Being a Canadian, it is important to involve in and be part of our own history. The  decision to suspend classes on Sept. 18th for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission events makes us, UBC, and all Canadians aware that this legacy belongs not only to the history of Aboriginal people but also the history of all Canadians. This event mainly focuses on gathering the testimony from survivors of the Indian Residential School system and accurately portraying its impact to the community. The loss of self-identity and physical as well as psychological trauma among those Aboriginal generations and communities experienced can never be fully recovered. Although this happened in 1875-1996, it is still a serious matter for us now to look at for a fundamental change in our society so that we may prohibit racism in this multicultural society. We do not think the Commission should be expired in 2014. We all have responsibility to understand and face this tragedy, to keep reminding ourselves to avoid this from happening again and to promote the reconciliation between Aboriginal people and all Canadians. Participating the TRC event shows our respect and taking seriously on this lasting issue. Being Canadians and UBC students, we should help Aboriginal generations to reform their cultural and language continuity and work together as a whole Nation.

With the main theme being reconciliation and healing over time, I had the pleasure of listening to speech of Robert Waisman, who was a survivor of the Buchweld concentration camp during the Holocaust. His words were meaningful and and touching. He made our lives look way too easy as he led us through his days at the camp. His courage and strength from his experience showed throughout the presentation and it was truly inspiring. He was able to invoke tears in the audience without much a quiver in his own voice. You could tell they were scars on his heart, but it was the events like these that have helped him heal and continue to heal. Quote: ” we heal by sharing” was what he ended with. That day’s event made me realize how much impact and strength is in numbers, where even if we did not experience such events as residential school or the Holocaust, we should collectively support the ones who have.