The retired native studies professor was co-director of research for the commission for four years. Since the mammoth report was published last fall, she has been speaking to diverse audiences about the process and findings of the commission and its importance to Canadians.

        She gives her talk, A Contradiction at the Heart of Canada, in Wenjack Theatre at 8 p.m.

        She will examine the contradiction between Canada's defence of human rights abroad and violations of human dignity at home. Drawing upon the challenge posed by the commission that Canada make a firm public commitment to restore just and harmonious relations with aboriginal peoples, Castellano will argue for embracing first nations as partners in confederation.

        Castellano is a Mohawk from the Bay of Quinte Band. She taught native studies at Trent from 1973 to 1991 and was chair of the Native Studies Department for three terms. Her teaching, research and writing focused on social and cultural issues, participatory research methods and applying traditional knowledge in the modern world. She developed programs and curricula for Trent, Ontario community colleges and in 1991 co-chaired a planning committee for the aboriginal education program introduced in the faculty of education at Queen's University.