BCA calls for action

Letter to the editor: An Indian perspective

To the Editors:
I would like to provide an Indian/redskin perspective and context in the matter of utilizing a fellow human being—an Indian—as a mascot.
First off, the word “redskin” is the white man’s word for a savage toward whom he felt extreme hatred. In addition to his hatred for the savage Indian, he also had extreme fear of the savage Indian—a fear that drove him to genocide.
These were the early so-called pioneer days when “men were men” and when it was not only alright, but a duty, for whites to kill Indians. It started by taking Indian scalps, then ears and then the whole Indian head, all for a bounty.
Whites eventually began to peel the skin from alive or dead Indians, not only for the bounty but also for the pure pleasure of torturing, terrorizing and killing the Indian. This practice of peeling away the skin left an Indian body that seemingly had red skin.
My choice of words like whites, Indians and white man is very deliberate because we have been using those words and labels since our two peoples met in 1492. That has been the nature of our peoples’ relationship. That is what defined our relationship and continues to define our one-sided relationship into the present.
I would like to remind everyone that we are all children of God, and that we are all related and that we must love one another or die.
All my relations,Dan Ennis, O.I.M.Tobique Indian Reserve New Brunswick, Canada

Letter to the editor: Bowdoin Justice Coalition

To the Editors:
I am a member of the Bowdoin Justice Coalition. This is our mission statement:
The Meeting in the Union was our first effort to bring to light some of the issues that plague our world and pervade our campus. Going forward, it is our mission to facilitate a continued dialogue between members of the community about these issues, and work together toward concrete change—toward equal opportunity and equal treatment at Bowdoin. With increased communication between students, administrators, faculty, and staff, we are optimistic that BJC will promote self-reflection, respect, a desire to learn, and a more urgent desire for progress. We envision a more integrated and inclusive culture here, and believe that real, institutional change is possible.
If you would like to get involved or have any questions, please email me at embsimon@gmail.com.
Emily Simon ’17

Letter to the editor

February 19, 2015

To the Editors:

Last Friday, over 200 students gathered in David Saul Smith Union to reflect on experiences of fellow students and how they relate to five themes of justice, ranging from race to climate. Bowdoin Climate Action (BCA) reiterated its call for divestment and requested the appointment of a trustee as divestment liaison to the student body.

Since BCA met with the Board of Trustees in October, there have been 126 days of silence. In that time seven schools have committed to some form of fossil fuel divestment. Appointing a liaison is the next step towards Bowdoin becoming a leader for climate justice. Bowdoin must choose between the fossil fuel industry and climate justice. Whose side are you on?

Divestment is the tactic, but climate justice is the goal. It’s about more than carbon—it’s about a common fight against larger systems of oppression. The Meeting in the Union was just the first step, and we hope those interested in continuing this conversation will join us.

We invite everyone to the Polar Bear outside the Union every day at 4 p.m. for the climate justice minute to reflect on issues of climate justice and remind the Bowdoin community of the continued silence from our administration.

Julia Berkman-Hill ’17

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