"Making your raven is not easy but neither is reconciliation. I've made two now having never done origami before. You need help. You need to ask. You need to step out of your comfort zone. A lot of people aren't sure where to begin addressing reconciliation. It begins with becoming an ally. Learning, sharing, working together." Levi Black-Amstutz, FNC's Indigenous Connections Coordinator, First Nations Centre at University of Northern British Columbia
The First Nations Centre (FNC) at UNBC (University of Northern British Columbia) alongside NUGSS (Northern Undergraduate Student's Union), is calling upon students, faculty, administration, and the community of Prince George at large to participate in the creation of 1000 origami ravens this Thursday September 28th from 10am to 2pm in the NUSC space.
As a Campus Cousin, Shereen Lacey encourages people to join this event whether they are new to the concept of reconciliation or not. She describes the process of folding together the paper ravens as difficult, though an ultimately positive experience.
According to a Japanese legend, anyone who folds 1000 origami cranes will be granted a wish. The raven, a significant player within First Nations cultures, is a trickster figure that also teaches important lessons and is know to, "[bring] light to a world of darkness." Former Manager of Aboriginal Student Engagement, Beverly Best, initiated this project before the Covid-19 pandemic altered global, and campus, life. Reviving this project not only acknowledges her years of contribution but also serves as an opportunity to bring the community together towards the common goal of reconciliation.
Levi Black-Amstutz says that, "once 1000 Ravens have been completed they will be prominently displayed on campus."
Want to make your own origami raven? Find out how here.
The event will also be broadcast live on CFUR 88.7FM.
Members of the UNBC Community participate in a FNC session led by Campus Cousin Shereen Lacey, to make origami ravens. These participants will instruct others at the September 28th TRC event on UNBC Campus's NUSC space.
