In preface of reading this, please know my story comes from a lens of knowing what it means to be an Indigenous girl, growing up on the Rez, of knowing what it means to be vulnerable and feel like I have no voice.
In June 2021, I was interviewed for a special report for the BC Education Minister. In my interview, I mentioned I will probably get emotional because I truly care about this work. It is who I am. I’ve been an educator for 10 years. Tearing up, I said: “I don’t think we have a systemic racism problem. I think we have a trauma and poverty problem.”
The report was released in early fall. It felt like a storm had blown in and poured over a canvas I was painting on. The painting wasn’t complete but this storm so quickly destroyed the work I had done. I read this report and I sank. First, I want to fully honor and acknowledge racism is real and felt here and in every corner of the world. I will never challenge the real and felt experiences of others. But in this report, it was all communities were talking about. Racism became what we are known for. I’ve worked in over 30 schools (some for days or weeks and others for years) and racism is not the system I know. It is not the colleagues I work alongside and honor for their resilience during such heavy times.
My intention in re-examining this experience is to invite all to consider the implications of allowing the term “systemic racism” to rule the narrative. What happens to our children when we allow them to believe the system is against them or another group? What happens to those relationships with those allies we’ve already begun reconciliation actions alongside? Good work is happening. People do care.
And we cannot let a report or a narrative undermine that. Malcolm Gladwell said his intention in writing is never to change peoples’ minds. Rather, the goal is to leave people with a thought or something to reflect on. My intention isn’t to change anyone’s mind. I respect and honour where we are in our journeys.
These are my final words as an employee of public education. I resign from my position and work towards another path that will help me use my voice and do the work I care so greatly about.
Erica McLean
Prince George
