Cynthia Carlson, CFUW Stratford vice-president, will present the project Resilience: the story of how a ground-breaking “Roadway Gallery” of artworks by fifty Indigenous women artists took place coast to coast and then was developed into inspiring educational materials. Cindy Carlson presented the Resilience Art Kit project at the National CFUW AGM in June and received very positive reviews.
The engaging art works by 50 First Nations, Inuit and Metis women artists and the hands-on art activities answer Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action #62. Based on an exhibition curated by Lee-Ann Martin, the art cards help integrate Indigenous perspectives into classrooms and deepen learning for all ages.
Cindy enjoyed a 30 year career as a Special Education Resource teacher helping students from Grade 1 to 9 reach their learning potential. As a lifelong learner, she loved creating and implementing enrichment curriculum for the gifted students in the AMDSB.
Cindy has been an active member of CFUW’s Scholarship Committee for many years and strongly believes that all girls and women should have equal opportunities and similar access to quality education. When she retired, she joined the Truth and Reconciliation Committee and Indigenous Learning Group to gain a better understanding of Indigenous realities and learn how to support First Nation women. She was introduced her to the Resilience project which has provided her with insight into our Indigenous Peoples history and culture.
This learning inspired her to share her love of gardening and engage her community by planting 215 sunflowers to honour the Indigenous children whose lives were impacted by the residential school system.
When not working at Ted’s Garden in Upper Queen’s Park for Communities in Bloom, Cindy spends her time on the Stratford Perth Museum Board, book clubs, hiking the Bruce Trail and enjoying the company of her three children and two grandsons.