What polarizes rural and remote Canadians?
And how do we change the story?
Clearing a New Path podcast and newsletter are aimed at building a more united, feminist, anti-oppressive rural (so-called) Canada.
The recent federal drinking water settlement deal covers 142,000 individuals from 258 First Nations. (TVO drinking water crisis timeline)
Oneida Nation of the Thames is a 30 min drive from where I live. After 5 years the First Nation still has no clean water. The CBC reports on “Why a class action settlement could be a relief.”
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In this newsletter:
What polarizes us and how can we change that story?
Woman podcaster opportunity from JAR Audio
Does rural Canada have “White Rural Rage”?
Rural municipalities need more women planners (and architects)
Rural news roundup
Recommendations
What polarizes us and how can we change the story?
There are many of us who think the lack of mainstream news coverage in rural and remote areas in Canada has been a large contributor to the polarization of views we share, outside of the city limits.
Another view might be that folks living in metro areas are more progressive as a whole and the farther you get outside of the big cities, the more steadfast folks are in their desire for things to stay the same (or in some cases, regress). But of course, those of us who live in rural and remote Canada know there are progressive folks everywhere but there is certainly much less anonymity in a small town.
So what are the issues that divide rural folks in particular AND can we lean into the discomfort we feel in our polarization to actually pursue some sort of dialogue?
Can we find common ground?
A biannual conference called Rural Talks 2 Rural (R2R) is set to take place this fall and these events are hosted by the Canadian Rural Centre for Creativity (CRCC).
For R2R24, the group is bringing in an event called 'The Assembly'. It is an attempt to get people talking who have very different views.
Traditionally, these events have four people (one far right, one right centre, one far left, and one left centre in political leanings) and two moderators for a meal and conversation. Typically, that conversation is recorded, transcribed and edited. Then a group of actors presents it.
In this case, this conversation would be live on stage (tentatively in October of this year).
I've been asked to contribute ideas for topics and also ideas for people who might be willing participants.
If interested in contributing your ideas, you can do so anonymously at the link below.
Women in podcasting opportunity with JAR Audio
Are you someone who identifies as a woman, with a burgeoning idea for a podcast?
JAR Audio has an open call in their Pilot Competition for Women in Podcasting 2024!
They are looking for:
Complete, well-thought-out podcast pilot episode pitches of any genre
A unique voice, angle or topic
A passionate producer who is willing to work hard to make their project come to life
Here’s what you’ll get:
1 creative strategy/mentorship session
1 marketing strategy/mentorship session
Script vetting
Recording services
Editing services
Mixing services
Publishing of initial episode via podcast platforms
For more info and to apply, click the button below.
White Rural Rage - Is this also happening in Canada?
The authors of this new book, “White Rural Rage: The Threat to American Democracy”, Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman, did the media tour in the past few weeks. Here’s a snippet of what they said on MSNBC:
They talk about rural folks in America being the most racist, xenophobic and anti-immigrant, anti-gay geodemographic group in the country. Second, they’re the most conspiracist group in the country, QAnon support and subscribers, election denialism, COVID denialism, scientific skepticism, Obama birtherism (I had no idea what this was, I had to look it up). Third, anti-democratic sentiments, they don’t believe in an independent press, free speech, they’re more likely to say the President should be able to act unilaterally without any checks from Congress, the courts etc.
This recent New York Times op-ed by Paul Krugman called “The Mystery of White Rural Rage” drew over 3000 comments.
Does this sound familiar? Or are we still romanticizing what it means to live amongst folks who believe a Canadian version of the above, denying the existence of ‘F%&K Trudeau’ and anti-trans, anti-gay sentiments, the large corporate and individual donations to the Convoy movement and the subscriber list to online sensationalistic sources like Rebel News?
Cheers to more women planners and architects making rural and remote infrastructure spaces more inclusive!
Rural news roundup - March 12, 2024
International
The Idea Friendly Method explained (from SAVEYOUR.TOWN)
Data indicate economic distress in rural Utah is linked to reliance on oil, gas and mining
National
Canada's rural communities will continue long decline unless something's done, says researcher
British Columbia
Cariboo Regional District calls for ministry for rural B.C.
Percentage of seniors in rural B.C. to rise to 30 per cent over next decade
Rural Enderby B.C. residents vote ‘no’ to mosquito-control service
Alberta
6 rural Alberta communities lost ER service last month
Being a journalist in rural Alberta was the last thing I wanted. Then the town became my home
Alberta has some of the highest radon numbers in Canada
Oil and gas companies owe $250M in taxes to Alberta's rural municipalities
Saskatchewan
Nurses, doctors departing rural Sask. communities in high numbers: CIHI
Saskatchewan to expand role of nurse practitioners with new health clinics
Saskatchewan welcomes inaugural Open Farm Days in August
Manitoba
RCMP investigates report of hazing incident involving Manitoba hockey team
Ontario
Why Can't Rural Ontario Get the Health Services It Deserves? (TVO’s Agenda live video conversation)
Understanding Homelessness in Rural and Remote Ontario (TVO’s Agenda live video panel conversation)
Injunction pauses road to gold in northern Ontario
Quebec
End of the Publisac raises concerns for local media in Quebec
Community members gather to oppose waste incineration project
New Brunswick
New Brunswick asks for input on Overcoming Poverty Together
Moncton’s newest gay bar to open this summer thanks to Mt A student entrepreneur
Nova Scotia
Rural Nova Scotia residents say province’s plow tracker tool gone downhill
Afghanistan vet who killed his family and himself desperately needed care: Inquiry
Study: Majority of Nova Scotia’s pediatric trauma deaths are males in rural areas
PEI
I left Charlottetown for a rural homestead and it changed my idea of work-life balance and food
Councillor posts anti-Indigenous sign; P.E.I. minister orders quick inquiry
Newfoundland and Labrador
N.L. government demands VRBO remove I'se the By from 'derogatory' commercial
Territories (Northwest, Nunvut, Yukon)
Arctic Winter Games Officially Begin with Two NWT Flagbearers
NWT ‘needs to do better’ when partners become violent
What is a just outcome? NWT Human Rights Commission wants to know
Five community vans among 89 action items to benefit Nunavut Elders
Yukon takes first step to create health authority
Scientists say wild berries are in decline in Yukon and they don't know why
Recommendations
Books
One Drum by Richard Wagamese - “The most profound truth in the universe is this: that we are all one drum and we need each other.” —Richard Wagamese, One Drum
In One Drum, Wagamese wrote, “I am not a shaman. Nor am I an elder, a pipe carrier, or a celebrated traditionalist. I am merely one who has trudged the same path many of this human family has—the path of the seeker, called forward by a yearning I have not always understood.”
One Drum draws from the foundational teachings of Ojibway tradition, the Grandfather Teachings. Focusing specifically on the lessons of humility, respect and courage, the volume contains simple ceremonies that anyone anywhere can do, alone or in a group, to foster harmony and connection.
Podcasts
The Moth - “Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of true stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers.”
Since presenting the Owning Our Place: Changing the Story workshop for the People’s Archive of Rural Ontario (PARO) last week, I’ve been thinking a lot about story, narratives and how we can change our collective story. The Moth has some AMAZING stories.
Imagine 2080 by The Walrus Lab - “What will Canada be like in 2080? We're asking people to look generations ahead. In this podcast, we'll hear future-focused ideas—research, possibilities and ambitions that could steer Canada forward.”
I think I recommended this awhile back before it came out. I’m really enjoying the topics. One of my favourites so far has been Thinking generations ahead, but I haven’t yet listened to the latest episode, that I’m eager to called A future for everyone.
APPS
Insight Timer - I never really paid attention to my ‘stats’ on Insight Timer until I became a teacher there. Apparently I’ve been a member since 2013! I more fully committed to a meditation practice during the pandemic and now host a weekly journaling hour on Sundays (I participate too) where I provide prompts and pull oracle cards for the group.
*If you’d like a topic covered, or you’d like to facilitate a conversation utilizing the Clearing a New Path podcast platform, please connect with me by hitting reply or by emailing shauna@radarmedia.co
Your feedback is always welcome.