ERIN – The Town of Erin is set to host a new speaker series this fall entitled Shamrock Talks.
“In government we do a lot of sort of, you know, regulations … and it’s very cut and dry,” said Town of Erin spokesperson Chris Vernon.
“But we wanted to bring it down to a level that was a bit more grassroots for people.”
The series is a budgeted communications initiative with the support of council, and will feature one speaker a month. Each speaker will focus on a topic pertinent to the community and its history.
This month’s speaker will be Laura-Lee Campbell.
Campbell is of Métis descent on her mother’s side, traced to Treaty 61 Penetanguishene Robinson-Huron from her grandmother. She is an ordained chaplain and works in municipal social services.
Campbell’s talk will explore the Indigenous communities in Erin, the treaties and agreements over the land, and how the legacy of those arrangements have impacted Indigenous communities today.
She will also share her thoughts on colonialism and will discuss what she says is needed for true reconciliation and change.
While not yet confirmed, Vernon says the hope is to have an environmental speaker for the month of October, followed by a confirmed local veteran speaker for the month of November.
“It’s kind of the theme of, you know, pertinent, useful and informational sort of discussions that focus on the identity of Erin,” said Vernon.
“I always look through the speakers as sort of a mirror and a reflection of the unique community that we live in.”
Asked about the significance of the speaker series, Vernon noted the importance of identity and history.
“It’s important for a community to know and appreciate its history and its past and what makes it unique,” Vernon told the Advertiser.
“So as it moves forward and progresses into the future, it can kind of retain that sort of identity that makes it special and unique.”
Campbell’s talk will be held on Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8pm at the Erin Legion.
All talks are free to attend but registration is required.
For more information or to register, email communications@erin.ca or follow the Town of Erin Facebook page.
