A Day of Conversation with David A. Robertson

Join award winning Cree author David A. Robertson for a day of conversation about the power of stories, how they help us heal, tell the truth, and understand one another. Three events are offered: two daytime school programs and an evening talk for the public. Each session includes 45 minutes of talk/discussion and 15 minutes for audience Questions and Answers session.

Event Details:

  • Date: November 10th, 2025
  • Times:
    • Grades 5 – 6: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
    • Grade 11: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
    • General Public (Evening): 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  • Location: FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton, Mattamy Theatre
  • Tickets: Tickets are available for $10 each for students and $15 each for Adults.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to be seated. Late seating may occur between segments at staff discretion.

 

Purchase your tickets!

School Events

Grades 5 – 6 (10:30 am – 11:30 am)

Stories that Connect Us

Join David A. Robertson for an inspiring session on why stories matter. Students will hear about David’s books and creative process, and how storytelling can build empathy and bring communities together. Includes a moderated Questions and Answers session.

Curricular Connections

Reading for meaning, voice and perspective, Indigenous literature, media literacy, community and identity.

Grade 11 (12:30 pm – 1:30 pm)

Storytelling, Truth, and Freedom of Expression

A thought‑provoking conversation about storytelling’s role in truth and reconciliation, cultural understanding, and freedom of expression. David reflects on writing about identity, healing, and resilience within Indigenous communities, and on balancing artistic freedom with societal expectations. Includes a moderated Questions and Answers session.

Themes

Reconciliation and truth‑telling, representation, critical thinking, civic discourse, authorial responsibility.

Evening Event

General Public (7:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
In Conversation with David A. Robertson

Join us for an engaging evening exploring freedom of expression, truth and reconciliation, and the creative process. Drawing on works including 52 Ways to Reconcile, All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety, and Little Shoes, David discusses how literature supports healing and resilience and fosters deeper cultural understanding. A moderated Questions and Answers session follows.

About David A. Robertson

David A. Robertson is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and the author of numerous acclaimed books for young readers and adults. His picture books On the Trapline and When We Were Alone both received the Governor General’s Literary Award. His middle‑grade fantasy The Barren Grounds was named one of the best books of 2020 by Kirkus, NPR, and Quill and Quire, and has been selected by USBBY and the Texas Lone Star list. He is the recipient of the Writers’ Union of Canada’s Freedom to Read Award and was the Globe and Mail’s 2021 Children’s Storyteller of the Year. David lives in Winnipeg, Canada.

Venue and Accessibility

  • Accessibility: The venue is accessible. If you require accommodations (e.g., ASL interpretation, assistive listening), please let us know during registration or contact us in advance.
  • Seating: General admission; doors open 30 minutes prior to each event.