SEEC helps develop Business Recovery Project for York Region, Aurora Chamber

The Accelerate Business Recovery Virtual Hub, a learning resource centre with content developed by the Schulich Executive Education Centre (SEEC) in the Schulich School of Business at York University

York Region entrepreneurs are being offered free access to the Schulich Executive Education Centre’s (SEEC) Certificate in Business Essentials course thanks to the leadership of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and the support of the provincial government, York Region, Town of Aurora, and the York Region Chambers of Commerce.

This 20-hour, online certificate program, which is open to the first 100 eligible applicants only until March 31, will help business leaders gear up for the post-pandemic economic recovery and sharpen their skills to succeed in the future.

This initiative grew out of a project by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce to create the Accelerate Business Recovery Virtual Hub, a learning resource centre with content developed by the SEEC in the Schulich School of Business at York University. The SEEC online course was added with the support of the Government of Ontario.

Rami Mayer
Rami Mayer

“Being able to include the entrepreneurs of York Region in our training program with the support of the provincial government is further proof of the power of partnerships to respond to the needs of our private sector with leading-edge executive education,” says Rami Mayer, SEEC executive director. “We are proud to work alongside the Aurora Chamber of Commerce in this initiative and the Accelerate Business Recovery Virtual Hub project.”

“The Aurora Chamber of Commerce was pleased to partner with SEEC to provide 100 businesses who have had a downturn in revenue during the pandemic with the opportunity to take the Certificate in Business Essentials program free of charge,” says Sandra Ferri, president and CEO of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. “These courses will support business owners as they develop the business skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing economic climate that has been made more difficult over the past two years by the pandemic.”

Free tuition for the Certificate in Business Essentials is made possible thanks to $463,000 in support from the provincial government. Eligible participants can enrol in SEEC’s Certificate in Business Essentials program, which features sessions taught by faculty from Canada’s number one business school and subject experts from the private sector. The deadline for free registration in the course is March 31, 2022.

The ABR Virtual Hub’s online resources include a 12-part video series developed by SEEC that cover areas such as digital marketing, strategic entrepreneurial management, and financial management.

For more information about the ABR Virtual Hub and to register for the Certificate in Business Essentials, visit acceleratebusinessrecovery.ca.

For more information on the Schulich Executive Education Centre, visit their website at seec.schulich.yorku.ca.

Vanier College Productions launches BIPOC Artist HUB at York

Artwork for BIPOC artist hub

A student-operated extra-curricular theatre company located at York’s Keele Campus has announced the launch of the BIPOC Artist HUB at York University.

Vanier College Productions (VCP) provides performing arts opportunities for students from all Faculties, programs, disciplines and backgrounds at York University. To show its commitment to York University’s values of respect, equity, diversity and inclusivity, VCP seeks to engage with students who have an interest in the arts and provide a safe space for those who identify as Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC).

Open to all BIPOC artists (theatre, dance, music, visual art, film, design, media, etc.) at York, the group will meet Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. in a virtual format for the fall term (winter term details to be announced). The HUB will foster group discussions, workshops, guest BIPOC artists and more.

“Equity and inclusion are core values of York University and this initiative is an excellent example of building more inclusive spaces on campus,” says York University Vice-President Equity, People and Culture Sheila Cote-Meek. “It’s very exciting to see students leading change on campus.”

Alex Cairns
Alex Cairns

The group is led by VCP alumni Alex Jyn-Li Cairns (she/her), a Durham Region-based actor and voice-over artist who has been working in the Toronto film and television industry since 2017. She holds a BFA in theatre (acting conservatory) from York University, and is currently studying broadcasting and Indigenous studies at Durham College.

“When I was at York back in 2013-17, there was nothing like the HUB for me, and I know I could have used a space like this,” says Cairns, “and so I was excited and honoured to be asked to take on this role.”

In her role as director of the HUB, Cairns will represent the mixed-race voice in the industry and continue to support and amplify BIPOC stories.

Cairns says she hopes students find a sense of community at the HUB, and that it allows for an open and safe space for students to express their thoughts and feelings.

“Vanier College Productions is committed to ensuring that our space is free from discrimination and harassment through accessibility initiatives, campus and community outreach, and through being in accordance with York University’s values of respect, equity, diversity and inclusivity,” says Cairns.

Anyone interested in joining the BIPOC Artist Hub can register and find more information online.

Passings: Professor Emeritus Michael Goldrick

A field of flowers at sunset

Professor Emeritus Michael Goldrick died on Tuesday, Dec. 4 in Burnaby, B.C., not far from the house where he was born on April 1, 1933.

Michael Goldrick
Michael Goldrick

Prof. Goldrick is remembered as a highly principled person who cheered his peers with his big laugh and caring nature. He spent his life teaching, engaged in politics and working for people and social causes.

He received a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia, a master’s degree from Queen’s University, and a PhD from the London School of Economics. Early in his career, Prof. Goldrick appreciated and recognized the struggles of the working class. He was a logger in B.C., a kitchen helper on cross-country trains, and a labourer in the Arctic building the DEW Line.

His first professional jobs were as an executive assistant to Ottawa Mayor Charlotte Whitton and later as a Director of the Toronto Bureau of Municipal Research. Goldrick spent most of his academic life at York University teaching political science and environmental and urban studies.

“Michael Goldrick was a very congenial colleague and a fine scholar with a strong commitment to social justice and community democracy,” recalls Robert Drummond, professor emeritus in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.

Professor Emeritus Fred Fletcher, who met Prof. Goldrick when he joined York’s Department of Politics in 1971, remembers him as an “exceptional source of thought and activism.”

“Michael Goldrick was a scholar who combined theory and practice effectively, bringing his experience in municipal politics into the classroom (and his published work) and bringing his knowledge of urban policy into his activism,” says Fletcher. “He was a force for good in the community and at York. In addition, he was a wonderful colleague, interested in and supportive of the work of other members of the department…he was friendly and positive, even when commenting on challenging urban issues. Michael will be remembered for his work on many issues that are still relevant, such as affordable housing.”

Stefan Kipfer, associate professor in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, was once Prof. Goldrick’s student. “I took his two-part, cross-faculty graduate/undergraduate course on urban politics and planning in Political Science and Environmental Studies in 1990-1991,” he recalls. “I have had the privilege of teaching this course myself in our Faculty for the last two decades.” Kipfer remembers Prof. Goldrick for his “intellectual generosity as well as his detailed and critical knowledge of urban planning and municipal politics in Canada.”

Prof. Goldrick’s served as an alderman for Ward 3 in Toronto for six years. His main contributions included building affordable housing and providing neighbourhood services. He initiated a project to secure a public land bank to create dedicated space for affordable housing. This led to the creation of the largest single redevelopment site in the centre of any North American city in the 20th century – the St. Lawrence development. Prof. Goldrick is recognized as the prime author of the city’s new housing policy and his critical role in bringing the St. Lawrence development to fruition.

Prof. Goldrick’s work continued after his retirement and was actively involved with the Breezy Bay farm group on Saturna Island in B.C. He remained focused on supporting community issues with the group, and one of the most memorable initiatives was his work as chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission where he ensured residents living on Saturna Island had the public right access to the ocean and cliffs.

He enjoyed carpentry, opera, long-distance running, and marathon cross-country skiing. Goldrick is remembered by his wife Marjorie Griffin Cohen; his sons Chris Darcy Goldrick (Emmanuelle Latraverse) and Tim Darcy Goldrick (Kayla); stepson Sam Cohen (Nikki Marks); stepdaughter Sophie Cohen (Brian Ptashnik); grandchildren Catherine-Anne Goldrick, David Goldrick, Zane Darcy Goldrick, Devlin Ptashnik, Sukey Ptashnik, Zoe Cohen, Clara Goldrick, Talia Cohen, and former wife Penny Goldrick; nieces Amanda Goldrick-Jones, Gabrielle Jones, Cynthia Johnston, and nephew Jamie Jones.

Donations honouring Prof. Goldrick can be made to Normanna Long Term Care, normanna.ca

Mark Terry receives Order of Vaughan

Mark Terry Order of Vaughan framed award

Mark Terry, a York University graduate, a faculty member with the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, and a research Fellow with the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, is a recipient of the 2021 Order of Vaughan – the City of Vaughan’s highest civic honour.

From left to right: Alice Hovorka, dean of the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change; Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua; Mark Terry; Rhonda Lenton, York University president and vice-chancellor

On Dec. 21, Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua honoured Terry for his contributions to media and communication, recognizing his film work in environmental research. 

“This year’s honourees are guided by values rooted in goodwill and noble intentions to bring about positive change to people’s lives. These exceptional city-builders have given selflessly to causes far greater than themselves,” says Bevilacqua. “They are agents of positive change who share the same mission – to make this world a better place.” 

Since 2016, more than 50 individuals have been invested in the Order of Vaughan for exemplifying extraordinary citizenship and bettering the community. 

“The decision to give someone like me the Order of Vaughan makes a statement that environmental issues, especially serious ones like climate change, is a high priority for the City of Vaughan and its residents,” says Terry. “I think recognizing an environmentalist demonstrates where the city wants to go in adopting progressive environmental policies like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

Mark Terry filming in Antartica

Terry is a Canadian scholar, explorer and filmmaker who has made a significant influence on how data and research are perceived and visually shared. In 2009, Terry produced and directed the documentary feature film The Antarctica Challenge: A Global Warning  and was invited to screen it at  COP15, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.  

He was the first to introduce film as a data delivery system and has since developed a new media platform for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, known as the Youth Climate Report, a “Geo-Doc” documentary database with more than 600 film reports made by the global community of youth. His project was introduced at the Paris Climate Summit in 2015 and was officially adopted by the UN the following year under its Article 6 mandate for education and outreach.  

In his 25-year career as a journalist and documentary filmmaker, Terry has earned the distinction of having made a documentary film on every continent and has received many honorary achievements for his work such as the Gemini Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for international humanitarian service. 

Terry notes the UN continues to explore new ways of engaging youth in the policy process. Most recently, Terry served as the only Canadian editor of the COY16 Global Youth Statement, which gathers thousands of young changemakers from more than 140 countries who directly forward the official youth position in the UN climate negotiations.  

Mark Terry at the COP26 press conference presenting films from the Youth Climate Report

His latest documentary – The Changing Face of Iceland – premiered at the UN climate summit, COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland, in November 2021. His new book, Mapping the Environmental Humanities: The Emerging Role of GIS in Ecocriticism is being released in March 2022 and will soon be followed by another new book in July 2022 titled, Speaking Youth to Power: Influencing Climate Policy at the United Nations

The City’s virtual Order of Vaughan investiture ceremony appointed six people to the Order of Vaughan for 2021. Recipients also include, alumna Elvira Caria, who graduated with a double honours degree in English Literature and Mass Communications. Caria has called Vaughan home since 1987 and demonstrates a genuine and authentic desire to help her neighbours. For more than a decade, Caria has been a dedicated board member of Vaughan in Motion to Cure Cancer. Her civic leadership has helped raise funds for cancer care at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital. During her time as Director of Media and Sponsorship, Vaughan in Motion to Cure Cancer raised nearly $100,000 in support of cancer patients. 

Karine Rashkovsky also received the city’s highest honour and is a senior research associate with York’s Faculty of Education and facilitates field research in schools across Vaughan. Rashkovsky has served the Vaughan community for more than two decades as an award-winning educator, business leader, policy academic and volunteer. Her extensive civic engagement includes mentoring teen and adult entrepreneurs, leading community educational conferences, providing academic consulting, offering monthly community social justice book clubs, being on the board of directors for Canada’s oldest environmental organization, contributing to Vaughan’s public libraries, and training Canada’s top public speakers.

To learn more about this year’s recipients and to watch the 2021 virtual ceremony, visit vaughan.ca/OrderofVaughan.  

Editor’s note: This story was updated on Jan. 6, 2022 to include information about two additional recipients with affiliations to York University.

New Anti-Mattering Scale provides more ways to assess distress

person walking alone

A new Anti-Mattering Scale (AMS) developed by York University provides clinicians with another tool to assess the tendency of certain people to experience a profound sense of not mattering to others.

Researchers at York have created a new AMS tool to measure and assess feelings of insignificance in youth and adults. The AMS provides clinicians with a unique tool to assess the tendency of certain people to experience a profound sense of not mattering to others in ways that represent a unique source of risk, social disconnection and personal vulnerability.

Gordon Flett
Gordon Flett

The tool is a five-item scale created by York researchers and published in a study in the Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment. The study – led by Gordon Flettprofessor of psychology at York and Canada Research Chair in Personality & Health and Director of York’s LaMarsh Centre for Child & Youth Research – is part of a special journal issue on the psychology of mattering: how mattering is an essential part of life and is vital to happiness, well-being and physical health.

“Not mattering is one of the most destructive feelings that someone could have based on our initial findings,” says Flett. “People who feel like they don’t matter may report they feel irrelevant and unimportant as if they are not seen and not heard, while people who feel like they matter feel valued by people who care about them.” He adds this is particularly important given the current pandemic. “Anti-mattering feelings are very salient and easier to experience due to pandemic-related isolation, loneliness and external circumstances beyond our control that can make us feel small and perhaps insignificant.”

The purpose of this research was to develop a reliable measure using a set of items to assesses the feeling of not mattering. The scale was also designed to distinguish feelings of not mattering from feelings of not belonging and not feeling supported by others. Questions featured in the scale include, “how much do you feel like you don’t matter?” and “how often have you been treated in a way that makes you feel like you are insignificant?” These items are rated on a scale ranging from one (not at all) to four (a lot). Higher scores reflect greater levels of anti-mattering.

The scale was created using data from three studies with university students and one study with adolescents. Results were measured using self-reporting questionnaires. Researchers say their findings from the studies suggest individuals who feel like they don’t matter to others have a highly negative self-view, insecure attachment, and perceived deficits in meeting fundamental psychological needs. Researchers also found links between elevated AMS scores and higher levels of loneliness, depression, and social anxiety. Overall, these results attest to the research utility and clinical potential of the AMS.

The scale reflects four main components of mattering: the sense that other people depend on us, the perception that other people regard us as important, the realization that other people are actively paying attention to us, and the feeling that other people would miss us if we were no longer around.

The researchers write, “not mattering in the form of anti-mattering should be regarded as a unique and specific vulnerability, unlike any other risk factor. People who might otherwise seem protected due to the presence of other personal resources (e.g. mindfulness) will still be at considerable risk if they have a personal identity dominated by the sense of not mattering to others. This sense of being insignificant and unimportant can become a cognitive preoccupation that is internalized and results in self-harm tendencies and an inability or unwillingness to engage in self-care.”

One component led by co-author Joel Goldberg, a psychology professor at York, contrasted students living in residence with or without a history of mental health problems. Students with a history of some form of mental illness had an AMS mean of 14.16 and students without a history of mental illness had a much lower AMS mean of 11.21. Results were then shared with residence dons so they could put results into action by encouraging connections between students and promoting feelings of mattering among students living in residence.

The overall pattern of results confirmed AMS scores are associated with depression, loneliness, social anxiety, and negative affect. The strong association anti-mattering had with loneliness is noteworthy because the magnitude of the correlation suggests loneliness and a sense of not mattering are linked inextricably for many people.

“The ultimate goal of this research is to document the power of mattering and make it our shared mission to increase feelings of mattering and reduce anti-mattering feelings in people of all ages,” says Flett. “We all need to matter at home, at school, at work, and in the community.”

Unionization, collective agreements offer positive influence on health outcomes

FEATURED image Research theses

A new paper out of York University argues health promoters should consider the role of unionization and collective agreements when examining the social determinants of health.

Dennis Raphael
Dennis Raphael

Authored by graduate student Jessica Muller and Faculty of Health Professor Dennis Raphael, the study argues unions and collective agreements should be a focus of health promotion by considering how they influence health outcomes in wealthy, developed nations.

Published Dec. 13 in the journal Health Promotion International, the study “Does unionization and working under collective agreements promote health?” offers four ways in which these factors influence health, including:

  • higher union density and collective agreement coverage are associated across nations with a lower percentage of low-waged workers, less income inequality, and lower low birthweight and infant mortality rate;
  • greater union density and collective agreement coverage within national sub-jurisdictions are associated over time with more equitable distribution of social determinants of health and better health outcomes;
  • within nations, unionization and working under a collective agreement improves the quality and equitable distribution of 0the social determinants of health; and
  • a Canadian case study showing how power relations, working through economic and political systems, determine the extent of unionization and collective agreement coverage and the inclination of health promoters to consider these issues.

The findings in this study show the ability to collectively bargain offers workers “strength in solidarity and workplace protections otherwise not easily provided to the individual.” What this suggests is that unionization and collective agreement coverage can reduce precarious work, improve wages and benefits, and makes other working conditions more favourable.

The authors suggest, like many others who work in the public sector, the reluctance of health promoters in Canada to address the issue of unionization and how it promotes is a result of unions and unionization being seen as “political” and therefore a potentially problem realm to enter.

“Health promoters in Canada and elsewhere have an ethical obligation to engage with the labour movement and communicate about, and advocate for, unionization and collective agreement bargaining for workers,” the paper concludes. “It may not be a comfortable path, but one that needs to be undertaken if we truly wish to promote health in these trying times.”

The read the full paper, go here.

Dasantila Golemi-Kotra

Dasantila Golemi-Kotra
Dasantila Golemi-Kotra

Associate Professor Dasantila Golemi-Kotra explains Omicron, the first COVID-19 variant to have been upgraded to a variant of concern by the World Health Organization.

York U in the news: virtual learning, pandemic fatigue and more

An image of a woman with a laptop that shows the YFile website

As the Omicron variant hits US and Canada, universities move to virtual learning once more
York University President and Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Lenton was quoted in Study International Dec. 20.

Forget 9 to 5. These experts say the time has come for the results-only work environment
Associate Professor Souha Ezzedeen was quoted in CBC Radio Dec. 20.

How the Philippines’ President Dutuerte weaponized a Filipino custom during COVID-19
Assistant Professor Yvonne Su contributes to Conversation Canada Dec. 20.

Toronto adopts net-zero emissions target for 2040
Mike Layton, adjunct professor at York University, was quoted in National Observer Dec. 20.

Donating to charity for the holidays? Here’s how to make sure your money does as much good as possible
York University student Anna-Kay Green was featured in Toronto Star Dec. 20.

Had enough yet? Omicron pushes Canadians deeper into pandemic fatigue
Professor Ahmad Firas Khalid was quoted in CTV News Dec. 19.

Ontario on track to see major increases in greenhouse gas emissions
Professor Mark Winfield contributed to Spectator.com Dec. 19.

Omicron FAQ: How is it different from other variants? Is it a ‘super-variant?’ Can it evade vaccines? How transmissible is it?
Associate Professor Dasantila Golemi-Kotra contributed to YGK News Dec. 19.

OCAD University to cancel all classes until the end of January
York University was mentioned in Toronto Star Dec. 19.

Canucks: Jennifer Botterill leads an impressive group of potential front office candidates
Rachel Doerrie, director of advanced performance for York University’s athletics department was mentioned in The Province Dec. 19.

Jouer aux jeux vidéo améliorerait notre bien-être
Assistant Professor Alison Harvey was quoted in L’Express Dec. 18.

Saturday Debate: Would ranked ballots make Ontario democracy better?
Associate Professor Dennis Pilon contributed to Toronto Star Dec. 19.

Returning home to the rez was the best decision I ever made
York University Terri Monture alumna contributed to CBC News Dec. 18.

France: Thonon Black Panthers sign Canadian All-Star quarterback Brett Hunchak
York University student Brett Hunchak was featured in American Football International Dec. 18.

‘Worry work’: The mental load is weighing on mothers in the pandemic era
York University Professor and Coordinator Andrea O’Reilly was quoted in CTV News Dec. 18.

Trent University cancelling in-person exams in Peterborough and Durham effective Monday
York University was quoted in Kawartha Now Dec. 18.

Idiosyncratic Globe and Mail wordsmith Larry Orenstein ‘was a gem’
York University alumnus Larry Orenstein was featured in The Globe and Mail Dec. 17.

Shocking but not surprising: Auditor General of Canada criticizes enforcement of COVID-19 regulations for migrant workers
Professor Eric Tucker contributes to National Post Dec. 17.

How work perks are shifting during the pandemic
Associate Professor Jing Wang was quoted in CBC News Dec. 21.

How Can An MBA Improve Your Job Prospects?
York University was mentioned in Business Because Dec. 21.

IIM Trichy Conducts ICMD 2021, The 16th Biennial Conference Of ISMD
York University was mentioned in India Education Daily Dec. 21.

Moment of Truth with David Moses
Associate Professor Dasantila Golemi-Kotra spoke to 106.5 Elmnt FM Dec. 20.

Our lakes are losing their ice cover faster than ever — here’s what that means for us
Associate Professor Sapna Sharma contributed to Conversation Canada Dec. 20.

The Enduring Legacy Of bell hooks
York University alumna Paulette Senior contributed to Chatelaine Dec. 20.

Pandemic fatigue is real and this quebec help line is seeing a surge in mental health calls
Professor Ahmad Firas Khalid was quoted in iHeart Radio Dec. 20.

Brandan Ferguson earns pro rugby deal through ‘blood, sweat and tears’
York University was mentioned in Peterborough Examiner Dec. 20.

Digital therapeutics and the social determinants of health are on divergent pathways. Can they be reconciled?
Professor Dennis Raphael was quoted in Eminetra Canada Dec. 20.

How an action designer and an actor fell in love on the set of Shang-Chi
York University alumnus Yung Lee was featured in Toronto Life Dec. 20.

Mystery of crypto CEO who died — or did he? — taking $250 million with him
York University alumnus Gerry Cotten was featured in New York Post Dec. 20.

Georgian College’s new associate VP to oversee Lakehead partnership
York University alumnus Maher Ghalayini was featured in Orillia Matters Dec. 20.

Two new members appointed to Irish Research Council
York University alumnus Colin Scott was featured in Silicon Public Dec. 20.

How the Philippines’ President Dutuerte weaponized a Filipino custom during COVID-19
Assistant Professor Yvonne Su contributed to National Post Dec. 20.

James Webb Space Telescope set to launch
Associate Professor Adam Muzzin spoke to CTV News Dec. 20.

Our lakes are losing their ice cover faster than ever — here’s what that means for us
Associate Professor Sapna Sharma contributed to National Post Dec. 21.

Community Kindness Countdown to Christmas: All the Sault is a stage for Timothy and Lucas
York University alumnus Timothy Murphy was featured in Soo Today Dec. 21.

A Bunch Of Ontario’s Largest Universities Are Delaying Their In-Person Classes Next Semester And It’s Starting To Look Like March 2020 All Over Again
York University was mentioned in 6ix Buzz Dec. 21.

The unobvious ones: no ‘typical day’ amid inventory challenges
York University alumna Rebecca Wu was quoted in Automotive News Canada Dec. 21.

Martin Nash leaves Cavalry FC to take over York United FC as head coach
York University was mentioned in The Globe and Mail Dec. 21.

James Webb telescope to launch: latest, most powerful telescope ever built will blast off Dec. 24
Associate Professor Adam Muzzin spoke to CTV News Dec. 20.

Digital therapeutics and the social determinants of health are on divergent pathways. Can they be reconciled?
Professor Dennis Raphael and Associate Professor Christo El Morr were quoted in Healthy Debate Dec. 20.

Move over Hubble: Why the James Webb Space Telescope is such a big deal
Associate Professor Adam Muzzin was quoted in CBC News Dec. 23.

Neighbourhoods need more than just single family houses and towers
York University Course Director Sean Hertel was quoted in Record.com Dec. 23.

Questionable Brampton University plan goes dark after $600K handed to Brown and Santos associates
Former York University Professor David Wheeler was featured in Pointer Dec. 23.

Martin Nash leaves Cavalry FC to take over York United FC as head coach
York University was mentioned in The Globe and Mail Dec. 23.

James Webb Space Telescope prepared for Christmas launch
Associate Professor Adam Muzzin spoke to CBC News Dec. 22.

Theatre Professor Michael Greyeyes presents Terry Talks

Terry Talks: Michael Greyeyes Dishes on Hollywood and the Art of Make-Believe event poster

Launching Jan. 10, Michael Greyeyes, associate professor in the Department of Theatre will host a virtual four-part series titled Terry Talks: Michael Greyeyes Dishes on Hollywood and the Art of Make-Believe.

Using his character, Terry Thomas, from Peacock’s new show “Rutherford Falls,” as a mechanism for disruption, the 2021 Canadian Screen Award winner will discuss his work inside Hollywood’s media-making machine and the ways Indigenous artists are reclaiming narrative sovereignty. 

Greyeyes is currently filming season two of the show in Los Angeles. “Rutherford Falls” tells the story about a small town that is turned upside down when local legend and town namesake, Nathan Rutherford (Ed Helms) fights for the moving of a historical statue. The comedy series was co-created by “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” producer Michael Schur, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” producer and “Superstore” co-executive producer Sierra Nizhoni Teller Ornelas and The Hangover’s Ed Helms.

The Terry Talks series will include featured guests from “Rutherford Falls” including Kimberly Guerrero and Jana Schmieding. Hosted over four sessions, the events will take place on the following dates:

Terry Dishes on Tinsel Town – Monday, Jan. 10 at 9 p.m.  

Greyeyes remembers the trials and tribulations of Indigenous representations of Hollywood in the 90s and 2000s and examines the changes he has seen more recently and how contemporary Indigenous filmmakers and show runners are re-imagining our present and future. 

Native Families vs. the Tropes of Disempowerment – Monday, Jan. 17 at 9 p.m.  

Greyeyes and his guest speaker Kimberly Guerrero, who plays Terry’s powerhouse wife, Renee on “Rutherford Falls” discuss how the Thomas family is a radical provocation, given Hollywood’s history of portraying Native women and families. 

The Speech – Monday, Jan. 24 at 9 p.m. 

In this lecture, Greyeyes recounts how he approached Terry’s iconic speech in episode four of “Rutherford Falls.” An intimate deconstruction of an actor’s approach to the most challenging piece of writing he has seen emerge from Hollywood in the past 20 years. 

Joy – Monday, Jan. 31 at 9 p.m. 

Greyeyes and his guest Jana Schmieding, who plays Reagan Wells on “Rutherford Falls” talk about Native Joy, her brilliant article in Vanity Fair, and the state of the nation (NDN’s in Hollywood). 

To register for the Terry Talks events, click here.