Issuu

David A. Robertson

Freedom to Read and Book Banning Acclaimed Author & Graphic Novelist

Advocate for Indigenous Stories & Mental Health

Land Acknowledgement Red Deer Polytechnic acknowledges that our campus is situated on Treaty 7 land, the traditional territory of the Blackfoot, Tsuu T’ina and Stoney Nakoda peoples, and that the central Alberta region we serve falls under Treaty 6, traditional Métis, Cree, and Salteaux territory. We honour the First Peoples who have lived here since time immemorial, and we give thanks for the land where RDP sits. This is where we will strive to hour and transform our relationships with one another.

Schedule of Events Opening Remarks & Land Acknowledgement Dr. Robbie Halonen | Dean, School of Arts and Education Introduction Dr. Anah-Jayne Samuelson | English Instructor, School of Arts and Education Freedom to Read and Book Banning | David A Robertson Thank You and Closing Remarks Lindsay Engel | Vice President, Academic & Student Experience Book Signing to follow.

Freedom to Read and Book Banning Book banning is happening more often in Canada, and it’s not random. Marginalized authors and diverse stories are disproportionately targeted, but removing books does not remove diversity. It silences voices that are very much part of our communities. Drawing from his own experiences, David A. Robertson examines how censorship works, why it happens, and who it affects. Through real examples and thoughtful analysis, he explores the consequences of limiting access to stories, and what individuals and communities can do to stand up for the freedom to read.

About David A. Robertson David A. Robertson is an acclaimed author and graphic novelist known for powerful, honest storytelling that centres Indigenous voices and lived experience. His work explores identity, history, and resilience while addressing urgent issues such as mental health, representation, and belonging. With award‑winning books for readers of all ages, Robertson brings insight, compassion, and clarity to every conversation. His talks are engaging, accessible, and grounded in real-world experience, encouraging audiences to think deeper about the stories we tell and the impact they have on individuals and communities.

About Perspectives: Canada In the World Launched in 2002 by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Red Deer Polytechic, this public lecture series features internationally recognized speakers on topics important to our community, our country, and the world. Past speakers are noted on the next page.

ANDREW COYNE Political Journalist and Author JODY WILSONRAYBOULD Former Member of Parliament; Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada; Bestselling Author COLONEL CHRIS HADFIELD Astronaut; Author; Musician; First Canadian Commander of the International Space Station PROF. TIMOTHY CAULFIELD Professor of Health Law and Science Policy; Author DR. TIM COOK First World War Historian at the Canadian War Museum; Author DR. GABOR MATÉ Expert In Addiction, Health and Wellness; Bestselling Author JUSTICE MURRAY SINCLAIR Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada MARGARET ATWOOD Writer, Companion of the Order of Canada NORA YOUNG Host of CBC Radio’s Spark and Author of The Virtual Self DR. MARK KINGWELL Author, critic and award-winning professor of philosophy at the University of Toronto

CHANTAL HÉBERT Political raconteur and columnist for the Toronto Star AMBASSADOR GARY DOER Ambassador of Canada to the United States of America SUSAN AGLUKARK Inuit speaker, Singer and Storyteller GYWNNE DYER Freelance Journalist, Columnist, Broadcaster and Lecturer on International Affairs EZRA LEVANT Author, Ethical Oil: The Case for Canada’s Oil Sands AMANDA LINDHOUT Founder and Executive Director, The Somali Women’s Scholarship Program PHIL FONTAINE Former National Chief, Assembly of First Nations GWYN MORGAN Founding CEO of EnCana Corporation DR. MICHAEL GEIST Professor and Canada Research Chair of Internet and e-Commerce Law, University of Ottawa MAJOR GENERAL (RET.) LEWIS MACKENZIE Experienced Peacekeeper; led Canadian troops in the Bosnian War (1992) and other conflicts PETER C. NEWMAN Journalist and Bestselling Author

SHEILA WATT-CLOUTIER Canadian Environmental Advocate MAHER ARAR Human Rights Advocate; TIME Magazine’s Canadian Newsmaker of the Year (2004) VERONICA TENNANT, C.C. Film Director, Producer and former Prima Ballerina with National Ballet of Canada DICK POUND Canadian member of the International Olympic Committee DR. MARGARET SOMERVILLE Founding Director for Medicine, Ethics and Law at McGill University LT. GEN. (RET.) ROMÉO DALLAIRE Force Commander of the UN mission to Rwanda in 1994 RIGHT HONOURABLE BEVERLEY MCLACHLIN, P.C. Chief Justice of Canada HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN RALSTON SAUL Canadian Author, Essayist and Philosopher STEPHEN LEWIS International Humanitarian and UN Special Envoy for HIV/ AIDS in Africa MICHAEL ONDAATJE Bestselling Canadian Author ARTHUR KENT Canadian Journalist, Author and Filmmaker

Perspectives Scholarships Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, and your support by attending Perspectives: Canada in the World, the Humanities and Social Sciences Department has established scholarships to benefit RDP students. Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: 2026 | Shaela Brandt 2025 | Myranda Lal 2024 | Susan Richelhoff 2023 | Audrey Ladd 2022 | Celina Cloarec 2021 | Emily Ducholke 2020 | Emma Cleland 2019 | Tyler Williams, Ethan West 2018 | Desiree Byblow, Robin Bolan 2017 | Robin Bolan, Riley Deschambault, Lucienne Henry, Everett Sokol

Thank You to Our Sponsors