File consists of a videocassette (VHS) recording of the Nov. 30, 1996 University of Victoria Convocation.
Videocassette Summary
Context: Video-recording of the University of Victoria Convocation for November 1996
Highlights include:
01:’00” Chancellor Bob Rogers leads the signing of ‘O Canada’ with audience
- Follows with a prayer of incantation
- Welcome by President
- Chancellor addresses the audience
7’00” Chancellor Rogers notes that two British Columbians are to receive honorary degrees today being Richard Margison and Bridget Moran
22’36” Dr. Mary Wynne Ashford reads the citation for Bridget Moran
- Ashford notes in her of Bridget’s initial hope to continue with her education in graduate studies in history and how Veterans Affairs was not forthcoming with funds
- Ashford notes the problems Bridget confronted when she walked on the reserve of Stoney Creek and of her ‘enormous effect on native people’ Ashford notes how Moran publicly criticized the BC government and was suspended due to her outspoken views on the poor state of welfare in BC in the 1950s
- Ashford notes Bridget went on to perform social work in hospital, school, college and university
- Ashford notes Moran went on to write Stoney Creek Woman about Mary John’s life; she notes how Bridget has received awards for her accurate description of native life; that Bridget has received both academic awards including the Governor General’s Medal and has also received the Lieutenant Governor’s medal in 1989 for the writing of Stoney Creek Woman. She ends with Thomas Schweitzer’s famous quote that ‘my life is my argument’ and refers to Bridget’s as a ‘purposeful life’ where ‘injustice matters, suffering matters, racism matters’
- Bridget receives her degree; she signs the register and addresses the graduates
28’35” Highlights of Bridget Moran’s speech:
- Bridget notes that the University of Victoria holds a ‘special part’ in her heart
- She refers to how the ‘welfare system had been her extended family for many years’ and how it was painful after her suspension from her position as a social worker
- Bridget notes that it was Marg Martin at the University of Social Work Department who reached out after that time and asked her to be a summer school instructor in Prince George for the Social Work students’ practicum. This led her to finding work in the School District in PG as a social worker and it was this ‘professional acceptance’ from the School of Social Work at the University of Victoria that she has not forgotten.
- Bridget then addresses directly the graduates and referring to herself as an elder she ‘coaxes’ the graduates ‘not to sink in complacency’ – she notes that the progress of history has seen ‘great achievements’ that can be made ‘by a hearty band of rebels’ she then refers to her book ‘A Little Rebellion’ and reminds the graduates that ‘there is a wonderful life after rebellion’
- Bridget’s speech finishes at 31’35”
The recording continues with the remainder of the University of Victoria Convocation...
1 hours and 30’minutes - The awarding of degrees is completed
1 hour and 31’ minutes – President provides a speech on the retirement of Chancellor Bob Rogers in that position
1 hour and 35 minutes – formal part of the ceremony is completed
1 hour and 36 minutes – God Save the Queen is sung 1 hour and 37:10” minutes – Recording is finished
