Ology of apology 

Recently in humanities we have explored different historical incidents And created memorials to honour significant events in Canada or Vancouver that deserve recognition by memorials as a group project. We learnt about Japanese internment, Chinese head tax, and the komagata Maru. I was heavily involved in both the planning and execution. I worked hard to contribute my ideas and ensure that everyone’s input was heard, particularly when it came to creating the actual sculpture. The project was a perfect opportunity for me to showcase my creativity, problem-solving skills, and ability to work collaboratively with others. Through this experience, I also developed resilience, as there were moments when we encountered challenges, but we kept pushing forward and worked together to find solutions. The ology of Apology project really demonstrated how I’ve grown in terms of teamwork and creativity.

The memorial we have designed serves as a powerful symbol of the hardships faced by the Indian passengers. Our design, shaped by a collective vision, is meant to make visitors reflect on the unjust treatment the passengers endured. The central figure, made from clay, represents the passengers of the Komagata Maru, curled up in a fetal position to symbolize how they were made to feel insignificant, vulnerable, and powerless in the face of discrimination. Wrapped around the figure is a large chain, symbolizing how the passengers were trapped and denied their right to enter Canada. The chain is attached to a massive anchor, which not only represents the ship but also signifies the Canadian government stopping them from entering Canada. It also symbolizes the weight and immobility that the passengers faced, unable to move freely and live their lives without restriction.

This memorial stands as a reminder of the suffering endured by the passengers aboard the Komagata Maru. By placing it at Lonsdale Quay, looking towards Vancouver, we’ve anchored the memory of their arrival in a space that holds both historical and emotional significance. This location allows visitors to engage with the harsh reality of the discrimination the passengers faced as they reached the shores of Canada, only to be turned away. Every element of the design—the clay figure, the chain, and the anchor—came together as a form of storytelling, expressing in tangible form the pain and the injustice these passengers experienced.

It invites visitors to consider how far we’ve come in terms of inclusivity and justice, while also urging us not to forget the struggles that have shaped our collective history. Through this powerful design, we hope to foster greater awareness of the injustices of the past, and inspire a more compassionate, inclusive future. Our memorial is an attempt to preserve history while pushing for a more inclusive and just future. It has been a journey, but also one filled with learning, reflection, and the hope that art and design can act as a bridge to understanding and change.