We are thrilled to invite all JICS families and friends to a book/ticket fireside with Inclusion Speaker Jesse Wente. Jesse has appeared on CBC Radio's Metro Morning as a film and pop culture critic for 20 years. He is currently the Chair of the Canada Council for the Arts. He previously served as Director Film Programmes at TIFF Bell Lightbox, where he oversaw theatrical, Cinematheque and Film Circuit programming. A self-described "Ojibwe dude" with a national and international lens, he encourages audiences to consider diversity and inclusion into their future view of their organization, industry and country. Jesse is an outspoken advocate for Indigenous rights, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis art; the first nationally syndicated Indigenous columnist for the CBC; and the first Executive Director of the Indigenous Screen Office. For Jesse’s full bio, please visit: Jesse Wente Full Bio

Jesse’s new book, Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance was released in September, 2021 and will be available for purchase at a discounted rate of $18.50 for all event participants. With the purchase of the book/ticket, participants will be given access to the link for the event. Books can be purchased through the following link and will be available for pick-up with proof of purchase at JICS reception early in the new year.  Please bring your proof of purchase with you to the reception desk at 45 Walmer Road between 9am-3pm Monday to Friday. 

Jesse Wente Book Purchase Link

This event will be moderated by Kerry Thompson, JICS parent and social justice warrior. If participants would like to send questions to Kerry in advance that they would Jesse to address within the chat, please feel free to send them to Kerry at kerrymthomps@gmail.com.  We are very much looking forward to this event and hope that you will join us.