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2021-05-31T20:26:00.001-07:00

Today we wore our orange shirts in an act of remembrance in solidarity in recognition in memoriam We saw the flag at half-mast and though it may have seemed performative it allowed our students to see our grief to ask about it We listened to a land acknowledgement "when the flag is down, it means someone has died" I cringed After the same old acknowledgement comes the anthem the anthem today it erases the acknowledgement it erases the truth it negates the actions of reconciliation it was the instrumental version of O Canada No one sang aloud today I was relieved I am certain that the students in that classroom that even slightly understood were relieved I considered not standing I felt scared, that going against what is expected of me after colonization, might put me in danger I wasn't in danger Now I sit safely in my home listening again watching young children in their jingle dresses watching their families feeling hope as I listen to a variety of Indigenous languages listen to songs grateful that I am begininning to know some of the words, recognize the songs, feel the drums reflect on teachings of friends, acquaintances, and Elders

A Thursday for the books.

2020-03-19T08:38:00.002-07:00

This is my first day working from home as a Behaviour Support Worker. In the past week our world has changed considerably, and I'm only now starting to feel prepared to begin to think about the ramifications.

I can work from home because all students are learning from home for the foreseeable future, due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). What this means right now is that I am staying home, staying safe, and checking my emails. What it actually means for me right now is a time to slow down, plan some amazing lessons for home use, and think about all that I bring to a classroom (virtual or not). However, I can only do that for a few days, since as of Friday, it is SPRING BREAK!!! Spring Break for me usually involves working at the Leisure Centre for Day Camps, but they are closed to the public as well.

My teenager is home and safe from the dangers of smoking at the mall with their friends, and without the constant scrutiny of their school attendance and behaviours. They have been clingy and whiny, but so have I, so I fully support it. I like that they want to be close to me right now, because I'm sure the novelty will wear off.

I am starting to really miss my family. I am envious of my sister who lives in my parents' basement, because she has 5 other people to spend time with, and gets to be close to everyone right now. I am grateful for the technology we have that allows us to connect with one another via video chat.

Is it meta if I post a picture of me writing this blog post? I don't even know right now, I just know that I wanted to start to write. I am glad that I have done so, and will hopefully continue this practice in the coming weeks.

Underboard Sardines

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A Thursday for the books.