Firstly, I would like to acknowledge I reside on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. I would like to acknowledge the tragedy uncovered at the former Kamloops Residential school where 215 children’s remains were found in a mass grave. It is a grim reminder of our country’s colonial policies, which destroyed the culture, homes, and population of Indigenous people across Canada.

Brad baker brings up many great points about social media. I admire his attitude when conversing with others and discussing topics that aren’t comfortable to talk about. Social media give an outlet for all people to voice their experiences, in this case, Indigenous mistreatment in residential school system, that traditional media may not allow on their platforms. It is one equalizing invention that has allowed silenced voices to be heard by anyone, and allow others to learn from another’s situation. Social Media allows people to learn from different cultures, which have different governance, that teach different things. It challenges people to think outside their own perspective and upbringing, and be critical of things that are not right. Difficult conversations are needed for change to happen. It likely took hundreds of uncomfortable conversations to finally add residential schools to the curriculum, which was only ended a few decades ago. There have been several misconceptions, and harmful stereotypes that are spread through education, and media. Social media allows Indigenous people to share their culture, and humanize them to counteract racism, and previous notions.  Being vulnerable and open minded should be embraced when engaging in discourse with other people so people can understand the reasoning, and possibly come to an agreeing conclusion.

There is still a lot of work to be done to facilitate reconciliation and listening to them and giving Indigneous people a voice is one of the first majors steps there.

References

Brad Baker Edci 338. (2021). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5z8iHxW2n4.

Developing Personal Learning Networks for Open and Social Learning / Alec Couros- Chapter 6 – Page 128-129 & Page 137-138 in the PDF – (Page.114-115 & Page 123-124 in original text)  https://www.aupress.ca/app/uploads/120177_99Z_Veletsianos_2010-Emerging_Technologies_in_Distance_Education.pdf