39 MB - University of Toronto Magazine

57-59 3/2/05 6:15 AM Page 59Soldiering OnJohn McIntyre (BCom 1941 UC), aformer captain in the Royal CanadianOrdinance Corps during the SecondWorld War, completed his term as chairof the Soldiers’ Tower Committee inNovember. McIntyre has helped preserveSoldiers’ Tower – Canada’s second-largestwar memorial – throughout the 1980sand 1990s. He was also involved indeveloping the Soldiers’ Tower stainedglassmemorial window.Incoming chair Lt. (Navy, retired)Owen Williams (BA 1950 St. Mike’s) presented a framed pictureof the tower to McIntyre at a committee meeting in December,in recognition of his six years as chair. “The thoughtfulapplication of Mr. McIntyre’s experience and skills acquired froma successful business career shepherded the start of the fundraisingfor Soldiers’ Tower and its memorial room,” says Williams.“This will ensure a proud heritage site worthy of the university.”“Those who died in the two great wars were passingon the torch to all those who followed,” says McIntyre, whowill continue his Soldiers’ Tower volunteer work. “And thatmessage is one that for years we at the committee have triedto convey.”– F. Michah RynorSoldiers’ Tower chair Owen Williams(left) with former chair John McIntyreThe Government of Canada has declared 2005 the Year ofthe Veteran, to mark the 60 th anniversary of the end of theSecond World War. Soldiers’ Tower members would like toencourage U of T alumni to pay tribute to veterans throughoutthe year. A few key dates include: May 8, the end of the SecondWorld War in Europe (VE-Day), Canada and the Netherlands;July 1, Canada Day; Aug. 14, the end of the Second World Warin the Far East (VJ-Day); Nov. 5-11,Veterans’ Week; andNov. 11, Remembrance Day.To learn more, visit theWeb site www.vac-acc.gc.ca.“ ”Mr. McIntyre’s experience and skills shepherded the start of thefundraising for Soldiers’ Tower and its memorial roomContinued from page 57orators speaking in heightened poetic text and see sacredclowns, dance and spirituality all at once.”Red Sky’s Caribou Song, first staged in 2000, is based ona story written by Tomson Highway.The tale is oftwo Cree children caught in a caribou stampede.But instead of being trampled as their familiesfear, they become a part of the movement of theherd and emerge laughing. Laronde calls the RedSky performance music-driven, incorporatingdance and Highway’s words.The production willbe touring across Canada this year and in 2006 willtravel to China,Taiwan and Korea. Red Sky will soon beinterpreting the work into a film, to be directed by formerNational Ballet of Canada dancerVeronicaTennant.“I believethere is a thirst for these ancient stories in the world rightnow,” says Laronde.“They resonate with everyone.”Laronde earned her degree in philosophy at U of Tbefore going on to intensive training in physical-based theatre(which includes dance and all other forms of movement).During her undergrad, she studied for a year inGrenada, Spain, through Uof T’s Study Elsewhere programand learned Spanish in order to connect to abroader range of peoples. (It’s what made RedSky’s production Dancing Americas, a Canadian-Mexican collaboration, possible – two of thedancers did not speak English.) Laronde, who isalso founder of Native Women in the Arts, hasperformed in every Red Sky production to date.A member of the Teme-Augama-Anishnaabe(People of the Deep Water) nation, Laronde draws inspirationfrom her ancestors and her connection to the vastlandscape of Temagami.“I believe that having grown up onthe land where my ancestors have been for thousands ofyears got right inside me.Your vision becomes immense,”she explains,“because the land is immense.” – Lisa RundleSPRING 2005 59PHOTOGRAPHY: MIKE ANDRECHUK