In the July 2 issue of the Prince George Citizen, Neil Godbout’s editorial (The problem with Gladstone Drive) caught my attention. So did Jerry Chidiac’s column (Democracy dies when citizens go silent).
I am, therefore, speaking up. I do agree with Neil’s assertion that history has undergone a transformation and that we have the responsibility to respect the legacy of our ancestors and repair the damage they caused. It is painful for me to read details of the history of how we have treated people in the past. This is not a history of which to be proud.
Still I am not sure that removing murals and changing street names is the way to address this issue. We must not forget the past because, if we do, we may repeat it. In my personal life, mistakes have been the source of my biggest learnings and my deepest, most profound life changes. I want the same result from however we choose to proceed with our current awareness.
I am sure future generations will judge us no matter what we choose to do. I hope the legacy we leave acknowledges that all lives matter, all of life matters and that includes our mistakes. I hope we will be seen as kinder, more compassionate, accepting and respectful than in the past. I hope desperately that this will be so. Meanwhile, I intend to approach everyone and everything in this challenging world of ours with respect, curiosity and kindness.
Barb Dean
Prince George
