Every Friday, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will share a film recommendation that will support students, staff and faculty in enhancing their understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion.

To support education and awareness for Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ Awareness and Celebration Day (March 20), this week’s feature is an interview with Indigenous author Joshua Whitehead.

Jonny Appleseed, Joshua Whitehead’s debut novel, is the first book by an Indigenous author to win Canada Reads. The novel centres on the life of a two-spirit Indigiqueer young man who leaves the reserve and becomes a cybersex worker in the big city to make ends meet. But he must reckon with his past when he returns home to attend his stepfather’s funeral. Actor and filmmaker Devery Jacobs championed the book in Canada Reads 2021. 

Sensitive Content Warning: This film has content that may be sensitive for some viewers. Viewer discretion advised. Please take care of yourself when watching the film. 

The following resources are available to Niagara College employees and students: 

Employees 

Full-service EFAP 

  • EFAP services are offered by Homewood Health 
  • Employees and their family members can call 1-800-663-1142 or visit Homeweb.ca with login code NC4321 

Students 

Health, Wellness, and Accessibility Services Niagara College

After watching to the interview, we encourage you to reflect on the following questions:

  1. What insights will you be taking away from the interview?
  2. What will you say or do differently as a result of watching the interview?
  3. How can you apply what you’ve learned to your time here at NC and in your community?
  4. What would you like to learn more about as a result of watching the interview?

Visit the Niagara College Libraries and Learning Commons to access books by Joshua Whitehead.

If you experience any challenges accessing the interview, please reach out to the Libraries and Learning Commons at [email protected].

If you have any questions related to the content of the films, please contact Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at [email protected].