The Greater Victoria Public Library, in partnership with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and the Royal B.C. Museum, is hosting De-Constructing Colonization in Each of our Lives, May 11 at the museum.
The event is the second in a four-part speaker series: Community Conversations: Revitalizing Relationships with Aboriginal Peoples and Canadian Society, on the topic of truth and reconciliation.
The series is part of celebrations of Canada’s 150th birthday, in honour of the history and heritage of Canada’s aboriginal people.
“The series first focuses on the historical context of the topic before examining how to move forward,” said Jennifer Rowan, co-ordinator of public services at the library.
The presenter will be Louise Mandell, chancellor of Vancouver Island University and one of Canada’s foremost aboriginal-rights lawyers.
She explores the concept of a personal journey of de-constructing colonization. The goal is to create a community where indigenous and non-indigenous Canadians can co-exist in an atmosphere that respects and reflects the diversity, strength and hope found in indigenous traditions.
Royal B.C. Museum archivist Genevieve Weber will also give a talk on how the B.C. Archives is working with communities to strengthen the indigenous voices in its collection.
The objective of the series, which began in February and concludes in October, is to engage and gather knowledge, with a goal of fostering a deeper understanding of aboriginal people and their experiences, past and present.
Other topics include the aboriginal youth experience, aboriginal law and the legacy of residential schools.
“The series is a great opportunity for the library to engage the public to help build a stronger community,” said Rowan.
The event is presented in partnership with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and the Royal B.C. Museum. The initiative is made possible by the Community Fund for Canada’s 150th, a collaboration of the Victoria Foundation, the government of Canada and leaders from across Canada.
Admission is free, but advance registration is required. It runs 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. May 11 in the Newcombe Conference Hall at the Royal B.C. Museum, 675 Belleville St. For more information, or to register, go to gvpl.ca or call 250-940-4875.
