I have worked as a writer, researcher, presenter, tutor and archives consultant. Have lived in Vancouver, Yellowknife, Timmins and Sudbury, but have returned to my roots in London Ontario.
Am taking time out from working on my autobiography, to organize my extensive personal archives. This material chronicles my family and my activities over many generations. It includes published and unpublished writings, correspondence, photos and scrapbooks. You can learn more about what I have uncovered on my historical journey, by looking at both my blogs.
The autobiography I have been working on concentrates on my two generations of experience with Indigenous (Aboriginal) issues (my late parents initially got involved in 1958). I worked in Native organizations in Southern and Northern Ontario and the Northwest Territories, primarily during the 1975 to 1987 period.
My life story explores how my views have changed and why I think certain policies in this area need to be reconsidered. However, I think it is best to put this project aside for the moment, to pursue the previously mentioned archival project.
One of the main reasons for sidelining my autobiography is I am heartened by the growing number of diverse Indigenous voices. From about the mid-1990s to 2018, the predominant narrative frequently revolved around “it’s all the White man’s fault.” But since then, there are more and more Indigenous people who are making many of the same assertions as me, e.g., about the importance of self-reliance and economic self-sufficiency. Of course, there were always those who made these assertions, but their voices were frequently silenced for one reason or another.
The courage to speak out against the predominant narrative has been very much on display for the past couple of years. This is good news because, of course, Indigenous people themselves need to be making the decisions about what is best for themselves and their communities.
Nevertheless, I think there is value in documenting my parents’ and my experiences with this topic. That is why I plan to return to working on my autobiography after my archival project is completed.
Education and Training
- Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree, The University of Western Ontario*
- Canadian Studies B.A., Laurentian University
- Professional Certificate in Creative Writing, The University of Western Ontario* Continuing Studies
- Post-Appointment Core Training Program certificate, Archives Association of Ontario (AAO)
- 11 advanced and specialized workshops completed through the AAO
- Fanshawe College Library Technician diploma
Writing Accomplishments
- Member of the Canadian Freelance Guild (CFG)
- Have written primarily about Canadian and Indigenous (Aboriginal) issues
- Have completed contracts with two international publishers
- My articles have appeared in national, regional, and local magazines and newspapers
- Corporate projects have included my research reports
- My four produced plays have explored historical and cross-cultural themes
*The University of Western Ontario (in London, Ontario) is also known as Western University
My other blog covers my views on Indigenous (Aboriginal) issues: