Papers Available at the EMCN Website
Temporary Workers- Standing Committee on Immigration and Citizenship, 2008/04/01
To read this and other papers, please go to the EMCN Positions & Advocacy section of the website:
www.emcn.ab.ca/research/EMCN_Positions_and_Advocacy
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Banking Content Instructor - Job Posting
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Hazel’s Pictures
These first two pictures are taken looking down from the office where Hazel works. The third picture is Hazel posing in front of Taj Mahal, which was built as a monument of love by Shah Jahan in loving memory of his second wife Mumtaz, and is one of the seven wonders of the world.
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Edmonton Kiwanis Singers
http://www.ekosingers.com:80/index2.htm
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Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region Film Night
Please mark Wednesday, May 7, 2008 on your calendars! CMHA-ER in partnership with Metro Cinema is proud to present two fabulous movies at Metro Cinema in Zeidler Hall at the Citadel on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
Both of these are award winning films and “This Beggar’s Description” is about a man dealing with schizophrenia (full description of both movies below).
The best news is the price – only $2.00 per person and that includes a small snack bag of popcorn. (The usual ticket prices at Metro Cinema are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors).
Here’s the scoop…
Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region Film Night
7:30 pm - Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Metro Cinema - Zeidler Hall - main floor of the Citadel Theatre Complex (9828-101A Avenue)
$2.00 tickets to help your mental health and wallet
Talk back session on Schizophrenia following the film
Metro Cinema and the Canadian Mental Health Association - Edmonton Region and are proud to present two award winning films in celebration of National Mental Health Awareness Week (May 5 – 11).
Ryan (NFB 2004, 13 min) directed by Chris Landreth, is a pioneering animated tribute to Oscar-winning Canadian animator Ryan Larkin who produced some of the most influential animated films of the 1960s and 70s. The voice of Ryan Larkin and people who have known him speak through strange, twisted, broken and disembodied 3D generated characters… people whose appearances are bizarre, humorous or disturbing. This film is a must see that has garnered countless awards including the Award of the (Very) Young Critic from the 2004 Cannes International Film Festival and the Sun Life Financial Award for Best Canadian Short at Toronto’s 2004 Worldwide Short Film Festival.
This Beggar's Description (NFB 2005, 65 min) directed by Pierre Tétrault, tells his brother Phil's story - one of art, love, and madness - capturing the far-reaching effects of schizophrenia on one man, his friends and his family. Phil has been locked up in jails and psych wards, kicked out of the house by desperate friends and family and spent long periods living on the streets of Montreal. However, he is also a talented writer and loving father whose deep family bonds and friendships have helped him come through periods of incredible darkness brought on by his schizophrenia.
Phil's writing is central both to his life and to this documentary - offering extraordinary insights into street life in Montreal, the beauty of nature and what he calls "the gymnastics of my mind.” His unpublished novel, Travels in Schizophrenia, is so intense that to this day Phil can't read it -- for fear that it will bring on his schizophrenia.
These days he spends his days with friends on the street, collects cans for beer money, plays his beloved pan pipes and writes as much as he can. Phil is celebrated at the launch of his poetry book in Montreal, which is attended by his old friend and great supporter Leonard Cohen, whose songs are woven throughout the film.
In this powerful and moving portrait, we are reminded that rather than continuing to isolate those with schizophrenia, it is a far richer experience to make a place for them.
For more information about National Mental Health Awareness Week, mental health or mental illness, contact the Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region at 414-6300 or check out their website at www.cmha-edmonton.ab.ca
Making Mental Health Matter
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Ethical Reponses to Stories of Pain: Private Conversations, Public Issues
The Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative presents the following exciting workshop opportunity.
Ethical Reponses to Stories of Pain: Private Conversations, Public Issues
Thursday, April 24, 9:00 am. – 4:00 pm.
Friday, April 25, 9:00 am. - 4:00 pm.
This two day workshop will identify public policy issues that arise out of counseling and therapeutic conversations and will address the broader contextual issues that are so often forgotten or overlooked. The Family Centre considers that many, though not all, of the problems that bring people for counseling or therapy arise out of inequality and injustice at the personal, family, community and state levels.
The New Zealand Family Centre Team will share their therapeutic work with poor families, the thinking behind it, and the emergence of a range of community development and research projects that grew out of the therapeutic work and have led to significant social policy debate. They will also suggest ways therapeutic organizations can begin to develop social justice responses in therapy, through community initiatives and research, to the many social structural problems that clients refer to in therapy. A range of cultural, anti-poverty and gender equity community initiatives will be presented.
The research will address issues that arise out of their work in the New Zealand Poverty Measurement Project, various culturally focused projects and a range of other studies in their research portfolio. The Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit is now well established and contracted regularly by Government Departments and all the leading research funders in New Zealand. Their work has had a significant impact on the social policy debate in New Zealand.
The Presenters:
Taimalie Kiwi Tamasese is the Samoan Co-ordinator at the Family Centre. She is a family therapist, community development worker, a social policy analyst and researcher. She has published in all these areas. Kiwi leads contracted workshops and educational events regularly in New Zealand and throughout the world.
Maria Maniapoto is a Māori researcher, educationalist and community worker at the Family Centre. Her tribal heritage is Ngati Maniapoto and Ngai Tuhoe. Maria leads the ‘Just therapy’ teaching programme on the international post graduate course on Discursive Therapies run through Massey University. She is deeply involved in the Māori community and experienced in evaluation, social and cultural research.
Charles Waldegrave is a psychologist, a family therapist, an Anglican priest, a social policy analyst and researcher. He is the Pakeha (European) Co-ordinator of the Family Centre. He leads the Social Policy Research Unit there and is also a joint leader of the New Zealand Poverty Measurement Project. He has published extensively in all the above areas. Charles leads workshops and educational events regularly in New Zealand and throughout the world.
Location of Workshop:
Inglewood Christian Reformed Church
12330 – 113 Ave.(parking lot next to church, please do not park in the bank lot)
Ethical Responses to the Stories of Pain: Private Conversations, Public Issues?
Workshop Registration
Thurs., April 24 and Fri.,April 25, 2008
9 am – 4 pm., both days
Name:_____________________________ Phone#_______________________
Organization:________________________ E-mail________________________
Mailing Address:___________________________
City/Postal Code:__________________________
Cost - $150.00 including 2 lunches.
- Please mail with payment by April 21, 2008
- Make a cheque payable to the Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative
and mail to 10867 – 97 Street, Edmonton, AB T5H 2M6 - Receipts will be available at the registration desk the 1st morning of the workshop.
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Call for action: Proposed changes to IRPA are bad for immigrants and for Canada
To: OCASI Member Agencies
From: Debbie Douglas, Executive Director
Re: Proposed Amendments to IRPA Under federal Budget Bill (Bill C-50)
Date: March 27, 2008
OCASI is deeply concerned about the negative impacts that will result if the proposed changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) are adopted by the federal government under Bill C-50, the budget implementation bill.
OCASI has been informed that Bill C-50 will most probably go back for discussion at the House of Commons on April 3rd. We call upon our member agencies as well as immigrant and refugee communities and all Ontarians to contact your respective Members of Parliament (regardless of their political affiliation), by Wednesday, April 2nd (), urging them to make sure:
- That the sections of Bill C-50 regarding amendments to IRPA are removed from the proposed bill (the federal budget implementation bill) and
- That these and any other eventual changes to IRPA are properly debated by the Canadian public and its elected officials, notably through the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.
- The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration will have the power to decide what categories of immigration applications should be fast-tracked and what categories should not be processed or actually be discarded. As a result applicants may be discarded regardless of whether their applications meet the requirements of the Act.
- In view of exercising such power, the Minister could end up responding only to the lobby groups s/he is willing to listen to. This politicizes a process of selection of immigrants that should remain fair and transparent. There is concern that some voices in Canada have been putting pressure on successive federal governments to stop recruiting immigrants from Africa or Muslim countries, or other places in the global south.
- Canada’s ability to attract immigrants will be jeopardized, as potential candidates may decide to apply to other countries where the process is less arbitrary and more formalized, clear and fair.
- They give the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration the power to decide not to process humanitarian and compassionate applications submitted outside of Canada. These applications are the only current means by which refugee children in Canada can reunite with family members who were left back home, and by which immigrants and refugees can bring to Canada family members abroad who were initially excluded from family reunification due to IRPA section 117(9)(d).
Above all, this government’s increased emphasis on temporary work visas marks a significant and troubling policy shift. Canada is moving away from its vision of immigrants as integral partners in the building of our country’s future. Instead, the over emphasis on temporary workers shows that Canada views foreign born workers as disposable economic units who should not be allowed to fully participate in all aspects of Canadian life.
Contact information for your Member of Parliament
Here’s the directory and list of MPs by alphabetical order (last name): http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E
Here’s the directory by constituency (alphabetical order): http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainConstituenciesCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E
For the OCASI comments on the proposed amendments to IRPA click here: http://www.ocasi.org/index.php?qid=956 (or see pasted below).
Federal Government Proposes Changes to IRPA
On Friday, March 14th the Federal Government tabled changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) as part of the federal budget (Bill C-50). These changes would give the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration the power to narrow processing of immigration applications. They would put certain limits on the humanitarian and compassionate category which currently is the only channel for many who encounter challenges in the process of pursuing family reunification.
At the same time, the government announcements on Friday, March 14th further supported the current policy shift whereby immigrants are increasingly being understood and treated as economic units to be brought here through temporary visa arrangements.
Family reunification and permanent resident status are the key components of a successful immigration strategy for the future of Canada, and among the main objectives of IRPA. Our country’s commitment to refugee protection should be reflected in our legislation and budget.
Budget allocations to Citizenship and Immigration Canada should therefore be geared towards strengthening the capacity within the Department to effectively eliminate the backlog in processing family reunification requests and permanent residence applications.
OCASI expects that responding to Canada’s economic needs should not compromise Canada’s vision to build this country through the settlement and integration of immigrants as fully equal participants in society.
Proposed changes to IRPA
If the Budget passes with these measures, immigration applications made on or after February 27th 2008 would be affected.
Section 11 of IRPA currently says that an officer “shall” issue a visa if the applicant meets the requirements of the Act. With the proposed changes, it would say that the officer “may” issue a visa. It is in such a context that the Minister would have the power to issue instructions for processing applications according to her/his opinion on how to “best support the attainment of the immigration goals established by the Government of Canada”.
The Minister would establish categories of applications to be processed, establish an order to process them, set the number of applications to be processed in a given year and provide for the disposition of applications and requests. As a result, many applications would not be even processed. There is reason for concern about the sorts of instructions a Minister would issue and that would result in discarding applications.
As regards humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) applications, section 25 currently says that the Minister “shall” examine an H&C application. Under the proposed changes, the wording would be that the Minister “shall” examine the H&C application if the applicant is in Canada, but “may” examine the application if the applicant is outside Canada. This would have a negative impact on refugee children in Canada, who IRPA does not allow to sponsor members of their family to come to Canada, and separated family members abroad who are excluded by virtue of section 117 (9) (d). For these two categories, the sole option currently available is H&C.
The proposed changes to IRPA were tabled as part of Bill C-50, “An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on February 26, 2008 and to enact provisions to preserve the fiscal plan set out in that budget (Budget Implementation Act, 2008)”. Bill C-50 underwent first reading in the House of Commons on Friday, March 14th. See the parts of Bill C-50 related to IRPA here:
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=3365116&Language=e&Mode=1&File=119#30.
Shifts in immigration policy towards temporary permits
The government messaging in recent times underscores their intention to respond to labour shortages in certain industries. It stresses Canada’s economic needs. The government’s response is to increase the recourse to temporary arrangements that do not allow foreign born workers to obtain a permanent status in Canada.
The “increased” number of immigrants (429,649 individuals last year) mentioned in the government announcement on Friday, March 14th, is a composite of the usual categories (independent immigrants, family class immigrants and refugees) but now Minister Finley is adding temporary workers and international students into the mix. The numbers for independent immigrants, family class immigrants and refugees last year was roughly 251,000, very similar to recent years and, as is usually the case, below the projected target levels the government had set for the corresponding year.
The real increase in numbers has taken place in the area of temporary work permits. This trend in immigration policy steers Canada away from a main objective of IRPA. Section 3.1 clearly commits to support the settlement and integration of immigrants and their full participation in and contribution to all aspects of Canadian life.
Statistics Canada’s Longitudinal Study of Immigrants to Canada (LSIC) showed that immigrants who came to this country through the Family Class had better settlement outcomes than those who came as independent immigrants.
On the other hand, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category will provide for limited numbers of new residents (target levels for 2008 are between 10,000 and 12,000). In addition, only international students and certain types of temporary workers are eligible to get permanent resident status through the CEC category. That leaves out a large number of people already contributing to our economy and society.
Further concerns regarding the Temporary Work Permits program
Those in Canada under temporary work permits have reported situations of abuse at the hands of employers. This has been well documented in different areas of temporary work and the government so far has proved unable to ensure fairness for the workers. (See with critical information from labour organisations here: http://www.thestar.com/article/346401 ).
This reality raises a number of critical questions. Are temporary work permits being used to fill a genuine labour shortage, or are they being used as an avenue to obtain cheap, temporary labour where the workers have few rights? Is Canada moving towards building stable and equitable communities, or creating a pool of workers who are treated as second class and disposable economic units? What are the long-term implications for proceeding in this direction?
OCASI will continue to monitor these developments arising from the federal budget to keep our membership informed.
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Youth Fellowships, Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation
The Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation is pleased to announce the 2008 call for applications for the Global Youth Fellowship program. The Fellowships are targeted towards emerging Canadian leaders who demonstrate potential to enhance Canada's role on the world stage. The Fellowships will provide successful candidates with a cash award of $20,000 as well as other forms of support.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents between 24 - 35 years of age with previous international experience - paid or volunteer. They also need to demonstrate a sustained commitment to international issues through studies, career choices and volunteer activities.
Application Deadline: Thursday, April 10, 2008 by 5:00 p.m. EST
More information about the Fellowship programme, including application forms, guidelines and information on current and past Fellows, can be found on website at www.gordonfn.org.
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New Website - Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission
March 28, 2008: The Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission is pleased to announce the launch of its new website – www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca
The website provides new, comprehensive and easily understood information about how Albertans are protected from discrimination and how they can work together to build a society free of discrimination. We encourage you to direct your clients/staff/members to the website for information about rights and responsibilities in Alberta and the mandate of the Commission.
Click here to read the Commission information bulletin released on March 28th: http://alberta.ca/ACN/200803/23225F617E87D-9404-95A9-A711CB720B38FD8B.html.
In addition to a whole new look, the website includes:
- a completely revised section on human rights in the workplace, featuring information specifically for employers, employees and trade unions
- new comprehensive content on these protected areas: goods, services, accommodation and facilities; residential and commercial tenancy; statements, publications, notices, signs, symbols, emblems or other representations; and membership in trade unions, employers’ organizations or occupational associations
- a media room, which is new to the Commission site
- new FAQs (frequently asked questions)
- a database of panel and court decisions with an improved search function
Cassie Palamar
Director, Education and Community Services
Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission
525 - 11th Avenue SW, Suite 310
Calgary, Alberta T2R 0C9
Tel: 403 297-7437
Fax: 403 297-6567
E-mail: cassie.palamar@gov.ab.ca
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Educating for Human Rights and Global Citizenship
You are invited to the book launch of
Educating for Human Rights and Global Citizenship
Edited by Ali A. Abdi and Lynette Shultz
April 15, 2008
4:30-6:30pm
(Readings at 4:45 pm)
University of Alberta International Centre
172 HUB International (9101 Sidewalk level)
Nearly sixty years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in spite of progress on some fronts, we are in many cases as far away as ever from achieving an inclusive citizenship and human rights for all.
Educating for Human Rights and Global Citizenship provides a welcome addition to the human rights and global citizenship literature and presents ideas for new platforms that are human rights friendly and expansively attuned to global citizenship.
Please join us for readings from the book by editors Ali A. Abdi and Lynette Shultz, provocative discussion and engaging dialogue.
All are welcome!
Books will be available to purchase for the 40% discounted price of $50 (hardcover). Cash or cheque only please.
For more information contact Natasha Goudar, Global Education Network ngoudar@gmail.com or 492-4879
Sponsored by: University of Alberta International, Educational Policy Studies Department and the Global Education Network
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Human Rights and Dialogue in Tibet
Dear friends,
We reached our target! In just 7 days over 1 million of us have signed the petition calling for human rights and dialogue in Tibet--the fastest growing internet petition in history. As the crisis continues, it's time to deliver our petition and make sure Chinese President Hu Jintao hears our voices.
An International Day of Action has been declared for Monday, March 31st.
On Monday, thousands of people in cities across the world will march to Chinese embassies and consulates, and stack hundreds of boxes containing our petition outside them. 1 million signatures makes a mountain of boxes--it will send a powerful global message.
We have just 4 days left until the petition delivery. Could we get to 2 million signatures in 4 days? We can do it--if every one of us recruits at least one more friend to sign the petition by forwarding the email below.
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Dear friends,
After decades of repression, the Tibetan people are crying out to the world for change. The Olympic spotlight is now on China, and Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama is calling to end all riots and violence through restraint and dialogue.
China's hardliners are lashing out publicly at the Dalai Lama--but many Chinese leaders believe dialogue is the best hope for stability in Tibet.
The government is right now considering a crucial choice between repression and dialogue that could determine Tibet's--and China's--future.
We can affect this historic choice--President Hu Jintao values China's reputation, and he needs to hear from us that the 'Made in China' brand and the upcoming Olympics in Beijing will succeed only if he chooses dialogue over the hardliners' repression. An avalanche of global people power is moving to get his attention. In just one week, over 1 million people have signed our petition, which will be delivered in rallies at Chinese embassies worldwide on Monday--click below to join the global outcry, and then forward this email to friends and family right away:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/tibet_end_the_violence/70.php/?cl=66877549
China's economy is dependent on "Made in China" exports that we all buy, and the government is keen to make the Olympics in Beijing this summer a celebration of a new and respected China. China is also a sprawling, diverse country with much brutality in its past, so it has good reasons to be concerned about stability--some of Tibet's rioters killed innocent people. But President Hu must recognize that the greatest danger to Chinese stability and development today comes from hardliners who advocate escalating repression, not from those Tibetans seeking dialogue and reform.
The Tibetan people have suffered quietly for decades. It is finally their moment to speak--we must help them be heard.
With hope and respect,
Ricken, Pascal, Graziela, Iain, Paul, Galit, Milena, Ben and the whole Avaaz team
Here are some links with more information on the Tibetan protests and the Chinese response:
Reuters reports unrest continues:
http://www.reuters.com/article/vcCandidateFeed1/idUSPEK369654
China allows first journalists back into Lhasa, monks speak out:
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/china/local%20news/tibet/2008/03/27/149167/Tibet-monks.htm
Europe and the US step up calls for dialogue:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/27/europe/27europe.php
Prominent Chinese Intellectuals call for fair approach to Tibet:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/24/asia/chinasub.php
ABOUT AVAAZ
Avaaz.org is an independent, not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people inform global decision-making. (Avaaz means "voice" in many languages.) Avaaz receives no money from governments or corporations, and is staffed by a global team based in London, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Paris, Washington DC, and Geneva.
Don't forget to check out our Facebook and Myspace pages!
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Alberta Works Policy Manual Update - Workplace Training
Heart of the City Music Festival Auditions
Jung Forum Lecture and Workshop – Land, Immigration and Psyche
Stand Up For Mental Health
Refugee Rights Day Canada
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Edmonton Small Press Association (ESPA)
780-434-9236
http://www.edmontonsmallpress.org
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18332213920
ESPA Upcoming Exhibitions & Film Screenings, March-Nov. 2008:
March 1 - April 26: EXHIBIT: Political Cartoons by Ingrid Rice
Date/Time: March 14 - April 26
LOCATION: HAPPY HARBOR COMICS v.III, 10326 81 Ave.
Ingrid Rice was born in England in 1956 and attended high school in North Vancouver. After attending Langara College for a year, Rice worked in the graphics department of BCTV. She then became the Art Director of TV Week magazine and then Art Director of Westworld. Since 1985 she has been self-employed as a graphic designer. Ingrid Rice is the only western-based national female editorial cartoonist. Rice freelanced for the Vancouver Sun from 1992 to 1994, after which she pursued self-syndication, producing 2 to 3 cartoons per week and publishing in major dailies and community newspapers across the country.
See her work at: http://cagle.msnbc.com/politicalcartoons/PCcartoons/rice.asp
April 6 @ 4pm: PANEL DISCUSSION: "My Name is Rachel Corrie" presented in conjunction with Theatre Yes' production of the play "My Name is Rachel Corrie" (follows the Sunday afternoon matinee).
Date/Time: Sun., April 6 @ 4pm
LOCATION: Catalyst Theatre, 8529 Gateway Blvd.
ADMISSION: Free Admission (donations appreciated)
EVENT PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10733721562 or 434-9236
Synopsis: The play “My Name Is Rachel Corrie” chronicles the human, social, and political evolution in the life and controversial death of the American peace activist crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza. Though she never actually wrote a play, Corrie has been described as “the most talked about playwright in America today.” Since her death, Corrie has become a potent symbol for both sides of the conflict. The battle over the play and its meaning is still causing great uproar in the theater world. Originally produced to great acclaim by the Royal Court Theater and based on Corrie’s prolific writings, diaries, letters and e-mails edited by the acclaimed actor Alan Rickman and the Guardian journalist Katharine Viner, this powerful one-woman play offers a unique perspective into the horrors and humanity of the conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis. This Panel Discussion, running in conjunction with Theatre Yes' production of the play, will focus on the controversy surrounding "My Name is Rachel Corrie", including issues of freedom of expression and criminalization of dissent. We expect an eye-opening and intense discussion, as panel members (literally) represent 'both sides of the fence' in the Gaza/Israeli conflict; the objective of the panel is to create meaningful dialogue and conflict resolution and reconciliation. The panel is being represented by: Prof. Emeritus Baha Abu-Laban, Vanesa Ali from Palestinian rights group HumanServe, Netta Phillet of the Jewish/Arab Women's Peace Group, Karen Farkas of the Edmonton Jewish Federation, and possibly more TBA. Moderated by Ann McDougall of the U of A Middle Eastern & African Studies Program.
* NOTE: "My Name is Rachel Corrie" PLAY runs March 28-April 12 @ Catalyst Theatre, 8529 Gateway Blvd. See Theatre Yes' website for more info: http://www.theatre-yes.ca
April 19 @ 8PM: FILM: "5-Ring Circus" documents the growing environmental and human rights consequences surrounding the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver (film being introduced by Made-in-Alberta eco-vids), to commemorate Earth Day.
Date/Time: Sat., April 19 @ 8pm
LOCATION: BEING RE-SCHEDULED, MORE INFO TBA
ADMISSION: by donation (pay what you can)
INFO: 434-9236 / (Facebook page coming soon)
Film Synopsis: The "Five Ring Circus" exposes a side to the Vancouver 2010 Olympics which has not been revealed before, and shows how this three week event is changing Vancouver forever. With two years to go before the games, this documentary examines how the commitments to environmental, social and economic sustainability have not been kept and how the preparations for the games are affecting diverse communities. Is Vancouver getting into the spirit of the Olympics? Find out what mayors, activists and residents think. The documentary features interviews with George Monbiot, regional mayors, professors, legal experts, MLAs, 2010 Watch, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Premier Gordon Campbell, members of the Vancouver police department, and many, many activists opposed to the games. Simultaneously entertaining, infuriating and eye-opening. "The games have skewed all the priorities for the entire region... Everything's become devoted to this three-week party that's going to happen in 2010. It's like imagining that everything you do in your own life is all designed and built toward your next birthday." - Mayor Corrigan, Burnaby, BC.
May 1 - June 28: EXHIBIT: "Celebrate People's History" & "Street Art Workers"
Date/Time: May 1 - June 28
LOCATION: BEING RE-SCHEDULED, MORE INFO TBA
Celebrate People's History is a series of 38 posters that profile legendary radical folks, historical events and revolutionary movements such as anarcho-feminist Emma Goldman, Wangari Maathai (creator of the Greenbelt Movement), Crazy Horse's defeat of General Custer in the Battle of Little Bighorn, Hitler's White Rose resisters, and many, many more inspiring activists from the past century. The newest project from the Street Art Workers (SAW) takes a look at how corporate globalization has affected our world, how it has impacted the land, and how people are fighting back. This collection of 25 posters represents artists from 20 cities in 10 different countries, and illustrate specific struggles in countries like Brazil and the United States, tackling international issues around poverty and gentrification. Along with a strong critique of imperialism, the posters show how communities throughout the world are resisting corporate power for a more just and sustainable world.
May 17: FAIR & FILMS: ESPA's 5th Annual Fair Trade Fair & Film Festival
Date/Time: Sat., May 17 from 12-6pm
LOCATION: TBA
ADMISSION: $5 admission includes THREE excellent films and a copy of Co-op America's 2008 Guide to Fair Trade
MORE INFO COMING SOON: http://www.edmontonsmallpress.org and http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18332213920
Our 5th annual event as part of TransFair Canada's National Fair Trade Weeks includes an afternoon marketplace with artists, NGOs, unions and vendors selling Fair Trade-certified, sweatshop-free or otherwise ethically-produced clothing, textiles, fashion accessories; soccer and volleyballs; chocolate, coffee, tea, sugar; plenty of arts & crafts; mouth-watering Eritrean (vegetarian) dishes and salads, good vibes, good karma, short videos and...
FEATURE FILMS:
Date/Time: Sat., June 21 @ 8pm
LOCATION: BEING RE-SCHEDULED, MORE INFO TBA
ADMISSION: by donation (pay what you can)
INFO: 434-9236 / (Facebook page coming soon)
Film Synopsis: The cycling phenomenon known as Critical Mass is a reclamation of public space that started in San Francisco in the early 1990s and spread by the internet throughout the world. On a set day, at the end of every month, cyclists and other self-propelled people ride en masse through city streets. Vancouver has become renowned for its big Critical Mass bike rides, and particularly the party spirit that attracts all types of cyclists. YNBA charts the development of these mass rides in Vancouver over the last decade, from the (pre-Critical Mass) protest rides across the historic Lions Gate Bridge in the early to mid-Nineties, through the "No Fun City" years of the late 1990s and early 2000s, where cyclists were routinely arrested for riding together, up to giant Critical Mass rides of more recent years. Along the way, YNBA strips down for the Wholesome Undie (an underwear ride protesting the Molson Indy race) and throws caution to the wind for the World Naked Bike Ride (founded by Vancouver's Conrad Schmidt, Director of 5-Ring Circus). YNBA catches up with the local "freak" bike collective who make choppers and art bikes from recycled machines, and looks at how cyclists are sharing the "velo love" through buildathons, street theatre, and rides. A great film exposing an under-represented but growing subculture in all it's myriad forms.
VIEW TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFYnz4JHRwM
July 1 - August 30: EXHIBIT: War & Peace: Ten Years of Edmonton Protest Graphics from the ESPA Archives
Date/Time: July 1 - Aug. 30
LOCATION: BEING RE-SCHEDULED, MORE INFO TBA
An energy-packed collection of some of ESPA's favourite anti-war, pro-peace and protest graphics and photographs from our permanent collection and the Raise My Voice independent media photo-archive.
Sept. 1 - Nov. 1: EXHIBIT: "Collapsing Colonies" featuring the Beehive Collective & other socio-visual pollinators.
Date/Time: Sept. 1 - Nov. 1
LOCATION: BEING RE-SCHEDULED, MORE INFO TBA
INFO: 434-9236 / http://www.edmontonsmallpress.org (see NoN Expo below) - (Facebook page coming soon)
The Beehive Collective is an all volunteer, non profit art-activist collective from Maine who are dedicated to making astonishingly beautiful and intricate artworks as socio-political and environmental educational tools. Their mission is to "cross-pollinate the grassroots", and they value collaborative work, creative problem solving, and dismantling colonial mentality. As the bee metaphor dictates, they are endlessly busy in the effort to illuminate the connections between single issues and the "big picture". The collective's work will also be complimented by other pollinator-centric works, and featured right through our 2008 North of Nowhere Expo as part of our exploration of Colony Collapse Disorder. This exhibit is not to be missed!
Sept. 17: FILMS: "Darfur Diaries" & "The Devil Came on Horseback" to commemorate the Sept. 17 International Day for Darfur and pressure the UN to take meaningful action on the genocide. Darfur is this decade's Rwanda. People need your help.
LOCATION & TIMES: TBA
Darfur Diaries: In October, 2004 a team of three independent filmmakers left for Darfur, Sudan and eastern Chad. After monitoring the worsening political and humanitarian crisis for months and recognizing that the mainstream media offered marginal and inadequate coverage, the team set out with the goal of providing a platform for the people of Darfur (both those displaced inside Darfur and those living in refugee camps in Chad) to speak for themselves about their experiences, their fears, and their hopes for the future. The conflict serves as the ongoing narrative in the film, but the focus is on the people who are living through what has been termed a “genocide.” Through the voices of refugees, displaced persons, and in particular women and children, who are always among the most vulnerable in any conflict situation, this film seeks to provide space for the marginalized victims of atrocities to speak and to engage with the world. The film probes the history, culture and heritage of Darfur as a means of deepening understanding of the crisis and a people undergoing traumatic loss but who demonstrate inspiring strength and resilience.
The Devil Came on Horseback exposes the tragedy taking place in Darfur as seen through the eyes of an American witness who has since returned to the US to take action to stop it. Using the exclusive photographs and first hand testimony of former U.S. Marine Captain Brian Steidle, The Devil Came on Horseback takes the viewer on an emotionally charged journey into the heart of Darfur, Sudan, where an Arab run government is systematically executing a plan to rid the province of it’s black African citizens. As an official military observer, Steidle had access to parts of the country that no journalist could penetrate. He was unprepared for what he would witness and experience, including being fired upon, taken hostage, and being unable to intervene to save the lives of young children. Ultimately frustrated by the inaction of the international community, Steidle resigned and returned to the US to expose the images and stories of lives systematically destroyed. * AWARDS: WINNER: SEEDS OF WAR AWARD & FULL FRAME/WORKING FILM AWARD Full Frame Documentary Film Festival; WITNESS Award SilverDocs Film Festival 2007; Lena Sharpe / Women in Cinema Persistence of Vision Award / Seattle International Film Festival 2007, Adrienne Shelly EXCELLENCE IN FILMMAKING Award /Nantucket Film Festival.
VIEW TDCOH TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UyvoSaocUQ
SEE WEBSITES: http://www.darfurdiaries.org and http://www.thedevilcameonhorseback.com (Facebook page coming soon)
Sept. 21: FILM: Re-screening of "Encounter Point" to commemorate the Sept. 21 International Day of Peace.
LOCATION & TIME: TBA
Film Synopsis: "Encounter Point" is a feature documentary about everyday leaders - a former Israeli settler, a Palestinian ex-prisoner, a bereaved Israeli mother, a wounded Palestinian bereaved brother - who risk their lives and public standing to promote a nonviolent end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the face of violence and immense loss, these individuals step forward to end the circle of hate and promote reconciliation. *AWARDS: Winner, 2006 San Francisco International Film Festival Audience Award for Best Documentary; Official Selection, Vancouver Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Jerusalem Film Festival, Hot Docs, Dubai Int'l Film Festival; Top 5 Picks, Hot Docs. VIEW TRAILER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiZ7vlRf8aI
Coming Oct. 17-31, 2008: FESTIVAL: "The 2008 North of Nowhere Expo" a multidisciplinary festival of independent media & underground art - films, visual art, skillshares & more. Feature exhibitions by 'living legend' Mail Artist Anna Banana; Iranian artist Lida Sherafatmand (creator of the Humanitarian Art Manifesto); a multidisciplinary exploration of Colony Collapse Disorder featuring the Beehive Collective and educational documentaries; our 2nd Annual Pinwheels for Peace; plus a 10th Anniversary Retrospective of ESPA's first decade of rabble-rousing (hosted by ArtsHab), featuring a remarkable exhibition of the best small press, zines, mail art, artistamps, political prints and underground art from our permanent collection. Various venues including ArtsHab, Happy Harbor Comics and more TBA.
ANNA BANANA: http://mypage.uniserve.com/~a_banana
LIDA SHERAFATMAND: http://www.lida-sherafatmand.com
CCD FILM LINKS: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/bees and http://www.vanishingbees.com
PINWHEELS FOR PEACE http://www.pinwheelsforpeace.com
More details coming soon!
* All dates & times subject to slight change - see our website or Facebook group page for updates.
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Edmonton Small Press Association (ESPA)
P.O. Box 75086 RPO
Edmonton, Alberta
T6E 6K1 Canada
780-434-9236
http://www.edmontonsmallpress.org
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18332213920
