Facilitated By: Tracy Cain, Established Actress, Singer & Speaker and Dominique Burleson, Owner of Paperbacks & Frybread
Join us the morning of Saturday, September 14th for this year’s Annual Literacy Conference! This year’s theme is... storytelling! When we think of stories, our minds often gravitate towards books, but how else can we share stories with one another? How have stories been passed on through generations that weren’t written down? Keynote speakers Tracy Cain and Dominique Burleson will share their stories with us through different methods including orally, and through song while inspiring us to think about how we share our own stories.
Doors open at 8:45am
Breakfast will be provided and served at 9:00am
Conference begins at 9:20am
“And Then What Happened…” with Tracy Cain:
As a 5th generation Black Canadian, uncovering this rich Canadian history is Tracy's passion. Her presentation celebrates my ancestors’ stories on coming to Canada, by way of the Underground Railroad. Tracy will educate you about their journey, secret codes and songs used. You will learn more about Black Canadian Pioneers’ resilience and tenacity to seek out freedom plus the sacrifices and contributions they made to help develop communities throughout Ontario.
“From Oral Tradition to Written Word: Evolution of Indigenous Stories” with Dominique Burleson:
Discover how storytelling has served as a powerful tool for Indigenous communities to transmit knowledge, values, and traditions across generations even when it wasn’t safe to do so. We’ll discuss how the oral tradition of storytelling lended itself to our survival and how the written word can help us thrive again. Practical applications and resources will be shared so allies may learn how to walk alongside us in this journey.
Tracy Cain, born and raised in Brantford Ontario has now made Guelph her home for over 20 years. She is a proud 5th generation Black Canadian with ancestral roots in North Buxton, Queen’s Bush settlement, and St. Catharines/Niagara/Brantford area. Tracy brings together her passion and purpose in her educational, interactive and music filled presentation of “And Then What Happened…” Black Canadian History- the untold stories. Get ready to be entertained as Tracy takes you on a musical journey you won’t soon forget!
Dominique Burleson (she/her) is the book enthusiast behind Paperbacks & Fry Bread Co., an Indigenous bookstore dedicated to embracing diversity and inclusivity for families of all types! With a rich background in collaborating with authors and publishers on book launches, teaching and consulting small business owners, and working with curriculum experts, Dominique has dedicated her journey to championing diverse narratives. As a homeschool mama of six, she has seen firsthand the need for representation in children's literature, inspiring her to run her own online bookstore and write her first novel. Join her in celebrating the joy of diverse voices and making reading a colorful journey together!
To access the printable event package for this session, please use the following link: The Legacy of Storytelling Package
Saturday, September 14
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunningdale Golf & Country Club
465 Sunningdale Rd W
London, ON
N6G 5B9
FREE
Registration closes on September 12 at 11:30 AM
* Ticket Types are based on the county you WORK in
** Elgin and Oxford participants, please use access key