The Sunday Edition for January 27, 2019
The Mamas and the Papas — How two Ottawa couples became co-parents: Matthew Pearson, his male partner, and two women who are also partners, have chosen to have and raise a child together. Their daughter Zora's birth certificate lists four co-parents. Matthew tells us the story of his remarkable family in his documentary, "The Mamas and the Papas."
Preserving Indigenous languages one story at a time: Of the 70 Indigenous languages that remain in this country, more than two-thirds are classified as endangered. The Canadian government is funding various initiatives designed to help stem that tide, including the publication of a series of paperbacks, each in a different Indigenous language. Cree writer and scholar Solomon Ratt is a contributor.
What it's like to be poor in rural America: Writer, journalist and columnist Sarah Smarsh grew up on a farm in Kansas, home to four generations of her family. Her new book, Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth, is a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the National Book Award.
How to end a civil war: The wars in Syria and Yemen have been dragging on for years; more than half-a-million people have been killed; millions have been displaced. In December, parties to the war in Yemen began peace talks. In Syria, the U.S. decision to withdraw its troops could mean victory for President Assad. But then what? Barbara Walter studies civil wars, with a special emphasis on how they end. She teaches at the School of Global Policy and Strategy at the University of California at San Diego.
64 and unemployed: One man's struggle to be taken seriously as a job applicant: In the world of youth employment, the big enemy is precarious work. At the other end of the age spectrum, it can be a big black hole of no work at all. David Wimsett has tried to stare it down.
Robert Harris's profile of musical bombshell Dolly Parton: Few performers have enjoyed the influence or longevity of the self-styled "Backwoods Barbie." Dolly Parton has written 4,000 songs, recorded 42 albums, and maintained a devoted fan base around the world. She turned 73 last week, and next week she will be honoured as Person of the Year by MusicCares for her humanitarian work. As a reprieve from the depths of the Canadian winter, we are re-broadcasting Michael's 2014 conversation with music maven Robert Harris, about the phenomenon who is Dolly Parton.
Your reaction to: Ira Basen's documentary about the luxury men's watch business - "Wrist Wars."
Music this week by: Tanya Tagaq, Lynn Miles, Steve Earle, A Tribe Called Red and of course... Dolly Parton.