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
Get hands-on with our province’s plants, animals, and wild spaces at The Rooms with Nature NL!
Nature Nook is a monthly session where you can interact with real specimens like seal pelts, skulls, whale baleen, antlers, moose fur, and a variety of rocks and minerals. Learn more about nature and ask volunteers all your questions about Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildlife.
Cost: Included with admission to The Rooms (Free for Rooms Members).
Step into a world of family fun at The Rooms! Enjoy an afternoon of creativity and connection for the whole family. This month’s activity: ornament making.
Feeling festive? Create two ornaments — one to take home, and one to add to a special holiday tree at The Rooms, on display throughout the season.
Explore The Rooms Giftshop for holiday shopping, grab a treat at the café, and enjoy the building's beautiful decorations.
Don’t miss the Bishop Field School Choir performing in the atrium at 2 pm!
Cost: Included with admission to The Rooms (Free for Rooms Members).
Let your kids dive into a world of creativity while you tackle your holiday to-do list. In this fun and festive workshop, children aged 8–11 will explore the magic of printmaking and craft up to 12 one-of-a-kind holiday cards to share with family and friends.
Highlights include:
- A special visit to the Wooden Santas and The Rooms’ dazzling holiday decorations
- Hands-on printmaking activities—no experience needed
- A cozy hot chocolate break to warm up and recharge
Just bring your holiday spirit—we’ll take care of the rest!
Cost: $40 per person plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
All workshop materials are included in the cost, but this workshop may get messy—appropriate clothing is recommended.
The Rooms Gift Shop will be open for your holiday shopping experience.
Join the Bishop Feild Elementary Choir as they sing in the season with your favourite holiday songs.
Cost: Included with admission to The Rooms (Free for Rooms Members).
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.
Please note: this program has been rescheduled from December 3, 2025. To attend this new date, kindly reserve a new ticket. Tickets from December 3 cannot be used.
The 2025 Mummers Festival features a tradition from Christmas’ long past.
Actors, folklorists, dancers, musicians, and community members join forces in “The Spirit of Mummering,” a collective project presenting the traditional Newfoundland Mummers Play.
Come for the play, learn some traditional Newfoundland dances, and enjoy music by local musicians. Join us as we explore a whole other side of Newfoundland mummering!
Cost: Free. A ticket is required. Reserve your seat online or by calling (709) 757-8090.
This program is presented in partnership with the 2025 Mummers Festival. For more information about festival events, visit www.mummersfestival.ca.