Hello, dear readers!
Imagine a land where the echoes of history resonate through time, revealing tales of discrimination and resilience. That’s precisely where our journey takes us today. Buckle up as we navigate through the labyrinthine alleys of British Columbia’s overlooked legacy in our recent Humanities project, the Ology of Apology.
As we explored our past, three communities stood out: the Chinese, the Japanese, and the Sikh. These communities have shaped British Columbia in powerful ways. Yet, their stories often go unheard. So why dig up the past? To make sure we learn from it and don’t repeat mistakes!
Memorials, those silent witnesses of time, became our compass. From the somber walls of the Vietnam War Memorial to the poignant inscriptions of the 9/11 Memorial, we were moved by their evocative power. Inspired, we set forth to craft a memorial that would echo British Columbia’s silenced stories. My initial Lego brick adventure, aiming to commemorate pollen allergies, soon shifted towards a weightier subject: the tragic tales of the Ukraine-Russia war. An ode to those who faced and or/ still are facing unimaginable horrors. Read my Lego Memorial Description here.
Our journey took us to Vichy France, where we learned about World War II propaganda. Hearing Holocaust survivor Jannushka J.’s testimonies was very moving. Her story reminded us of the danger of believing false information, and the long lasting impact it had on her and her family. Go see how this connects to our work on memorials here!
A special day was when we had a guest speaker from the Vancouver Holocaust Education Center visit us. We watched a film called “Pigeon”. The film delves deep into the complexities of decision-making and the immense courage required to be a rescuer during the Holocaust. This film resonated deeply with me, blending heart-wrenching realities with inspiring acts of humanity. While watching, I found myself questioning if I would’ve had the courage to be a rescuer even if it meant risking my life and the life of my loved ones to do the right thing. This experience prompted me to think about the choices we make and the underlying motivations that drive us. It’s in these tough situations & moments of crisis that define us. Whether you choose to be an up-stander or a bystander, the choice lies in your hands. Go visit my paragraph about being an up-stander here.
We also learned about B.C.’s history from Mr. Hughes. We heard about unfair treatments of the Chinese, Japanese, and Sikh communities. These stories showed us how fear can lead to racist policies and actions that perpetuate injustice.
When we’re not hungry for justice it’s usually because we’re too full with priveledge.
In our project, my team (Logan, Keenan, Francis) and I focused on the Chinese immigration story. We faced some challenges, like deciding on our memorial’s design and working together. But despite the speed bumps, we were committed to sharing B.C.’s forgotten stories.
However, as the big presentation day approached, I couldn’t be there due to a family ski trip. While I was sad to miss it, I still learned so much about history, working with others, and myself. Below is a metaslider of my contribution about the Apology Story, along with our final memorial.
So, how can we keep an apology alive so the wrongs of the past are remembered—and not repeated—today?
To strengthen the impact of an apology and prevent past wrongs from recurring, we need three key actions: education, memorialization, and active reconciliation. First, education helps us understand Canada’s and British Colombia’s complex history. It also prompts us to reflect on today’s social justice issues. Second, memorials serve as reminders of past injustices, keeping them alive in public memory. Lastly, a true apology must lead to active reconciliation—real actions that address and correct past wrongs. What good is remembrance if it doesn’t lead us to speak up and take action? By combining these approaches, we not only remember history’s lessons but also propel ourselves toward a future defined by equity, empathy, and enduring justice.
This project has taught me a lot about valuing diversity and understanding our shared history. Thanks for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing more with you soon! Stay tuned!