Citizen-soldiers in a changing world: A conversation with your Army Reserve Brigade Commander
2026-03-19 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Winnipeg) | Gathering Space, John E. Robbins Library, Canada
Colonel Evelyn Kotzer, Commander of 38 Canadian Brigade Group
Canada faces an uncertain future in a rapidly changing world. Great power rivalry is intensifying, while the once-vaunted rules-based international order continues to erode in the face of ruptures. With our security and interests under increasing threat, and growing doubts that some of our traditional allies will always act in our best interests, Canada’s own strength may soon be tested.
Answering this call has, and continues to, fall in no small part to the Army Reserve. These citizen-soldiers put aside civilian careers to serve when the nation calls, from the militias of pre-Confederation to today’s hardening of NATO’s eastern flank.
Join us for a fireside discussion with Colonel Evelyn Kotzer, Commander of 38 Canadian Brigade Group and its part-time citizen soldiers of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northwestern Ontario, on how the Army Reserve is preparing to meet these challenges.
Refreshments will be provided.

Brandon Pride - National Canadian Film Day
2026-04-11 13:45 - 15:45 | John E. Robbins Library
It’s almost National Canadian Film Day again!! Brandon Pride is hosting another CanFilmDay movie at the BU Library Gathering Space on Saturday, April 11th starting at 1:45pm.
This year the film is Ruthless Souls directed by Madison Thomas. https://youtu.be/nBofbV1aALQ
Jackalope “Jackie” Cambell (Galloway) is a tough as nails Ojibwe artist born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. On the first anniversary of her partner’s tragic death, Jackie copes with her guilt and loneliness by drinking and smoking up. When Jackie finds out that her best friend Rooney has split-up with her long time partner Tay, she feels her remaining relationships are in peril. Rooney and Tay are Jackie’s only friends, and have been each other’s pillars of support since they were kids.
A visually alluring film full of heavy emotions and sharp, witty dialogue, Ruthless Souls confronts the pain of loss and highlights the human ability to overcome grief. Madison Thomas’ sophomore premiered at ImagineNative 2019.
Brandon Pride is excited to be able to offer a free viewing of this film with CanFilmDay and showcase a Manitoban-made film. Snacks will be available to enjoy during the movie.
Please note there is no MPAA rating for this film but it is a heavy emotional drama and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
A smudging ceremony will be performed at this event.
