Between 1967 and 1970, millions of people, mostly civilians, died when mass atrocities erupted during the Nigeria‐Biafra war. 

Survivors of this brutal war and near‐starvation caused by government blockades of the region have been displaced and living with traumatic memories for decades. Today, they work to raise awareness about this lesser‐known story. 

Dr. S. Elizabeth Bird, Professor Emerita of Anthropology at the University of South Florida, will share her extensive research on experiences of trauma and memory through survivors’ oral accounts. Dr. Bird’s most recent book, Surviving Biafra: A Nigerwife’s story presents the previously unpublished account of Mrs. Rosina Umelo’s life in Biafra, written during and after the war. The Asaba Massacre: Trauma, Memory and the Nigerian Civil War, which Dr. Bird co‐authored with Fraser M. Ottanelli, won the 2018 Book of the Year Award from the Oral History Association.

A panel discussion featuring Ogo Ebubechukwu, Chigbo Arthur Anyaduba, Reg Ejeckam and Dr. Bird will follow. 

This event is presented in collaboration with the Umunna (Igbo) Cultural Association of Manitoba Inc. 

Everyone is welcome to attend, especially those who are interested in the Nigeria‐Biafra war and its aftermath, and in how traumatic histories are remembered.

Please note that this program is subject to change or cancellation.