Room Booking
If you are having problems with using the EMCN Room Booking database (http://booking.emcn.ab.ca/rooms), please note that you should log on using your e-mail address and your e-mail password.
You can book rooms at the 101 Street location AS WELL AS the 97th Street location.
If you have any questions, please e-mail Katrina
World of Story
Congratulations to Wendy Martin and the many people who worked with her to present the best ever World of Story event on January 29. Despite the very cold weather, the event was warm and joyful and exciting. Everything worked well and people attending had a great time. A lot of work by a lot of people provided both a super event and another wonderful new story for the growing collection of multilingual folk tales. Thank you everyone involved for such dedicated and excellent work.
Gender and Rural Migration Conference
The deadline for papers is now passed but the conference itself may be of interest to some.
http://www.uleth.ca/notice/display.html?b=301&s=8737
The Economist
"The Economist" magazine published a special report in January on migration world wide, but with an emphasis on Europe. If anyone would like a copy of this 14 page report, please let Robyn know.
Human Rights Watch
The new annual report of Human Rights Watch is now available at http://hrw.org/wr2k8
A Billion Bootstraps
Brown Bag Seminar – Doing Social Justice Activism in Alberta
Waves of Change: Building People-Centred Economies
Toastmasters Program for New Canadians
Improve your skill and confidence in speaking English!
A five-week communication seminar:
- 2 p.m. Sunday, February 10, 2008
- 2 p.m. Sunday, February 24, 2008
- 2 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2008
- 2 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2008
- 2 p.m. Sunday, March 30, 2008
For more information and to register call 496-1818.
Would you like to practice your English speaking skills in a friendly social group? The Toastmasters are here to help. Improve your communication skills, build confidence, meet new people and have fun while speaking with others!
This program is part of the Multicultural Spotlight Series at
Mill Woods Branch, Edmonton Public Library
601 Mill Woods Town Centre,
2331-66 Street
For more information and to register call 496-1818
The '8' Concert for Peace
Date: Friday, February 8th at 8:00 pm Sharp!
Location: Riverdale School, 8901 101 Avenue (in the gym)
Featuring:
Performances from four Outstanding U-22 musicians:
Samantha Schultz (16) www.samanthaschultz.com;
Michael Rault (18) www.myspace.com/michaelrault;
Joe Nolan (17) www.myspace.com/joenolanband;
Kaley Bird (20)
AND
Performances by 4 Alberta singer/songwriters who are poised to burst onto the Alberta Music Scene:
Mike Ehlers
Jessica Heine
Darryl Matthews
& Lynette McKell (website under construction).
Admission is by donation. The objective is to raise awareness about a peace initiative by holding concerts on the 8th day of each month leading up to August 08/08 when the Games open in China. By that date, we are hoping for 8 minutes of peace world wide. Attached an Edmonton Journal article about the series (see below).
The Edmonton Journal - Scott McKeen
Phil Alain is asking for a little peace.
Not peace for a year. Not peace in our time. Just eight lousy minutes of world peace. He wonders: Is it beyond humanity's ability to achieve such a thing?
Alain, it should be noted, is not your stereotypical peace activist. The former college hockey player is now an Edmonton artist, first and foremost. His moody, stylized series of jazz-themed paintings hang in homes and businesses all over this city and beyond. He's often seen at local events like the Works, painting and peddling his artwork to regular folk. His is also the founder of the renowned "Night of Artists" which happens annually in Edmonton.
Phil believes that the creative energy of the many can be united in a single effort -- that the artistic whole can be greater than the sum of its parts.
This ethic led Alain to dream a bigger dream of unity. He calls it simply "8." Alain says he was struck recently by how lucky we are to live in a city that is safe from war or terror attacks.
The number 8 is revered as a symbol of unity and infinity.
So he launched "8" as a group on the global Internet meeting site Facebook. So far, about 2,900 people have signed up.
It's opening line sums it all up: Can we create eight minutes of world peace?
The idea is to promote the idea for Aug. 8 of this year -- the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008. It is also the day of the opening ceremonies for the Olympics in China.
"It may be a dream or a ridiculous fantasy to believe that something like this can begin through a page such as this," writes Alain on the Facebook screen. "But I believe that we have to dare to dream and I know that the only way to make dreams come true is to follow your heart."
Alain also plans events on the eighth day of every month. The first -- Concert for Peace -- was held for a full house at the Alex Taylor School at 8 p.m. Eight musicians and eight visual artists will perform and display their work once again at the next concert on February 8th at Riverdale School.
He's hoping people around the world pick up on the idea to spread the word and launch their own peace events.
Alain admits to being "scared to death" about his latest venture. First, he's out of his comfort zone and into the political realm.
Second, because he knows some people will think of him as terribly naive; that his idea for global peace is at best "cute." "I'll be honest, I don't know much about politics," says Alain. "I'd lose in a debate every time."
But as he says, he never likes ideas to just sit in his head. Better to put them out there and see what happens.
"I know I can't change the world. I'm no fool," he says. "But I hope people show leadership on this and make some noise. At the very least, we can make a statement."
Such things don't take much time. Just eight peaceful minutes.
Scott McKeen - The Edmonton Journal
I have visited the Lubicon Cree Nation over the years, the chief is a friend. The situation there is very terrible. I encourage you to support this request regarding the latest threat to this small group of struggling people.ACTION ALERT!
- Jim Gurnett
TransCanada has decided to go ahead with its application for approval of a jumbo 42" gas pipeline cut right through the middle of Lubicon land, without consultation and despite Lubicon objections. They have refused to answer even the most basic safety questions.
The Lubicon Nation needs help now! TransCanada is taking actions that not only open unceded Lubicon territory to even more ruthless and destructive "development", but enable the huge expansion of toxic tarsands operations and so affect all of us. Click link to lubicon org for more information and background.
TransCanada representatives have expressed their surprise at getting "letters from all over the world" on this. We need more if we are to really make them think twice. Phone or email TransCanada and tell them NO PIPELINE AGREEMENT!
This is an easy five minute action that can make a big difference- not only to the Lubicon Cree but for the rest of the planet as well.
STEPS FOR THE ACTION:
By Phone:
1. Phone TransCanada Pipelines -- toll free 1.800.661.3805 (or in Calgary at 403-920-2000)
2. Let them know:
1. you are a concerned citizen
2. tell the company you strongly oppose any pipeline through Lubicon territory without Lubicon agreement,
3. tell the company that they must obtain that agreement before approaching the Alberta Utilities Board.
A sample script is below but always remember that a similar message in your own words has a much stronger impact.
Hi, my name is _____ and I am calling to express my strong opposition to TransCanada Pipelines announced plans to seek Alberta Utilities Board (or AUB) approval to build the North Central Corridor pipeline. This pipelines runs through the middle of unceded Lubicon territory and your company does not have Lubicon agreement to use their land in this way. I demand that you seek this agreement before going any further.
Thank you.
By Email:
Compose your own message or simply copy and paste the above message (but write your name on the blank and change 'calling' to 'writing' of course) into your own email browser and send to:
CEO of TransCanada, Harold Kvisle,
c/o his "Associate" Janna Laberge at:
janna_laberge@transcanada.com
If you like you can also cc a copy to Stelmach at:
fortsaskatchewan.vegreville@assembly.ca
and the Alberta Utilities Board at: carolyn.dahlrees@auc.ab.ca
Thanks!!
Friends of the Lubicon Alberta
Sample letter:
To Mr. Harold Kvisle, CEO of TransCanada:
Dear Mr. Kvisle,
The situation of the Lubicon aboriginals has
been of great concern to many people in
many countries, including me, and even to
the United Nations. People throughout the
world are continuing to work for justice to
be done to the Lubicon Cree Nation. Like
me, they find it unconscionable that there
has not been a settlement that is acceptable
to the Lubicon.
Therefore, I am appalled that, without the agreement of
the Lubicon, the Alberta Utilities Board
has approved a North Central Corridor pipeline
that will be through Lubicon land, cutting the
land that they claim in half.
As a Canadian citizen and a resident of Alberta,
I urge you to withdraw immediately from this
agreement, the only ethical thing for your
company to do, and to work with the Lubicon
for an agreement that will preserve their human
rights.
Please let me know your decision on this
important matter.
Sincerely,
cc Premier Stelmach
Alberta Utilities Board
Writing for Your Readers
A workshop on clear writing
Hosted by The Widening Access for Adult Literacies Project
42% of adults in Canada have difficulty with reading.
Do your readers have low level literacy? Are your readers from a non-English speaking background? Or are they busy people who don’t have time to read difficult material? You can help your readers understand your written messages by making them easy to read and simple to understand.
Clear writing starts with readers’ needs. Clear writing makes it easy for readers to access information. Clear writing applies to all forms of written communication including:
- Letters
- Forms
- Brochures
- Newsletters
- Notices
- Posters
- Bulletin boards
- Websites
- a how to grab your readers’ interest
- a practical tips to make your writing clear and accessible
- a how to format your written material to make it easy to read
Dates: Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Times: 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Venue: Belvedere School - 13359 - 62 Street
Facilitator: Michael Wallace
Cost: Free
To register: Contact Susan at 471-2598 or at sskaret@telus.net
The Widening Access for Adult Literacies project is working to reduce barriers and increase access to literacy for adults in Northeast Edmonton. A clear language approach is one way to make print material available to people who have difficulty reading.
Black History Month
February is Black History month in Canada. A time to reflect on the accomplishments of the many people who despite a history of enslavement, oppression and continuing discrimination, rise above this adversity to great achievement in the arts, science, sports, politics, etc.
Every year during the month of February we honour the legacy of Black people, who, throughout history, have done and continue to do so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, and prosperous nation we know today. Learning about African heritage – the history of Black people and the Diaspora as related to Black people over hundreds of years, is important not only so that we begin to understand a rich part of our heritage often neglected, but also that we expand our vision of who built Canada, to include the many people from different ethnicities, cultures and walks of life who contributed to this great country.
The calendar attached provides a year long look at people and events we often don't learn about in our history books. Learn more about Black history and Black movers and shakers in Canada at http://blackhistorycanada.ca/.
To learn about slavery in Canada see http://www.cbc.ca/news/interactives/tl-slaveryincanada/ and click on the radio buttons for an interactive look at various historical events. Another interesting site is http://digital.nypl.org/lwf/english/site/flash.html. It should be remembered that it was black leaders and many black people who were slaves themselves that led the movement to abolish the slave trade and take their rightful place in society. While they did it with the assistance of white allies, we often assume they were passive recipients of a white-led movement to end this practice. This is not the case.
I often hear people ask, well what can I do? This happened in the past. But, discrimination continues today and the ongoing effects of systemic discrimination and racialization still affect the lives of Aboriginal, Black and other racialized citizens of Canada. We can all do something about it, even if it is as small and as important as sharing this rich history and that of other racialized or discriminated against groups with the children and youth in your lives.
As for terminology, in Canada, it is still appropriate to say Black Canadians. You can also use African-Canadian or Caribbean Canadian. For many, the preference would simply be 'Canadian'. African American is the term most commonly used in the United States.
Valerie Pruegger, Ph.D.
Research Social Planner
Community & Neighbourhood Services
The City of Calgary | Mail code: #8116
Floor 7, Municipal Building F-3-3, 800 Macleod Tr S.E.
P.O. Box 2100, Station M, Calgary, AB Canada T2P 2M5
T (403) 268-5126| F (403) 268-3253
www.calgary.ca/cns
Black Studies Calendar
Black Canadians – A Brief History
Black Presidents
This Valentine's Day Think Outside the Chocolate Box!
Tell your sweetheart – and the world – that you care with an unexpected gift from Oxfam America Unwrapped. A dozen red roses? Been there, done that. Try something new: a dozen baby chicks that support HIV/AIDS-affected households.
Discover this and other unique gifts at www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com.
Shop now for the perfect gift!
Meet the Police – Share an evening with the Edmonton Police Service members who patrol your community
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Why should I come?
The type and amount of crime varies between each community. We want to know what concerns you have about your area and show you what the EPS is doing to address the issues.
If we’re going to make our city an even better place to live, we need to work together. This is the first of many community focused meetings over the next year.
Chief Mike Boyd would like you to join us for the Community Consultation in your area
District: D1 and D2
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 12 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: McCauley School Gymnasium, 9538 - 107 Avenue
Keep Avaaz Independent
Dear Avaaz member,
Avaaz works by helping regular people from every nation to directly impact global decisions. To keep our campaigns honest and effective, we must stay completely independent. That's why Avaaz never accepts any money from governments or corporations. Instead, Avaaz depends on individual members—people like you and me—to fund our work together.
In 2008, we can make great strides on global justice, human rights and the environment -- but only if we all chip in a little to make it happen. Can you make a small contribution today to support our work together in 2008?
No amount is too small – just click below to make a secure online contribution of whatever you can afford:
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/avaaz_independent/1.php
(Donating through our online system using a credit card or your Paypal account is fast, easy, and totally secure.)
In 2007, Avaaz members came together in the millions to stand up for a better world. From demanding protection for monks in Burma to helping save climate negotiations in Bali, together we showed that global people power really can make a difference.
We can do it again in 2008 – and there's no time to lose. All the issues we care about -- like freeing Burma, stopping global warming, ending poverty and bringing peace to the Middle East – require nothing less than our greatest effort.
Please give what you can today to help Avaaz keep independent, strong, and making a difference with the most powerful force there is: the world in action.
https://secure.avaaz.org/en/avaaz_independent/1.php
Thank you,
Ricken, Pascal, Ben, Galit, Ben B., Iain, Paul, Graziela and the whole Avaaz team
Canadian Policy Research Networks Pathways Series
Interested in learning more about youth and what is happening in Canada in relation to high school and education or work beyond?
Five titles in the Canadian Policy Research Networks Pathways series:
Career Development Services for Canadian Youth: Access, Adequacy and Accountability by
Donnalee Bell and Lynne Bezanson, July 2006.
http://www.cprn.org/doc.cfm?doc=1499&l=en
Pathways of Alberta Youth through the Post-secondary System into the Labour Market,
1996-2003 by Harvey Krahn and Julie Hudson, November 2006.
http://www.cprn.org/doc.cfm?doc=1568&l=en
Pathways for Youth to the Labour Market: An Overview of High School Initiatives by
Alison Taylor, April 2007.
http://www.cprn.org/doc.cfm?doc=1643&l=en
Trading Up – High School and Beyond: Five Illustrative Canadian Case Studies by
Mame McCrea Silva and Susan M. Phillips, May 2007.
http://www.cprn.org/doc.cfm?doc=1714&l=en
Education-to-Labour Market Pathways of Canadian Youth: Findings for the Youth in
Transition Survey by Darcy Hango and Patrice de Broucker, November 2007.
http://www.cprn.org/doc.cfm?doc=1787&l=en
