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Examining the Stereotype: What is an Albertan?
Open to members, guests and the public
The place where we’re born and the people we grow up with shape us in ways we may not be conscious of. The material conditions of life in Alberta—the landscape and resources—plus our history and myths have shaped a strong identity. Not only those in the rest of the country, but Albertans themselves have a stereotype of what an Albertan is—a conservative white male—a farmer, cowboy or oil worker. What are the consequences of this stereotype? Whose interests does it serve? And how accurate is it anyway?
Not very! According to the 2021 census, 35% of Albertans are visible minorities. Having published Alberta Views magazine for 27 years, I have encountered the complexity of Alberta firsthand: its intelligence and stupidity, its conformity and eccentricity, its unity and diversity. Still, maybe there is an Albertan identity. Whether we were born here or drawn here from somewhere else, we may all have something in common. What do you think?
Presenter: Jackie Flanagan is the founder (in 1997) and publisher of Alberta Views magazine. She co-founded the Writer-in-Residence Program at the University of Calgary. She is the author of a collection of short stories Grass Castles, Bayeux Arts, 1996. She was a tenured instructor in the English department of Mount Royal College (now university) for 20 years. She is a Member of the Order of Canada. Her Order of Canada citation reads:
"A philanthropist and ardent supporter of the arts, Jackie Flanagan has encouraged public engagement and emerging Canadian writers for decades. With the conviction that effective democracy requires well-informed and empowered citizens, she created Alberta Views magazine, an innovative publication that offers alternative perspectives on political and social issues, and celebrates the province’s cultural and artistic richness. She also established the Flanagan Foundation, which supports projects and organizations across multiple sectors that either help those in crisis or contribute to the long-term enhancement of society.”