Speaking My Truth and book launch

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY

 

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Algoma University to Host Launch of Speaking My Truth, with Keynote Address by Dr. Mike DeGagné

 

Book Launch and Panel to take Place on March 5

 

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - March 1, 2013 - Algoma University and the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre will be hosting the launch of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation's new, scholastic edition of Speaking My Truth: Reflections on Reconciliation and Residential School on Tuesday, March 5, from 5 - 7 p.m., in the Shingwauk Auditorium.

 

Book editors Jonathan Dewar and Glen Lowry will be in attendance, as well as featured guest speaker Mike DeGagné.

 

Speaking My Truth: Reflections on Reconciliation and Residential School is a collection of stories and essays drawn from the Aboriginal Healing Foundation's three-volume series Truth and Reconciliation, which includes From Truth to Reconciliation; Response, Responsibility, and Renewal; and Cultivating Canada.

 

Following the success of an earlier Book Club edition, this volume has been revised and re-edited for scholastic and academic purposes.

 

These texts shed light on the lived and living experiences and legacies of Residential Schools and are published in the hope that they will become as part of an important dialogue on reconciliation in Canada.

 

For additional information, to access electronic versions, to order additional free copies, or to share feedback, please visit the website

 

Dr. Mike DeGagné is the seventh President and Vice-Chancellor of Nipissing University in North Bay.

 

He is a former member of the Algoma University Board of Governors, and was the founding Executive Director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation from 1998-2012.

 

He also served as an Executive with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada from 1988-98.

 

Jonathan Dewar is both the Director of the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre, and is the Special Advisor to the President of the Residential Schools Legacy.

 

He served as the Director of Research at the Aboriginal Healing Foundation from 2007-12, and is also a past Director of the Métis Centre at the National Aboriginal Health Organization.

 

Dr. Glen Lowry, who is the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre Visiting Scholar this term, is an Associate Professor at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.

 

His area of interest is contemporary Canadian literature and culture, including literature, photography, television, and film.

 

"Speaking My Truth will help advance the knowledge of Canada's unfortunate experience with residential schools. I'm confident the book will provide high school and university educators with a significant resource for generating understanding and much-needed debate around this topic," said Algoma University's President, Dr. Myers. "We are also very pleased to welcome Dr. DeGagné back to our campus, particularly as he begins his new role as President and Vice-Chancellor at Nipissing University."

 

The book launch will be preceded by a panel discussion from 4 - 5 p.m., titled "Official Denials?", presented by the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre and Fine Arts.

 

It will feature artists, activists, and scholars discussing their practices and bodies of work that engage notions of apology, denial, and reconciliation.

 

Featured artists and scholars include Chris Bose, Leah Decter, Jaimie Isaac, Cheryl L'Hirondelle, and Adrian Stimson.

 

"Official Denials?" is supported by the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre as part of its "Healing and Reconciliation through Education" programming, funded by an Aboriginal Healing Foundation Indian Residential Schools Research Grant. This grant of $500,000 was awarded to the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre at Algoma University in 2012.

 

Please note that space for this event is limited.

 

About the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre

 

The Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre (SRSC) at Algoma University is a joint initiative with the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association (CSAA).

 

The SRSC evolved out of the Shingwauk Project, a cross-cultural research and educational development project of Algoma University and the CSAA.

 

The Shingwauk Project's main initiative over the years was to collect photographs and documents relating to Indian Residential Schools.

 

The work of the project has also included: the organization of reunions, healing circles, publications, historical tours, and the establishment of an archive and research centre under the mandate of "sharing, healing, and learning."

 

About Algoma University  

 

Algoma University offers a wide variety of liberal arts and sciences degree options including programs in Psychology, Computer Science, Business Administration, Fine Arts, Community Economic & Social Development, and Biology in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton, Timmins and St. Thomas. As a partner with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, Algoma U is committed to respecting Anishinaabe knowledge and culture.

 

Algoma University has launched its Essential Elements Campaign to expand its campus and offer more scholarships and awards to students.

 

To learn more, visit the website

 

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