Editor's Note

words by tait gamble Dear spa:l’ readers,

Thank you for taking the time to read the 2020/21 edition of spa:l’. My name is Tait. I am a white settler of Irish, English and German heritage, raised in Toronto, the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. I have been living and learning as a visitor on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, səl'ilwətaɁɬ, and Skwxwú7mesh peoples since 2018. Since September 2020, I have had the joy of working as the Communications and Outreach Assistant with CIS. Through this position, I have had the opportunity to serve as editor for the 2020/21 edition of spa:l’.

It was a joy to watch the edition come to fruition, from an initial meeting with Daniel, Bernie, and Connie to discuss the Table of Contents, to combing through the final proofs. As an FNIS major, it was exciting to learn more about the activities of CIS faculty, students, alumni, and community members as we compiled the magazine.

As you will read, despite the constraints presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sense of connection, innovation, and creativity of the CIS community is as strong as ever.

Thank you to the CIS Staff team for their support and consultation on this edition. Thank you to the contributors for your generosity, time, and the considerable heart you put into your pieces. Without you, spa:l’ would just simply not be possible! Finally, thank you to the graphic designer Ricky, for your thoughtful graphic design and care. Happy reading! 

Sincerely, Tait