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
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.
Please note that caregivers must accompany their children throughout the session. While our program room can accommodate up to 20 adults with their little ones, if it reaches capacity, we kindly ask caregivers to momentarily step back to make room for others to join in the fun.
The Playdate is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms Members.
With support from Thomas and Susan (Kent) Foran Family Foundation.
Join the students of the Suzuki Talent Education Program (STEP) for their holiday play-in! Enjoy a selection of Baroque and Classical songs from the students’ shared repertoire on violin, viola, and cello, along with Newfoundland and Irish fiddle tunes that are sure to inspire a new appreciation for music.
About STEP:
The Suzuki Talent Education Program offers a complete string music education for children (ages 0–18) in violin, viola, and cello. Based in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, STEP has been the foundation of string playing in our community for over four decades and is the province’s only Suzuki music education program.
Cost: Free. No registration required.
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.
Beaumont-Hamel and the Trail of the Caribou
In this exhibition, find out about the impacts of the First World War on Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and how events overseas dramatically altered our lives at home.
Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.
Step inside the world of Nirvana, a new play by Lisah Nsanzugwanko, in this intimate work-in-progress showcase created through Twiga Collective’s Sound & Movement workshop.
Join us for an afternoon of performance, conversation, and behind-the-scenes insight into the making of a new Afro-futurist story set in 2035—a celebration of Black creativity, process, and artistic community.
Cost: $12 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling (709) 757-8090.