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.

Today's Events & Programs

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Program

The Macdonald Drive Junior High String Ensemble acts as musical ambassadors for their school, performing throughout the year at school and community events. Join us for their annual holiday performance featuring music that will surely get you into the festive spirit.

The ensemble also performs annually with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, providing a prelude show for their Masterworks 3 concert, and has received a gold standard at the Rotary Music Festival.

Cost: Free. No registration required.

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Mummers Festival

Step into a world of family fun at The Rooms with our friends from the Mummers Festival! Enjoy an afternoon of creativity and connection for the whole family.

Browse The Rooms gift shop for holiday shopping, grab a bite in the café, and take in the stunning decorations throughout the building!

Cost: Included with regular admission to The Rooms.

This program is presented in partnership with the 2025 Mummers Festival. For more information about festival events, visit www.mummersfestival.ca.

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Tour

Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador

Stroll across land and sea, and through time, to meet the peoples who have made Newfoundland and Labrador home for the past 9,000 years.

Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.

7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Join author Mark Critch for the launch of Sorry, Not Sorry: An Unapologetic Look at What Makes Canada Worth Fighting For.

Known for his sharp-witted skits on CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Mark Critch uses his keen observational skills to explore Canadian identity and the new wave of Canadian patriotism.

In Sorry, Not Sorry, Critch delves into the heart of what it means to be Canadian at a time when national pride is on the rise. Examining everything from Newfoundland’s historic decision to join Canada to the modern-day implications of the Freedom Convoy and the evolving symbolism of the Canadian flag, he reminds us of where we came from—and of the many reasons Canada is worth fighting for. Elbows up!

Cost: $25 plus HST. Get your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

A cash bar and reception will follow the presentation, with an opportunity to get your book signed. The Rooms Giftshop will be open for your shopping convenience, where books will be available for purchase.