[Bcma-l] What to Do with the Begbie Statue at UVIC Law
bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca
bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca
Mon, 3 Nov 2008 16:02:22 -0800
--_000_C06B0A0DC405F8449DB442F8041D66D3104E31E632EMC1uvicca_
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Thank you, Troy and others, for your discussion. It definitely raises chall=
enging issues. While I am based at the University of Victoria, I was not aw=
are of the efforts that were made some years ago to resolve the outstanding=
injustices represented by the statue and restore balance to that area. Tel=
ling this story of the statue and its continuously evolving relationship wi=
th its ever-changing audience is a really important part of its meaning for=
us today.
I also feel that when we use this forum to engage in such discussions onlin=
e, we must use care in our words, as there is a lot of potential to be misu=
nderstood in this format. And without the list automatically putting in our=
names and any organizations we work with, there is the potential of anonym=
ity, which when discussing a difficult topic like this, can add to the pote=
ntial for miscommunication.
I too was pleased to hear of Sharon Syreet's BC150 Project and other projec=
ts that have endeavoured to present a balanced perspective on history and h=
onour underrepresented and undercelebrated groups and individuals.
Brenda Weatherston
Division of Continuing Studies
University of Victoria
PO Box 3030 STN CSC
Tel: 250 721-8504
Fax: 250 721-8774
Email: bweatherston@uvcs.uvic.ca<mailto:bweatherston@uvcs.uvic.ca>
Cultural Resource Management Program: http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/crmp
Intercultural Education and Training Program: http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/iet
Certificate Program in Aboriginal Language Revitalization: http://www.uvcs.=
uvic.ca/calr
________________________________
From: bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca [mailto:bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca=
]
Sent: Sunday, November 02, 2008 9:53 AM
To: bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca; Indigenous LawStudentsAssociation
Subject: RE: [Bcma-l] What to Do with the Begbie Statue at UVIC Law
It really bothers me that those who control history "historians and curator=
s" fail to tell the whole story when it comes to the history of the Aborigi=
nal peoples in Canada and how they were and continue to be treated. Failur=
e to accurately tell the story of colonization is a disgrace. When our cul=
tural institutions develop exhibits and portray the Aboriginal peoples with=
out a balanced story presented, then those institutions are guilty of "sani=
tizing and 'correcting' Canadian history".
The comment, "Perhaps if we continued to confront history in its actuality =
in our books and museums, we would grow to an appreciation of our society t=
oday, and perhaps, indeed we might learn something from it [condemned to re=
peat etc. . . ]" sounds like ,if people see the truth for what it is in mus=
eums and books then they will become accustomed to seeing it, and accept it=
as modern practices. Perhaps this line of thought goes very well with tho=
se that deny a holocaust even existed; see no evil, speak no evil, do no ev=
il.
It seems that the continued masquerade is that society, represented by inst=
itutions, cultural centres, museums, court houses, etc. make no mention of =
how the First Nations were cheated of everything, while going on as if it i=
s business as usual. The reality is that it is not business as usual. Whe=
n ignorance is perpetuated, it only brings out anger and that is why a lead=
ing political figure's statue was toppled and the man beheaded quite recent=
ly. Do we want ignorance or do we want peace and righteousness? I want th=
e latter.
This is a discussion as a result of some students at the University of Vict=
oria wanting to destroy the statue of the hanging judge Begbie, which is pr=
oudly and prominently displayed in the foyer of the law school. I made the=
suggestion to have it moved before knowing that First Nation Elders perfor=
med a ceremony and restored balance to that space -- my guess is that it sh=
ould be left alone. It seems that there are at least two other locations (=
court houses) where Begbie's statue is also displayed. I have no informati=
on to believe that balance is achieved in those locations. It has been sai=
d by at least one aboriginal law student that seeing Begbie, is like a Jewi=
sh person seeing Hitler. I think this discussion at the law school may hav=
e originally been prompted as a result of some recent newspaper articles th=
at discussed how Aboriginal people are savages.
It is no wonder that Aboriginal people are demanding repatriation of their =
stolen ancestors' human remains and their stolen and misappropriated cultur=
al objects, to control the land and archaeological sites, and to bring thei=
r culture back. It is no wonder that Aboriginal people want their own cult=
ural institutions to be able to tell their stories to the public so that hi=
story is not repeated. We are all human beings and we just want the honour=
and recognition of that. To be labelled a savage, or to be portrayed as l=
ife were prior to contact is problematic. The first contact settler people=
often were greedy men looking for riches and wealth without regard for any=
body else. They took Aboriginal women for wives and later abandoned them a=
nd their children, leaving a whole legacy of Metis peoples; there are court=
cases that chronicle this. Christoper Columbus was a slave trading tyrant=
, why do the history books not mention this? Why was Captain Cook killed b=
y Aboriginal people? Why did the legal system in the 1850s protect the gol=
d miners instead of call for justice when a Thompson Indian was hung for st=
ealing a loaf of bread? Why don't we create exhibits that educate the publ=
ic, why it is that Aboriginal people in Canada continue to remain in povert=
y; why drugs, alcohol, sexual abuse and suicide are so common on Indian Res=
erves; why the Indian Act was created and the problems/benefits it has crea=
ted; why Aboriginal people make up the highest disproportional incarcerated=
demographic in prisons; why is there a New Relationship in BC, and moreove=
r, why is it that Aboriginal people have a deep spiritual connection with t=
he land and environment that was given to them by the Creator.
To me, a focus on Aboriginal peoples with special emphasis on indigenous le=
gal traditions is very important. The law is evolutionary in nature and is=
now recognizing aboriginal law. Institutions that portray the history and=
the legal system should also portray Indigenous legal traditions as they a=
re just as constitutionally valid as that of mainstream society. This goes=
back to a sacred treaty depicted in the two-row wampum signifying two cano=
es, one for Aboriginal peoples and one for non-Aboriginal peoples.
If cultural institutions cannot and will not accurately and respectfully do=
justice for the history of Aboriginal peoples, then those institutions sho=
uld make immediate deaccession plans to give back what does not belong to t=
hem. Also, the justice system has failed Aboriginal people, perhaps, Abori=
ginal people should have more support and weight given to their own legal s=
ystems.
I hold my hands up in the West Coast tradition of saying thank you to Sharo=
n Syrette for acknowledging that which I speak about.
BC150 Project Discovers Personal Stories
Sharon Syrette knows that the history of the early days of British Columbia=
is not limited to the likes of James Douglas and Matthew Begbie. Thousands=
of Aboriginal people and newcomers have shaped the province into what it i=
s today.
"It's important to remember stories of our leaders, but we should acknowled=
ge everyday people as well," she said.
Syrette is one of the founding members of Ama Liisaos Heritage Trust Societ=
y, based in Mission, which received a BC150 Mosaic Grant for its project Wh=
en the Others Came.
I do not masquerade behind an anonymous posting,
The Enlightened, Troy Hunter
________________________________
To: bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca
Subject: Re: [Bcma-l] What to Do with the Begbie Statue at UVIC Law
From: bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:11:48 -0700
As a historian and curator, it really bothers me to see the continual progr=
ession of the sanitizing and correcting of Canadian history by the new gene=
ration enlightened.
Perhaps if we continued to confront history in its actuality in our books a=
nd museums, we would grow to an appreciation of our society today, and perh=
aps, indeed we might learn something from it [condemned to repeat etc. . . =
]
I don't think we are doing our future generations any favours by this conti=
nued masquerade [something to think about on Halloween].
2008/10/30 <bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca<mailto:bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.=
bc.ca>>
Troy Hunter wrote:
I think it is nice idea to get rid of the statue but I do admire the fine a=
rtistic details of it that show what he looked like way back when he was a =
riding judge for BC. I guess, I am a bit of a history buff, my undergrad i=
s in cultural resource management. My recommendation would be to put it in=
to some facility where the true story is told about what he did in regards =
to hanging people. I am sure that he was doing what a judge at that time a=
nd in his position would do. It really isn't (I don't think) about Begbie'=
s personal beliefs, it was probably more to do with his job. Which then po=
ints the finger of blame directly at the Province of British Columbia. Con=
sidering that they (BC) covered over the native images at the Legislature b=
uilding, that there is a New Relationship and post residential school apolo=
gy, maybe Begbie's stern statuette should be replaced.
The Maritime Museum of BC is downtown Victoria and in the upstairs is the o=
riginal courtroom where Begbie presided. I think that the statue would pro=
bably best be displayed in that space. Perhaps, with some help from the Cu=
ltural Resource Management Program and the law school, a proper exhibit cou=
ld be developed.
As for what to do with the space left behind at the former Begbie Building,=
(law school), maybe something that is more on the idea of transformation, =
of change, of the future. I think that the time has passed to stop putting=
historical murdering judges on a pedestal and to put something with a litt=
le more deference to the Aboriginal peoples of Canada, something that would=
represent indigenous law. What that would like, I really don't know but m=
aybe that would the basis for a new call for artwork.
ANY TAKERS?
I would be pleased to sit on a committee or such. But somebody or organiza=
tion must take the lead.
Troy Hunter
Box 374
Merritt BC V1K 1B8
hunter@uvic.ca<mailto:hunter@uvic.ca>
________________________________
Use Windows Live Messenger to send messages to your buddies on their mobile=
phones Find out more on our PC to Mobile website<http://www.pc2mobile.ca/>
--
Larry A. Ewashen
Doukhobor Discovery Centre
112 Heritage Way
Castlegar BC V1N 4M5
www.Doukhobor-Museum.org<http://www.Doukhobor-Museum.org>
250-365-5327
Cell 250-365-6622
________________________________
Use Windows Live Messenger to send messages to your buddies on their mobile=
phones Find out more on our PC to Mobile website<http://www.pc2mobile.ca>
--_000_C06B0A0DC405F8449DB442F8041D66D3104E31E632EMC1uvicca_
Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
<html xmlns:v=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o=3D"urn:schemas-micr=
osoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" =
xmlns:st1=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" xmlns=3D"http://ww=
w.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3D"text/html; charset=3Dus-ascii">
<meta name=3DGenerator content=3D"Microsoft Word 11 (filtered medium)">
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style>
<![endif]--><o:SmartTagType
namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name=3D"countr=
y-region"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name=3D"PostalCode"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name=3D"Street"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name=3D"PlaceType"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name=3D"PlaceName"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name=3D"State"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name=3D"address"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name=3D"City"/>
<o:SmartTagType namespaceuri=3D"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"
name=3D"place"/>
<!--[if !mso]>
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Tahoma;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
p
{mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
span.EmailStyle20
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:Tahoma;
color:blue;
font-weight:normal;
font-style:normal;
text-decoration:none none;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>
</head>
<body lang=3DEN-US link=3Dblue vlink=3Dblue>
<div class=3DSection1>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue face=3DTahoma><span style=
=3D'font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:blue'>Thank you, <st1:City w:st=3D"on"><st1=
:place
w:st=3D"on">Troy</st1:place></st1:City> and others, for your discussion. I=
t
definitely raises challenging issues. While I am based at the <st1:place w:=
st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Victo=
ria</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>,
I was not aware of the efforts that were made some years ago to resolve the=
outstanding
injustices represented by the statue and restore balance to that area. Tell=
ing
this story of the statue and its continuously evolving relationship with it=
s
ever-changing audience is a really important part of its meaning for us tod=
ay.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue face=3DTahoma><span style=
=3D'font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue face=3DTahoma><span style=
=3D'font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:blue'>I also feel that when we use this for=
um
to engage in such discussions online, we must use care in our words, as the=
re is
a lot of potential to be misunderstood in this format. And without the list
automatically putting in our names and any organizations we work with, ther=
e is
the potential of anonymity, which when discussing a difficult topic like th=
is,
can add to the potential for miscommunication.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue face=3DTahoma><span style=
=3D'font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:blue'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue face=3DTahoma><span style=
=3D'font-size:
11.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:blue'>I too was pleased to hear of Sharon
Syreet’s </span></font><span class=3Decboxfonth1><font size=3D2 color=
=3Dblue
face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:blue=
'>BC150
Project and other projects that have endeavoured to present a balanced
perspective on history and honour underrepresented and undercelebrated grou=
ps
and individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p>
<div>
<p><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font=
-size:10.0pt;
color:blue'>Brenda Weatherston<br>
Division of Continuing Studies<br>
<st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType=
> of <st1:PlaceName
w:st=3D"on">Victoria</st1:PlaceName></st1:place><br>
<st1:address w:st=3D"on"><st1:Street w:st=3D"on">PO Box</st1:Street> 3030</=
st1:address>
STN CSC<br>
Tel: 250 721-8504<br>
Fax: 250 721-8774<br>
Email: <a href=3D"mailto:bweatherston@uvcs.uvic.ca">bweatherston@uvcs.uvic.=
ca</a><br>
Cultural Resource Management Program: <a
href=3D"http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/crmp">http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/crmp</a><br>
Intercultural Education and Training Program: <a
href=3D"http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/iet">http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/iet</a><br>
Certificate Program in Aboriginal Language Revitalization: <a
href=3D"http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/calr">http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/calr</a></spa=
n></font><font
color=3Dblue><span style=3D'color:blue'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<div class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font siz=
e=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>
<hr size=3D2 width=3D"100%" align=3Dcenter tabindex=3D-1>
</span></font></div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><font size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-si=
ze:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=3D2
face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>
bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca [mailto:bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca] <br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Sunday, November 02, 2=
008
9:53 AM<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca=
;
Indigenous LawStudentsAssociation<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> RE: [Bcma-l] What t=
o Do
with the Begbie Statue at UVIC Law</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D=
'font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:=
10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma'>It really bothers me that those who control history
"historians and curators" fail to tell the whole story when it co=
mes
to the history of the Aboriginal peoples in <st1:country-region w:st=3D"on"=
><st1:place
w:st=3D"on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> and how they were and
continue to be treated. Failure to accurately tell the story of
colonization is a disgrace. When our cultural institutions develop
exhibits and portray the Aboriginal peoples without a balanced story presen=
ted,
then those institutions are guilty of "sanitizing and 'correcting'
Canadian history". <br>
<br>
The comment, "Perhaps if we continued to confront history in its actua=
lity
in our books and museums, we would grow to an appreciation of our society
today, and perhaps, indeed we might learn something from it [condemned to
repeat etc. . . ]" sounds like ,if people see the truth for what it is=
in
museums and books then they will become accustomed to seeing it, and accept=
it
as modern practices. Perhaps this line of thought goes very well with
those that deny a holocaust even existed; see no evil, speak no evil, do no
evil.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DT=
ahoma><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'><br>
It seems that the continued masquerade is that society, represented by
institutions, cultural centres, museums, court houses, etc. make no mention=
of
how the First Nations were cheated of everything, while going on as if it i=
s
business as usual. The reality is that it is not business as usual.&n=
bsp;
When ignorance is perpetuated, it only brings out anger and that is why a
leading political figure's statue was toppled and the man beheaded quite re=
cently.
Do we want ignorance or do we want peace and righteousness? I want th=
e
latter.<br>
<br>
This is a discussion as a result of some students at the <st1:place w:st=3D=
"on"><st1:PlaceType
w:st=3D"on">University</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">Victo=
ria</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>
wanting to destroy the statue of the hanging judge Begbie, which is proudly=
and
prominently displayed in the foyer of the law school. I made the
suggestion to have it moved before knowing that First Nation Elders perform=
ed a
ceremony and restored balance to that space -- my guess is that it should b=
e
left alone. It seems that there are at least two other locations (cou=
rt
houses) where Begbie's statue is also displayed. I have no informatio=
n to
believe that balance is achieved in those locations. It has been said=
by
at least one aboriginal law student that seeing Begbie, is like a Jewish pe=
rson
seeing Hitler. I think this discussion at the law school may have
originally been prompted as a result of some recent newspaper articles that
discussed how Aboriginal people are savages. <br>
<br>
It is no wonder that Aboriginal people are demanding repatriation of their
stolen ancestors' human remains and their stolen and misappropriated cultur=
al
objects, to control the land and archaeological sites, and to bring their
culture back. It is no wonder that Aboriginal people want their own
cultural institutions to be able to tell their stories to the public so tha=
t
history is not repeated. We are all human beings and we just want the
honour and recognition of that. To be labelled a savage, or to be
portrayed as life were prior to contact is problematic. The first con=
tact
settler people often were greedy men looking for riches and wealth without
regard for anybody else. They took Aboriginal women for wives and lat=
er
abandoned them and their children, leaving a whole legacy of Metis peoples;
there are court cases that chronicle this. Christoper Columbus was a
slave trading tyrant, why do the history books not mention this? Why =
was
Captain Cook killed by Aboriginal people? Why did the legal system in=
the
1850s protect the gold miners instead of call for justice when a Thompson
Indian was hung for stealing a loaf of bread? Why don't we create
exhibits that educate the public, why it is that Aboriginal people in Canad=
a
continue to remain in poverty; why drugs, alcohol, sexual abuse and suicide=
are
so common on Indian Reserves; why the Indian Act was created and the
problems/benefits it has created; why Aboriginal people make up the highest
disproportional incarcerated demographic in prisons; why is there a New
Relationship in BC, and moreover, why is it that Aboriginal people have a d=
eep
spiritual connection with the land and environment that was given to them b=
y
the Creator.<br>
<br>
To me, a focus on Aboriginal peoples with special emphasis on indigenous le=
gal
traditions is very important. The law is evolutionary in nature and i=
s
now recognizing aboriginal law. Institutions that portray the history=
and
the legal system should also portray Indigenous legal traditions as they ar=
e
just as constitutionally valid as that of mainstream society. This go=
es
back to a sacred treaty depicted in the two-row wampum signifying two canoe=
s,
one for Aboriginal peoples and one for non-Aboriginal peoples. <br>
<br>
If cultural institutions cannot and will not accurately and respectfully do
justice for the history of Aboriginal peoples, then those institutions shou=
ld
make immediate deaccession plans to give back what does not belong to
them. Also, the justice system has failed Aboriginal people, perhaps,
Aboriginal people should have more support and weight given to their own le=
gal
systems. <br>
<br>
I hold my hands up in the West Coast tradition of saying thank you to Sharo=
n
Syrette for acknowledging that which I speak about.<o:p></o:p></span></font=
></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><span class=3Decboxfonth1><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue =
face=3DTahoma><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:blue'>BC150 Project Disc=
overs
Personal Stories</span></font></span><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue face=3DTah=
oma><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span>=
</font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue face=3DTahoma><span style=
=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:blue'>Sharon Syrette knows that the history=
of
the early days of <st1:State w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">British Col=
umbia</st1:place></st1:State>
is not limited to the likes of James Douglas and Matthew Begbie. Thousands =
of
Aboriginal people and newcomers have shaped the province into what it is to=
day.
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue face=3DTahoma><span style=
=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:blue'>"It's important to remember stor=
ies
of our leaders, but we should acknowledge everyday people as well," sh=
e
said.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dblue face=3DTahoma><span style=
=3D'font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:blue'>Syrette is one of the founding member=
s of
Ama Liisaos Heritage Trust Society, based in <st1:City w:st=3D"on"><st1:pla=
ce
w:st=3D"on">Mission</st1:place></st1:City>, which received a BC150 Mosaic =
Grant
for its project <i><span style=3D'font-style:italic'>When the Others Came</=
span></i>.<br>
</span></font><font size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma'><br>
I do not masquerade behind an anonymous posting,<br>
The Enlightened, Troy Hunter<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font siz=
e=3D2
face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>
<hr size=3D2 width=3D"100%" align=3Dcenter id=3D"EC_stopSpelling">
</span></font></div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DT=
ahoma><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>To: bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca<=
br>
Subject: Re: [Bcma-l] What to Do with the Begbie Statue at UVIC Law<br>
From: bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca<br>
Date: Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:11:48 -0700<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:=
10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma'>As a historian and curator, it really bothers me to see=
the
continual progression of the sanitizing and correcting of Canadian history =
by
the new generation enlightened.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:=
10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma'>Perhaps if we continued to confront history in its
actuality in our books and museums, we would grow to an appreciation of our
society today, and perhaps, indeed we might learn something from it [condem=
ned
to repeat etc. . . ]<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DT=
ahoma><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>I don't think we are doing ou=
r
future generations any favours by this continued masquerade [something to t=
hink
about on Halloween].<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:=
10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma'>2008/10/30 <<a
href=3D"mailto:bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.ca">bcma-l-admin@museumsassn.bc.=
ca</a>><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:=
10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma'>Troy Hunter wrote:<br>
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dpurple face=3DTahoma><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:purple'>I think it is ni=
ce
idea to get rid of the statue but I do admire the fine artistic details of =
it
that show what he looked like way back when he was a riding judge for BC.
I guess, I am a bit of a history buff, my undergrad is in cultural
resource management. My recommendation would be to put it into some
facility where the true story is told about what he did in regards to hangi=
ng
people. I am sure that he was doing what a judge at that time and in =
his
position would do. It really isn't (I don't think) about Begbie's
personal beliefs, it was probably more to do with his job. Which then
points the finger of blame directly at the <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:Plac=
eType
w:st=3D"on">Province</st1:PlaceType> of <st1:PlaceName w:st=3D"on">British
Columbia</st1:PlaceName></st1:place>. Considering that they (BC)
covered over the native images at the Legislature building, that there is a=
New
Relationship and post residential school apology, maybe Begbie's stern
statuette should be replaced.</span></font><font size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><sp=
an
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dpurple face=3DTahoma><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:purple'> </span></f=
ont><font
size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dpurple face=3DTahoma><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:purple'>The Maritime Mus=
eum of
BC is downtown <st1:State w:st=3D"on"><st1:place w:st=3D"on">Victoria</st1:=
place></st1:State>
and in the upstairs is the original courtroom where Begbie presided. =
I
think that the statue would probably best be displayed in that space.
Perhaps, with some help from the Cultural Resource Management Program=
and
the law school, a proper exhibit could be developed.</span></font><font siz=
e=3D2
face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'><o:p></o:=
p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dpurple face=3DTahoma><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:purple'> </span></f=
ont><font
size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>=
<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 color=3Dpurple face=3DTahoma><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:purple'>As for what to d=
o with
the space left behind at the former <st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:PlaceName w=
:st=3D"on">Begbie</st1:PlaceName>
<st1:PlaceType w:st=3D"on">Building</st1:PlaceType></st1:place>, (law scho=
ol),
maybe something that is more on the idea of transformation, of change, of t=
he
future. I think that the time has passed to stop putting historical
murdering judges on a pedestal and to put something with a little more
deference to the Aboriginal peoples of <st1:country-region w:st=3D"on"><st1=
:place
w:st=3D"on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>, something that would
represent indigenous law. What that would like, I really don't know b=
ut
maybe that would the basis for a new call for artwork.</span></font><font
size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>=
<br>
<br>
<strong><b><font color=3Dblack face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-family:Tah=
oma;
color:black'>ANY TAKERS?</span></font></b></strong><br>
<font color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'>I would be pleased to sit o=
n a
committee or such. But somebody or organization must take the lead.</=
span></font><br>
<br>
<font color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'>Troy Hunter</span></font><b=
r>
<st1:address w:st=3D"on"><st1:Street w:st=3D"on"><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black'>Box</span></font></st1:Street><font color=3Dblack><=
span
style=3D'color:black'> 374</span></font></st1:address><br>
<st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on"><font color=3Dblack><span
style=3D'color:black'>Merritt</span></font></st1:City><font color=3Dblack=
><span
style=3D'color:black'> <st1:State w:st=3D"on">BC</st1:State> <st1:PostalCo=
de
w:st=3D"on">V1K 1B8</st1:PostalCode></span></font></st1:place><br>
<font color=3Dblack><span style=3D'color:black'><a href=3D"mailto:hunter@uv=
ic.ca">hunter@uvic.ca</a></span></font><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:=
10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font siz=
e=3D2
face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>
<hr size=3D2 width=3D"100%" align=3Dcenter>
</span></font></div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:=
10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma'>Use Windows Live Messenger to send messages to your bud=
dies
on their mobile phones <a href=3D"http://www.pc2mobile.ca/" target=3D"_blan=
k">Find
out more on our PC to Mobile website</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-bottom:12.0pt'><font size=3D2 face=3DT=
ahoma><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'><br>
<br clear=3Dall>
<br>
-- <br>
Larry A. Ewashen<br>
Doukhobor Discovery Centre<br>
<st1:Street w:st=3D"on"><st1:address w:st=3D"on">112 Heritage Way</st1:addr=
ess></st1:Street><br>
<st1:place w:st=3D"on"><st1:City w:st=3D"on">Castlegar</st1:City> <st1:Stat=
e w:st=3D"on">BC</st1:State>
<st1:PostalCode w:st=3D"on">V1N 4M5</st1:PostalCode></st1:place><br>
<a href=3D"http://www.Doukhobor-Museum.org" target=3D"_blank">www.Doukhobor=
-Museum.org</a><br>
250-365-5327<br>
Cell 250-365-6622<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<div class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font siz=
e=3D2
face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>
<hr size=3D2 width=3D"100%" align=3Dcenter>
</span></font></div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D2 face=3DTahoma><span style=3D'font-size:=
10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma'>Use Windows Live Messenger to send messages to your bud=
dies
on their mobile phones <a href=3D"http://www.pc2mobile.ca" target=3D"_new">=
Find out
more on our PC to Mobile website</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
</body>
</html>
--_000_C06B0A0DC405F8449DB442F8041D66D3104E31E632EMC1uvicca_--