Riley Black

Title: YU@W Participant

Biography:

Riley Black, age 21, Major: Political Science, Honours, graduating 2019

When I first heard of the program, I thought it would be an excellent way to practically engage in reconciliation and community-building. I believe that bringing people of different backgrounds to learn together and share common experiences can bridge divided communities. I think this program gives students a unique opportunity to learn about our communities.

I’m hoping to gain a greater understanding of life in the inner-city and North End. I think these neighbourhoods are often misrepresented and misunderstood, and I want to be able to challenge these misrepresentations and misunderstandings. I also want to create relationships with a variety of people, so I can better understand and appreciate them and their experiences.

As a white settler Canadian, I believe it is my personal responsibility to listen to Indigenous voices. I believe this is a crucial aspect of reconciliation, and I’m looking forward to building new relationships and learning about reconciliation.