Stories can be a socio-cultural, as well as a political tool that lend themselves to both pronouncing multifaceted dimensions and viewpoints as well to hiding and screening perspectives. In the session Absence and Pluralities of Stories, Zoe Todd, joined by Monique Manatch, discusses institutions and strategies of absentingstories through digital storytelling, Algonquin sovereignty, and how this connects to Carleton's relationships to the Rideau River and the canal. Marc Neveu proposes a plurality in the reading of stories embedded in archival drawings. Together they discuss how absence and plurality are two sides of the same coin. An absence indicates an overlooked plurality while a plurality probes for inherent absences. Stories have to be understood in this perspective to understand subjectivity and inter-subjectivity and question epistemological origins, methodological inadequacies, and hegemonical structures, as well as creative alternatives to promote curiosity, joy, inclusivity, and equity.

“Negotiating Digital Space in Culturally Significant Storytelling” is a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary webinar series organized by the Canadian Centre for Mindful Habitats in association with the Bachelor of Media Production and Design Program, School of Journalism, Carleton University (Ottawa) and the Bachelor of Interior Design Program, Algonquin College (Ottawa). The seven-part webinar series, supported by a SSHRC Connection Grant, runs from June 16 to July 28 and will explore the multi-faceted concept of storytelling and how digital technology is expanding on the storytelling toolkit. While digital tools bring new ways to tell stories and remove limitations of access, a multitude of ethical and technical issues arise – such as those of ownership, appropriation, inclusion, and dissemination.