An Evening of Learning, Sharing and Exploring Through Conversation the Challenges of Truth and Reconciliation In Canada

September 11, 2018

An evening of conversation and learning about Truth and Reconciliation in Canada with Victoria Grant as moderator, and Special Guests Sandra Laronde, Amos Key Jr and David MacDonald.

David MacDonald grew up in Prince Edward Island. He is a graduate of Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Dalhousie University and Pine Hill Divinity Hall in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Ordained as a United Church minister in 1961, he served as pastor in Alberton, PEI from 1962 to 1965. He is a former Member of Parliament and has served in Cabinet as Secretary of State, Minister of Communications, and Minster Responsible for the Status of Woman. He believes that a process of real reconciliation will require dealing directly with the major issues that have caused a rupture in the relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.

Executive & Artistic Director of Red Sky, Sandra Laronde, M.S.C., O.M.C., B.A. (Hon), Hon. LL.D is originally from the Teme-Augama-Anishinaabe (People of the Deep Water) in Temagami, Northern Ontario. An accomplished arts innovator and cultural leader, Sandra has conceived, developed, produced and disseminated award-winning productions that are Indigenous, multinational, multi and inter-disciplinary, and intergenerational in scope. Sandra creates exceptional new work and programming that raises the artistic ceiling of contemporary Indigenous artistry, and contributes to building vibrant Indigenous communities across Canada and worldwide.

Amos Key Jr. is a Mohawk from Six Nations of Grand River, born into the Turtle Clan of his Mother. He is an educator and staunch advocate for First Peoples Linguistic and Human Rights and Social Justice. Amos is Founder, Trustee and Chair of the new Gai hon nya ni: The Amos Key Jr E-Learning Institute and Centres of Excellence, a provincial cutting edge ‘synchronous’ E-learning private secondary school where ‘Original Youth’ can achieve their Ontario Secondary School Diploma on line, in real time, with real teachers. Gai hon nya ni: is commited to offering 4 First Nations Language Credits. Amos has been with the Woodland Cultural Centre, in Brantford, celebrating 29 years as the First Nations Languages Director, dedicating his life to supporting and stabilizing Aboriginal/First Nations languages and civilizations. He cannot wait to retire…so he can concentrate of writing and lecturing about his people and in challenging the status quo…so as to crush the glass and class ceiling.

Victoria Grant ICD.d is from the Loon Clan, Teme-Augama Anishnabai Qway, Traditional Territory is the Temagami area in Northern Ontario.
She is a member of the Temagami First Nation, a status given to her through Canada’s Indian Act.
Them most important roles in her life are a Wife, Mother and Grandmother.
Throughout her career, always with a passionate voice, in her work and in her volunteer activities has always been and continue to be an advocate for more robust Indigenous engagement.
She has served on Foundation board of directors, locally, provincially and nationally. She was co-founder and inaugural chair of the Temagami Community Foundation. Currently, she is a Past Chair of Community Foundations of Canada, Past Chair of The Circle on Philanthropy and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada, director with The Counselling Foundation of Canada, and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Governor General’s for the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteerism.

Verity, Toronto, Ontario