Passing the mic

While we try to have some important conversations in these pages, sometimes we need to get off the page and figure some things out in person. That’s one of the ideas behind The Uniter Speakers Series, which is put on by the Mouseland Press (which also runs The Uniter). 

One of the goals of Speakers Series is to bring in thinkers, writers, activists – anyone with a unique point of view and a story to tell that our readers would appreciate – and to open up a dialogue. 

For our next Speakers Series event we’re partnering with Red Rising Magazine for an event happening Feb. 4 called “Indigenizing Media.” And while in terms of indigenizing our media, we’re certainly not the experts, we hope to be allies. 

In the past few months, Red Rising Magazine has been such an undeniable force in the city. Their activism, creativity and ability to make media and take charge of their representation and interactions with mainstream media has been awe-inspiring. As young stakeholders in Winnipeg’s media scene, we wanted to follow their lead, to ask some questions, learn some things and open up the channels of conversation. 

We’ve had a great time working with the folks from Red Rising in planning this event, and gladly took their direction in choosing the speakers: Andrea Landry, Billy-Ray Belcourt, Michael Champagne, Sheila North Wilson and Kim Wheeler. 

We’re excited to gather together at Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery on Feb. 4 to listen and learn, and invite you to join us as well. The event will run from 7 to 10 p.m. and is free and open to all. 

– Anastasia Chipelski (managing editor) and Margaret Howison (business manager)

Published in Volume 70, Number 17 of The Uniter (January 28, 2016)