Welcome to the latest issue of The Walrus Lab Insider, a regular update from our client services department.
As we get ready to move from 2023 to 2024, let’s do a quick rewind of our best work of the year.
Silent Suffering
A decline in mental health has been a big concern for our society and unfortunately, many people are struggling. Otsuka Canada Pharmaceutical Inc.is trying to bridge the gap between mental illness and mental health. “[It] is a complex
challenge,” writes Glynis Ratcliffe in her article, “Silent Suffering,” which highlights the gaps that exist for people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The article also explores new screening tools and the need to
eliminate stigma around these conditions.
Empowering Indigenous Learners
Another theme in our custom content for 2023 has been Indigenous education. This fall, in “How to Empower Indigenous Learners,” writer Alison Tedford Seaweed explores the beginnings and impact of Indigenous-focused higher learning at First Nations University of Canada, and profiles prominent graduates, including former Chief Cadmus Delorme of Cowessess First Nation.
2024 Amazon Canada First Novel Award
Continuing on the topic of education and learning, do you know a young writer between the ages of thirteen and eighteen? Our annual submissions call for the 2024 Amazon Canada Youth Short Story prize is now open. Nominations for the prestigious 2024 Amazon Canada First Novel Award are also open, with a $60,000 cash prize. Jasmine Sealy took home the 2023 AFNA prize for her debut novel, The Island of Forgetting. The 2024 judging panel is currently being assembled and next
year’s winners will be revealed in June.
Future of Canada Project
Imagine what Canada might look like in five years. How about ten years? OK, what about in the year 2080? This is the work the Future of Canada Project at McMaster University has been doing. For a sneak peek at key narratives (think: health care, Indigenous reconciliation, democratic resilience, system racism), read “At
McMaster University, Building a Better 2080 Starts Now.” Also, stay tuned for a new podcast called Imagine Canada 2080, launching in January.
Podcasts for Your Playlist
To cap off our ‘best of’ list for the year, let us leave you with a few podcast recommendations from our production team at The Walrus Lab:
Courage Incorporated, featuring guest John Vaillant talking about the leadership
required to navigate one of the worst wildfire seasons in history
Canadian Time Machine, featuring stories of bravery, including the recounting of a wolf attack
AI for Social Good, featuring columnist Navneet Alang offering a critical look at the implications and benefits of artificial intelligence
We would also like to give a special shout out to our friends at the Chinese Canadian Museum, who launched their podcast The School Room in October. The podcast goes in-depth about Chinese Canadian experiences and connects these stories to the museum’s exhibitions. The Walrus
Lab is happy to provide post-production support to this important historical project.
What was your favourite podcast of 2023? And what are you thinking about as we head into 2024? Email me and I’ll email you back (I promise!).
