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

10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Playdate

Join us for a delightful morning at The Rooms! Bring your little ones to our enchanting Harbour View Room for unguided playtime surrounded by an array of toys and books tailored for infants and toddlers aged 0 to 4.

No prior registration is necessary; simply pay your admission at The Rooms front desk and drop in anytime between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm! Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Caregivers must stay with their children throughout the session.

The Playdate is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms Members. 

With support from Thomas and Susan (Kent) Foran Family Foundation.

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Special fabric remnants or scraps of velvet and silk have been delicately crafted into small pillows using the humble straight pin. Since at least the 17th century they have marked courtship, documented weddings, and welcomed the birth of new babies.  Bits and bobs of ribbons, beads, sequins were used to adorn these simple cushions.

Join us to create your own special pin pillow, using kits based on historical examples. Choose to commemorate a wedding, anniversary, birthday, or someone you love! We will inspire you with historic patterns from The Rooms collections and crafty examples to elevate your love of making.

The cost of the workshop includes:

  • all materials with printed instructions

  • a short presentation on pin pillow history

  • viewing of examples from The Rooms collections

Cost: $40 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Register online or by calling 709-757-8090.