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Vancouver Island Regional Library Collaborates with Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools and UBC Press for Fourth Season of Learning with Syeyutsus Speaker Series

Learning with Syeyutsus, the popular Indigenous Learning series in support of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #57, kicks off January 10, 2024.

Nanaimo, BC – Learning with Syeyutsus is a free online speaker series presented by Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools (NLPS) in partnership with UBC Press and Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL). The series features Canadian authors and thought leaders at the forefront of Indigenous topics, tied to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action No. 57, which asks all levels of government to provide education to public servants on the history of Indigenous Peoples.

“I have a responsibility to ensure the next generation of children are told the truth about Canada’s ugly history with Indigenous peoples. Learning about and acknowledging the sad truth of our past is the first step in reconciling our relationship with indigenous people so we can move forward together. The TRC#57 learning series helps to promote a deeper conversation towards rebuilding our relationship with Indigenous peoples and the land for a stronger Canada,” Scott Saywell, Superintendent, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools.

VIRL will advance the reach of the TRC57 talks by making print and digital copies of the featured works available in its collections, and by working with its 39 library branches to develop public screenings and discussion groups based on the series, to further the education of its staff and the public about Indigenous history. “The Syeyutsus Speaker Series holds space for Indigenous voices, perspectives, and experiences, and the phenomenal speakers challenge and motivate us, individually and collectively, to become stronger allies and partners on our journey to a more promising and inclusive future.” Comments Ben Hyman, Executive Director, VIRL.

The speakers in the series comprise UBC Press authors, with a few exceptions, and have included Jody Wilson-Raybould, Jerry Fontaine, Harold Johnson, Duncan McCue, and Pamela Palmater.

“Knowledge is an essential component of reconciliation, and as a publisher, UBC Press is honoured that our authors and their books are part of this vital Call to Action. The knowledge, expertise, and experience being shared by all speakers, and offered for free to the public, is a gift and we are grateful to the NLPS for recognizing that the inherent value of the series goes beyond the boundaries of its institution,” Darcy Cullen, Assistant Director and Acquisitions Editor, UBC Press

The new season begins on January 10 with best-selling author Umeek, Dr. Richard Atleo, who will discuss “Tsawalk,” meaning “one,” that views the nature of existence as an integrated and orderly whole, and thereby recognizes the intrinsic relationship between the physical and spiritual. Both Western and indigenous views combined can advance our understanding of the universe.

Notable speakers in this fourth season include: Heather Menzies, Sam George and Jill Goldberg, Carol Blackburn, Dr. Sarah Marie Wiebe, Christopher Teuton, Bruce Granville Miller, Nicola Levell, Shalene Wuttunee Jobin, Larry Chartrand, and Tina Ngaroimata Fraser. Their thought-provoking works range from the brilliance of Indigenous languages and storytelling, art as activism, Indigenous identity and nationhood building, through to the economics of Indigenous relationships, and the profound and spiritual connection that human beings have to the land.

Syeyutsus is a hul’q’umi’num expression for “walking in two worlds”: living and honouring the teachings of the Land and First Peoples, while navigating the ever-changing complexities of today’s world and society. On behalf of NLPS, UBC Press, and VIRL, we offer our sincere gratitude to all speakers in this series. We encourage everyone to take the time to learn the true history of Canada.

We encourage everyone to take the time to learn the true history of Canada. Tune into these free, one-hour webinars from 12 PM to 1 PM by registering here...

For a Full List of speakers and to view past speakers visit here and click on “All Seasons” tab.

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For further information please contact:

Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools
Stephanie Johnson, Syeyutsus Saays’um
stephanie.johnson@sd68.bc.ca
trc57speakerseries.ca

Vancouver Island Regional Library
Natasha Bartlett, Divisional Manager of Communications
nbartlett@virl.bc.ca
virl.bc.ca/syeyutsus