Sam Pollock
I grew up in Pincher Creek, Alberta and moved to Calgary about 3 years ago to attend Mount Royal University. Prior to the move, I had lived in Pincher Creek all my life. Pincher Creek is a small town so moving to Mokinstis (Calgary) was a transition and required adjustment to get used to it; but it was a positive adjustment. I was surprised by how many green spaces are available in the city. I like that even though you’re in the city, you’re still connected to nature.
I like to go for walks downtown, especially at night when you can see the lights. I also like to ride public transit with no destination in mind, just to get out the house, to get a feel of the city and take it all in. Another thing I enjoyed doing before Covid-19, is going to live music.
I am majoring in Sociology with a double minor in Religious Studies and Indigenous Studies. I chose Sociology because I liked the focus on the bigger picture, on why things are the way they. I chose Indigenous Studies because I did my upgrading through MRU’s Iniskim Centre, and while there I took an introduction course to Indigenous Studies and I felt drawn to it. I’m also Métis, so Indigenous Studies allows me to tap into that part of myself. I also chose Religious Studies because I wanted to know why people find things sacred, and wanted to look at different mythologies.
I chose to study at MRU because I was offered a grant to my upgrading at Inskim Centre. It gave me the gift to start my education. I talked to Tori McMillan at Inskim and he gave me guidance when I was trying to figure which program to go into, which played a huge role in my life. I also liked that MRU is a smaller university, because it helped decrease the culture shock. Also at MRU, it’s a more personalized experience because you have connections with your instructors; they know who you are and care about you, you’re not just a number like in other bigger universities.
My journey towards reconciliation started when going through the upgrading program at Insikim. Taking my first Indigenous class, I realized that in Elementary or High School, you get a distorted picture of Indigenous history. But the more I learned in the class about systemic racism, and the violence against Indigenous people, I knew I wanted to be part of the action in changing this. I’m excited about the work of reconciliation to make meaningful change that will better the lives of not only Indigenous people, but the society as well. To make people more open and understanding of each other, build bridges and connections so that in the future relationships [between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigneous peoples] don’t have to be strained. I see opportunities for change and impact in how people view each other -- the changing of people’s perspectives and of learned behaviours. Just because things have been done this way, doesn't mean that is the way it should be.
I really look forward to the Anitopisi Friday meetings. What is standing out to me as I go through the program is the connections that we are creating between the cohort; learning about the women in the cohort and who they are. I’m also learning how to change my own perspectives, learning how to change how I think about certain values, and certain things so that I’m able to grow as a person and help other people grow. I like how they get us to strive to ask questions. Also, to remember to take time for deep listening, to not react, or respond right away but to just take it in. It’s been a really good reminder. The program has helped me learn a lot about myself.
Some words of encouragement to anyone looking to start their reconciliation journey: Reconciliation takes time and effort. But it’s 100% worth the time and the practice. It’s not always easy to be met with opposing ideas, but you can still stand your ground and voice your side of the story.