Today, on the first annual day of Truth and Reconciliation, I share with you some words from Chief Laforme:
This is not an indigenous issue; this is a we issue. This is your history whether you were born here or whether you arrived yesterday. This is my history and the darkness that came to these shores in the guise of friendship and the dark legacy that continues. Understanding is the first step.
I am proud to highlight two weeks of Massey College programming that will look at a variety of Indigenous issues culminating in our High Table Celebrating Indigenous Cultures on October 15th. I owe a debt of gratitude to Giima Laforme and many members of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation who have been instrumental in putting this all together.
I’m also pleased to note that we raised xxx, from the sale of orange shirts – all of which is going to Na-Ma-Res here in Toronto.
On October 4th from 4:00 to 5:00opm ET, come and listen to the fascinating story of the Mississaugas with Darin Wybenga.
When Mississaugas of the Credit ancestors arrived in Southern Ontario in the late 17th century, they found themselves stewards of approximately 4 million acres of land at the western end of Lake Ontario. The erosion of their land base, a declining population, and the continual encroachment of settlers threatened the very existence of the people, yet the Mississaugas of the Credit remain on their lands today and are proud of their resilience. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the history of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.
RSVP HERE
Our first Book Club will discuss Sufferance – written by highly acclaimed author, and former Massey Lecturer Thomas King. Sufferance is a sly and satirical look at the fractures in modern existence, a bold and provocative novel about the social and political consequences of the inequality created by privilege and power—and what we might do about it.
Come join us in person on October 4th from 8:45-9:00pm ET in the Junior Common Room or watch the livestream.
RSVP HERE
WATCH THE LIVESTREAM HERE
Please refer to our website here for the list of upcoming book club events and the books to read.
The Massey Dialogues on Tuesday, October 6th from 4:00-5:00pm ET will feature a workshop on Land Acknowledgement Statements: why do we do them? What does it mean?
RSVP HERE
The next Filmmaker-in-Residence event happening is on October 12th at 7:00pm ET. Join us for an in person screening of KANEHSATAKE: 270 years of resistance followed by a panel discussion the filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin - one of the most acclaimed Indigenous directors in the world, our Filmmaker-in-Residence Peter Raymont and Junior Fellow Lola Ajao.
RSVP HERE
On Tuesday October 12th from 12:00-1:00pm ET join us for a conversation on Climate Action and Indigenous Issues as part of our continuing series Massey is #MissingCOP26 with Chief Patrick Michell, Caitlin Kasper and Junior Fellow Riley Yesno. Moderated by Senior Fellow Dr. Dianne Saxe.
RSVP HERE
High Table to Celebrate Indigenous Cultures is happening on Friday, October 15th. Due to ongoing COVID restrictions we have limited numbers for in person attendance. Sign up for the Waiting List – there are always cancellations. If you aren’t able to attend please make sure you watch our YouTube channel from 6:00-6:30pm ET for a livestream of the Massey College ‘red carpet’ where I have introduce new Junior Fellows, our special guests and many returning members of our Community.
RSVP HERE
WATCH THE LIVESTREAM HERE
Also on October 6th, from 7:45 – 9:00pm ET Massey College Music Club presents Opera in the 21st Century – Tapestry Opera’s vision for beautiful and provocative musical theatre.
Artistic Director of Tapestry Michael Hidetoshi Mori will share his vision of revitalizing opera, and talk about the latest world premieres for the upcoming Tapestry Opera season – including a thrilling examination of artificial intelligence in a new work by Québec composer Nicole Lizée and librettist Nicolas Billon.
Hidetoshi Mori will be joined by rising star Midori Marsh, who will perform arias from Tapestry Opera’s collection of recent Canadian opera, as well as traditional repertoire that has established her as a soprano of note.
RSVP HERE
WATCH THE LIVESTREAM HERE
I am looking forward to seeing you at our events.
Nathalie
