New podcasts, upcoming event, and welcoming new staff

Details: Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00; Written by editor

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Ancestors Voice podcast

Ancestors Voice is a new podcast hosted by Orrie Charleyboy and supported by CFSC’s Reconciliation Fund. In this first episode, available now, Orries uses gentle humour to introduce himself and the show.

Orrie’s vision for Ancestors Voice is to educate on the history of Canada’s residential schools and to share some of his personal story. Also, he will present some statistics by counting on his fingers and toes! Have a listen: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1946610/10206816

Interview with CFSC's Jennifer Preston

Indigenous Rights Program Coordinator Jennifer Preston was interviewed by an antiracism podcast about Quakerism and her work with Canadian Friends Service Committee. The discussion focused in particular around partnership with Indigenous peoples.

Jenn explains what sometimes over-used words like “reconciliation” and “decolonization” mean, practically speaking. She outlines how everyday non-Indigenous people in Canada can get started on the work of reconciliation and relationship building: https://QuakerService.ca/PathForwardPodcast

Upcoming event on food in Canada's prisons

Four panelists with lived experience of what food is like in Canada's prisons will be speaking at a free event on April 14 from 7-9 pm Eastern time. The organizers notes, "We believe that prison food is an often discounted and unaddressed topic which severely impacts the health (physically and psychologically) of incarcerated people." CFSC is pleased to sponsor this event. Find out more and register: https://www.facebook.com/events/1158604764882354/

Statement on use of Emergencies Act

CFSC is a founding member of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group (ICLMG). ICLMG recently released a statement raising important questions and issues about when the Emergencies Act can be used. The statement notes:

Blockades – in abstraction – are legitimate forms of protest. However, the blockade in Ottawa was accompanied by harassment, threats of physical and sexual violence, assaults, racist violence, incessant noise that were described as torture by downtown residents, and more....

These acts stand apart from the actions of Indigenous land defenders, anti-racism advocates, and other actions advocating for justice, democracy and emancipation which are almost always met with swift police control, arrests, and often, violence.

It is imperative, going forward, that the kinds of violence and threats seen at the blockades not be conflated with protest. Nor should it be allowed to give rise to broader invocations of either the Emergencies Act or the view that protest must be met with extraordinary policing powers.... Keep reading.

CFSC welcomes two new staff!

We're excited to announce that two new staff people have joined our small but vibrant team at Canadian Friends Service Committee.

Kerry Grier, our new Peace Program Coordinator, grew up during wartime in Zimbabwe and witnessed its horrors firsthand. She has been committed to peace ever since. Kerry went on to practice human rights law. She has also been instrumental in founding and leading multiple nonprofits focused on human rights and healthcare.

Jeremy Vander Hoek joins CFSC in the role of Assistant, CFSC Events and Indigenous Rights. He is a recent graduate of the University of Waterloo with an MA in Global Governance. His major research paper focused on issues around the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Matt Legge has now moved into the role of Communications Coordinator at CFSC and continues to facilitate r0 | Manage email preferences