That Is The Hope, That Is The Dream

With masks on and protocols in place and empty chairs separating all the participants, the Stardale class of 2021 started up last week with a talking circle, discussing the difficult subject of racism in our society.

We are fed a steady stream of racist activity from the United States and so we may think we know something about it by now – we certainly may think we have had enough to last us a lifetime. I have noticed from my Facebook page and other social media that we are quick to anger and outrage over the words and actions of racist Americans, which for the last four years has gone right to the top, creeping more and more into the open.

And yet, by the same token, we seem to be able to turn a blind eye to racism closer to home, which in Canada means racism directed at First Nations communities and individuals. It seems it’s easier to point our fingers at the people of a foreign country than to address what is happening here, in Canada, as a matter of routine.

If you read this blog, or are at all familiar with the activities of the Stardale group, you will know that last year we set out to explore the sorry legacy of missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada. Helen hires me to work with the girls to share, on paper, their thoughts and concerns on these very difficult subjects. They write their thoughts down on index cards. I collect the cards at the end of the night. After several weeks of this, I take all those cards and arrange them into some kind of meaningful narrative.

Prior to last year, we had created a script for live performance by the girls. Last year, on account of the pandemic, we realized we wouldn’t be able to present in that fashion, or present for a live audience, so we reconfigured the girls’ words and created a film script and shot a film of it instead. It’s called The Road. This proved to be one of the best things we could have done. As they say, “necessity is the mother of invention.” (The Road can be viewed for a nominal charge from this link: CAN YOU FILL THIS IN FOR ME PLEASE! I ALWAYS FORGET!!!)

This year, we are starting out somewhat ahead of where we were last year because we at least know what format we will be presenting in. Having done it once, one would like to believe it will be a little easier this time around. As it turned out last year, we have an incredible team assembled, all of committed to presenting the thoughts and fears and dreams of our participants.

It’s easier in terms of format and presentation, certainly. But not easier in terms of content. When you hear these young girls speak about the insults and threats and abuse they have had to endure in their young lives, then maybe you will come to see that this is not a problem that exists elsewhere. It is happening right here. It’s been happening pretty much from the moment that the Europeans explorers and early settlers set foot on the ground of what we now know as Canada.

I have no doubt, having been through this experience four times now with Stardale, that sharing their stories in this manner is tremendously beneficial for the girls of the program, for their self-esteem and pride. It can be absolutely transformational.

And maybe, just maybe, somewhere down the line we will touch a few hardened hearts, hearts hardened in the forge of racial supremacy and intolerance, and maybe, just maybe, in our own small way we will make a difference.

That is the hope, that is the dream.