This essay fits the breadth category of my portfolio since it demonstrates that I am able to grasp complicated social issues beyond personal knowledge. In looking at Indigenous representation in the media, I am demonstrating that I am receptive to learning about multiple perspectives and histories, even ones with which I had no former familiarity prior to coming to Canada.
The essay illustrates my critical thinking skills since I examine how the media constructs narratives, the importance of diversity in representation, and narrative gaps. It also marks my growth as a communicator since I engage with issues of truth and reconciliation while displaying awareness of my position as an international student.
This piece expands my understanding of cultural issues and media critique, and therefore it’s a suitable addition to my breadth section.
Media Critique on Indigenous Representation in the news
Introduction
This media critique on indigenous representations on the news will be analyzing a podcast that is led by Perry Bellegarde. He is a former national chief of the assembly of first nations and in his podcast, he talks about the residential school in Kamloops, where they found a 215 mass grave of children. On the podcast, he is joined by special guest; Dr. Marie Wilson. She is a former commissioner on the truth and reconciliation commission and throughout the podcast she gives her insights and thoughts towards the tragic 2021 discovery of indigenous children.
What can we learn from how the story was told?
Firstly, the story is told through a first-hand narrative. Dr. Wilson discussed her reaction after news broke out and how she was feeling at the time, from the moment she woke up. In the podcast, she stated “that her first physical reaction was to well up, and sit up and try to take it all in.” Her reaction shows how much sadness and distress she has evoked over the different listeners around the world. Her physical reaction emphasizes the amount of shock and pain that she went through.
Furthermore, in the podcast Dr. Wilson states that during the investigation, the survivors at the residential school said that there were so many deaths, that were not accounted for and the sad part is that nobody believed them. Throughout the investigation up until the news broke out the media has used the word “discovery” multiple times. Dr. Wilson expresses that she rejects the word “discovery” because this incident is actually a validation of everything they were told before about the residential school.
Additionally, Dr. Wilson shares that, during the investigation there was total disregard of these children after their passing. For example, knowing of a girl but no name or age or “little Johnny” but no extra information such as last name or age. They had scraps of information and they had to source out these details through the Indian Agent Records, churches or provincial records.
Secondly, Dr. Wilson continues to talk about the conditions of residential schools across Canada and how they treated children. This paints a vivid picture for listeners and not only to picture the horrific crimes that were committed but they weight of systemic racism in Canada towards indigenous people of Canada. She states that “they heard of children’s bones being found in the foundations of buildings when residential schools were dismantled, children being thrown into furnaces” and “the children’s babies being born into clergy or of a result of sexual assault and abuse.”
Why did you choose this story?
I chose to write about this story because, as an international student you don’t really hear much about the indigenous people of Canada, before you come into the country. The media does such a good job in covering up the issues that indigenous people face within the country. When I was back in my home country, I would honestly only hear about the good things that Canada had to offer, I had never heard about residential schools or even known that Canada had indigenous people. The lack of positive representation of indigenous people in the media goes to show you that Canada really has a dark past and present.
Furthermore, the incident happened in Kamloops and I live here. Initially, when I first heard about the news, I was quite shocked too because this tragedy affected the community that I live in. I can almost remember, the shear awkwardness I felt being in the city and how the atmosphere felt entirely cloudy. I’m glad, that I found such an informative podcast because as I listened to Dr. Wilson stories, I really got to understand the history behind residential schools and how they have a profound impact on the indigenous community. In some way, it helped to explain why indigenous people are the way they are today.
Evaluate the story’s strengths and weaknesses in terms of cultural representation.
When evaluating the podcasts with guest speaker Dr. Wilson for cultural representation, there are a few strengths and weaknesses to consider. Dr. Wilson’s expertise and experience as a former commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission adds credibility to the discussion of Indigenous issues. Her insights can shed light on the impact of residential schools and the path to reconciliation.
However, one potential weakness is the need to include a diverse range of Indigenous voices in the conversation. While Dr. Wilson’s perspective is valuable, it is critical to include representation from a variety of Indigenous individuals and communities to avoid presenting a single narrative. This can contribute to a more complete understanding of Indigenous experiences and perspectives. Overall, the podcasts with Marie Wilson highlight her expertise, but it would be beneficial to include a wider range of Indigenous voices to improve cultural representation.
Offer your own personal insights.
I am glad I came across the podcast because I learned how important it is to center Indigenous voices and perspectives in storytelling. The podcast helps to amplify the experiences and insights of Indigenous leaders such as Perry Bellegarde. It also emphasizes the importance of telling the truth, acknowledging the painful history of residential schools, and promoting reconciliation. Additionally, the podcast helps to raise awareness and understanding of residential schools’ impact on Indigenous communities.
Themes learned in class
After Perry Bellegarde introduces himself and Dr. Wilson, the podcast starts off with drumming. This is one of the “D’s” learned within the course as this amplifies storytelling and cultural identity which happens within the podcast. Lastly, the main subject of the podcast discusses the mass graves at the residential school. This another theme in the course, in which we discussed how indigenous people usually are portrayed as dead on the news.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I really enjoyed listening and learning from the podcast as it made me understand that residential schools are the genocide of first nations people, and their policy of killing the Indian in the child.