With the seemingly endless string of senseless tragedies and conflicts around the world over the past two years, it has been a difficult time for many. On Thursday, March 10, a vigil hosted by George Brown College was held via Zoom to allow students the opportunity to reflect on these events, mourn and heal.
The vigil opened with a beautiful drumming ceremony by Cree Saulteaux two-spirit drummer Sara Luey, whose voice and powerful playing set a poignant scene.
GBC President Gervan Fearon was in attendance, and remarked on “the cumulative grief and pain that has built up as challenging events have unfolded around the world”.
In addition, Indigenous Elder Grandmother Pauline Shirt of the Plains Cree-Red-Tail Hawk Clan was present. She began with an acknowledgement to the Creator followed by a message in Plains Cree that echoed the event’s message of peace and healing.
GBC’s Chancellor Noella Milne added that the difficult two-year period may have left students feeling helpless, unsure, depressed, and isolated. She advised that “the best way to obtain solace and peace is through reaching out to others in need and others who are suffering.”
Nearing the end of the vigil two GBC students, Rayne Innis and Sohrab Mottaghi Mahmoudi presented poems, with Mahmoudi also sharing an Iranian song excerpt from Gol-e Goldoon played on a Tar.
Charlene Holmes, the Community Care Centre’s coordinator, noted that “marginalized folks are even more vulnerable during trying times of global crisis.”
“Transforming what collective care looks like begins with caring for ourselves and each other. Together, we have a transnational intergenerational history of coming together and braving uncertainty,” they added.
The Student Association’s director of communications and internal, Sri Krishna Rajan, shared condolences for those who have lost loved ones in countries that are suffering from crisis, imploring others to keep those who have been disconnected from their countries and communities in mind.
Vice President of Student Success Chris McGrath gave a heartfelt close to the vigil, commenting: “even in spite of ourselves, we persevere, we come together, we hope, and we are reminded of our shared humanity, shared community, and our shared capacity to love.” He reminded students that by coming together, we can heal and hope for a better world all through the power of love.
Support systems and resources for the GBC community can be accessed through one central link. Students, employees, and the public are encouraged to reach out if they are seeking help during these challenging times.
