culture

Following is a video of our Center for Media and Democracy program which aided in removing the Dorothy Canfield Fisher name from a prestigious Vermont children’s book award. The name has been changed to the Vermont Golden Dome Book Awards.

In this discussion of why Dorothy Canfield Fisher's name should be removed from the Vermont Book Award, evidence is presented that the author had a direct connection with the Vermont Eugenics Survey. Judy Dow, Franco American/ Abenaki educator, artist, and writer, presents a compelling power point on the history of eugenics and documentation on the reasons to change the Dorothy Canfield Fisher book award name. Kim Chase, third generation, Franco American writer and educator, and Kathy Olwell, retired social worker and social activist, talk about how the impact of the Vermont Eugenics Survey is still pertinent and discuss the vital need for acknowledgment, education, and a chance to heal.

Vermont Book Award: vcfa.edu/vermont-book-award/about-vermont-book-award

Vermont cultural leaders speak about the impact of proposed federal budget cuts on Monday March 20th at 1 p.m. The press event was held live at Channel 17 Studios in Burlington's Old North End.

Representing the larger community of arts and cultural organizations will be:

On September 27, after seven years of production, Upper Valley Arts of Norwich, VT will release Freedom & Unity: The Vermont Movie, the first ever documentary series about the many voices, cultural and political traditions that give the Green Mountain State its egalitarian ideals and bold, iconoclastic spirit. The six-part film, a collaboration of three dozen critically acclaimed Vermont lmmakers and historians, is led by award-winning filmmaker Nora Jacobson. Joining host Lauren-Glenn Davitian in this interview are filmmakers Kate Cone, Emma Mullen and John Douglas.

Freedom & Unity: The Vermont Movie Barnstorming Tour (9/29 to 12/04/2013) features screenings in 11 Vermont counties. For more information: www.thevermontmovie.com

A presentation and discussion exploring the successes and challenges of the Bosnian and Congolese Communities. Burlington High School students Esmir Hadzic, Medina Korajkic and Darijo Piplica share insights into the Bosnian Community.  Cleophace Mukeba speaks to the challenges and successes of the Congolese community and his efforts to improve opportunites and conditions in the Congo through the Vermont Ibutwa Initiative.  Presented as part of the Cultural Diversity Series of the Diversity and Equity Office of the Burlington School District.