-raising for our final event, and proved to be a unique and great format for processing the materiel we have discussed in class. It was amazing to hear the issues we’ve discussed expressed in song and poem, and to explore issues of solidarity and oppression in a coffee house setting. It was also be a really successful way of sharing the issues we have explored in GEO 495 with the greater community. Finally, Celebrando Solidaridad: Weave got the right… to party was a beautiful way of celebrating the work we have done and the relationships we have made in this class. This event was a real group effort, and it was so amazing to see everyone come together to make it a success. The evening went smoothly and was clearly enjoyed by everyone who attended.

I feel really accomplished by our success in these events. These events, combined with our weekly sales at Rhizone and our participation in several other community events, was a lot of work for a University class to take on in a time span of less than four months. We were all balancing this work with other classes, projects and jobs. Regardless of how busy we were in the other elements of our lives, we came together and were able to create some fantastic events. I am very grateful that I was a part of this experience, and I know this experience will stay with me into the future.

Woven Words and Woven Worlds

My people

My friends

Your stories surround me once again

Your histories entwine me

Shining words of wisdom

Revealing the hidden truths in a new light

A history of woven words

Stories and memories tied into cloth

Your histories are woven and worn

Your woven words are a guiding truth

Linked back into the roots of time

Our histories so intertwined

I wish to see the world grow

From a developing collective identity

For their history is so close to you and to me

Can you see that the past has been unclear

As to how ‘we’ would survive here

Under the colonial rule and living in fear

I see pain and misery

However love again prevails

In this new light

Embedded in costs of colonialism

Where are our people

Our histories, our stories, our woven words, our memories

Of a time not so long, long ago

When the world was made

woven in the maize

Of my people,

Who would have liked to live

And learned to grow together

But some where along the way – along the way

Violence and tragedy paved the way

Our rights were taken away

Taken, stolen and brushed away

Some day not so far away

My people

My friends

Will grow strong again

For our history is woven here

For us to remember our past

And teach you of your colonial history too

To know where we have came from and to where we will go

My family and friends are guiding me

All around the world in which you see

With a history similar to you

Guiding back to me

Reaching out my hand

To pull you along the way

To create a new day

Our woven word, our woven worlds, to get our voices heard

Listen to ours stories our histories

You will begin to see that this colonial history

Is still here in the present day

In our current world, still here today

And needs to be revealed in this new way

Today

The stories of many verse the evening news

Collective collaboration

Cultural preservation

Creating space for a new world

A new worldview

Where we make space for the old and bring in the new

Recognizing the Indigenous in the academic

Making space for the Cosmovision

As a current and recognized world religion

A cultural revolution is here

Collective creative resistance is near

The revolution is indigenous dear

The indigenous revolution is near

No, no

The indigenous revolution is here

For our people are standing strong

This much is clear

This much is clear

But look inside and see that a part of you is indigenous too

Creating our identity a new

Creative resistance with you

Creating resistance with you

Dear Mr. President

Why has so much history been hidden

Why can you say all these people are equal

Deserving their freedom

Yet draw a line in the sand and

Go against your words

These days of hypocrisy and mediocrity

Need to be thrown away

For today is a new day

Solidarity beings with you

Thank you. Thank you.

To the North and the South

The East and the West

My sisters my brothers

You are my anchors my inspiration

Be the strength in this revolution

For you are indigenous and indigenous is you

In Becoming an Ally: Breaking the Cycle of Oppression in People, Anne Bishop describes her dream vision of the world as “a world where no one doubts that to hurt anyone or anything is to hurt yourself and those you love most, a world where everyone works to understand how everything we do will affect future generations.” This quote is so powerful for me, and really resonates with our class and my shaped perception of solidarity: we help others to help ourselves, for we are inextricably connected and bound across economic, political, and social lines; the people who you hurt, are, in fact, the people that you love.

Through the processes of our class, I have witnessed and participated in solidarity as a mutual intention and effort to build consciousness and understanding between groups and individuals; love, too, incidentally formed. Celia, Marla, Jen, Juanita and members of the class have become people that I deeply care for, that I wish, earnestly, with all of my heart, only the best. This love, this sense of family created in such a short time, even without much direct communication, is, I believe, the dream: the “deep, driving force” of our work and our class . . . I feel it deep in my bones.

            It’s like a shared ache, an ache for all students to take a class based on a community learning model, to explore their origins and their position in the hierarchies of privilege and oppression, to experience the beautiful relationships that so often accompany these journeys and processes, and, most of all, to effect profound and lasting change in the way we live, interact, consume, create, and resist. Like Bishop, I want to be an “activist”, to persistently incite action on the part of myself and others. Entwined in this perpetuation of awareness and initiative is the generational effect of our actions. Bishop envisions a world where everyone works to understand how everything we do will affect future generations. We do not only pass on the physical conditions of our world, but the practices, attitudes, and values that shaped them, each one etched into the earth like the hollows of the mines, the changed bark of the trees, and the unprecedented colours of the sky.

            Through the work of our class, we strive to pass on an awareness of the value and beauty of creative resistance, visually and cathartically, but also politically, economically, and socially. In the hand of creative resistance is the importance of responsible consumerism; behind every “product,” every piece of art, is a maker, a human maker, a woman or man that toils in the “product’s” creation. As Marla depicts in her beautiful poem, the art is the struggle and we are the artwork. Each of us embodies a thread in the weaving process of solidarity, resistance, and change. This weaving, however, is ongoing: a living masterpiece whose beauty lies, as many have emphasized, in the discomfort, awkwardness, and silliness of the process, in the clash of colours, patterns, thoughts and ideas, in the interlacing of different fingers from different hands, all different sizes, colours, and shapes. I am so grateful to every member of the class for their tremendous commitment, engagement, and contributions, to Celia, Marla, and Jen for believing in us and so graciously sharing with us their time, work, and hearts, as did, of course(!), Juanita, who made it all possible. Let us rave about the community learning model, Juanita, and GEOG 495 so that everyone may be as lucky as us . . . hasta pronto en Chiapas, nos vemos!