Canadian Museum for Human Rights
September 15, 2017. 3°C

Over the weekend I visited Winnipeg, Manitoba. Both my parents grew up in Winnipeg and much of our family still resides in the city. Google “Things to do in Winnipeg” and the first thing that will pop up is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. On Friday, it was ideal museum-visiting conditions - cold, dreary and pouring rain, so off we went. Situated in downtown Winnipeg, its modern aesthetic is noticeable from across the city. The architecture alone is worth the trip, as the museum encompasses stunning views of the iconic Red River. With remarkable vantage points, and innovative, thought provoking exhibits, I cannot recommend a trip to this museum more.

As one can probably infer from the name of the institution, the exhibits of the museum focus on Human Rights, and the museum also brings to life insights into the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Through the use of relevant social issues, exhibits illustrate how human rights are negotiated and broken in our society today. These issues include genocide, the refugee crises, and world hunger, just to name a few. The museum engages its audience with the use of interactive technology to complement their exhibits. Thus, you are privy to hearing first hand accounts of young children who have fled Syria, or witness a Canadian woman's harrowing tale of human trafficking. This modern take on presenting information is quite impactful as hearing another human’s struggle adds a personal connection that one simply cannot obtain through reading information in a display case.

I look at museums differently now that I am soon going to have a classroom of my own. I have always been a ‘read every word of every exhibit’ type of person, but now my thoughts are centered upon my future students. I now wonder how I can engage my students in these social issues in a way that will generate an impact on how they live their lives. How will I help ensure my students are leaving our world better than they found it? How can I help tiny leaders flourish so that one day they will have the means necessary to steer our world away from these social issues that have hurt so many? I do not know the answers yet - and maybe I never will. What I do believe I know though, is the importance of education and exposure to issues that frustrate our heads, and hurt our hearts. Without this exposure, we are numb and we are blind. That is never how I want to live, and it is never how I want to teach.

Athabasca, Alberta
July 15, 2017. 24°C

Located 152 km North of Edmonton, the town of Athabasca has always occupied a place in the hearts of our family. A short distance away from our cottage on Baptiste Lake, Athabasca’s quaint characteristics and quiet ways provide a much-needed weekend hiatus from the hectic weekday happenings of the capital city of Alberta found southward. The town is comfortably situated amongst the rolling hills that line the Athabasca River.

Originally called Athabasca Landing, this place was colonized by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1855. The company used the venue as a commercial portal to the North. As time went on, Athabasca Landing grew and became the most prominent in-land boat-building location in Canada. Spring typically witnesses many people, primarily Indigenous and Metis men, build hundreds of Scow boats. Scows could hold over seven tons of goods and were usually occupied by a seven-man crew armed with the goal of obtaining furs from northern communities and inhabitants.

Just as the fur trade faded, so did the inclusion of “Landing” in the town’s name. The name (officially changed in 1913) isn’t the only thing different about this Alberta community. In 2012, the community of Athabasca began work to transform the town’s riverfront. Now characterized by a trail system, a playground, a spray park and a farmer's market, it is hard to picture the bustling fur trade that formerly marked these very same riverbanks. Thankfully, Alberta Heritage Sites has successfully implemented a highly informative and engaging Public History program which ensures that the memory and legacy of Athabasca Landing is not forgotten through informative “modules and murals” dedicated to the fur traders and Indigenous peoples.

May Long Mishaps
Forestry Trunk Road 734, Spring, 2017. 15°C

During the May Long Weekend, Sway YEG-GA traveled with my best friend and I to the Nordegg area for a camping excursion. This photo was taken where we had lunch after visiting Ram Falls, and when we planned out our next place to visit. While we knew this weekend might bring some cold rainy days and even colder Alberta Spring nights, we decided to try our luck at our first overnight hike to Kinglet Lake. At this point you're probably thinking we were crazy to attempt this journey so early on in the year - and you're 100% correct! But both of us were all to eager for this adventure, and an adventure it was, for sure.

On Saturday morning at 7:00AM, we set out to take on the seven-hour hike with thirty pounds each strapped on our backs. This day went the exactly the opposite as we planned, and the short story of our travels may seem less than ideal. We hiked straight up two mountains only to lose the trail in waist deep snow. In order to avoid the risk of being trapped on the side of the mountain in the dark with no campsite, we were forced to descend at around 4:00PM. Still, it was an absolutely incredible day! The views from the tops of the mountain peaks were surreal. Strenuous and tense at moments, this hike only made me feel incredibly grateful for my friend as the elements only proved the strength of our relationship.

Kinglet Lake may have conquered us this time, but I know we will be back.

The Cactus Chronicles
April 19, 2017. 4°C

Today has been proceeded by numerous days of gloomy, grey skies and long days of studying. However, today the sun made her return, and with her a new motivation.

I am not much of a gardener. In fact, I watched countless videos on transplanting cactuses from one pot to another before I started this endeavour. The cactuses see here were a given to me as a gift on my eighteenth birthday by my oldest and best friend as something to grow with me as I struck out into adulthood, and began my university degree. Now, two years later, I am halfway done my degree, and the cacti are too big for the pot they once shared. While one grew larger and bigger than the others, I am confident that with these new homes the other two will flourish.

Like my thorny companions, I, too, took a while to decide on which path or "proper pot" for my university education would suit me best. I think I always knew teaching was right for me, but, originally, I was sidetracked by some "background noise" that tended to stymy my personal and professional growth. Now, a year after changing my degree plan to Education, I have never felt more content.

I have thorns in my hands, and a mess to clean up. But am also reminded that while career and educational changes and choices may be unnerving at first, with the right environment, the potential for growth is unlimited.