Date: Saturday, April 18 at 10:00 AM PST
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Cost: Suggested donation $10 US.
While we provide an option to attend this webinar for free, as a nonprofit we depend on donations and your contribution is greatly appreciated!
About the Book: The Little Boy From Jamaica
To the young child holding this book in your hand. Do you believe someone just like you could become a history maker? I believe you can. Read this story and discover how Devon, a little boy from Jamaica, became a Canadian history maker. You will see that anything is possible and that dreams can come true.
For Parents, Teachers and Everyone who cares for a Child There’s nothing like the inspiration to be drawn from a story of someone overcoming challenges and achieving the impossible, especially when that story involves a child. And no example sings so loudly as this one, about a little black boy growing up in rural Jamaica without electricity or indoor plumbing who would go on to become Canada’s first-ever black Chief of Police.
In Devon Clunis’s inspiring tale, we find a shining illustration of how hope can lift a person above their conditions to the very height of their dreams. In the simple, welcoming language that ushers along this moving narrative, we learn about the simplicity of the life that marked Devon’s early years. When he was a little boy, Devon had no lights or power or running water in his house. Today, that same boy — now a man — holds an impressively prominent position in Canada’s law enforcement community and history.
Through Devon’s story, readers will learn that hard work, help from others, and a powerful belief in yourself, are all essential elements in achieving truly spectacular things. The potential for greatness resides in all of us, just as they did little Devon. If we can each capitalize on this immense gift to the best of our abilities, think how far we can go toward making our world a better place.
About the Author Devon Clunis
Devon served 29 years with The Winnipeg Police Service, retiring as Chief of Police in 2016.
Devon has a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and problem-solving. Skilled in evaluating and enhancing community safety systems, he has inspired change and implemented best practices in policing both in Canada and the United States of America.
Adept at building stakeholder relationships and navigating political landscapes, Devon led the development of The Inspectorate of Policing in Ontario, the first of its kind in Canada, ensuring compliance with the Community Safety and Policing Act and setting standards for excellence in policing.
Devon was the chair of the Steering Committee for The Public Safety Training Strategy for the government of Manitoba. This framework will impact the future of training for all public safety personnel.
Devon co-author two children's books, The Little Boy from Jamaica and The Little Girl from Osoyoos, with his wife, Pearlene. Both books address equity, diversity, and inclusion from a community centric perspective. In addition, Devon relased his reflective autobiography, ONE, February 1st, 2025. This work aims to address many of the social challenges facing society and help create a more cohesive social climate.
Devon currently works across Canada and the U.S. assisting policing in meeting the emerging needs of community safety and well-being in the 21st century, in addition to speaking extensively on leadership, organizational development, and the need for unity in diversity.
About the Facilitator
Rachel Luke is the Instructional Coordinator for African, Black, and Afro-Caribbean Student Success at the Peel District School Board. She previously spent 20 years at Glenforest Secondary School, where she taught English, Dramatic Arts, English as a Second Language, Black Canadian History, and served as a Teacher Librarian. Rachel’s excellence in education has been recognized with the Prime Minister’s National Award for Teaching Excellence in 2021 and a Regional Certificate of Achievement in 2020.
Recently, she taught Black History: Past, Present, Future, a Canadian Black History course for seniors in the Living & Learning in Retirement program at Glendon College, York University. Beyond her professional roles, Rachel is deeply engaged in community organizations supporting youth and is an avid traveler, having explored nearly 80 countries.
