Unconsciously aware

The process to become a volunteer for the ANAK Kapatid In-School Mentorship Program always evolves into something more. For the last four years, we have welcomed volunteer mentors with an orientation that is meant to bring perspective as well as share new ideas. This time around, the discussion was no different. I think this is why the Kapatid program has been able to last this long.

I want to share the idea of being “unconsciously conscious” as a Filipino-Canadian. The idea is not necessarily a new one nor is it unique to ANAK. This analogy, I’m sure has been adapted again and again to fit differing situations. It was only a matter of time before it entered into our discussions on the Filipino-Canadian identity.

In essence, we discussed the differing stages we have experienced in our young lives. Our work as mentors really means sharing what we have learned in those moments we took to pause and reflect on our past. Our past, in many ways parallels our kapatid’s present experiences. Well, think of it this way: when a child grows up in the Philippines, completely surrounded by friends and family in an entirely Filipino environment, the child may take his or her Filipino identity for granted. The child is “unconsciously unaware” of his or her identity. Yet, for a Filipino-Canadian child growing up in multicultural Winnipeg, being “Filipino” is understood in a number of different settings. Whether it is in the unanimity of being a part of the Filipino-Canadian community or standing out as the only Filipino child in a diverse school setting, the child may wonder what makes him or her similar or different as a Filipino. The child becomes “consciously unaware” of his or her Filipino identity. He or she may question the depth of his or her identity and want to learn more about the Philippines and its culture, language and people as a result.

In time, let’s say both these children come together (for example in the kapatid mentorship program) and they become aware of each other’s experiences. Both understand that they are Filipino but for different reasons and to differing degrees. Making sense of being Filipino-Canadian now as teenagers in Winnipeg requires a bit of navigating and reflection. These teens are “consciously aware” of being Filipino-Canadian. To be aware of their identity he or she must make an effort to understand its relevance to each other, to the community, and to their past. In time, as adults, the hope is that these Filipino-Canadians will gain a natural understanding of what being Filipino might mean in the broader scope of things. This means that one is confident and assured by what his or her identity brings. At this point, they are “unconsciously aware” of what it means to be Filipino-Canadian. Really, what this means is that it will take little effort to be aware and proud of being Filipino-Canadian.

That is the hope anyways.

Daisydee Bautista is the director of ANAK. If you would like to learn more about ANAK programming and how you can support, visit www.anak.ca

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