Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Many recent events have brought the issues of Canadian military veterans to public attention. There is concern about suicide and they often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some come home with missing limbs, many are not sure where to fit in, and what their future holds. Most people has little idea what veterans have experienced before they return to civilian life. The speaker works for an organization, CANPRAXIS, which offers programs to Canada’s veterans. He will explore the reasons for depression, the stigma of weakness, and a variety of other issues, including recent cuts to services, which veterans face upon discharge whether through retirement or injury. He will help us understand what they need from the federal Government and from us as a society. Speaker: Steve Critchley Steve Critchley is a practicing mediator with international experience. He has taught mediation programs overseas in the UK, Italy, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Dubai. During the Bosnian war, Steve witnessed human conflict at its worst. His experiences included negotiating with armed belligerents and establishing small local areas of trust and cooperation. Steve has acted as a Harassment Investigator, a Harassment Advisor, and as an Assisting Officer for the Canadian Forces during harassment complaints and investigations. He started the Certificate Program in Conflict Management offered at the University of Calgary by the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society. Steve has been involved in large group mediations including directors, managers, Human Resources, Union officials, lawyers, advocates, foremen, supervisors, and laborers. Issues have included harassment complaints, performance reviews, wrongful dismissal, and breakdown in communication and job performance. Moderator: Ed Bardock Date: Thursday, March 27, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)

Many recent events have brought the issues of Canadian military veterans to public attention. There is concern about suicide and they often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some come home with missing limbs, many are not sure where to fit in, and what their future holds. Most people has little idea what veterans have experienced before they return to civilian life. The speaker works for an organization, CANPRAXIS, which offers programs to Canada’s veterans. He will explore the reasons for depression, the stigma of weakness, and a variety of other issues, including recent cuts to services, which veterans face upon discharge whether through retirement or injury. He will help us understand what they need from the federal Government and from us as a society. Speaker: Steve Critchley Steve Critchley is a practicing mediator with international experience. He has taught mediation programs overseas in the UK, Italy, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Dubai. During the Bosnian war, Steve witnessed human conflict at its worst. His experiences included negotiating with armed belligerents and establishing small local areas of trust and cooperation. Steve has acted as a Harassment Investigator, a Harassment Advisor, and as an Assisting Officer for the Canadian Forces during harassment complaints and investigations. He started the Certificate Program in Conflict Management offered at the University of Calgary by the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society. Steve has been involved in large group mediations including directors, managers, Human Resources, Union officials, lawyers, advocates, foremen, supervisors, and laborers. Issues have included harassment complaints, performance reviews, wrongful dismissal, and breakdown in communication and job performance. Moderator: Ed Bardock Date: Thursday, March 27, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)

(Special Session in partnership with the Lethbridge Public Library) Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Venue: Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery, Main Branch, 810 – 5th Ave. South Free admission, everyone welcome Many First Nations people are reacting with disappointment to the Federal Government’s proposed education legislation for First Nations that was released recently. Under the draft legislation, band councils would be allowed to operate schools directly, as some already do, but also to purchase services from provincial or regional school boards or from the private sector. First Nations could also form education authorities that would oversee one or more schools in a region, but the Federal Government would set and enforce standards for schools on reserves. As well, the minister would retain power to take over schools or school authorities if issues arise. The panel will discuss the timeline of implementation and why it is being proposed. What is the history of Federal legislation for First Nations education in Canada? What were the problems and focus of Residential Schools? How are Industrial Schools working? Are First Nations in control of education on reserves now? What is the real reason for the proposed changes? Is it all about economics? Is the notion of a balanced education that is grounded in traditional knowledge and culture getting lost in the proposed legislation? What are some key principles of traditional knowledge and culture? What is Blackfoot pedagogy and who needs to be involved while creating a blueprint for First Nations education? Where does Elders fit in? Brenda Gail Fox: Niisto niitaanikko Ma’taaki. Is currently teaching Grade One at Aahsaopi Elementary School. Completed her BA in Native American Studies minoring in Social Studies. Brenda also completed her B.Ed. in the Niitsitaapii Education Program and is currently teaching Blackfoot Language and Culture in a Grade One Class. She is also working on completing her Master's Degree in Education. Kanakii Mekaisto: Nihstawok Iikanahsoyakii, Was raised in Siksika First Nation and has a Bachelors’ Degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary. Kanakii is a candidate in the Master’s Degree program of Education at the University of Lethbridge and is at present also contracted to work as a Resource Worker at Crowfoot Elementary School in the Siksika Nation. Genevieve Bruised Head: Teaches grade 5 at Chiila Elementary School, Tsuu T'ina Nation. Genevieve is currently enrolled in the Master’s Degree program of Education at the University of Lethbridge. She previously earned her B.A/B.ED.

(Special Session in partnership with the Lethbridge Public Library) Wednesday, March 26, 2014 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Venue: Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery, Main Branch, 810 – 5th Ave. South Free admission, everyone welcome Many First Nations people are reacting with disappointment to the Federal Government’s proposed education legislation for First Nations that was released recently. Under the draft legislation, band councils would be allowed to operate schools directly, as some already do, but also to purchase services from provincial or regional school boards or from the private sector. First Nations could also form education authorities that would oversee one or more schools in a region, but the Federal Government would set and enforce standards for schools on reserves. As well, the minister would retain power to take over schools or school authorities if issues arise. The panel will discuss the timeline of implementation and why it is being proposed. What is the history of Federal legislation for First Nations education in Canada? What were the problems and focus of Residential Schools? How are Industrial Schools working? Are First Nations in control of education on reserves now? What is the real reason for the proposed changes? Is it all about economics? Is the notion of a balanced education that is grounded in traditional knowledge and culture getting lost in the proposed legislation? What are some key principles of traditional knowledge and culture? What is Blackfoot pedagogy and who needs to be involved while creating a blueprint for First Nations education? Where does Elders fit in? Brenda Gail Fox: Niisto niitaanikko Ma’taaki. Is currently teaching Grade One at Aahsaopi Elementary School. Completed her BA in Native American Studies minoring in Social Studies. Brenda also completed her B.Ed. in the Niitsitaapii Education Program and is currently teaching Blackfoot Language and Culture in a Grade One Class. She is also working on completing her Master's Degree in Education. Kanakii Mekaisto: Nihstawok Iikanahsoyakii, Was raised in Siksika First Nation and has a Bachelors’ Degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary. Kanakii is a candidate in the Master’s Degree program of Education at the University of Lethbridge and is at present also contracted to work as a Resource Worker at Crowfoot Elementary School in the Siksika Nation. Genevieve Bruised Head: Teaches grade 5 at Chiila Elementary School, Tsuu T'ina Nation. Genevieve is currently enrolled in the Master’s Degree program of Education at the University of Lethbridge. She previously earned her B.A/B.ED.

In broad terms, diversity is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another. It means respect for and appreciation of differences in ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, education, and religion. Equality is about creating a fairer society, where everyone can participate and has the same opportunities to fulfil their potential. By eliminating prejudice and discrimination, societies are generally healthier and happier. Acceptance involves understanding and togetherness; it celebrates differences and allows people of different places and lifestyles to live together and help each other. Accepting someone means that you let them completely into your heart regardless of their lifestyle or way of thinking. Tolerance involves separateness and ignorance; it requires that two sides endure each other’s presence, even though neither one enjoys it. One side is right and the other one is wrong, but there is nothing that you can do about it. You don’t understand why other people are the way they are and you don’t want to know. The speaker will bring into focus the advantage societies can gain when diversity and equality is promoted and accepted by all. Speaker: Suzanne Doerge Suzanne Doerge has been the Executive Director of the Ottawa-based organization, City for All Women Initiative (CAWI) since its founding in 2004. CAWI is a unique collaborative of women from diverse communities, organizations, and academia working with municipal decision makers to create a more inclusive city and promote gender equality. In that capacity, she coordinated a coalition of community leaders from diverse backgrounds to develop an Equity and Inclusion Lens for the City of Ottawa. Ms Doerge, who has a Masters in Adult Education, has designed and facilitated workshops on social issues for community organizations, institutions and governments locally, nationally and internationally. As an organization committed to diversity, CAWI has trained and coached women from a diversity of backgrounds to have skills for bringing their views forward to decision makers and for facilitating learning opportunities in the community that encourage health and quality of life for everyone.

In broad terms, diversity is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another. It means respect for and appreciation of differences in ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, education, and religion. Equality is about creating a fairer society, where everyone can participate and has the same opportunities to fulfil their potential. By eliminating prejudice and discrimination, societies are generally healthier and happier. Acceptance involves understanding and togetherness; it celebrates differences and allows people of different places and lifestyles to live together and help each other. Accepting someone means that you let them completely into your heart regardless of their lifestyle or way of thinking. Tolerance involves separateness and ignorance; it requires that two sides endure each other’s presence, even though neither one enjoys it. One side is right and the other one is wrong, but there is nothing that you can do about it. You don’t understand why other people are the way they are and you don’t want to know. The speaker will bring into focus the advantage societies can gain when diversity and equality is promoted and accepted by all. Speaker: Suzanne Doerge Suzanne Doerge has been the Executive Director of the Ottawa-based organization, City for All Women Initiative (CAWI) since its founding in 2004. CAWI is a unique collaborative of women from diverse communities, organizations, and academia working with municipal decision makers to create a more inclusive city and promote gender equality. In that capacity, she coordinated a coalition of community leaders from diverse backgrounds to develop an Equity and Inclusion Lens for the City of Ottawa. Ms Doerge, who has a Masters in Adult Education, has designed and facilitated workshops on social issues for community organizations, institutions and governments locally, nationally and internationally. As an organization committed to diversity, CAWI has trained and coached women from a diversity of backgrounds to have skills for bringing their views forward to decision makers and for facilitating learning opportunities in the community that encourage health and quality of life for everyone.

With Iran on the verge of deploying nuclear weapons, the Al-Qaeda global militant Islamist organization becoming more active throughout the region, the ongoing armed conflict in Syria between forces loyal to the Syrian Ba’ath Party government and those seeking to oust it and the ever changing political and security situation in Egypt, the world stands at a critical moment in Middle East affairs. The speaker will discuss the impact of these challenges for the peace process in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and the international geopolitical landscape. He will describe the numerous effects on human security, environment, energy, business, and the evolving geostrategic situation. When it comes to understanding the range of both benefits and risks, few has more knowledge to furnish comprehensive observations and honest assessments than our speaker. Speaker: Gershon Baskin Ph.D. Dr. Baskin was the initiator and the person responsible for the secret back channel between Israel and the Hamas that successfully negotiated the release of Israeli abducted soldier Gilead Schalit in October 2011 after more than five years of imprisonment. His book, The Negotiator: Freeing Gilad Schalit from Hamas was published in 2013. As Co-Director and founder of the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI) Dr. Baskin was part of a joint Israeli-Palestinian public policy “think” and “do” tank located in Jerusalem. Since January 2012, he is the Co-Chairman of IPCRI’s Board of Directors. He initiated the founding of IPCRI in 1988 following ten years of work in the field of Jewish-Arab relations within Israel, in Interns for Peace where he lived for two years in the Israeli-Palestinian village of Kufr Qara. Dr. Baskin is also a member of the steering committee of the Palestinian-Israeli Peace NGO Forum, a member of the Board of board of the Alliance for Middle East Peace and a member of the Editorial Board of the Palestinian Israeli Journal. Since January 2012, Dr. Baskin has been working to develop renewable energy projects around the Middle East. Moderator: Tad Mitsui Date: Thursday, March 13, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)

With Iran on the verge of deploying nuclear weapons, the Al-Qaeda global militant Islamist organization becoming more active throughout the region, the ongoing armed conflict in Syria between forces loyal to the Syrian Ba’ath Party government and those seeking to oust it and the ever changing political and security situation in Egypt, the world stands at a critical moment in Middle East affairs. The speaker will discuss the impact of these challenges for the peace process in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and the international geopolitical landscape. He will describe the numerous effects on human security, environment, energy, business, and the evolving geostrategic situation. When it comes to understanding the range of both benefits and risks, few has more knowledge to furnish comprehensive observations and honest assessments than our speaker. Speaker: Gershon Baskin Ph.D. Dr. Baskin was the initiator and the person responsible for the secret back channel between Israel and the Hamas that successfully negotiated the release of Israeli abducted soldier Gilead Schalit in October 2011 after more than five years of imprisonment. His book, The Negotiator: Freeing Gilad Schalit from Hamas was published in 2013. As Co-Director and founder of the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI) Dr. Baskin was part of a joint Israeli-Palestinian public policy “think” and “do” tank located in Jerusalem. Since January 2012, he is the Co-Chairman of IPCRI’s Board of Directors. He initiated the founding of IPCRI in 1988 following ten years of work in the field of Jewish-Arab relations within Israel, in Interns for Peace where he lived for two years in the Israeli-Palestinian village of Kufr Qara. Dr. Baskin is also a member of the steering committee of the Palestinian-Israeli Peace NGO Forum, a member of the Board of board of the Alliance for Middle East Peace and a member of the Editorial Board of the Palestinian Israeli Journal. Since January 2012, Dr. Baskin has been working to develop renewable energy projects around the Middle East. Moderator: Tad Mitsui Date: Thursday, March 13, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)

Arden Shibley just returned from the Sochi Winter Olympic Games after spending more than two weeks experiencing Russia’s first attempt at hosting such winter games. In words and pictures, he will speak about and depict the nature of Sochi as a city, and the effects the Olympics had on it. He will also discuss if terrorist threats affected the mood and movement of athletes, tourists and locals alike. Did controversial homophobic laws in Russia affect the games and people? How well prepared was Sochi for the Olympics? Was media coverage restricted in any way? What were the generally best and worst experiences for visitors and competitors at the games? With the speaker’s camera and keen observance, we get an inside look at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Speaker: Arden Shibley Arden Shibley is a second year New Media student at the University of Lethbridge. He also owns a local business as a professional photographer. Originally from Calgary, Arden moved to graphic design and photography following a number of years competing as a speed skater at the Olympic Oval there. After placing successfully in several photo and design competitions leading up to and during his first year of University, Arden became involved with local film and video productions and eventually began covering the World Cup Circuit and Olympic Team Selection events. Carrying the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch was the start of his passion with the games and while working to find a niche in the photography industry, Arden secured funding to travel to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games as an independent journalist. Moderator: Dylan Purcell Date: Thursday, March 6, 2014 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM Location: Country Kitchen Catering (Lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr S Cost: $11.00 (includes lunch)

Recent events has brought issues of treaties, reserves, land claims, and the Indian Act to the forefront of political discourse in Canada. The speaker has written extensively on aboriginal history, culture and politics and has a keen understanding of the relationship between Aboriginal Peoples and the Government of Canada. As part of the U of L Native Awareness Week, the speaker will explain the many issues involved regarding the Indian Act. He will also discuss whether a very different relationship between Aboriginal Peoples and the Government of Canada is necessary in order to effect real change and lasting co-operation. Speaker: Paul Chartrand LL.M. Paul Chartrand is now providing consulting and advisory services on Aboriginal issues following a university career specializing in law and policy relating to indigenous peoples. He is from the Metis community of St Laurent Manitoba. He has held academic appointments in universities in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the USA, including that of tenured Professor of Law at the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan, Visiting Scholar at Australian National University in Canberra and Director of the Aboriginal Governance graduate program at the University of Winnipeg. The author of some 60 publications, he has advised indigenous organizations on domestic and international issues, including the UN Declaration on The Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian First Ministers Conferences on Aboriginal Constitutional Reform (1984-1991). He served as a commissioner on the federal Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP), the Manitoba Aboriginal Justice Implementation Commission (AJIC), and as a founding director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. He was also the first President and CEO of the Institute on Indigenous Government in Vancouver. Moderator: Linda Many Guns Date: Thursday, March 6, 2014 Time: 4:00 – 6:00 pm Location: Room PE275, First Choice Saving Centre, University of Lethbridge Free event, free parking, everyone welcome