Darian Doblej, Law’21 (Artsci’18), recently participated in key international deliberations at the German Foreign Office, having been selected as one of a handful of youth chosen by the Young Diplomats of Canada. The small delegation, affirmed by Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was in Germany from December 6-15 to discuss German-Canadian relationships and the future of Canada’s transatlantic relationships.
In the delegation’s conversations with dignitaries, including Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, ambassadors and diplomatic staff, Doblej notes that a recurring mantra emerged: that Western democracies are in a state of constant, unpredictable change. Recent attacks on the freedom of the press by news outlets and politicians alike have only amplified this uncertainty, he says.
“Attacks on the media and the independent press give agency to those challenging the rule of law to reject positive change, and bring about unnecessary socio-political unrest,” declares Doblej. “The lies, the alternative facts and the propaganda weaken the foundations of reliable news and, as result, seek to undermine our democracy. I think, to get on a better, more safe path, we must identify and strengthen the weak pillars of our system that’s at risk due to these efforts. I appreciate that Germany and Canada are working together to determine how to accomplish this.”
Doblej, a Two-Spirit Anishinaabe citizen with an impressive history of advocacy for Indigenous and LGBTQ2SI+ rights, acknowledges that his past efforts likely played a role in his selection.
Since beginning his studies in political studies and Indigenous studies at Queen’s in 2014, Doblej has played an active role in the Queen’s community. He has founded and then co-chaired two Queen’s Native Student Association conferences, sat on the University Council on Anti-Racism and Equity, co-founded the Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program, volunteered on the Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) Akwesasne Self-Governance Project, and is spearheading the Open Arms Scholarship for queer individuals fleeing violence.
Recently, Doblej also served as a reservist for the Canadian Armed Forces, a commissioner to a Chiefs of Ontario Special Inquiry into Sexual Violence and Harassment in First Nations Communities, a Primary Advocate for Youth for the Independent First Nations in Ontario, an intern in the Prime Minister’s Office, a policy analyst to the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Indigenous Education Office, an adviser to the former Premier of Ontario, and a member of a ministerial working group on child and family well-being.
“It may be because of my previous engagements with government at the federal and provincial levels,” speculates Doblej about the reason he was chosen to join the delegation. “More broadly, it could be part of the federal government’s plan to include more Indigenous people in its diplomatic efforts.”
Sent on a fact-finding mission, the Canadian delegation to Berlin sought to better understand Germany’s institutions, and how they have weathered the gusts of rapid social and political change over the past century. One example is the state parliaments which, as Doblej explains, have played a key role in developing Germany’s identity.
“Given my past experiences as a policy adviser focusing on education, and education as a peace-builder, I was interested to discover that state parliaments, not the national parliament, are responsible for educational and social policies,” shares Doblej. “They had told us that this was designed to limit the ability of future leaders, following the Nazi government, to unilaterally change the curriculum and ideals taught to German citizens. Contrast that with the fact that Canada has decentralized these powers not to prevent its leaders from changing curricula, but to accommodate local and religious needs.”
Among other themes discussed during the week were the rules-based nature of international affairs, the role of innovation in international trade, start-ups and sustainability, a reluctant hegemon, and the wide-ranging effects of bilateralism.
“Western democracies are in the most protectionist time since World War II, perhaps since the 1930s,” admits Doblej. “A big take-away from these discussions was that economic and political stability at home does not necessarily translate into stable transatlantic relationships. We and our allies must work together to solve issues of mutual importance.”
Canada’s Ambassador to Germany, Stéphane Dion, met with the delegation to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of diplomacy in modern times. He praised youth engagement in diplomacy, explained the recent global trend toward populism, and provided best practices on how to engage with those seeking to challenge pro-democratic institutions. Doblej shared Ambassador Dion’s thoughts as part of his Queen’s Law Instagram takeover on December 8.
The delegation also had the opportunity to hear from Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Chrystia Freeland, and discuss the current global challenges to the rules-based international system. Upon meeting Freeland, Doblej says he was impressed by and excited to meet one of his favourite cabinet ministers again.
“Minister Freeland is strong, determined, humble, fun, knows her stuff and is a great negotiator,” says Doblej. “She is incredibly personable and, if given the opportunity, I could sit with her all day.”
When he had the chance to meet with Freeland one-on-one, Doblej spoke about his Open Arms Scholarship initiative at Queen’s, and expressed his appreciation for her as a staunch defender of queer rights internationally.
“She was so excited, and recognized its potential to help so many people in need,” says Doblej. “Her speech in summer 2018 at the international Equal Rights Coalition conference in Vancouver during their pride week had inspired me to start this initiative to help queer people fleeing violence. She spoke to the importance of LGBTQ2SI+ rights across the globe and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to ensuring a safe place for queer people. Our Foreign Affairs Minister infamously condemned intolerance in all its forms, which had such a profound effect on me.”
Upon meeting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when returning to Canada, Doblej was equally awe-struck.
“The Prime Minister seems genuinely interested in everything you have to say,” remarks Doblej. “He doesn’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions when he doesn’t fully understand. He’s down to earth, humble, committed to helping the middle class, and taking positive steps towards reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples. He’s super nice. You could say anything to him, and he’d respond well to it.”
“If I could get a cider with him, I would,” jokes Doblej.
By Justin Murphy