Events & Workshops

Labour history and the arts have long gone hand in hand. From the early voices of workers and organizers to contemporary reflections on life and work, poetry has helped shape and tell the story of the labour movement.

Join us for an evening honouring the legacy of the labour movement in Saskatchewan and the poetry of the working class with Medrie Purdham and Barb Byers.

This event is in partnership with the Saskatchewan Government & General Employees’ Union. This event is in-person only and will not be livestreamed or recorded.

Please be mindful of your time zone. All times listed in Saskatchewan time. (https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter)

Accessibility measures in this event:

• A read-along copy of the speakers’ presentations is available during the live event only
• Presenter self-descriptions
• All authors will use a microphone when speaking
• Wheelchair accessible venue (access to elevator on side of building)
• Many non-alcoholic beverage options are available for purchase
• Free admission

Meet our presenters:

Medrie Purdham (she/her) lives in Regina in Treaty 4 territory with her family, teaches at the University of Regina, and is a practicing poet. Her debut collection, Little Housewolf, was nominated for the Gerald Lampert Award and the Fred Cogswell Award, and won a Saskatchewan Book Award. Subsequent work has been a finalist for the Vallum Chapbook Award and the Montreal International Poetry Prize. She holds a Ph.D. In Canadian literature from McGill University, enjoys sewing and skating, and recently went go-karting for the first time.

Barb Byers

Barb Byers' contributions to the labour movement are legendary. In 1985, she became the first female president to lead SGEU. She also served as president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour, Executive Vice-President and then Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress, and Titular Member of the International Labour Organization, the only tri-partite body of the United Nations. During the difficult era of the Allen Blakeney government, Barb led campaigns to defend workers, emphasizing solidarity and education. Her commitment to women’s rights, her innovative leadership and her dedication to rank-and-file contributions have left an incredible mark on our union and the labour movement.

Funding provided by:

In proud partnership with: