Sunday 31 March 2013

Canada pulls out of UN convention devoted to fighting droughts


CBC, Wpg Free Press, Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, etc. have all reported that the Canadian federal government is pulling out of a United Nations convention that fights droughts in Africa and elsewhere, which would make Canada the only country in the world outside the agreement.  (You can read more by clicking any of the newspaper links.)  This government decision is being reported at the end of this month, when the Environmental Lakes Area, another scientific initiative critically important in responding to climate change, officially loses Harper gov't support - today, actually - March 31.

Submitted by Gareth

Thursday 28 March 2013

Primer on Treaties coming Saturday

James Wilson, the commissioner of Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba (a "neutral body mandated to encourage discussion, facilitate public understanding, and enhance mutual respect between all peoples in Manitoba") has written a column in today's (March 28) Winnipeg Free Press (Page A14), in which he is alerting WFP readers to look for Saturday's (March 30) special edition called Our Past - Our Future.

Stephanie Woodhouse shows $5 bills she collected on behalf of herself and children at annual treaty payment at The Forks last June. (Source: Winnipeg Free Press)


Wilson writes:  "Over the section's many pages, you will experience stories shared by individuals and communities who have battled rampant racism and, together, made huge strides to overcome their racially charged histories.
You will learn a lot more about current issues such as urban reserves and the potential for the Kapyong land to be transformed into a thriving area for economic development, if that decision moves ahead. You will also hear about the successes in Saskatchewan, which is 20 years ahead of Manitoba when it comes to building these kinds of business partnerships.
We also invite you to learn more about Idle No More and the growing frustration that gave rise to this movement and to take a look back in time for a primer on the historical treaties, signed over the last 100 years, and how they are celebrated on Treaty Day each summer."

You can read Wilson's entire column here. 

- Submitted by Gareth N.

Wednesday 27 March 2013

Homesteader Festival, June 1

Mike and Gareth had a brief conversation after yesterday's meeting about this event on June 1.  Fraserwood, Manitoba is along Hwy 7, under an hour (by car) north of Winnipeg, just west of Gimli.

This looks like a lot of fun.  With its focus on DIY (do it yourself), we think it would be a day to connect with notions of 'simple living', combined with good food and music.

The long-term weather forecast for June 1 is excellent - seriously!



One does have to buy tickets (early bird tickets are $30, until March 31 - after that $40).  That's just a few days from now!  Maybe we could borrow a schoolbus, and travel together.  What a hoot.

Find out about workshops, lunch (included in ticket price), and other information here.

- Submitted by Gareth

Bono: "God is in the Slums"

Bono's Famed Remarks to the 2006 National Prayer Breakfast
Photo-Source: http://webpages.scu.edu

This statement was part of a speech Bono made at the 2006 National Prayer Breakfast.  It was used in yesterday's Just Living meeting, as a prayer to conclude our biblical exploration of Amos, the Old Testament prophet who, over 2,500 years ago, was God's voice calling for justice.

“God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them.”- Bono

Bono's speech, dubbed a sermon by many, was delivered on February 2, 2006 at the Washington DC Hilton, by activist and rock star Bono, to the 51st annual National Prayer Breakfast, attended by President George Bush and hundreds of national leaders. Bono is an energetic, non-partisan AIDS and anti-poverty activist who focuses his crusade on Africa. His remarks at the 2006 National Prayer Breakfast have been widely acclaimed as a uniquely powerful blend of faith and the mission of governments. 

You can read the rest of his speech at this 2006 event here.

- Submitted by Gareth

Monday 25 March 2013

IDLE NO MORE, Public Conversation and Round Dancing

On March 18, a group of about 50 attended a “Public Conversation” about Idle No More, presented by Fort Garry United Church and St. Paul’s Anglican.  Corie, Karla, Kathleen and Gareth were among those attending the evening.  Adrian Jacobs (Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre) and Nigaanwewi  James Sinclair (Aboriginal Student Centre, U of M) each spoke for about 30 minutes, followed by a question period. This is a very brief summary of the main points of the evening.

Adrian Jacobs spoke first, detailing the various colonial legacies that have made it very difficult for First Nations to experience justice today.  Historically, indigenous peoples have suffered from
·      Colonialism, with its external locus of control
·      The Indian Act (see first point)
·      The breaking of treaties
·      Residential schools
·      Systemic racism
·      Poverty
·      Metis invisibility

Kathleen, Karla, Corie hearing about Idle No More
He explained that most of these issues have been urgent for 150 years, and that attention to them didn’t begin with Idle No More.  Today, the following continue to contribute to ongoing social inequality
·      Globalization
·      Migration /  transience
·      Loss of language and culture
·      Disconnection to the land
·      Disease related to poverty (e.g. Type 2 Diabetes, worsened by “colonial” diet of white flour / sugar / fat)




Nigaan Sinclair spoke extensively about the issue of treaties, beginning by describing how these treaties were understood to be between two equitable partners, and therefore reciprocal.  He likened these treaties to “making us family”.

Currently, there are three main areas of urgency, Neegan explained:

Nigaan S. with Treaty projected behind
1.     C45 – Omnibus legislation:  this removes First Nation territory through new leasing rules.  It also removes protection of the waters, opening the door to pipelines over rivers, and a speeded up approval process.
2.     Emergency situations, that require immediate action.  Examples: housing is terrible in places like Attwapiskat; access to water lacking in areas like Island Lake and Garden Hill First Nations.
3.     What is our relationship?  Is it one of mutual respect?  How do we begin to restore the relationship to be one of equality?

In speaking about the need for action in these three areas, Neegan elaborated on two main areas of violation, returning to some of the points made by Adrian.

1.     Violation of nationhood, which must be repaired through a restoration of treaty relationship and dignity
2.     Betrayal of the land.  Initially, First Nations had agreed to share the land, not lose the land. First Nations never  gave up title to the land, so they may be understood to still be “investors” in the land … what “dividends” will they be able to claim?

Neegan spoke of Idle No More being “over” … that it’s more important to ensure that the momentum generated by the energy of the movement not be lost, even if it isn’t called Idle No More.  He pointed to Round Dancing in malls as a peaceful and powerful action in the heart of a consumerist society, and encouraged us to be allies in non-violent, celebrative actions.   

So, this past Friday, some of us from “Just Living” attended a Round Dance in centre-court of Polo Park.  Wonderful energy, as shoppers and dancers mingled, transforming the spirit of the place.


- Submitted by Gareth N.

Sunday 24 March 2013

PALM SUNDAY - AN UNEXPECTED PERSPECTIVE


The Donkey                                                            
When fishes flew and forests walked 
And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood
Then surely I was born;

With monstrous head and sickening cry
And ears like errant wings,
The devil's walking parody 
On all four-footed things.

The tattered outlaw of the earth,
Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me:
I am dumb,
I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour;
One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,
And palms before my feet.

G.K.Chesterton

Submitted by Karla W.

MB/NW Ont Conference Bulletin, Mar 20, 2013

There are a couple of items that might be of interest to the JL group. Check out the items re mining companies and "Right Relations".  You can find the link in the Recommended Websites List under "MB/NW ONT UC Conference".  Also here.

Mining:
Did you know:  Approximately 75 percent of the world’s mining companies are registered in Canada. Various Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, both in Canada and abroad, have raised serious concerns regarding the impact of mining activities in their communities, including by certain Canadian companies.  Find out more about the petition and how to take action.

Right Relations:
Right Relations Home Groups formed following the 2008 United Church event held at Pinawa, Manitoba —a Right Relations gathering that was composed of an equal number of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal attendees.

These groups have committed to a five-year process — as does a national Living into Right Relations Task Group — of living into Right Relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in their respective areas.

To subscribe or to obtain earlier Updates and information, contact John Bird, Program Coordinator - Aboriginal Justice & Right Relations -  jbird@united-church.ca (mailto:jbird@united-church.ca)
- Submitted by Bev R.

Friday 22 March 2013

TURN YOUR LIGHTS OUT, SATURDAY, MARCH 23




MANITOBANS ENCOURAGED TO TURN OUT THE LIGHTS,
JOIN THE WORLD IN INTERNATIONAL EARTH HOUR 2013:  GORD MACKINTOSH

                           


Manitobans are asked to join individuals, organizations and communities around the world in celebrating International Earth Hour 2013, Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh said today.

To see the official video, click here.

"Turning off the lights for one hour is a small step but it symbolizes the simple changes we can make to green our lifestyle," said Mackintosh.  "When enough people make these small changes, we collectively have a large effect in the fight against climate change."

Manitobans are encouraged to turn off the lights for one hour tomorrow from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. as a symbol of taking action against climate change.

The minister noted the province is committed to demonstrating green leadership in government as part of Tomorrow Now - Manitoba's Green Plan, the province's eight-year strategic plan for protecting the environment while ensuring a strong economy.

Government offices will be participating in the initiative by turning off interior lights in both urban and rural provincial buildings.  Provincial employees are also being asked to turn off computer monitors and lights in the workplace before leaving work at the end of the week.

"Government must set an example to reduce the effects of climate change and taking part in an initiative like this is an important part of showing green leadership," said Mackintosh.  "We can all make a difference through small actions like unplugging unused electrical appliances, switching off lights when leaving a room or parking the car and using alternative transportation to get to work."

More information can be found at www.wwf.ca/earthhour/, where individuals can sign up to participate at home.  For more information on TomorrowNow - Manitoba's Green Plan, visit:
www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/tomorrownowgreenplan/.

- Submitted by Karla W.

Sunday 17 March 2013

Introducing the Maquila Solidarity Network

A link to the Maquila Solidarity Network has been added to the Recommended Website List.  The Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN) is a labour and women's rights organization that supports the efforts of workers in global supply chains to win improved wages and working conditions and a better quality of life.

The March 5 "Maquila Solidarity Wire" can be found here.

Submitted by Bev R.

Saturday 16 March 2013

"Simpler Living" - Valerie Hiebert Lecture


“SIMPLER LIVING” AND LEARNING ABOUT CONSUMER CULTURE

“Simpler Living” is the way Valerie Hiebert of Providence College describes her ongoing journey to live more justly in today’s consumer culture. Six Augustine members attended her lecture on March 9 at McNally Robinson.

One of the slides she used in her presentation gave us several strategies to try:




Her presentation was inspiring because of her own attempts at simpler living, and the explanation she provided of historical forces that have shaped our culture and made it difficult to live out these simpler values.

In her case, her family now lives in the country, raising sheep and chickens, bartering with neighbours and, each day, trying to move towards simpler living. But she stressed that simpler living is a journey, not a destination. We can all wade in at the shallow end, shopping more justly, simplifying, looking more at what we need instead of what we want. Her journey started with simply changing her shopping patterns by shopping at thrift stores. We can all start wherever we have the most passion – by shopping more justly (she provided a list of merchants in the sweatshop “hall of shame.”); by eating locally; by simplifying our lives.

“Don’t be overwhelmed,” she said. “Start simply with what you have a passion for and live that with joy. Don’t judge others who are walking the same road but in different ways.”

One of the main strengths of her presentation was learning the history of how our society has come to be a consumer society and how difficult that makes it to live more simply.  Valerie described the forces that changed our culture from one in which people lived in self-sufficient communities to our present global consumer society.   She described how, in the 17th century, Elizabeth I popularized the concept of “fashion” which created a desire for newness. (Elizabeth I died because of a lead-based make-up she popularized.)  Then, the industrial revolution replaced craftsmen’s shops and local markets with mass-produced goods. The opening of the new world brought colonization and more goods. The concept of “shopping” began, a concept which really took off with the development of the department store in the 1800’s.

She drew a direct line from these early forces to George Bush’s response on 9/11 when he told Americans the strongest response to international terrorism was for Americans to get out and shop.

Valerie’s presentation is available at:

Submitted by Mike M.

Friday 15 March 2013

NEECHI COMMONS OPENING - DETAILS


Message from Neechi Commons.  Submitted by Mike M.
"We hope to see you at the Grand Opening celebration of Neechi Commons (www.neechi.ca ) next Tuesday, March 19, 2013. An invitation in poster form is included. We would much appreciate it if you would help circulate it. (We especially welcome former customers of Extra Foods, Zellers, Reidiger’s, Kelekis, Alycia’s, The Wagon Wheel and The Shanghai! J ) Alongside Grand Opening specials, the highlights of the program are as follows:"
 
8:30   refreshments & music
9:00   opening prayer
9:10   greetings, acknowledgements, ribbon cutting
9:45   open for business & tours
10:30 round dance led by students from David Livingstone Elementary School
11:00 Fabuki Daiko
11:30 acoustic harmonica & fiddle music: students from R B Russell Vocational School
12:00 variety of performers up to mid-afternoon

Thursday 14 March 2013

Ethical Eggs and Pork at Calgary Co-op

This story may be of interest to Just Living's participants, in view of our discussion about purchasing ethically produced food.  During Wednesday's AGM, the majority of Calgary Co-op members voted in favour of their grocery store selling cage-free pork and eggs.  The vote was sparked by a motion from one of the members, who said most consumers don't realize the conditions surrounding what they're buying.  "For the hens", he  said, "not even space to properly extend their wings and for the pork, the sows can only take one step forward, one step back."  More details here

Wednesday 13 March 2013

Manitoba & NW Ontario Conference Bulletin - re. Bill C18



There is some good material listed in the Manitoba & Northwestern Conference weekly bulletin regarding Bill C18.  You can access the bulletin by following the link below.

Submitted by Bob G.

Manitoba & Northwestern Conference Bulletin - March 13

Poor Penny

Sharon Bajer has produced a new web-series on homelessness for the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg. It features Poor Penny. Penny will post new videos every Monday. She can be found on Facebook, Twitter (@poorpennywpg) and YouTube. Please forward to friends who may be interested if you support her messages.


Submitted by Maureen M.

Monday 11 March 2013

JUST LIVING CONVERSATION 10/03/13


Augustine United Church
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Submitted by Karla W.

The meeting commenced in Bob’s office where Gareth gave a brief tutorial on the basic format and workings of our Blog. After some discussion regarding the challenges relating to navigating through the “stuff of Blogs”, Gareth kindly offered to post information for members that did not yet feel comfortable doing so. Members can send Gareth information via email.

We reconvened in the Guild Hall and began our meeting proper with Bob saying a prayer. Forming a circle, the members were each, in turn, given a chance to speak…a “checking in” of sorts.

BILL 18

Bill 18 was the first item of discussion. Bob related some of his experience with regards the unfolding of events surrounding his interview and the resulting article in the Winnipeg Sun. Kathleen shared about her discussions with Gareth and Patrick from the Rainbow Resource Ministry about how they and perhaps other representatives from Augustine and the Rainbow Resource Ministry may make a joint-presentation to the government about the Bill when it “goes to committee” in the spring. Kathleen emphasized her concern that the focus and original intent of the Bill (i.e. the protection of all children) not be lost in all of the hype and anxiety about “homosexual lifestyles” that some conservative churches and schools are focusing on. Gareth noted that some faith-based schools have established GSAs (e.g. West Gate Mennonite).

There was some discussion about the portrayal and playing out of these events in the media, particularly when religious institutions are at odds…somehow the intended message is lost in all the hype. Mike expressed concern that Augustine, standing on its own may lose ground and /or credibility and stressed the importance of “being prepared” for fallout or backlash against Augustine’s controversial stand by seeking out allies, particularly among other faith groups. In this way we could stand as a united front and not just be viewed as a predictable (“that affirming United Church in the village”) voice. This would demonstrate that there are many other churches and Christians (and we know there are) who stand in favor of Bill 18.

He went on to say how he felt that the bulk of Christendom is not yet at the progressed state of sanctioning the GLBT lifestyle. Bob agreed, remarking that he had some ideas as to avenues to pursue in order to gain support for Augustine’s stand on the matter. Discussion ensued on potential allies, and what would be the best strategy to make connections. Gareth noted some recent welcoming community ministries (i.e. Hope Mennonite). There was some discussion around the affirming nature of Rady Center and some of the cities synagogues. Maureen stated she had heard that Faith Lutheran Church also identifies as welcoming/affirming.

We agreed that the time passed too quickly and regretted not being able to share more reviews and experiences of the various events of the past week. Mike offered to submit a review/summary of the Providence Series Lecture that a number of Augustinians attended on the Saturday evening presentation entitled Living To Consume Or Consuming To Live. 
 

Karla mentioned she had made some connections during a bridging workshop at the Idle No More symposium at the U of M this past Friday and shared our Blog address with others interested in issues of justice (more to follow on this symposium at a later date).

The group closed with a prayer poem led by Kathleen.

*Reminder, the next JL meeting will be held Tuesday, March 26th at Christine’s home. Please see group email for details.

OVERDRESSED - A book recommendation

OVERDRESSED:  The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion

This morning, while grabbing a coffee at Stella's bakery, I sat next to a young woman reading a book. Noticing the title, OVERDRESSED:  The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion, I asked whether she would mind telling me what it's about.  She told me that it's about what the conditions are like where most clothing, shoes, and even textiles are produced, in order for us to buy them cheaply.  While there isn't much "new" in the book, she said, she would recommend it as a book to raise awareness about the issue.



We had a thought-provoking conversation about the complexity of making good purchasing decisions, whether clothing, food or 'whatever'.  So, this may be a good read for those in Just Living who want to focus on purchasing ethically.  As the quote from 'The Nation' says: "OVERDRESSED  does for T-Shirts and leggings what FAST FOOD NATION did for hamburgers and fries."

There is also a website:  OVERDRESSED: The book

Submitted by Gareth N.

Wpg Free Press: Letters

This letter was published in the Winnipeg Free Press today (March 11).  After yesterday's Just Living meeting, during which we expressed the hope of finding allies in other faith groups to stand up in favour of Bill 18, this letter is very encouraging.  And ... there is a connection to Augustine.  The writer's daughter,  Maggie, attends Augustine regularly with her kids.

"I had hoped that your reporter had misquoted the preacher in his March 7 story 'Sermon rips anti-bullying bill'.  But I listened to the whole sermon on the church's website and, to my dismay, found his words as reported.

As a Christian and a pastor in an evangelical Christian church, I realize that the pastor's words reflect on me by association, and I feel compelled to declare that I am ashamed of what he said.

I believe that he has misrepresented the faith we share and has presented a distorted reading of both the Bible and of the society in which Bill 18 is needed.  He has brought the church into disrepute.  This sermon is destined to become an example for the negative definition of 'bully pulpit'.  

Dan N.

And here's another one, while we're at it:

I am a straight, 20 year-old female Christian and I completely agree with Bill 18.  I, along with many other Christians, am ashamed of the horrendous portrayal of the Christian religion in the media.

I would like to apologize for the judgment and hate towards the LGBT community.  As a Christian, I believe that respect is the bottom line for everyone.  It doesn't matter who you are - bullying is always wrong.

Bethany E.

Notes:  
  1. The majority of the letters in today's Free Press write in favour of Bill 18, and oppose the message of Ray Duerksen (Southland Church, Steinbach). 
  2. While both of these writers were identified in the Free Press by their last names, full last names are not used in the Just Living blog, to protect personal identities from being 'googled'.

Sunday 10 March 2013

Two Events, related to theme "New Neighbours", recommended by the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council

Augustine's Lent theme is "Know your Neighbour, Love your Neighbour".  Today's specific theme was "New Neighbours".  After coffee-time at noon, Carlos Vialard, Manager of Settlement Services for the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council, introduced Augustinians to the work of Welcome Place.  Toward the end of this interesting presentation, he shared information about two events ahead:

Bashir Lazhar

By Evelyne de la Chenelière, translated by Morwyn Brebner
March 14 – 24 2013 at the Rachel Browne Theatre

Opening Night is Thursday, March 14, 8 p.m.
RSVP by March 11 - ph. 204-989-2400 or theatrep@mts.net (first come, first served)

Bashir Lazhar is the acclaimed English translation of de la Chenelière’s exquisite, humanistic and topical play about a substitute teacher helping a traumatized middle school class in the wake of his own path through violent upheaval. Dispensing with conventional teaching methods, he tries to prepare his students for an unpredictable world.

Bashir Lazhar is a story concerned with the language of loss, the process of grieving and the things that compel us forward when our world is no longer recognizable. It is a celebration of survival through love.

For more information, follow this link:
theatreprojectsmanitoba/bashir-lazhar

Stories From New Canadians

Sunday, March 17 - 4 p.m. at Cinematheque

These films offer unique stories and perspectives coming from different corners of the world - from Bosnia, Bhutan, Cambodia and Zimbabwe.  The stories range from the experiences of new refugees in Canada, those who have made a life here and why their experience back home had driven them away.

For more information, follow this link:
Stories from New Canadians

WORDS THAT INSPIRE


NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL COMMITTED CITIZENS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD. 
INDEED, IT'S THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS!
Margaret Mead




posted by Karla W.

Sonnets of the Cross

After posting Bathanti's poem a few days ago, I wanted to know more about his poetry.  Joseph Bathanti's "Sonnets of the Cross" are based on the fourteen Stations of the Cross.  The spirituality embodied in these sonnets is "unconventional and iconoclastic".  Their Christ is a "brilliant laborer with a blazing social conscience and abiding love who is wrongly convicted then executed despite His innocence".  The collection is available from the publisher.


http://www.jacarpress.com/2013/02/

submitted by Gareth N.

Saturday 9 March 2013

Slow Church

Submitted by Gareth N.


I read an article this morning, which connects with our group’s wish to live simply, to live thoughtfully.  I’ve excerpted part of that article here in this post, so that you get a sense of what it’s about.  The article describes how the "Slow Food" movement, which emerged in the 1980's in Italy, has spawned other movements (Slow Cities, Slow Parenting), and now also "Slow Church".


Slow movements are beginning to recover what we have lost in our relentless pursuit of efficiency. Many Christians have been challenged by these Slow movements to consider the ways in which our faith has begun to move too fast as we make sacrifices to the gods of efficiency.

This quest has sparked a renewed interest in the joys of sharing life together in local congregations and has intensified into a growing conversation—rather than a movement—called Slow Church. Slowness itself is not a cardinal virtue of Slow Church, but rather a means of resisting the present-day powers of speed in order to be faithful church communities.




 To read the whole article, follow this link.



Jesus Is Stripped of His Garments

I find this poem powerful, especially now, during this season of Lent.  It is published in the March 2013 edition of Sojourners.  Submitted by Gareth N.



Hemorrhaging from the concertina
crown, brass knuckles, scourging, cigarette burns,
lurching the last meter of Golgotha
where He must dangle three hours in urns
of japing ether, He drops His bloody tree.
Executioners rip His clothes away,
cut cards for His keepsake convict jersey.
He's not uttered a word except to pray
for the spike drivers limbering their mauls
to fasten the scripture of agony.
He's ready for the juice, the black hood, spalls
of sniper fire, the hangman's ennui.
Naked upon the whorled slab he lay,
dreaming of the governor's last-second stay.

Joseph Bathanti, the poet laureate of North Carolina, teaches creative writing at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. His most recent collection is Sonnets of the Cross (Jacar Press, 2012).

Thursday 7 March 2013

No Longer Idle...now what? Transforming the energy of "IDLE NO MORE" into real change for communities with Wab Kinew

Dynamic speaker, Wab Kinew, exceeded my already high expectations with his hour long presentation sponsored by the University of Winnipeg at the Selkirk Street campus yesterday.

Charting the chronological unfoldling of the grassroots origins of "Idle No More" to the present day lower profile, "less newsworthy" yet significant actions of the movement, Wab demonstrated an unwavering deep devotion to the movement and to teaching others to work towards a timely resolution. Weaving humour into his intelligent and well organized PowerPoint presentation (all the while holding a sacred eagle feather) the time went by very quickly.


Key points were:
 ~"Idle No More", despite support/favour from political parties or other groups needs to remain non-partisan.
~The treaties were created in good faith with the Crown (Governor General) and Federal Government and that is who First Nations leaders want to continue dealing with in matters relating to all treaties.
~The Indian Act should not be abruptly removed (as has been proposed by the Federal Conservatives). A well considered transition to a more inclusive way of living while honouring treaty rights needs to come to pass so as not to inflict further culture shock on recovering generations of First Nations peoples.
~The effect of culture and language loss due to modern forces such as communication technology and media is a roadblock in efforts to heal and reclaim lost culture.

~One proposed solution to find a way out and to begin to heal the multigenerational problems and abuses that have become a consequence of the residential schools was presented. Wab cites teachings from the book, The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg, as being a tool to break the cycle of the many insidious abuses and high suicide rates of his aboriginal brothers and sisters.
i.e. Cue/routine/reward being the basic cycle of emotional pain. Nothing can be done to prevent a cue  from occuring (a trigger which causes the hurt) nor can the need for reward be changed. Only the routine or "habit" can be altered to affect a more positive, life giving individual change in order to create collective change.

Wab shared a small piece on the issue of the residential schools. He told us that the effects from the residential schools have, by some, been likened to the intended goal of the Neutron bomb. This bomb was designed to make all the inhabitants of a place disappear while leaving the land and it's resources intact and untouched. This metaphor served as a stark reminder of the unthinkable human violation that was imposed on First Nations families. One native elder who was present spoke up and said that "they didn't ever really win" and that her mother never gave up remembering..."she died fighting". 

In closing, Wab shared his personal Declaration Of Dedication that outlines his commitment to healthy living (physically, emotionally and spiritually) every day in order to be his personal best. He encourages aboriginal youth to value themselves in the same way. He then sang a wonderful song, first in Ojibway then translated to English...happy and loving, infused with some very articulate rap :)

Four members of our Just Living group attended (Cori, Mike, Amanda and Karla). We were all in agreement that the heartfelt presentation was not only informative, but powerful. 
I felt privileged and was very thankful I was able to attend.



Wab sings/raps his message
Submitted by Karla W.

Augustine UC in the Wpg Sun

Good article in the Sun about Augustine - congrats to the team that's getting the messages up on the board and to Bob for doing the interview with the paper.

 
Cheers,

Nancy

Wednesday 6 March 2013

Idle No More – a Public Conversation

March 18, 7-9 p.m.
Fort Garry United, 800 Point Road, Winnipeg

Speakers: Adrian Jacobs from Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre and Nigaanwewi James Sinclair, Aboriginal Student Centre, University of Manitoba

All are welcome to listen and question and learn about some of the issues involved.
Co-Sponsored by Fort Garry United and St Paul's Anglican Churches.


Submitted by Bob G.

Tuesday 5 March 2013

New Recommended Blog:  Moderator Gary Paterson

Don R. sent an email introducing us to the blog of Gary Paterson, the United Church of Canada's moderator, recommending a recent post titled "Sticks and Stones", which addresses the issue of bullying.  Don adds:  "He raises concerns and tells of his experience making the rounds of the Church on issues such as the one I've forwarded to you.  There have been others since this one, and previous posts are worth a look.  Most of the time his stuff is bang on."  You'll find "Sticks and Stones" by clicking the link found in "Recommended Blogs".  Thank you, Don.

Monday 4 March 2013

Inspirational quote

Karla W. wanted to share this quote...


Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.


                                                                                        Martin Luther King Jr.      

NEECHI COMMONS GRAND OPENING

March 19

Ready to go!

You are invited to the Grand Opening of Winnipeg's Neechi Commons on Tuesday, March 19, 2013.  The ribbon cutting ceremony starts at 9:00 a.m.  Information about other special events on Grand Opening day will follow.  In the meantime, a phased opening of the beautiful new facility at 865 Main Street is now in progress.  The grocery, produce, bakery and catering departments are now open to the general public, with further inventory and new sections of the community business complex being added daily.  The restaurant opens this Wednesday and the meats section is expected to open by the end of the week.  Current store hours are Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm; and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. 


Submitted by Mike M.


SHIFT CHANGE: THE MOVIE

There's a lot happening this week!!  The Social Purchasing Portal has promoted this film premiere on their facebook site.  It's showing at the Gas Station Tuesday evening (March 6), right across from Augustine.  As the folks at SSP claim:  You won't want to miss it!

Gas Station Theatre; Tuesday evening; 7 p.m.;  Free Admission


Here's more information about the film:

"SHIFT CHANGE is a documentary film by veteran award-winning filmmakers Melissa Young and Mark Dworkin. It tells the little known stories of employee owned businesses [in the USA and Spain] that compete successfully in today’s economy while providing secure, dignified jobs in democratic workplaces.

With the long decline in US manufacturing and today’s economic crisis, millions have been thrown out of work, and many are losing their homes. The usual economic solutions are not working, so some citizens and public officials are ready to think outside of the box, to reinvent our failing economy in order to restore long term community stability and a more egalitarian way of life.


There is growing interest in firms that are owned and managed by their workers. Such firms tend to be more profitable and innovative, and more committed to the communities where they are based. Yet the public has little knowledge of their success, and the promise they offer for a better life."


Sunday 3 March 2013

CHASING ICE: The movie



On the weekend, we saw a trailer for the movie "Chasing Ice" at Cinematheque.  It will be showing at Cinematheque on March 20 and 21 at 7 p.m..  It looks very good.  Rotten Tomatoes gives the documentary a 95%.  We plan to see it, and are open to seeing it on either evening.  Submitted by Kathleen V and Gareth N.

SYNOPSIS
In the spring of 2005, acclaimed environmental photographer James Balog headed to the Arctic on a tricky assignment for National Geographic: to capture images to help tell the story of the Earth’s changing climate. Even with a scientific upbringing, Balog had been a skeptic about climate change. But that first trip north opened his eyes to the biggest story in human history and sparked a challenge within him that would put his career and his very well-being at risk.
Chasing Ice is the story of one man’s mission to change the tide of history by gathering undeniable evidence of our changing planet. Within months of that first trip to Iceland, the photographer conceived the boldest expedition of his life: The Extreme Ice Survey. With a band of young adventurers in tow, Balog began deploying revolutionary time-lapse cameras across the brutal Arctic to capture a multi-year record of the world’s changing glaciers.
As the debate polarizes America and the intensity of natural disasters ramps up globally, Balog finds himself at the end of his tether. Battling untested technology in subzero conditions, he comes face to face with his own mortality. It takes years for Balog to see the fruits of his labor. His hauntingly beautiful videos compress years into seconds and capture ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate. Chasing Ice depicts a photographer trying to deliver evidence and hope to our carbon-powered planet.

Find the movie website at  Chasing Ice, The Movie 



Here's an excerpt from an NPR review:
Chasing Ice acknowledges the political resistance to climate-change data with montages of comments from news-channel talk shows. This is one of the conventional aspects of Orlowski's stylistically unadventurous movies. There's also an overbearing, derivative score that culminates with an end-credit song performed, unnecessarily, by Scarlett Johansson and Joshua Bell.
What sustains the film are neither words nor music but spectacular images of places few people have ever seen. They're in a region Balog calls "insanely, ridiculously beautiful," a phrase that Orlowski's images fully justify. The movie also includes some of Balog's still photographs, placed in context to show how the photographer works.
The documentary's climax, however, was shot during an event that Balog didn't see with his own eyes. It's a landscape-altering "calving" during which a melting glacier suddenly cracks, shimmies and collapses, as if being swallowed from inside. As Orlowski and two patient EIS team members watch, the likely future of the polar regions transpires in real time.
In Hollywood these days, such epic transformations are rendered with computers and called "morphing." Offering a lesson both to filmmakers and climate-change deniers, Chasing Ice demonstrates how much more powerful it is to capture the real thing.