The Ampersand Review Launches Reconciliation Series in Partnership with Oakville Library and Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support
By Paige LeBlanc and Macie Yott
The Ampersand Review is a biannual literary journal that seeks to support and celebrate emerging writers from across Canada. Earlier this spring, the publication launched its first ever Reconciliation Series in partnership with the Oakville Library and Sheridan College’s Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support. Guests from all areas of the region attended, including Sheridan’s Creative Writing & Publishing students, Musical Theatre students, local authors, and high school students from the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB).
The Reconciliation Series took place in Macdonald-Heaslip Hall theatre at Sheridan’s Oakville campus, and featured acclaimed playwright, screenwriter and author, Drew Hayden Taylor. Taylor is an incredibly accomplished artist bringing Indigenous stories to the forefront of Canadian arts–a winner of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Award and the James Buller Award for Best Playwright, with nominations for the Governor General’s Award. As Taylor recounted his journey writing in Canada, he detailed what it was like growing up in Curve Lake First Nation Reserve—a reserve which is home to under 3,000 people—and how he has explored his passion for storytelling through several mediums and genres. Taylor emphasized the idea of “healing through humour”, expressing a desire to share stories that acknowledge grief and loss while also embracing moments of joy and laughter. After a brief panel discussion with two members of Sheridan’s Centre for Indigenous Learning & Support (CILS), audience members had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about Taylor’s many creative vocations.
A teacher from the HCDSB, Jennifer De Gregorio, expressed her appreciation for inviting her students and reaching out to a younger audience:
“It was such a warm, welcoming vibe, and we all enjoyed it immensely! I truly appreciate the time you took to plan with me and orchestrate such a fabulous learning experience for our students.”
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On January 27th, The Ampersand Review celebrated the launch of its ninth issue at the Mississauga Central Library. The Issue No. 9 cover features author Anuja Varghese, the winner of the 2023 Governor General’s Award for fiction. Many local contributors and their colleagues attended the launch, while out-of-province contributors joined virtually to read their works. Local Mississauga poet, T.M. Chalk, expressed her thanks for the wonderful opportunity for artistic development and community building:
“From the editing staff to volunteers, the Ampersand Review team as a whole struck me as abundantly warm, competent, and engaging… I also feel truly grateful for the many new writerly connections and friendships I was privileged to make as a result of their excellent efforts to enrich the local literature scene. Thanking the whole team for an amazing first launch-day experience!”
Two of T.M. Chalk’s poems, “Dubblespeak” and “All Choice Is But Heifers” can be found in Issue No. 9.
Just as impactful as what they put to print are the many events that The Ampersand Review team hosts throughout the year. On March 17th, the second annual Industry Talks event took place at Sheridan’s Hazel McCallion campus. This year’s panel focused on funding, with the goal of connecting new writers and publishers with essential government support within their communities. Guest panelists Bianca Spence, Noora Sagarwala, Sue Carter, and Rudrapriya Rathore shared their unique industry experiences, as well as meaningful insights into funding opportunities at municipal, provincial, and federal levels.
In addition to these highlighted events, The Ampersand Review continues to host monthly Reading and Writing Series with Canadian writers of all genres, including award-winning authors Jill Connell, Rabindranath Maharaj, and Lindsay Zier-Vogel. With both Creative Writing & Publishing students and local writers in attendance, these events provide a great opportunity to meet fellow creatives and celebrate the growing literary scene in Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area. The last reading series of the spring season will be this April 9th featuring poets Zane Koss and Linzey Corridon!
