My sister graduated from Howe Sound Secondary on June 17 and, while I was extremely proud and happy to watch her cross the stage, there was one thing about the commencement ceremony that irked me. This was the blessing given to the graduates and the audience for which we all had to stand and listen to her refer to some “Oh Lord” on our behalf. The same blessing was given when I graduated from Howe Sound a few years ago, and I must say even back then, I found it highly inappropriate.
I do not know what lord to whom this aboriginal elder was referring, but I do know I do not believe in him and I know I was not the only one in that room who did not subscribe to the same faith as her. In fact, I do not subscribe to any faith at all, which is why I didn’t overly fancy having someone else’s imposed upon me, especially when the other faiths of Howe Sound and Squamish’s diverse population were not given the same opportunity.
I know this is not a popular opinion, but I also know that I am not alone in thinking this. The bottom line for me is: I do not want your blessing. Please keep it to yourself and do not bring it to a place where all we want is to celebrate the achievements of graduates.
Speaking of which: a big congratulations to the all the 2016 graduates.
Paige Mader
Garibaldi Highlands
