Discover our shared histories, our unique lived experiences, and the past, present, and future of storytelling in this conversation series hosted by Kim Wheatley and Maxine Gordon Palomino. Meet and learn from established and emerging artists and authors who represent diverse Indigenous, Caribbean, African and Black communities.
All programs are held live online via WebEx. Registration required; no charge.
Presented in collaboration with York, Durham, and Peel Libraries.
Wednesday, March 8, 7pm
Embark on a journey into tending to your own fire of storytelling. Every writer has a beginning spark and finding the kindling to grow the flame is step one. Stories, lived experiences, dreams and ancestral knowledge is kindling at reach. Join Heather O’Watch as she shares her journey into tending to her fire, and offers some kindling to participants.
Wednesday, April 12, 9:30am
Join us for a virtual author visit with multilingual, award-winning children’s book author, Nadia Hohn. Listen to Nadia as she reads from one of her popular books, learn about what it's like to write, and take part in a Q&A.
Wednesday, May 10, 7pm
Register today!
Join award-winning writer and visual artist Shani Mootoo in conversation with award-winning poet, writer and scholar, Pamela Mordecai, as they discuss the vast landscape of own voices literature and their roles as storytellers.
Wednesday, June 14, 7pm
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Expand your understanding of Indigenous storytelling traditions and literature in this virtual author visit with award-winning Ojibway playwright, journalist, writer, filmmaker, and stand-up comedian, Drew Hayden Taylor.
Maxine Gordon Palomino is an award-winning emerging storyteller, lawyer (Ontario & Jamaica) and partner at Palomino Gordon Law Professional Corporation, and the co-developer and host of Ancestral Voices. She has over ten years of experience as a public speaker, and served on a community task force providing recommendations on the dismantling of anti-Black racism. Maxine is dedicated to championing own-voices storytelling, and to highlighting the interconnection of heritage and cultural stories to belonging and identity. Of Caribbean heritage, she has presented at international and national storytelling events, and to college students in the USA as part of their communication and diversity studies.
Kim Wheatley is an award winning public speaker, event organizer, writer, ceremonial practitioner and Traditional Anishinaabe Grandmother, and the co-developer and host of Ancestral Voices. She has over 30 years of experience providing Anishinaabe Consultation services locally, nationally and internationally, and has worked with most major universities in southern Ontario, many colleges, public and private schools, government organizations, special interest groups, environmental groups, corporations, institutions and spiritual groups. Kim’s intention is to serve those she collaborates with to provide authentic voiced supports, insights and truths.
