The most powerful thing I think I learnt is just how eerily right dystopian authors were. 1984 warned about monitoring through screens, and now we have phones that track our location. The hardest challenge I faced as an individual was incorporating dystopian elements into my story. I was so focused on the element of scrap and abandonment, I completely forgot about the dystopian elements! The newest skill I developed during this project was story writing. It was pretty spontaneous to; the plot seemed to come out of nowhere. This has changed the way I think about writing because it can be done on the fly! I used to think that writing a story took a very creative mind, but it turns out even I can do it in passing!

The most powerful thing I think I learnt is just how authoritarian Trump is being. Having people praise him, talking about a third term, it’s incredibly disturbing

The hardest challenge I faced as an individual was (at first) uploading the clips. At first when a did it, most of them would glitch out leaving poor Christian with very little to work with. I did end up fixing this however

The newest skill I developed during this project was finding and uploading B-roll, which I had never done before. It was new and difficult at first, but I quickly learnt how to upload footage to the craft doc we had.

This has changed the way I think about history because I’m now making connections to dictatorships of the past and the current US Political climate that I wouldn’t have before.

✅ Evidence of my thinking through the 6 Talking Circle Questions

Talking Circle Discussion Questions:

1. What does “status” mean in Canada, and how does it shape identity and access to rights and resources?

“Status” is essentially the government recognizing you as a Indigenous person. This grants access to some befits, but it shapes the persons identify around being Indigenous

2. Why do you think some people falsely claim Indigenous identity? What are the consequences of this?

For the same reason some people fake having cancer, for fame. The consequence of this is that it steals the spotlight from an actual Indigenous person, and brings a shred of doubt to when someone says their indigenous.

3. How has your understanding of Indigeneity, identity, and authenticity evolved through this study?

probably the biggest thing that’s changed is the realization the the Indigenous population is STILL getting railroaded by the Canadian Government

4. What is the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation? Where do we draw the line?

In my mind, the difference is when the object in question is ment to earned. For example: a Native American War Bonnet is sacred, you have to EARN it to wear it. Meanwhile, Kimono’s are the traditional dresses of Japan, but they don’t take it THAT seriously.

5. How do media and institutions (universities, arts organizations, government) contribute to the problem of false claims to Indigeneity?

Journalists will publish anything for a few seconds of clout, and we have a difficult time deciphering what’s bias and what’s not. So it’s really easy to foolishly believe a false claim about an indigenous artist being “eXpOsEd FoR LyInG aBoUt ThEiR hErItAgE!!1!!1”

6. What responsibility do we have when discussing these issues outside of class?

Being kind and respectful to the Indigenous peoples. Remember: “Nothing about us, without us”

✅ Examples of your work (Thought Bubble would be a good one!) Media and links to topics of interest!

Buffy Sainte-Marie and Cultural Appropriation: A Complicated Legacy

So, let’s talk about Buffy Sainte-Marie. For years, she was celebrated as a groundbreaking Indigenous artist, claiming to have been born on the Piapot Cree reserve in Canada. Turns out, she was actually born to white parents in Massachusetts. That revelation sent shockwaves through Indigenous communities, raising questions about identity, cultural appropriation, and the real harm caused by Pretendians.

What Is Cultural Appropriation?

Cultural appropriation happens when someone from a dominant culture (in this case, a white woman) takes elements from a minority culture (Indigenous traditions) in a way that is exploitative, stereotypical, or just plain disrespectful. It’s not about appreciation—it’s about taking something without earning it or understanding its significance.

The Sixties Scoop: A National Tragedy

Speaking of stolen identity, the Sixties Scoop was a large-scale, government-backed effort to take Indigenous children from their families and place them in non-Indigenous homes. Over 20,000 children were forcibly adopted, many sent abroad (even as far as New Zealand). More than half were placed in U.S. families. The impacts? Devastating. Many survivors struggle with self-esteem, identity confusion, and emotional trauma. Some even faced horrific abuse. To this day, class-action lawsuits in multiple provinces are still working to hold the government accountable.

Pretendians and Other Forms of Cultural Appropriation

A Pretendian is exactly what it sounds like—someone pretending to be Indigenous. While some do it for personal or financial gain, others might claim Indigenous identity to avoid facing their own privilege. It’s not just Sainte-Marie—there have been many high-profile cases.

Other examples of cultural appropriation include:

•Wearing a war bonnet without earning it

•Using traditional clothing as a Halloween costume

•White actors playing characters of a different race

•Sharing Indigenous stories without permission

The Indian Act and Status Cards: Government Control Over Indigenous Lives

The Indian Act, passed in 1876, is a law that still controls many aspects of Indigenous life. It originally:

•Forced Indigenous people onto reserves

•Banned religious ceremonies

•Required Indigenous children to attend residential schools

Today, the government hands out status cards to those it legally recognizes as Indigenous. These cards come with some benefits, like healthcare coverage, but also drawbacks—like the government keeping everyone with status in a massive database.

Why This Matters

Buffy Sainte-Marie’s case isn’t just about one person lying about their heritage—it’s about how Indigenous identity has been stolen, controlled, and exploited for centuries. Whether through government policies like the Sixties Scoop, or individuals falsely claiming Indigenous identity for personal gain, the harm is real. Recognizing and respecting Indigenous identity isn’t just about calling out Pretendians—it’s about listening to and supporting real Indigenous voices.

✅ Reflection on your learning and experience in our Talking Circle

I think it was good have everyone share their own ideas. We took turns commenting on each other and adding opinions to the conversation. I felt I was listening more because I was looking for a place to comment. When we were talking about Cultural Appropriation I made the point that a lot of people mix that up with Cultural Appreciation. I think I made people think a little bit about that when I made that comment. It grew the conversation a little bit. It was helpful to have other people’s ideas in there so I wasn’t just listening to one person talk the whole time. I find my mind wanders when that happens. I liked it but I prefer the note taking because it is solo.

Have you ever read an article a hundred times over and still have no idea what it says? Well, I have the solution.  (or should I say my teacher gave me a solution). Everyone should experiment with new note taking and brainstorming techniques. Fleeting Notes technique and the Post it App makes note taking and essay writing easier. I have been converted, essay writing isn’t so bad. Even though it is still a little tedious.  At least it isn’t AS tortuous.

Everyone should try the fleeting note technique when first reading articles because it will eventually lead to a giant web of ideas. I used this with the  No Canada article.  You simply read through the article and anything, and I mean ANYTHING, that pops out to you as interesting you write down in a short simple note that you can understand. For example, I find something interesting in an article, I highlite it and then make a note that is in simpler language that I can easily understand without thinking about it too hard.  For No Canada I found it was easier to understand the article because I only focused on one idea at a time and only the ones I found interesting. I started digging into the US anthem and what it really means because the article peaked my interest.  I found out that the unsung verse is actually super dooper racist because it celebrates the deaths of free slaves who were fighting on the British side during the war of 1812. Which brings me to another point,  this connects to the American founding father’s who were all slave owners and yet in the Declaration of Independence – All Men are Created Equal.  Except those men apparently.  This is an example of connecting one point to another which is the baby step to a Zettelkasten note. I think using Fleeting notes is really easy and can combined into Literature Notes which then can be connected to other notes forming a Zettelkasten.

If you haven’t tried the Post it App for Zettelkasten then you are missing out.  The app is essentially a digital idea board where you can post digital sticky notes. It helped me because I was able to make a visual web that gave me a better idea of what I was working with. I simply created an outline skeleton in one colour, filled detail in another colour and even more detail in a third colour. The Post it App is a really good idea to organize your ideas with images instead of just text. I recommend you all try it for your Zettelkasten.

All of these note taking styles boiled down to my final essay on train safety.  These techniques helped me think about my audience and role. This made it easier to  narrow down my topic and how to talk about it.  Train safety is an enormous topic. Narrowing it down really helped me in the long run. It made it a far easier chunk to chew.  I whizzed through the essay because, honestly, I was way more organized.

Fleeting Notes technique and the Post it App makes note taking and essay writing easier. Practice Fleeting Notes and Zettelkasten with the Post It App when writing to guarantee a No-Tear evening.

In 2023 alone there 67 deaths from people trespassing on railroad property, according to the Transport Safety Board of Canada. Train safety is important. Don’t be stupid around trains. You will get hurt or mauled or worse. If you want to live to see another day while train spotting don’t play on the tracks, stop, look and listen at railway crossings and treat trains with respect. A lot of people die from their own stupidity every year. Learning about railway safety is one way to prevent accidents. Getting hit by a train is a horrible way to go out. You can enjoy trains safely if you obey these rules.

Maybe you think playing on the tracks is fun? Maybe you have nothing better to do? Don’t be an idiot! How about that? Go bungee jumping, rock climbing, ride a roller coaster! Do anything but play on the railroad tracks. You are going to get mauled. So many things could happen. You might get hit by a train. If you think you can hear it coming, think again. Trains are a lot quieter when they are going fast. Even though they are huge and noisy they can sneak up on you. They are fast. Think 100km/hr fast. For context, the Trans Canada Hwy speed limit is 90-100km/hr fast. This means they can not stop quickly or easily. Depending on the load, it could take 5-10 minutes to come to a complete stop. By then the coroner will be putting you back together like a soggy thousand piece puzzle. If you think you can just hop off the track before you get hit, be aware that it is really easy to trip and fall on tracks. The tracks are uneven and there is loose ballast (stones). When you see a stopped train do not go between or under them. They could move at any time. Also do not forget that inertia exists. When a train starts moving it will not be smooth and the cars will bump into each other. If you’re stuck in between them, then it is Pancake City. Death by physics. Tracks are not straight and clear. They could be obscured by weeds, sharp curves, bridges, tunnels etc. Speaking of bridges and tunnels. They are for trains, not YOU! The only time that walking on tracks is acceptable is when they are no longer in use or abandoned. You will only know that they are abandoned if they are covered in a thick layer of rust. Even then, make sure to double, triple and quadruple check on the internet. I enjoy walking on the E&N abandoned railroad tracks on Vancouver Island. It is peaceful, fun and safe because I checked and checked and checked that it was abandoned.

Oh, so you’re still not convinced? Think you can beat a train in a race eh? Well think again fool. Stop, look and listen at railway crossings is a basic rule everyone should know. At a railway crossing, if the bells ring, lights flash, the gates come down, stop and wait for the train to pass. Should you stop in a car? Should you stop with a jar? Should you stop on a bike? Should you stop on a trike? Should stop on your feet? Should you stop while you Tweet? The answer is yes. Do not try to beat the train across, you will get hit. Even if it looks like there is no train coming. Occasionally engines are painted dark green and camouflaged into the foliage or the darkness. Search up train vs car accidents and you will see a plethora of idiots losing that bet for all the world to see. Don’t be one of those people.

Alright, if you’re still not convinced, this will convince you to treat trains with respect. Do not train surf. You could get decapitated by a tunnel, low hanging branches, signal gantries, low bridges, etc. Do not pull train stunts for views. Engines are heavy metal monsters that weigh several dozen tonnes. You will get killed. If you die on camera, YouTube will pull your monetization. Trains don’t care how many subscribers you have. I have seen people do some really dumb things for clout. There was this one kid who rode trains like he was California surfer and another that derailed a train just for clicks. Only two engines and a bunch of cars were damaged but that’s still a lot of money. I wouldn’t want to explain that to my parents.

Everyone knows that train safety is important. You can be safe by following the rules and your gut. If your gut tells you, you are doing something stupid, chances are you are doing something stupid. Remember to not play on the tracks, stop, look and listen at railway crossings and treat trains with respect. By now you should be convinced. If not, you might have a serious lack of self preservation. That Darwin Award is on it’s way.

A couple days ago now, while sitting and having a coffee together, my Mom and I came up with an entire graphic novel idea after I asked her what she’d imagine in a fantasy world.

This is my first draft of Chapter 1, please comment if you’d like to see any changes made, all feedback is welcome!

Continue reading Project SteamMagic: First Test →

Introduction

Recounting my experience with the Digging Deeper Project, where we—spoiler alert—were not actually digging up bones like Indiana Jones. Instead, we were exploring the anthropological lens. You know what they say: the more we understand about the people around us, the more connected we feel…unless, of course, you’re still stuck in the “What is anthropology?” phase like I was.

Digging Deeper: Anthropology and BCFP

Presenting the Discussion Question

So, what burning question did I tackle, you ask? I asked myself: “How might we use an anthropological perspective to better understand the history of British Columbia?”

My answer? Well, it’s a bit more complicated than a straightforward “Duh, just look at the people!” but it boils down to this: the more we know about the folks around us, the more connected we feel. Plus, the history of our home is like an onion—there are layers.  Also, we learned there’s more to our place than meets the eye, and some serious protocols are necessary when we research different cultures.

Beginning: The Starting Point

When I first embarked on this project, I imagined I was channeling my inner Indiana Jones—dust, bones, maybe even a dramatic escape from a collapsing temple. I mean, who wouldn’t want to dig up ancient artifacts and uncover the secrets of the past? 

So there I was, standing at the threshold of a new world called anthropology, a term that I had never heard before. My initial understanding was a big, fat zero. Fast forward a few weeks, and I learned that anthropology is not about unearthed treasures or displaying cultures in a human zoo (seriously, who thought that was a good idea?). Instead, it’s the study of people and cultures, aimed at ensuring that all societies preserve and share their legacies.

Kickstarting the Project: Research and Activities

I rolled up my sleeves and took on some activities that got the gears in my brain turning:

1. 1. 1. Watched a Video on Anthropology: This helped me grasp the basics.
      2. Small Group Discussion on the Branches of Anthropology: Turns out, there are lots of ways to study people—it’s not just one big happy family!
      3. Rules and Protocols in My Own Life: Took a good, hard look at my own life and what rules I follow (sorry parents, I know I sometimes bend those).
      4. Research Protocols: I learned that understanding who tells the story is crucial. It’s like selecting the right narrator for a Netflix series—you don’t want someone who doesn’t understand the plot!
      5. MOA Collection: I chose a drum. Mostly because i was always curious about the drum my mom had made. Turns out this wasn’t just a random craft project; it was tied to her professional development.
      6. Significance of Anthropology: Why does it matter? It preserves cultural diversity, addresses social changes, promotes reconciliation, and teaches cultural sensitivity. Basically, it’s like the superhero of social studies.
      7. Articles on Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism: Learning about cultural narcissism was eye opening to say the least.

End: Reflection and Future Steps

Who knew that little wooden drum could pack such a punch? I mean, it’s not just an instrument; it’s basically a heartbeat, connecting people across cultures. Talk about rhythm bringing the world together!

But wait, there’s more! I learned that ethnocentrism or  cultural narcissism isn’t just a fancy word for people who can’t stop talking about themselves at parties; it’s an actual concept! Turns out, understanding who’s talking—that is, who’s holding the metaphorical mic—makes a huge difference in whether you should take them seriously or toss their opinion into the nearest black hole. I mean, I love British culture and all things UK (who doesn’t appreciate a good tea party?), but knowing that colonization led to all sorts of misunderstandings around the world was like finding a hair in my favourite dessert. Major disappointment!

If I could hit the reset button and do this project all over again, I’d definitely add more resources.  Next time, I’d gather a diverse articles etc—because, surprise, surprise, my mom’s experience making drums isn’t going to cut it. Sure, she learned from the Katzie band in Port Coquitlam, but her North American white lady vibes can only take me so far.

Looking back, I also wish I would’ve relied on my brainpower more than on AI. No offence to my virtual pal, but using AI to whip up my notes made me miss some crucial details. It’s like trying to learn how to ride a bike by watching videos instead of hopping on and feeling the wind in your hair (and maybe crashing a few times). Lesson learned: next time, I’ll embrace the struggle of learning instead of going for the easy button!

So what’s next on my academic adventure? Well, with grade 12 history just around the corner, I’ll definitely need to think critically about who’s telling the story. Are they the main character, or are they more like the sidekick? I want to dive into the storytellers and who’s story they are telling. After all Indiana Jones was an ethnocentrist himself and not everything ‘belongs in a museum’. 

How might we engage in meaningful Reconciliation?

A way we can meaningful reconciliation (in my opinion) is funding; like it or not, things only really change when money is involved. funding indigenous rights is the most meaningful thing Canada can do

Colonialism messed up a lot of things for B.C. First Peoples, and they’re still dealing with the fallout today. Politically, there are still laws like the Indian Act that are flat-out discriminatory. Socially, a lot of people still hold onto outdated, harmful views of Indigenous communities as “primitive,” which is just wrong. Economically, the deck is stacked against them thanks to policies like residential schools that were designed to control and oppress. Real reconciliation means owning up to this messy history and doing the work to fix it—not sweeping it under the rug and pretending everything’s fine. That’s what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its 94 Calls to Action are about: giving the government a to-do list to make things right. And don’t forget, Indigenous Peoples didn’t just roll over and let colonialism happen—they fought back hard, even as settlers stole their land. If we want to get anywhere, we need to ask questions, dig into the truth, and actually share ideas that lead to change.

Evidence of Learning

Presentation 7

93 calls to action

For over a century, residential schools inflicted lasting harm on Indigenous peoples in Canada, tearing families apart and attempting to erase cultures. This dark chapter left deep scars that continue to affect survivors and their communities today. Beginning in the 1980s, survivors and advocates pushed for justice, leading to monumental steps like government apologies, compensation programs, and support for healing. These actions, though significant, are only part of the broader journey toward reconciliation and healing.

In the 1940s and 1950s, government researchers used malnourished children in residential schools to study the effects of starvation. These children were deliberately denied adequate food and essential vitamins while their health was monitored. This unethical experimentation highlights the systemic disregard for Indigenous lives and the long-lasting trauma inflicted on survivors.

Residential schools were government-funded, church-operated institutions established in the late 19th century to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. Children were removed from their families, forbidden from speaking their languages, and subjected to physical, emotional, and often sexual abuse. Thousands died due to neglect, malnutrition, or mistreatment, and the schools left lasting intergenerational trauma within Indigenous communities.

This history matters because the impacts of residential schools are not just in the past—they continue to shape the lives of Indigenous peoples today. Acknowledging this dark legacy is crucial for healing, rebuilding trust, and fostering reconciliation. Addressing these injustices helps create a more equitable society where the voices and rights of Indigenous peoples are respected and upheld.

Seeking Justice: 1980s Former Students Demand Action

In the 1980s, former students began advocating for recognition and compensation from the government and churches for past abuses they endured in institutions like residential schools. These students demanded accountability for the harm caused and worked to ensure their stories were heard and addressed. Their efforts laid the groundwork for broader awareness and justice initiatives.

Key Points:

• Former students called for acknowledgment of institutional abuse.

• Demands included compensation and formal apologies.

• Advocacy efforts shaped future reparative justice policies.

Steps Toward Healing: 1998 Statement of Reconciliation

In 1998, the Canadian government issued a Statement of Reconciliation, formally acknowledging the harm caused by residential schools and other policies. Alongside this, it established the Aboriginal Healing Foundation to support Indigenous communities in their healing journeys. These initiatives marked significant steps toward addressing historical injustices and fostering reconciliation.

Key Points:

• The government admitted past wrongs in the Statement of Reconciliation.

• The Aboriginal Healing Foundation was created to fund community-led healing programs.

• These efforts aimed to repair trust and support Indigenous well-being.

Addressing Harm: 2003 Alternative Dispute Resolution

In 2003, the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process was introduced to address the legacy of residential schools. This system provided a structured way to determine compensation for survivors and offered psychological support to aid in their recovery. The ADR aimed to deliver justice while avoiding lengthy court battles, prioritizing survivor well-being.

Key Points:

• ADR provided a streamlined process for survivors to seek compensation.

• Psychological support services were included to assist in healing.

• It emphasized resolving claims efficiently and respectfully.

Historic Agreement: 2007 IRSSA Approved

In 2007, the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA) was approved, allocating $1.9 billion for survivor compensation. This landmark agreement was the largest class-action settlement in Canadian history and provided financial reparations to those who endured abuse in residential schools. The IRSSA also supported healing, truth-telling, and reconciliation efforts.

Key Points:

• $1.9 billion was allocated for survivor compensation.

• It marked the largest class-action settlement in Canadian history.

• The agreement included funding for reconciliation and healing initiatives.

From the 1980s to 2007, significant steps were taken to address the harms of residential schools. Former students began advocating for recognition and compensation, leading to the 1998 Statement of Reconciliation and the creation of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. In 2003, the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process provided survivors with compensation and psychological support. This progress culminated in the 2007 approval of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA), which allocated $1.9 billion for survivor reparations—the largest settlement in Canadian history.

The journey toward healing is ongoing, and reconciliation requires everyone’s participation. Educate yourself about the history of residential schools and their lasting impact. Support organizations dedicated to Indigenous healing and justice, and amplify the voices of survivors. Together, we can build a future grounded in understanding, respect, and accountability.

For multiple generations (almost 80 years and counting) the planet has been in a state of constant “Cold War” between the US and Russia (Formerly the USSR) with Canada caught in the crossfires. Our country has been telling these war mongering giants to chill for almost 80 years!

I cannot help but feel worried with all the news coming out in the last 2 years about Russia. If you do to, give this blog a read, you may just learn a new strategy to help you cope.

 

3 Generations of Childhood Nightmares

If I had a nickel for every time my family’s children had nightmares about nuclear annihilation brought on by tension-inducing events by the countries directly north and south of us, I would have three nickels. which is not a lot, but it is weird thats it has happened that many times.

• Cuban Missile Crisis

When my Grandad was only 19, the Soviet Union had nuclear missiles stationed in Cuba. as you can imagine, this caused intense panic (Especially when emergency communications with the Soviet Union from the US repeatedly failed). I can only image the pure fear he was in.

• Cold war cartoons

When my mom was growing up in the 1980s, Cartoons were on the air teaching kids how to “duck and cover” in case of nuclear strikes. She dreamt about Russians invading Vancouver through Alaska All. The. Time. Movies aimed at teens back then like Red Dawn, War Games, etc. glorified war and gave her nightmares!

• Russo-Ukrainian War

The USSR may no longer exist, but that does not mean that Russia is any less of a threat. In February 2022, The Russian Army invaded Ukraine, and the Russo-Ukrainian War escalated to international news! I remember feeling bad for the Ukrainian people and hating Putin with a burning passion. I feel the tension now that I know about the utter supervillain Russia is refusing to follow the rules of nuclear weapons

 

The Cold War never ended, it just evolved. Russia is still as big a threat as the USSR was, the Russo-Ukrainian War and Israeli–Palestinian conflict are just proxy wars in the 21st century, and the nightmares continue, even 79 years later. I wonder what nightmares the next generation will have…

Talk to your family members about their experiences, I know it helped me by learning what my Parents and Grandparents went through. It is normal to be scared.