Meet the Authors: Valley of the Birdtail


Date: Jun 20
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Theatre
Evening Talk

Join Judy A. White, K.C., in conversation with authors Douglas Sanderson, attending virutally, (Amo Binashii) and Andrew Stobo Sniderman to discuss their acclaimed book, Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town and the Road to Reconciliation. 

Valley of the Birdtail is about how two communities became separate and unequal—and what it means for the rest of us. The story of these two communities reflects much of what has gone wrong in relations between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians. It also offers, in the end, an uncommon measure of hope. 

This program is free but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling 709-757-8090.

About the Authors:

Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) is Beaver Clan, from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. He is a Fulbright Scholar, and holds the Prichard Wilson Chair in Law and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law. Professor Sanderson has served as senior Advisor to the government of Ontario, in the offices of the Attorney General and Aboriginal Affairs.

Andrew Stobo Sniderman is a writer, lawyer and Rhodes Scholar from Montreal. He has written for the New York Times, the Globe and Mail and Maclean’s. He has also argued before the Supreme Court of Canada, served as the human rights policy advisor to the Canadian minister of foreign affairs, and worked for a judge of South Africa’s Constitutional Court.

Judy A. White , K.C. is a Mi’kmaq and member of the Flat Bay Band. Ms. White completed a Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie Law School with particular emphasis upon Aboriginal Law. Ms. White also completed the Intensive Program of Lands, Resources and First Nations Government at Osgoode Hall Law School. Ms. White has recently completed the Leading Peoples and Investing in Sustaining Communities, an Indigenous certificate program at Harvard Business School. Ms. White has completed the Chartered Directors Program at McMaster University. Ms. White has vast board and governance experience and has served many agencies and in various capacities. Ms. White is currently serving as Director General at Indigenous Services Canada.  Ms. White is the Chair of the Inuvialuit Arbitration Board. Ms. White serves as Chairperson of the NL Human Rights Commission, as well as Co-Chair of Equal Voice- NL. Ms. White was the 2022 Recipient of the Governor General  Person’s Case Award.

Events & Programs

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Get to know the artifacts and material culture from The Rooms Collections better through drawing. This new weekly series is designed for creatives who want to sketch independently and draw from a unique collection of artifacts and objects from our six vaults.

Each session of Drawing from Our Collections will feature a new curated selection of artifacts and material culture from our extensive archives, art gallery, and museum vaults. It will be a rare opportunity to observe and draw from items that are not usually accessible to the public.

This series is for those comfortable with drawing independently in a supportive and engaging environment. Bring your sketchbook and pencils and join us for a creative adventure that will deepen your connection to art and history.

4 sessions: October 29, November 5, 12, and 19 from 2 – 4 pm

Cost: $80 plus HST for 4 sessions. 10% discount for Rooms members. OR can be purchased individually for $20 plus HST per session.

Suitable for ages 15 and up. Spaces are limited. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

Prefer an evening time slot? There is also a 6:30 – 8:30 pm session offered.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Get to know the artifacts and material culture from The Rooms Collections better through drawing. This new weekly series is designed for creatives who want to sketch independently and draw from a unique collection of artifacts and objects from our six vaults.

Each session of Drawing from Our Collections will feature a new curated selection of artifacts and material culture from our extensive archives, art gallery, and museum vaults. It will be a rare opportunity to observe and draw from items that are not usually accessible to the public. Prepare to gain valuable knowledge about our collections along with others who are keen to draw, sketch, and learn.

This series is for those comfortable with drawing independently in a supportive and engaging environment. Bring your sketchbook and pencils and join us for a creative adventure that will deepen your connection to art and history.

4 sessions: October 29, November 5, 12, and 19 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Cost: $80 plus HST for 4 sessions. 10% discount for Rooms members. OR can be purchased individually for $20 plus HST per session.

Spaces are limited. Suitable for ages 15 and up. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

Prefer an afternoon time slot? There is also a 2 – 4 pm session offered.

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The 59th (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment in the Second World War

Newfoundland and Labrador’s role in the First World War has been rightly celebrated – but what about the Second World War?

Join Ian Kelly, member of the Royal Newfoundland Regimental Advisory Council, as he recounts the lesser-known story of the Fighting 59th – an artillery regiment from the Dominion of Newfoundland that fought in the Second World War.

This program examines the role of the Fighting 59th in the defence of England, the liberation of France, Belgium, and Holland, and the defeat of Nazi Germany.

This is a free program but a ticket is required. Reserve your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090.