Hon. James Bartleman - Literacy Shaping Lives

May 11, 2017: The Honourable James Bartleman, Literacy Shaping Lives

James Bartleman, member of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, a former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Canadian diplomat with a distinguished career in the Foreign Service, is a champion of youth literacy —particularly in historically disadvantaged indigenous communities.  He used his time as Lieutenant Governor to focus on championing social justice causes, notably battling the stigma of mental health, anti-racism, and the well-being of Native children, particularly in the area of literacy.

This lecture, punctuated by excerpts from Bartleman’s recent novels, reflects on the impact of literacy on his life and career, and how he chose to address the lack of it in certain communities.