Attention All Foundation Students! Don’t forget to check regularly for new notices which might be posted on or near the foundation office door. I'm here in room 109 if you need any kind of assistance - with course registration, lockers, room bookings, or getting advice/help from anywhere else at Emily Carr. Please feel free to come by if you have questions, comments or concerns or even if you're just feeling a bit lost. I'm trying to memorize your names and faces so do come around and contribute to my memo- ry bank. Lu Gail Carney | would like to introduce myself. For sixteen years | have been the studio assistant in the ceramics area. On August 1st of this year | moved to the position of man- ager of the newly defined Technical Services Department. This department. places all the studio and technical assis- tants in one group. (Formerly they were spread over the schools.) Now we can integrate the services in a way that is best for the Institute as a whole. As manager of this new department, | will coordinate all the practical aspects of the delivery of demonstrations and workshops. | will do this in consultation with the deans, fac- ulty, and the studio and technical assistants. | will be assist- ing the administration of the school to determine how to equip the shops and studios and keep them running as safely and smoothly as possible. But in order to do this, | need to hear from you, the students, about the technical instruction you are receiving — or not receiving. eHow do you experience being in the shops? Are you comfortable, or uncomfortable? eAre you receiving the technical instruction in your scheduled classes that you anticipated you would receive? eAre some courses too technical for you? eAre some courses not technical enough for you? ¢Do you want to go into studios and shops that you would not have access to within your sche- duled courses? There are many more questions to be asked — | want you to feel free to contact me and tell me how things are going for you. | hope | can make a difference. In the case of simple tech- nologies, | will probably be able to schedule some group drop-in demos. : | would welcome your suggestions for new ways of solving problems. Please: estop me in the halls if you see me ecome to my office room 110 eleave me a message in my mailbox eleave a message on my voicemail ‘My phone number right now is loc. 3821. (this may be changed in a few days to loc. 2847) | will post the correct number on my door — when | get a pager number | will post that too. Bring Back Shirley Bear by Sondra Cross We, The First Nations Students of Emily Carr came back to school this semester expecting to see Shirley Bear to carry on our relationship with her as our First Nations Education Advisor. We were all shocked to find out that she was not coming back, and there was no one avail- able to take her place to talk to. The President’s Executive Committee made the decision to terminate Shirley’s position without warning in the middle of the summer. We were all upset because we were not consulted, nor were any other First Nations people part of the decision -making process to change Shirley’s job description. The fact that we were not informed shows that the school is cul- turally irresponsible and continuing the grand tradition of Colonialism in which we are not consulted nor a part of the process, nor even asked what we thought concerning our future. Surprise. Surprise decisions being made for us is something that has been going on for over 500 years. It is a bunch of bull, we are sick of it and we won’t have it. It is our right in the Constitution, Section 35, for self-govern- ment. It was only after we demanded to know where Shirley was that they informed us about their decision to terminate her position and rewrite the job description. Ron Burnett, Alan Mcmillan and J. R. Bond never explained the real reasons for the termination of the advisor position. In fact, all progress reports were very positive the entire time. After two weeks of the run-around that has been in progress we did not have a First Nations Advisor or coordinator pre- sent in the school. They informed us that there would be one at the end of the month and they were still in the progress of hiring someone. If Shirley’s position was termi- nated in the beginning of June they had plenty of time to find someone new to fill the position, so that there would be an advisor when we started school. Several meetings took place that were unsuccess- ful. For the first meeting, we had barely a day’s notice. Only three people showed up, which meant that the meet- ing had to be rescheduled for a later date so more people could attend. The second meeting was held on September 16th, but only one faculty member was present, which was unsatisfactory to us. We would rather our emotions and voices be heard by more than one biased member of the fac- ulty. We then requested that all the Deans and the President would attend the meeting, which therefore had to be rescheduled once again. Finally, a third meeting was held on September 22nd with the President’s committee. Our main concerns before entering the meeting were: why weren’t we involved in the decision making that resulted in the changes and termination of Shirley’s posi- tion, and why was it terminated so abruptly without warn- - 26: — influx? Magazine -October:1999.«: ing. It is our right as students to be informed about issues that affect us. Ron Burnett, Allan Mcmillan and Monique Fouquet were mainly the ones who spoke for the group. They blatantly said that there were certain topics that they couldn’t discuss concerning her position. Ron said if he would’ve terminated the position overall that would have been taking our rights away, but he feels that by hiring someone else it is a way of compensation. They also said that students aren’t supposed to be a part of the decision- making process because it would become too personal. And it is strictly a faculty decision for the best interest of the stu- dents. The new position is focused on academic coordinat- ing, our question was, why such an emphasis on our acade- mics when this is an art school. They figure we need more academic help for a more literary base. Although the meet- ing was intended to last half an hour, it in fact went on for one hour and ten minutes. We feel that the result was that none of our issues were resolved and we were led in circles with our questions. We were indeed able to express our feel- ings and emotions freely, and let me tell you there was a lot of strength and power in that room. We voiced our opinions and we were heard by the committee. I think that they over- all came to a realization of how much their decision has affected us and how much Shirley meant to us. We demand- ed that she come back as an Elder Advisor to meet our needs so that we have two First Nations on staff who are coordinating and advising. It was strongly said that there is not enough funds to have two positions for coordinating. Six hours after the meeting they came to the consensus that Shirley can come back "for a short term, a designated peri- od." The fact that she will be returning is a positive effect of the meeting, although it was not the decision we had hoped for. We would rather have Shirley return on a full-time basis. In conclusion, I believe that administration cannot act in this fashion towards students for the future, they can- not take us so lightly, they must take our matters seriously. They cannot think that we don’t have any valuable opinions and input on situations that involve specifically our own education and future. Brenda Crabtree is our First Nations Coordinator who is here for the fall semester on a part-time basis. She is located in room 130A, and her hours are post- ed on her door. The following is one of several letters written by First Nations Students in Shirley Bear’s defense: To the Board of Directors, Deans and whomever it may concern, |, Daina Warren, am very disappointed and have been ever since | returned for my fourth year. | found out, through Allan McMillan, that Shirley Bear, our school’s previous native advisor/ coordinator, will not be returning this year. | am quite distressed in the way that the school is han- dling this situation. We students have been told that the prob- lem was not personally with Shirley Bear. It was with the coor- dinator’s overall position in the school. We were told that it had to be changed and revised to meet certain needs concerning academics. However, | know that as a student | did not feel that | was lacking in "educational support." In fact | was incredibly surprised at how helpful and insightful my advisor was. | have an upbringing where | wasn’t able to be in touch with my native ancestry. Presently | have started to explore and question my Native Identity. Even though | am responsible for this, | know that I had a reliable source | could turn to if | need- ed some guidance: Shirley Bear. Throughout my third year | felt a connection through Shirley, a connection to my cultural background. The fact that this was taken from me is just one of the reasons that | feel as a student that | have been neglected and ignored. | also have to point out that Shirley Bear was invalu- able to both Peter Morin and |. She helped us to make the Native Awareness Day a success. Shirley Bear went out beyond her mandate as advisor to supply Peter and | with the support and information we needed, and | am incredibly thankful for that. She also ensured that her students were kept updat- ed about the art community outside of Emily Carr. She freely shared her contacts of galleries, jobs or events with all of us. She took time out for everyone of us whether it was during her work hours or breaks. She listened to our concerns whether it was big or small, they were important to her. Shirley Bear was also beginning to prepare me for what life will be like outside of this school. Trying to make a career as a young female native artist is going to be difficult, but she shared her experience as an artist, and made me realize what | am capable of. We need someone who has more of an art-based background. Was this taken into consideration when the position needed revising? The school is accountable to the students; someone has forgotten this. Now, when it is almost too late, the school is ready to listen to our opinions. Why weren’t we involved when the school thought it was important at the time of the revision? If your listening now, I’m advocating we bring Shirley Bear back in to the revised position. Attention All Foundation Students! Don't forget to check regularly for new notices which might be posted on or near the foundation office door. 1'm here in room 109 if you need any kind of assistance - with course registration, lockers, room bookings, or getting advice/help from anywhere else at Emily Carr. Please feel free to come by if you have questions, comments or concerns or even if you're just feeling a bit lost. 'm trying to memorize your names and faces so do ‘come around and contribute to my memo- ry bank. Gail Carney | would lke to introduce myselt, For sixteen years | have been the studio assistant in the ceramics area. (On August tt ofthis year | moved to the position of man- ager of the newly defined Technical Services Department This department places all the studio and technical assis- tants in one group. (Formerly they were spread over the schools.) [Now we can integrate the services in a way that is best for the Insitute as a whole. ‘As manager ofthis new department, | wil coordinate all the Practical aspects of the delivery of demonstrations and workshops. | will do this in consultation withthe deans, fac- uty, and the studio and technical assistants. I willbe assist- ing the administration of the school to determine how to equip the shops and studios and keep them running as safely and smoothly as possible. Butin order to do this, Ineed to hear from you, the students, about the technical instruction you are receiving ~ or not receiving. ‘How do you experience being n the shops? Are you comfortable, or uncomfortable? ‘re you receiving the technica instruction in your ‘scheduled classes that you anticipated you would receive? ‘re some courses too technical for you? ‘Are some courses not technical enough for you? ‘Do you want to go into studios and shops that Yu would not have access to within your sche- ‘dled courses? ‘There are many more questions to be asked — I want you to feo! tree to contact me and tell me how things are going for you. T hope I can make a difference. In the case of simple tech nologies, | wll probably be able to schedule some group ‘drop-in demos. | would welcome your suggestions for new ways of solving problems. Please: ‘stop me in the halls i you see me ‘come to my office rom 110 ‘eave me a message in my mailbox leave a message on my voicemail My phone number right now is loc. $821. (this may be cchanged in a few days to loc. 2847) | will post the correct ‘number on my door = when I get a pager number | will post that too. Bring Back chien Bear by Sondra ing We, The First Nations Students of Emily Carr ‘came back to school this semester expecting to see Shitley Bear to carry on ou felationship with her as our First ‘Nations Education Advisor. We were all shocked to find out that she was not coming back, and there was no one avail- able to take her place to tak to. The Presidents Executive Committee made the decision to terminate Shitley’s position without warning in the middle of the summer. ‘We were all upset because we were not consulted, ‘nor were any other First Nations people part of the decision making process to change Shirley’s job description. The fact that we were not informed shows that the schoo! is cul turally irresponsible and continuing the grand tradition of Colonialism in which we are not consulted nora part of the process, nor even asked what we thought concerning our future. Surprise, Surprise decisions being made for us is something that has been going on for over 500 years. Itis a bunch of bull, we are sick of it and we won't have it. Its ‘our right in the Constitution, Section 35, for sel-govern- 1 was only after we demanded to know where Shirley was that they informed us about their decision to terminate her position and rewrite the job description. Ron Burnett, Alan Mcmillan and J. R. Bond never explained the real reasons forthe termination of the advitor position. In fact, all progress reports were very positive the entire time. ‘After two weeks of the run-around that has been in progress ‘we did not have a First Nations Advisor or coordinator pre~ sent in the school. ‘They informed us that there would be fone at the end of the month and they were stil in the progress of hiring someone. If Shirley’ position was termi- nated in the beginning of June they had plenty of time to find someone new to fill the position, so that there would be an advisor when we started school. ‘Several meetings took place that were unsuccess- ful. For the first meeting, we had barely a day's notice. Only three people showed up, which meant thar the meet- ing had to be rescheduled for a later date so more people could attend. The second meeting was held on September 16th, but only one faculty member was present, which was unsatisfactory to us. We would rather our emotions and voices be heard by more than one biased member of the fac- uly, We then requested that all the Deans and the President would attend the meeting, which therefore had to be rescheduled once again. Finally, a third meeting was held fon September 22nd with the President's committee. ‘Our main concerns before entering the meeting were: why weren’t we involved in the decision making that resulted in the changes and termination of Shirley's posi tion, and why was it terminated so abruptly without warn- 26% influx? Magazine -October'1999.- ing. Itis our right as students to be informed about issues that affect us. Ron Burnett, Allan Memillan and Monique Fouguet were mainly the ones who spoke for the group. ‘They blatantly said that there were certain topics that they ‘couldn't discuss concerning her position. Ron suid if he ‘would've terminated the position overall that would have been taking our rights avay, but he feels that by hiring someone else i i a way of compensation. They also said that students aren't supposed to be a part of the decision- ‘making process because it would become too personal. And itis strictly a faculty decision forthe best interest ofthe stu- dents. The new position is focused on academic coordinat- ing, our question was, why such an emphasis on our acade- ‘ics when this is an art school. They figure we need more academic help for a more literary base. Although the meet- ing was intended to last half an hour, it in fact went on for ‘one hour and ten minutes. We feel that the result was that Rone of our issues were resolved and we were led in circles with our questions. We were indeed able to express our feel- ings and emotions freely, and let me tell you there was a lot fof strength and power in that room. We voiced our opinions and we were heard by the committee. I think that they over- all came to a realization of how much their decision has affected us and how much Shirley meant to us. We demand- ced that she come back as an Elder Advisor to meet our needs so that we have two First Nations on staff who are coordinating and advising. It was strongly said that there {is not enough funds to have two positions for coordinating. ix hours after the meeting they came to the consensus that ley can come back "for a short term, a designated peri- sh fod." The fact that she will be returning isa postive effect of the meeting, although it was not the decision we had hoped for. basis ‘We would rather have Shisley return on a full-time In conclusion, I believe that administration cannot ‘actin tis fashion towards students forthe future, they can- ‘not take us so lights, they must take our matters seriously. ‘They cannot think that we don’t have any valuable opinions ‘and input on situations that involve specifically our own ‘education and furure. Brenda Crabtree is our First Nations Coordinator who is here fr the fall semester on a parttime ‘basis. She is located in room 130A, and her hours are post- ‘ed on her door. ‘The following is one of several eters writen by First Nations Students in Shirley Bear's defense ‘To the Board of Directors, Deans and whomever it may |, Daina Warren, am very disappointed and have been ‘ever since | retumed for my fourth year. | found out, through ‘Alan Metilan, chat Shirley Bear, our school's previous native advisor! coordinator, wil not be returning this year Tam quite distressed in the way thatthe schoo shane ding this situation. We students have been told thatthe prob lem was not personaly with Shirley Bea. Ie was with the coor- dinator’s overall poston inthe school. We were tld that it had to be changed and revised to meet certain needs concerning academics. However, know that asa student | didnot fel that | was lacking in "educational support Infact | was incredibly surprised at how helpful and insightful my advisor was. "have an upbringing where I wasnt able tobe in touch With my native ancestry. Presenl Ihave started to explore and {question my Native Identity. Even though | am responsible for this know that | hada reliable source | could turn to if need ced Some guidance: Shirley Bear. “Throughout my third yar I felt a connection through Shirley connection to my cultural background. The fac chat this was tken from me is just one ofthe reasons tha I fel as a student that I ave been neglected and ignored "also have to point out that Shirley Bear was inva able to both Peter Morin and I. She helped us to make the [Native Awareness Daya success. Shirley Bear went out beyond her mandate as advisor to supply Peter and I withthe support and Information we needed, and | am incredibly thank! for that ‘She alzo ensured that her students were kept updat- ‘ed about the art community outside of Emily Carr. She freely shared her contacts of galleries, jobs or events with al of us. ‘She took time out for everyone of us whether it was during her ‘work hours or breaks. She listened to our concerns whether it was big or small they were important to her ‘Shirley Bear was also beginning to prepare me for ‘what Me willbe ike outside of this school. Trying to make a ‘Career as a young female native ari is going tobe dficul, but she shared her experience as an ards, and made me realize ‘what lam capable of. We need someone who has more of an artbased background. Was this taken into consideration when the positon needed revising? “The schoo! is accountable to the students: someone has forgotten this. Now, when i is almost too late, the schoo! is ready to listen to our opinions. Why weren't we involved when the school thought it was important at che time of the revision? I your listening now Im advocating we bring Shirley Bear back in to the revised postion.