New club probes the past

Posted by admin on Sep 30, 2008 in News | 0 comments

Ignorance of important world events, both past and present, often renders people passive to the plight of those suffering around the world. The History, Political Science and International Studies Undergraduate Society (HPIUS) is trying to prevent this from happening.

HPIUS has invited three panelists to speak at Trinity Western University on the issue of genocide in the 20th century. The event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. in Block Hall, Neufeld Science Centre.

HPIUS was formed this past spring to provide opportunities for students in the history, political science and international studies programs to meet other students within their departments and to connect with faculty. The group wants to impact the larger student body as well, through fostering debate and discussion regarding historical and political issues.

Lydia Wytenbroek, a fifth-year history major and president of HPIUS, hopes that a panel discussion regarding genocide in the 20th century will accomplish both these goals.

“We wanted a topic that was relevant to all three disciplines (history, political science and international studies),” said Wytenbroek. “And we felt that a discussion on genocide is an important one, not just for our group, but is a topic that members of the TWU community and Langley community could participate in and learn about.”

Don Cayo, a columnist for The Vancouver Sun, will address the issue of genocide within a broad context. He will also discuss the media’s role in reporting on genocide.

Jean de Dieu Hakizimana, a Rwandan genocide survivor and human rights activist, will talk about his experiences in Rwanda, the causes of war and the use of child soldiers. Hakizimana is also the founder and director of Neighbourhood Care International, a non-profit organization that supports grassroots projects, which develop life-long learning and self-sufficiency.

There will also be a representative from the Karen Initiative who will speak about the situation in Burma and what life in Canada is like for the refugees. The Karen Initiative is a non-profit society that assists the Karen people who arrive in the Metropolitan Vancouver Area as refugees from Burma.

“I really believe that people’s stories and experiences – especially in regard to genocide – must be told,” said Wytenbroek. “I think if we look away, we might forget. And if we don’t try to understand the past, we will end up reliving it.”

Following the three presentations from the panelists there will be a question period followed by refreshments.

Admission to the event is free and is open to both students and the community.

Any students wanting to become involved with HPIUS can contact the History department or check out their Facebook group (search: HPIUS).