Why We Need to Understand Our Stories

      "We need to understand our stories because our lives depend upon it."  After hearing these rather wise words by J. Edward Chamberlin, it is of little surprise that he was asked to guest lecture at Laurier Brantford.  His passion for story-telling and interdisciplinary curriculum is a perfect fit for atmosphere at Laurier.  Chamberlin visited the campus over a two day period and delivered a lecture on Tuesday Oct. 19 at the Sanderson Centre to faculty, staff and students.  Also, a conference was held the following day at which Chamberlin again addressed those present.  His lecture was part of the Grand River Book Forum, which for this inaugural event was based upon his nonfiction book, If This Land Is Your Land, Where Are Your Stories?

      The opportunity to have Chamberlin visit the campus and engage members of the Laurier Brantford community was a rather unique and innovative experience.  The concept for the Grand River Book Forum was created by Ian MacRae, a Contemporary Studies professor.  The concept is that everyone on campus, particularly those in the Contemporary Studies field, would read one book.  After having an opportunity to read the book, panels and forums would be organized to allow for discussion.  By choosing one book for all, it allowed students, faculty and staff to interact on more than a classroom level.  

      Kristen Groom, a third year Leadership student, attended Chamberlin's lecture and found the forum to be an effective tool.  "As a student, I feel it is very important for students to attend events such as this book forum in order to achieve the most out of the four years at Laurier Brantford."  Groom also suggested bringing other famous authors or individuals of interest such as activist Craig Kielburger to the school.  Perhaps visits from more guests would help spark interest in other students to attend events such as the forum.  

      On the second day of the forum, a conference was held in the Carnegie Building lounge where a panel of professors along with members of the audience discussed Chamberlin's book.  Certain members of the audience asked thought-provoking questions to some of the panel, including professors Sue Ferguson and James Cairns.  A heated topic of discussion was issues of Isarel and Palestine, among the panel and audience.  The audience seemed to be compromised of professors, students and staff whom were all engaged in the discussion.  

      Following the panel discussion, Contemporary Studies program coordinator Peter Farrugia introduced Chamberlin as the keynote speaker.  Farrugia reflected upon the forum's activities and "applauded the courage of my colleagues to criticize all cultures; even our own," he stated.  Farrugia gave a personal introduction, reflecting on a story of when he was backpacking in Europe in 1985.  The story recalled him and his fellow traveler meeting a glass blower during their journey.  Based on this personal recollection, Farrugia stated that, "education is a transformative process.  The glassblower is the student and the fire is the professor."  And with that analogy brewing in the audience's mind, Chamberlin took to the floor and addressed the crowd.