Where do we want to go

Near the beginning of the Fraser River Journey, Phyllis, a community leader of the Stsw Ecem’c Xgat’tem Development Corporation along the Fraser River, says: “I grew up spending whole summers on the river. It was breath-taking: just the site of the river, the sound of the river. You know, even though things aren’t great back home on the reserve, there’s another world, there’s hope.” Yes things have improved for the aboriginal peoples in this province, she’s right: things aren’t great on most aboriginal reserves. And things aren’t all that great for aboriginal peoples living off the reserves, in Canada’s communities and cities. After more than 150 years of mistreatment and social abuse, there is still much pain, hurt, anger, and struggle in the hearts of most First Nations people. There is, however, another world out there. A world full of ‘hope’ like the one Phyllis talks about. What it looks like and how aboriginal peoples will get there must be clear in our minds before there can be any hope of getting there. That is the challenge you will be presented with in this unit.

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Permalink Reply by Phyllis Webstad (Jack) on April 23, 2010 at 12:20pm

Hello, this is Phyllis, my aunty just called saying she seen the curriculum on the internet for the Fraser River Journey, so I thought I'd investigate! My aunt says the curriculumis well done! I didn't set out to plan any of this, I could not possibly have "made" any of this happen, I am so thankful and humbled with it all!!

My first mode of transportation was the horse and wagon. I can remember coming from the rez and travelling to the river, the first sight of the river took my breath away. Down the river there was sand and beautiful trees and scenery unlike the rez where we just came from - to me that signified hope and made me feel alive! I look forward to opportunites to further tell my story and be a part of where the Fraser River Journey may take me next. All my relations, Phyllis