Western Canada Wilderness Committee
Western Canada Wilderness Committee
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May 2008
Public Events
May Day History- Time:
- All day event
- Description:
- There are few days like May Day in our 21st Century calendar. For the past 115 years, May 1st has been a day to recognize - on the streets - the very existence of a working class, to celebrate its international solidarity, to show its strength of opposition to the bosses and their governments, and to put forth its vision for a different world. Its no wonder the US and Canadian governments have refused to officially recognize the day, offering us instead "Labour Day" in early September.
- Originally a pagan holiday celebrating the changing seasons and fertility, the modern day celebration of May Day grew out of the militant struggle for the eight-hour workday. After four anarchist labour organizers were executed in Chicago for a crime they didn't commit, May Day was declared an international working class holiday in 1889 to commemorate the "Haymarket martyrs" and the struggle for worker's rights and working class power.
- From thousands in the street burning effigies and waving red, black, and red/black flags to sedate, sparsely attended parades hosted by labour bureaucrats, May Day celebrations remain a barometer of the state of working class movements. In North American cities, the sorry state of May Day celebrations, especially over the past decade, reveals the disorientation of organized labour and the left more generally.
Check on the web about events across Canada and around the world.
- Time:
- All day event
- Description:
- The 10th annual Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Festival is May 1-4 at Johnson Hall, University of Washington. We will screen 57 films and shorts
and will be joined by notable filmmakers and speakers.
The festival starts Thursday evening as we welcome Seth Warren and his film "Oil+Water," an exuberant, biofuels-only road trip from Alaska to
Argentina punctuated by jaw-dropping whitewater kayaking. Friday evening we welcome filmmaker Judith Helfand for a screening of "Everything's
Cool." Capping off a full day of films on Saturday is a presentation by Alex Steffen of Worldchanging and a screening of "Renewal." Sunday's program includes "Woven Ways" and a panel about uranium mining on the Navajo and Spokane Indian Reservations and closes with the award-winning
"When Clouds Clear."
The festival also includes family-friendly sessions and filmmaking workshops.
These are only a few highlights -- for the full schedule, visit
http://www.hazelfilm.org/?page_id=43.
Tickets are available now though our website and Brown Paper Tickets and in person at Seattle Audubon's Nature Shop, 8050 35th Ave NE (Open 10-5, Monday through Saturday).
Also: We still have openings for volunteers at the festival. Volunteers receive one or more free tickets and other benefits. For more info, please
email sophia@hazelfilm.org.
- Time:
- All day event
- Description:
- 11th Annual Salmonberry Days is part of Dunbar's Environment Festival
Learn about growing food in your back yard, check out your neighbourhoods gardens, take a tour of the big trees in Dunbar, visit Camosun Creek and much more. Go to www.dunbar-vancouver.org and see all the events for the month
May 1 - Dunbar Food Gardeners
May 2 - Bird Talk
May 3 - Paddle to the Sea Bus
May 4 - Dawn Chorus
May 4 - Strong's Plant Sale
May 5 - History of your House
May 6 - Trees of the Second Growth Forest
May 8 - Exploring the Seashore
May 8 - Dunbar Food Gardeners
May 9 - Mackenzie Days sidewalk sale
May 10 - Heritage Bus ride to Riverveiw
May 10 - First Nations Medicine in the wild
May 13 - Trail Plant Community
May 14 - First Nations Medicine in the wild
May 15 - Riverfront Bird Walk
May 16 - Vancouver Street Names
May 17 - Camosun Bog Work Party
May 19 - Moss Walk
May 20 - Chinese Farmers of Musqueam
May 21 - Geology of Burrad Inlet
May 22 - Castle Homes of Dunbar
May 23 - Dunbar Food Gardeners
May 24 - Southlands Barn to River Trail Walk
May 25 - Salmonberry Days
May 26 - Fraser Estuary Hike
May 27 - Canosun Bog Tour
May 28 - History of our Sewers
May 29 - Volcanoes in our Backyard
May 30 - Dunbar Food Gardners
May 31 - Blenheim Street Bazaar
- Time:
- 5:30pm - 7:30pm
- Description:
- Reclaim May 1st, International Worker’s Day!
March for workers’ rights!
May Day March & Rally
5:30pm: Gather at Clark Park at Commercial Drive and East 14th
6:00 pm: May Day March
Organized by the May Day Organizing Committee
- With imperialist globalization, workers around the world are facing undeniable attacks.
- Hard-won wages, benefits and social services are now being cruelly eroded as Canada joins other imperialist countries in forcing through policies of labour flexibilization in the name of ‘free trade’ and the neo-liberal agenda.
- Even more vulnerable and under attack are Canada’s immigrant, migrant, and undocumented workers whose numbers in Canada are only increasing and whose exploitation is intensifying. Working class women are experiencing increased exploitation as cuts to welfare, daycare and other public services push women into the low-wage workforce, while they continue to perform unpaid labour in the home to take care of children and elderly people, and maintain their families. Youth are also being hard-hit by labour flexibilization and policies of imperialist globalization that are conditioning young people with ideas like “life-long learning” in the face of rising tuition fees while preparing youth to accept low-paying, unstable and perpetual contract work. Immigrant and migrant youth end-up in low-wage work at fast food chains or in factories with little to no knowledge about their rights and protection. With these rapid changes and the increasing use of cheap migrant and immigrant labour, racism is being used to divide workers in Canada, keeping us from seeing our common exploitation and enemy.
- It is not surprising that in the last decade, there has been a groundswell of workers’ and people’s discontent and protest in Canada. In B.C., workers’ have been on the verge of launching general strikes twice in the last two years. It is urgent, now more than ever, that workers and the oppressed in Canada stand together in genuine solidarity against these intensifying attacks of the imperialist system.
- Expose & Oppose the exploitation of migrant, immigrant & undocumented labour!
No to flexible labour!
Build genuine international solidarity against imperialism!
Grassroots Women
1115B E. Hastings (entrance on Glen)
Vancouver, BC V6A 1S3
web: www3.telus.net/grassrootswomen
email: grassrootswomen@telus.net
phone: 604-682-4451 (fax same #, please call first)
- Time:
- 6:30pm - 8:30pm
- Description:
- Public lectures on climate change and carbon cycling
Come and hear two local members of the Nobel Prize-winning IPCC team.
Dr. Andrew Weaver (UVic) will speak on “Global warming: The scale of the problem and the path to the solution”, and Dr. Werner Kurz (Natural Resources Canada, Pacific Forestry Centre) will speak on “Can Canada’s forests contribute to a climate change mitigation strategy?
Admission by donation, with net proceeds to Tree Canada for tree planting programs.
Location: David Lam Auditorium, University of Victoria, (MacLaurin Bldg, Room A144)
Brian Titus
Phone:(250) 363-0622
Email:btitus@nrcan.gc.ca
- Time:
- 7:00pm - 9:00pm
- Description:
- Public Meeting in Courtenay re:
Texada Liquefied Natural Gas proposal
Risks of provincial energy plan to be discussed at forum
COURTENAY BC – Georgia Strait Alliance will be hosting an evening with members of the Alliance to STOP LNG to provide Vancouver Island residents with information regarding the province’s current energy plan and WestPac's proposal for a Liquefied Natural Gas [LNG] plant on Texada Island. The proposal would bring large tankers through Georgia Strait every 10 days. Topics to be discussed include the risks that come with LNG tankers travelling in the Georgia Strait and how the public can become involved by speaking out against the tanker traffic, the gas-fired electricity generation and energy infrastructure that relies on imported fossil fuel. Deborah Connor and Arthur Caldicott of the Georgia Strait Alliance, Chuck Childress of Texada Action Now, and Eric Swanson of Dogwood Initiative will provide thoughtful, considered discourse.The evening will close with a musical presentation by Jim Erkiletian, Janette Briere and the Texada Emergency Music Company.
Thursday, May 1st, 7:00 PM
Evergreen Lounge, Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton, Courtenay
Get informed and learn what you can do to protect your health and our beautiful coast line.
Learn more now:
www.georgiastrait.org/
www.texadalng.com/
www.texadaactionnow.org/
http://www.dogwoodinitiative.org (just do a search for LNG)
- Time:
- 7:00pm - 9:00pm
- Description:
- CPAWS/Burrowing Owl Conservation Society
Guess whoooo is coming to MEC to give a talk? Charming ambassador of the Okanagan and only the size of a pop can, Beaker the Burrowing Owl will make a personal appearance to convince you why its important to protect his home sweet home in the Okanagan. Together you will learn about the new Okanagan National Park and feast your eyes on the rugged wilderness that makes up the area. (Disclaimer: Beaker does not actually talk)
130 West Broadway, Vancouver Store
- Time:
- 7:00pm - 9:00pm
- Description:
- CARTS OF DARKNESS the Movie
April 28, 29, May 1
Mon: 7:30pm, Tues: 9:15pm, Thurs: 7:30pm
Canada 2008 - Director: Murray Siple
63 min, DigiBeta
Rated: PG; coarse language
DIRECTOR IN ATTENDANCE!
The treacherous mountain roads and discarded shopping carts of North Vancouver become the rivers and boats of self-exploration for a group of homeless "free birds" who have few chances at joy... MORE INFO & TICKETS
"Former snowboarder and filmmaker Murray Siple sets his sights on a group of bottle collectors in mountainous North Vancouver who take ordinary grocery carts laden with empties down some of the steepest hills in Western Canada. The result is a strange mix of high-octane action, delicate social probing and charismatic characters that's hard to ignore, and incredibly fun to watch." — Katherine Monk, Vancouver Sun.
Presented in co-operation with the National Film Board of Canada and DOC BC.
At the VanCity Theatre
1181 Seymour Street
Vancouver
604-683-FILM (3456)
- Time:
- 7:00pm - 9:00pm
- Description:
- Invisible Hazards in the Wireless Age
A conversation with Dr. George Carlo
www.commonground.ca/iss/201/cg201_carlo.shtml
By Joseph Roberts
Dr. George Carlo is a leading authority on the dangers of radio frequency radiation and a world recognized medical scientist, author and lawyer. His career spans 30 years and more than 150 medical, scientific and public policy publications in the areas of public health, workplace safety and consumer protection. George Carlo speaks in Vancouver on May 2, 7pm, St. Andrews-Wesley Church, 1022 Nelson Street @ Burrard.
Common Ground: Your experience with radio wave health risks goes back a long time. How did you first become involved?
Dr. Carlo: This goes back to 1993 in the US when questions were raised about mobile phones being a possible cause of brain cancer. The US Congress held open hearings and it became clear that cell phones had been exempted from premarket testing. Normally, a consumer device that emits radiation, such as a mobile phone or cell phone, would go through a process of pre-marketing testing that would include a series of in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate predictions of risk to the population that would use them. Cell phones, however, were exempted from that testing based on pressure from the mobile phone industry in 1984. That input was based on science that was present in the public domain at the time that indicated that the only health effect that could follow from microwave exposure had to do with the heating of biological tissue. And because cell phones operated at very, very low power, they would not be able to heat tissue. They were, therefore, excluded from the onerous process of pre-market testing. That exemption was known as the "low power exclusion, and in retrospect, that one political mistake has put millions of people at risk of serious disease.
Following the public hearing, Congress took serious issue with both the Food and Drug Administration, which was the agency of record responsible for these radiation emitting devices, as well as with the mobile phone industry itself. Congress put both on the spot and the mobile phone industry agreed to put up what became $28.5 million dollars in research funding as long as the FDA did not ban mobile phones at the time. I was the person given the responsibility of overseeing and conducting that research. Between 1993 and 1999, with more than 200 doctors and scientists from around the world participating, and the Harvard School of Public Health reviewing more than 56 studies, we ran what still remains the largest program ever conducted in the world on the dangers of mobile telephony and wireless communications in general.
- Time:
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm
- Description:
- Dr. Stephen G. Post - Why Good Things Happen to Good People
Lecture and Meet the Author & Book Signing
Dr. Stephen G. PostBest selling author Dr. Stephen G. Post presents his new book, co-authored with Jill Neimark, Why Good Things Happen to Good People at Vancouver's Ridge Theatre (meet the author from 6:00 -7:00 pm).
Based on extensive personal and clinical research, Dr. Post draws from numerous life stories and studies on the universal healing power of giving for both receiver and giver alike.
Stephen G. Post is Professor of Bioethics, Philosophy and Religion in the School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, where he has served since 1988. He is recognized internationally for his work on the interface of science, ethics, religious thought, and behavioral medicine. In addition, he is a recognized expert on the spiritual and ethical aspects of caring for persons with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Visit www.stephengpost.com and www.unlimitedloveinstitute.com for more information.
Tickets are $15 at Banyen Books or call 604-737-8858.
- Time:
- All day event
- Description:
- Invitation: Become a Tour Guide for Jane's Walk This May
“No one can find what will work for our cities by looking at suburban garden cities, manipulation scale models, or inventing dream cities. You've got to get out and walk.”
- Jane Jacobs, Downtown is for People, 1957
On May 3 and 4, Think City is celebrating the legacy of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs with a series of free walking tours given in neighbourhoods throughout the city – and we need your help.
Think City is looking for citizens who care passionately about where they live, work and play to host walks. Jane's Walks can range from an educational lecture to experiential fun – it all depends on you. Anyone can apply to be a tour guide. All it takes is a story, an area plan and time, rain or shine. We handle all the publicity, logistics and registration.
And if you can't host a walk, please consider signing up to walk with notable guides such as Gordon Price, Annabel Vaughan, John Atkin and Ned Jacobs who are leading tours through their neighbourhoods. A list of walks will be posted on the Think City web site starting April 14.
To sign-up as a tour guide, click here or call 604-216-7246. For more details on Jane's Walk, click here.
This Think City Take Action message was brought to you by the Think City Society. If you would like to be removed from our distribution lists, just reply to this email with NO THANKS in the subject line.
- Time:
- All day event
- Description:
- Come join the St'at'imc in this celebration, camp, stay the day....or the weekend...bring a friend.
Come to the Last of the anniversaries of Sutikalh, we now have been in our camp for 8 years, the longest standing of protests, against destruction of our lands, and you are invited.
Agenda: opening prayer 12 sharp. Comments, speeches, lunch, gathering, around...drumming..closing...
Any and all donations accepted for the camp..materials, food, money.
More information: email: sutikalh2003@telus.net or call: (604) 894-2400 or (250) 256-7523
Directions to Sutikalh:
* Camp is located off Hwy. 99, half-way between Mt. Currie and Lillooet.
* Look for old logging road bridge over Cayoosh Creek. There is a banner in trees approximately 100 m. north of bridge.
* Cross bridge and camp is down logging road on right, 100 m.
The Best Way to Support Our Camp:
- Bring any food donations (rice, pasta, vegetables etc.) and/or supplies (AA, C and D batteries, candles, tarps, toilet paper etc.) directly to camp. Cash donations are also welcome.
Spread the word and stay informed.
Visit camp, consider doing a 'Tour of Duty' at Sutikalh.
IF YOU ARE IN THE VANCOUVER AREA AND HAVE SUPPLIES TO GO TO CAMP - CONTACT sutikalh@resist.ca - there are people making regular visits up there who can take donations
Background on Sutikalh
- On May 2, 2000, members of the St'at'imc nation and their allies established a permanent camp near Melvin Creek, located off Highway 99 between Mt. Currie/Pemberton and Lillooet, in the southern Interior region of BC.
- Known as Sutikalh, the St'at'imc winter spirit of the area, the camp was set up to stop government and corporate plans to build a $500 million all-season ski and recreation resort in an untouched Alpine mountain area.
- Part of the Cayoosh Moutain Range, the region is a transition zone from the coast to the Interior. It is habitat to Grizzly bears, cougar, bobcat, wolverine, deer, hawks, owls and many other small animals. It also contains one of the largest herds of Mountain Goats now remaining in North America.
- The area has been occupied and used by the St'at'imc for as long as 10,000 years, following the retreat of the last glacial period which carved out the steep-sided valleys and jagged mountain tops.
- Along with food gathering, the area was also used by shamans, who went to the mountains for purification, spiritual renewal and training. These traditions continue to be practised today at Sutikalh, where people come to gather foods, medicines, pure fresh water, and to participate in cultural and spiritual activities.
- To this day the area remains unceded, unsurrendered St'at'imc territory, in which neither Canada nor BC have legal or moral authority to govern, claim territory or even carry out business.
- That both levels of government continue to impose their authority is a violation of Canada's own laws and its highest courts (i.e., the 1763 Royal Proclamation and, to a lesser extent, the 1997 Delgamuukw Supreme Court Decision).....
ST'AT'IMC MAKE THEIR STAND AT SUTIKALH
- Just as the EAO process neared completion in 2000, the alarm was sounded. On May 2/00, the Sutikalh camp was established, and before the month ended it was decided to make it a permanent camp. From the beginning, Sutikalh has served as a rallying point for the St'at'imc. On June 11/00, over 120 people gathered at Sutikalh, including members from all 11 St'at'imc communities. The meeting overwhelmingly rejected the ski resort.
- Throughout June and July, more permanent structures were built, including construction of an Estken (a traditional pit-house). From July 27 to August 4/00, some 40 children and youth attended the camp, gathering food and medicines and participating in cultural activities.
- They also helped distribute 1500 pamphlets and collect hundreds of signatures on a petition opposed to the ski resort. On August 14/00, when the EAO gave its approval to NGR, the St'at'imc set up an information checkpoint at Sutikalh on Hwy. 99 for 17 hours.
- In Vancouver, St'at'imc representatives and several Aboriginal political organizations, along with environmentalists, protested outside the Vancouver Stock Exchange (to deter potential investors).
- This grassroots organizing helped put pressure on all 11 St'at'imc band councils to come out in opposition to the ski resort, event through some chiefs and councilors actually support development. On August 17/00, the Lillooet Tribal Council issued a letter to NGR, signed by all 11 chiefs, rejecting the ski resort.
- On October 2/00, a referendum on the ski resort was held in Mt. Currie, the closest and largest St'at'imc community to the Melvin Creek area. Of 3324 votes cast, 276 voted No, with 46 voting Yes.
- The St'at'imc have also received public support from various Aboriginal groups, including the Interior Alliance (band councils of the Southern Carrier, St'at'imc, Secwepemc, Nlaka'pamux and Okanagain), the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), the Native Youth Movement (NYM), and the Cheam First Nation.
- Several environmental groups are also opposed to the Cayoosh ski resort, including the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC), the Western Canada Wilderness Committee (WCWC), Sierra Club and even former government biologists.
- Despite government and corporate claims that there will be no environmental impact, it is obvious to anyone that a $500 million ski resort, with accommodations for 14,000 people, will have a major impact on wildlife habitat and ecosysterms. According to a financial analysis and market assessment by the EAO, the BC government stands to gain the most with an estimated $1.1 billion in revenue upon project completion.
"[The] province of BC and its residents have the most to gain economically from a project of this nature compared to possible returns to the applicant (NGR) and associated investors. This point of view ignores any environmental impacts..."
STAND STRONG WITH SUTIKALH - HELP STOP THE CAYOOSH SKI RESORT!
- Time:
- 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Description:
- 3rd Annual Tzu Chi Harmony Festival in celebration of the Buddha's birthday, Tzu Chi Canada presents culture performances, food and refreshments to promote harmonious coexistence all for the sake of peace. at King George Park, 12360 Cambie Road in Richmond.
www.tzuchi.ca
- Time:
- 10:00am - 2:00pm
- Description:
- Presented by the Tzu Chi Foundation Canada the Harmony Festival is taking place at George Park,
12360 Cambie Road, Richmond, B.C. (Intersects with No. 5 Road & Cambie Rd.)
HARMONY WITH THE EARTH is the theme this year.
This festival is a family fun fair, variety shows and lots of exhibitions. Please encourage your members to invite their families and friends to this wonderful event. Admission is Free.
About 45 not-for-profit organizations and charities in the Lower Mainland and about 3,000 people are planning to dedicate May 13th as a day to reminding people the power of smile and raising the awareness of the need for Harmony. They are going to form one of the largest smiley faces on earth as an effort to support the very first "Smile for Harmony" festival at 2:30 pm. Initiated by Tzu Chi Foundation of Canada, the festival is destined to become a new tradition in the Lower Mainland.
Between 5~5:30 pm, there will be a real time satellite connection with Tzu Chi Foundation in Taiwan, sign language group singing, and a big draw for two return air tickets from Vancouver to Taiwan.
Say No to Hatred & Say Yes to harmony
The most desire need in our society is harmony. Its absence creates imbalance in the heart, which leads to racial and religious tension, as well as to crimes and hatred. Lack of harmony also brings about imbalance in our community and in our land.
In addition to BC Children Hospital, BC Girls Choir, Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, Spirit of Vancouver, S.U.C.C.E.S.S., St. Paul Hospital Foundation, there are 10 participant groups in the section of "Harmony with the earth", including UBC Vertebrate Museum, BC Young Naturalist club, Vancouver Natural History Society, Multi-ethnic Marrow Transplant Society, Society Promoting Environmental Conservation, Stanley park Ecology Society, International Taiwan Birding Association, Trails BC, BC Hydro Power Smart team, and Green Club.
http://en.tzuchi.ca/canada/home.nsf/other/k13092
- Time:
- 10:00am - 2:00pm
- Description:
- City of Surrey: Celebrate trees by coming out and planting a tree with neighbours and friends! The first 150 tree planters will get a hot dog and drink, so come early and plant trees! Dogwood trees will be for sale, a great deal and a great addition to your yard. For more information call 604.501.5158.
Unwin Park, Surrey
Email: environment@surrey.ca
Contact Info:604.501.5158
URL:www.naturematters.surrey.ca
- Time:
- 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Description:
- St. George's School celebrates its 35th Annual Fair with jugglers, magicians, stilt walkers and a live elephant! Train rides and midway rides and games, international food fair, pop idol competition, flea market and live performances. St. George's Junior Campus, 3851 West 29th Ave. Admission $2.00
Info 604-224-1304
www.stgeorges.bc.ca
- Time:
- 11:00am - 3:00pm
- Description:
- Presented by the Port Moody Ecological Society's at Noons Creek Hatchery and Port Moody Arena, 300 Ioco Road, Port Moody
Free Admission
- Help release 35,000 chum salmon fry into Noons Creek
- Meet our 2010 Olympic Mascots
- Meet 40 environmental organizations and learn what you can do to take better care of the environment
- Participate in crafts and games raffles
- Enjoy three performances by Bobs and Lolo
Walk, run, bike or take Transit as parking is limited
Thanks to our many supporters, including the City of Port Moody and Pacific Coast Terminals
For more info: Dave Bennie 604-942-8059
www.noonscreek.org
- Time:
- 12:00pm - 3:00pm
- Description:
- SHAKE HANDS WITH THE DEVIL
Sat, May 3, 12:00 Noon
One show only
Benefit for Widows in Rwanda, also showing A Village of Widows
(16 minute short) and in person, Nicole Pageau, an inspiring woman transforming the lives of Rwandan widows will speak with a PowerPoint presentation. Tickets $20
At the Ridge Theater 3131 Arbutus St
- Time:
- 1:00pm - 3:00pm
- Description:
- We are standing there to demand that City Council protect Vancouver renters from having their homes converted to condos, and demanding that there be a permanent social housing program. And, we are standing there to pay respect to the hundreds of dead and dying homeless men, women, and children in Vancouver, PROVINCE-WIDE STAND for HOUSING!
WILL YOU STAND WITH US?
"Blue Scarf" Housing "STANDS" are the latest action by the Citywide Housing Coalition, a group which started in 2007 to ensure that governments keep promises to make affordable housing a legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
The idea for STANDS came from the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo whose children were "disappeared" by the military from 1976 to 1983. They stood every week in a city square wearing white scarves until the generals capitulated. The scarves became an international symbol for protests against unjust and inhumane governments.
Every Saturday since February, 2008, people wearing blue scarves and holding blue banners meet for an hour between 1 and 2 p.m. on street corners in Vancouver.
We are there to demand that City Council protect Vancouver renters from having their homes converted to condos, and that federal and provincial governments restore programs that built permanent social housing for low and moderate income people.
And, we are paying respect to the hundreds of dead and dying homeless men, women, and children in Vancouver, in BC and Canada.
Our homeless citizens populate our streets and lanes, huddle in parks and encampments, burn to death in doorways, are crushed in back alley garbage bins.
This Saturday May 3 is Province-wide Stands for Housing, with more than 80 groups committed to action, many many of them here in Vancouver.You can join an existing Stand, or stand at any intersection wearing blue and supporting "Homes for All".
Betty Krawczyk & the WorkLess Party & Friends will be at Granville & Broadway, this Saturday, May 3, 1-2pm
We're gathering at WorkLess Party office(at 7th & Commercial) before noon to make buttons and banners, and then traveling by transit together to Granville & Broadway.
After the STAND our blue banners from all over Vancouver will converge at Main & 36th to show solidarity with the tenants of Little Mountain Housing. Please join us!
Check our Website http://www.my-calm.info/
for locations of STANDs around the city!
SAVE SOCIAL HOUSING AT LITTLE MOUNTAIN
Little Mountain Housing, Vancouver's oldest social housing complex with 224 homes, is slated for redevelopment. The publicly owned 15-acre site adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Park is being sold to the highest bidder and density of expensive market housing will be increased dramatically. It was reported that the government even may renege on its commitment to replace the existing social housing at Little Mountain (Globe & Mail, 21/03/08). Construction will not start before 2010, but tenants are being pressured to move to provide the developer 'vacant possession'. A well-functioning community, where people depend on each other for many kinds of support is being displaced, causing untold hardship.
At this time, over 170 habitable homes stand empty at Little Mountain, while thousands of people are homeless. Homeless people are dying on our streets. Hundreds of people in need of housing could be temporarily housed until construction begins. Instead, our governments have decided to demolish habitable buildings as they become vacant!
- Time:
- 1:30pm - 4:30pm
- Description:
- This is a non-profit workshop for children aged
between 5 - 7 to celebrate World Fairy Festival.
(www.worldfairyfestival.com) It is from 1:30 - 2:45 at Capilano Park Road, North Vancouver. The kids will be making magical gardens for the fairies to attract them to our homes and gardens. There will be discussions about what other actions we can do to help our, gardens, parks, forests,
beaches and other outdoor spaces and how fairies can help us.
A dancing platform for the fairies will be created as they do love to dance! And gifts will be left for them to show our appreciation of having them near us.
The cost is $25 and all proceeds after costs of materials will go to the Sierra Club of BC's campaign for the protection of BC's Flathead Valley. This threatened area is described by National Geograhic as the "Crown of the Continent" and is home to a diverse array of animal, plant, tree and flower species and of course many fairies! See www.sierraclubbc.ca/flathead
Rachel Harris
cell: 604 928 3420 email: rehnews@yahoo.ca
Please call 604 928 3420 or email rehnews@yahoo.ca to register your
child. Spaces are limited. Directions and full address will be given
upon registration.
- Time:
- 10:00am - 4:00pm
- Description:
- Dunbar Garden tours with Sharon Slack, Diane Driscoll and Barb Edgington
Popular self guided garden tours by having neighbours backdoors ans front gardens open on May 4th and May 30th
This is part of Salmonberry Days with this years focus on food growing.
Call Sharon at 604-224-5730 for more info
- Time:
- 11:00am - 2:00pm
- Description:
- On the top Rooftop parking
For more info visit the Member Service Desk.
Vancouver Store location: 130 West Broadway
If you can't make it, visit mec.ca/gearswap
Check the web site for the Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa
- Time:
- 4:30pm - 6:30pm
- Description:
- We are calling on other groups and institutions to endorse this campaign so please forward the following to any interested organizations. Endorsements with group name (and website if available) should be sent by April 30/08 to info@cpavancouver.org More background info can be obtained at www.cpavancouver.org
Hanna Kawas
Chairperson, Canada Palestine Association
DON'T DRINK WITH APARTHEID - BOYCOTT ISRAELI WINES
Picket Sunday, May 4, 4:30 pm,
Four Seasons Hotel, Vancouver
- As we approach the 60th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba, the Israeli government has announced its plans to "rebrand" its 60 years of dispossession and ethnic cleansing. Here in B.C., the focus of this "rebranding" is the promotion of wines under an Israeli label in B.C. liquor stores, which are now carrying products from the Galil Mountain Winery, the Golan Heights Winery and the Dalton Winery. http://www.jewishindependent.ca/archives/Dec07/archives07Dec21-01.html
- The Golan Heights Winery (of which the Galil Winery is a joint venture) produces wines from grapes grown on occupied Arab land, and many of their wineries are located on occupied Syrian land in the Golan Heights. All of this is in direct contravention of the Fourth Geneva Convention and stated Canadian policy http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/middle_east/can_policy-en.asp#06. Nonetheless, successive Canadian governments have given Israel preferential trading status under the Canada Israel Free Trade Agreement, an agreement that financially enables the Israeli government's oppressive policies and does not even attempt to distinguish products that are from illegal Israeli settlements. And BC liquor stores, when questioned as to their shameful actions, replied they "Šoffer products from around the world on a commercial demand basis."
- On May 4, 2008, an Israeli wines festival will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel, hosted by the Israeli Government's Economic Mission to Canada. We say 60 years of "rebranding" is enough, 60 years of dispossession, exile and the destruction of a whole nation are enough. Join us in a mass picket on May 4 at 4:30 pm outside the Four Seasons Hotel to send this message to the Israeli government, and to our local and national politicians. As the South African campaigners said many years ago outside BC liquor stores, then as now, DON'T DRINK WITH APARTHEID!!
From: Hanna Kawas
- Time:
- 7:00pm - 8:00pm
- Description:
- An community of freaks, geeks, queers, rebels, outcasts and their friends, who meditate together in the Buddhist tradition.
Join us at Unity Yoga – 1672 E. 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Unceded Coast Salish Territory.
For more information: http://diydharma.org
- Time:
- 8:00pm - 11:00pm
- Description:
- Caravan World Rhythms presents in Collaboration with the UBC Persian Club and Nava Art Centre
Legendary Persian Vocalist
Mohammed Reza Shajarian & the Ava Ensemble
A Celebration of Persian and Sufi Culture, Music, and Poetry
Orpheum Theatre, Smithe St. at Seymour
Tickets: $25 - $70 plus Service Charges. Available at Ticketmaster.ca 604-280-4444
Also Available at Highlife (1317 Commercial Dr.), Pars Store (1801 Lonsdale, N. Van)
OR CALL ROSTAM POOLAD at (604) 986-4086
“Shajarian is the superstar of Persian classical music.” - Globe & Mail
Persia (modern day Iran ) is home to one of the world's great civilizations, and a unique culture with venerable traditions. In the last twenty years a new generation of artists has emerged to introduce new innovations and push the music forward, even as they preserve and pass on the ancient repertoire. At the forefront of this movement are the musicians of the Ava Ensemble, and Singer/Composer Mohammad Reza Shajarian. Shajarian is a living legend, with one of the most recognizable voices in Iran – sweet, soulful and dynamic. He is joined by his son and prodigy, Homayoun Shajarian who performs with a confidence and maturity beyond his years, & the Ava Ensemble, composed of some of the top Iranian musicians today, including barbat player Hossein Behroozinia, who makes his home in North Vancouver
INFO: WWW.CARAVANBC.COM
- Time:
- All day event
- Description:
- At the Wetlands at the Columbia Valley
May 5th to 11th, 2008.
Renew your spirit of wonder over our natural heritage - come home to one of the longest systems of continuous wetlands in North America. Over 265 species of birds have been recorded in a 150 km stretch of the Columbia Valley Wetlands from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen. Flanked by grasslands, forest, alpine meadows and rocky crags this "Serengeti of the North" supports abundant wildlife and provides spectacular vistas for the eleventh annual Wings Over the Rockies Bird Festival.
Choose from over 50, high quality, creative and educational events to enjoy with your family. Discover the world of birds through activities such as guided nature walks, Columbia River floats, voyageur canoe trips, horseback riding in the grasslands, art exhibits, evening presentations, workshops, children's festival, Wings gala banquet, birdathon and much more!
Walk in the wilderness with experts to see osprey, eagles and lots of waterfowl. Float on the river or visit the national and provincial parks within a World Heritage Site, or perhaps soak in local hot springs, while participating in British Columbia's longest bird festival.
www.wingsovertherockies.org/welcome.htm
- Time:
- All day event
- Description:
- Today, the 5th of May, celebrates the Mexican victory over the French army at the “Batalla da Puebla.”
- Althought the Mexican army was eventually defeated, the "Batalla de Puebla" came to represent a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism. With this victory, Mexico demonstrated to the world that Mexico and all of Latin America were willing to defend themselves of any foreign intervention. Especially those from imperialist states bent on world conquest.
- Cinco de Mayo's history has its roots in the French Occupation of Mexico. The French occupation took shape in the aftermath of the Mexican-American War of 1846-48. With this war, Mexico entered a period of national crisis during the 1850's. Years of not only fighting the Americans but also a Civil War, had left Mexico devastated and bankrupt. On July 17, 1861, President Benito Juarez issued a moratorium in which all foreign debt payments would be suspended for a brief period of two years, with the promise that after this period, payments would resume.
- The English, Spanish and French refused to allow president Juarez to do this, and instead decided to invade Mexico and get payments by whatever means necessary. The Spanish and English eventually withdrew, but the French refused to leave. Their intention was to create an Empire in Mexico under Napoleon III. Some have argued that the true French occupation was a response to growing American power and to the Monroe Doctrine (America for the Americans). Napoleon III believed that if the United States was allowed to prosper indescriminantly, it would eventually become a power in and of itself.
- In 1862, the French army began its advance. Under General Ignacio Zaragoza, 5,000 ill-equipped Mestizo and Zapotec Indians defeated the French army in what came to be known as the "Batalla de Puebla" on the fifth of May.
- In the United States, the "Batalla de Puebla" came to be known as simply "5 de Mayo" and unfortunately, many people wrongly equate it with Mexican Independence which was on September 16, 1810, nearly a fifty year difference. Over, the years Cinco de Mayo has become very commercialized and many people see this holiday as a time for fun and dance. Oddly enough, Cinco de Mayo has become more of Chicano holiday than a Mexican one. People of Mexican descent in the United States celebrate this significant day by having parades, mariachi music, folklorico dancing and other types of festive activities.
So tonight serve up some Mexican chillis, beans and rice...
- Time:
- 7:30pm - 9:30pm
- Description:
- Don't miss the electric evening of singing and dancing with works by Ravel, Iona, Leonard Cohen, Chole Goodchild and Joni Mitchell.At St. Mary's Trinity Church, 1805 Larch St. Tickets $15 to $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Call Banyen Books for more info 604-737-8858
- Time:
- All day event
- Description:
- The CRD Water Board conducts tours of its watershed reserves for one week each year. This year it is Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 10 2008.
- Greater Victoria Water Watch Coalition has arranged a Group tour for Tuesday, May 6, 2008, for our members, supporters and friends.
- The tours vary somewhat each year, going into different areas of the CRD reserved watershed and include the filtration plant. This year the tour will visit part of the newly acquired watersheds.Tour buses and knowledgeable guides are provided by the CRD; there are opportunities to get out and walk in different areas.
- Buses leave from CRD Water Board Offices at 9AM and return around 3:30-4PM. CRD Water Board Office is located at 479 Island Highway, near Six Mile Pub (on the water side of highway)
- You need to provide your own lunch, beverage and snack. (we encourage non-disposable bottles
- "Tap into It". Awnings are set up near the dam for lunch.
- We require that you register. We will let you know the time you should be at the CRD Water Board Office as soon as have confirmation from the CRD. Please keep your commitment or let us know ASAP if you cannot participate. CRD needs the final numbers for the GVWWC Group tour in early April, as the water shed tours are very popular.
- Please Register by Friday, April 4th by e-mail: : gvwwc@shaw.ca or phone: 595-1701 (Dorothy). Indicate Watershed tour.
Give your name & phone number (CRD request) and e-address. Thanks!
From: GVWWC E-list Coordinator gvwwc@shaw.ca
- Time:
- 11:00am - 12:00pm
- Description:
- A great friend of wild salmon and fish scientist, Alexandra Morton, will be holding an informal press conference on the steps of the BC Supreme Court (at Nelson & Hornby Streets), Downtown Vancouver at 11 am , Tuesday May 6th, after filing a constitutional challenge in BC Supreme Court over the right of the BC Government to regulate fish farms. So please come on down and bring a friend.
Alexandra also needs people to join her group (and donate money to support her court costs, if you can), so check out the website: http://www.adopt-a-fry.org/
Also, please write our governments asking them to immediately shutdown salmon farms, especially in the Broughton Archipelago, to protect our wild salmon, as they are in the midst of their annual migration past sea lice laden farms. Write to:
BC premier Gordon Campbell: premier@gov.bc.ca
Prime Minister Stephen Harper: pm@pm.gc.ca
Thanks,Geoff
Geoff Senichenko | Director of Research and Mapping
Wilderness Committee | Canada's largest membership-based wilderness preservation organization
office: 604-683-8220 | email: geoff@wildernesscommittee.org
web: www.wildernesscommittee.org
- Time:
- 6:00pm - 3:00am
- Description:
- How should we manage our waste?
Every year Metro Vancouver residents and business generate:
- 440 billion litres of liquid waste
- 3.6 million tonnes of garbage and recyclables (solid waste)
Attend a public meeting to provide input on Metro Vancouver's strategies for updating the Liquid Waste Management Plan and the Solid Waste Management Plan.
Surrey, Richmond, Burnaby, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge and Langley
See www.metrovancouver.org/managementplans
T: 604-451-6596
Registration at 6pm, Meeting at 6:30 pm to 9:00pm
Langley: Newlands Golf and Country Club, 21025 - 48th Avenue
- Time:
- 7:30pm - 9:30pm
- Description:
- The Truth About Canada: Some Important, Some Astonishing and Some Truly Appalling Things All Canadians Should Know About Our Country
Mel Hurtig's Book Tour Schedule Update
- May 6th, 7:30 P.M. Alice MacKay Room, Vancouver Public Library
- May 12th, A Different Drummer Books Burlington, P.M., check with store for time May 14th, Writer's Festival Ottawa, 7:30 P.M. Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street
- May 15th, 7:30 P.M., Hart House Library, 7 Hart House Circle, UofT, Toronto
- May 21st, Wild Rose Forum, CBC radio, from Calgary
- May 21st, Knox United Church, 7:30 P.M.
May 22nd Old Timer's Cabin, 99th Street, Edmonton, 7:30P.M. , parking on site
- May 27th Bolen's Books Victoria 7:00P.M.
- May 28th, Nanaimo, 7:30 P.M. Malaspina College
Also, May 5th, Bill Good Show, CKNW 11-12 A.M.
Omni TV Surrey, 2-3 P.M
May 6th CBC Radio, Rick Cluff, Early Edition, 8:20 a.m.
Fanny Kiefer, Shaw TV 9:00 a.m.
May 7th CFAX radio, Victoria, 11:30 -12 a.m.
September 12/13th Writer's Festival Whistler
October 1st, Margaret Atwood delivers 3rd annual Hurtig Lecture on the Future of Canada, Winspear Theatre Edmonton,
October 2nd, University of Saskatchewan, to be confirmed
October 3rd Concordia University
From: mhadmin@vivelecanada.ca
- Time:
- All day event
- Description:
- Take time out to see Helen Broadfoot's exhibit at the Britannia Art Gallery (in the library) 1661 Napier St. sponsored by Doctors Without Borders. It opens Wednesday May 7th with a performance by Jian Ming Pan and an introduction to Helen Broadfoot.
"A Show Of Respect" is an exhibition for the children of war. Each of the ten large oil paintings contain a different article from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights written in the language of the child depicted. This show was first mounted at the Gibsons Public Art Gallery on the Sunshine Coast where Helen lives. I found it to be very powerful and looked forward to seeing it mounted in Vancouver during the International Human Rights Conference last year. Unfortunately the City strike closed the gallery and luckily Lower Mainlanders will now have an opportunity to view this very moving exhibit at the Britannia Gallery.
Helen will be doing a special presentation on Sunday, May 11 between 2 and 4 pm at the gallery/library. The show continues to May 31st. Gallery hours are Mon. Thurs. and Fri. 830 am to 5 pm, Tues and Wed. 830 am to 9 pm, Saturday 930 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 1 to 5 pm.
- Time:
- 7:00pm - 9:00pm
- Description:
- "Boglin Gets Lost" and "Boglin and the Birthday Party" by Pamela Findling and Nicole Skutelnik, two children's books about the Boglin's, a baby bear, adventure in the bog.
At the George Mackie Library, 84440 112 Street in Delta
www.burnsbog.org
- Time:
- 7:00pm - 10:00pm
- Description:
- Support your local art gallery! Presented by Treasure Cove Gift Shop a fundraiser featuring "Crimes of the Heart" a comedy presented by First Impressions Theatre. A silent Auction, Door prizes and appetizers and refreshments. Call 604-924-1378 for more info
Tickets $20.00 which goes towards the theatre
- Time:
- 6:30pm - 9:30pm
- Description:
- Projecting Change is Vancouver's four-day green film festival presenting 23 movies with focus on environmental issues. Through the use of film and speakers, Projecting Change promotes green and sustainable living while raising awareness of the problems facing the planet. Each day's films focus on the specific themes of food and agriculture, sustainable energy sources, building methods, consumer goods, and kids and the environment. Kick off the festival in style at the "green carpet" opening night May 8th where you can rub elbows with environmentalists, community leaders, local business owners and film lovers.
FLOW: FOR THE LOVE OF WATER May 8, 7pm.
Vancouver Premiere:
Opening night, Sundance film, world-renowned speaker, Ray Zahab.
Free $75 gift bag, and after party with complimentary food and drinks.
- Water is the very essence of life, sustaining every being on the planet. 'Flow' confronts the disturbing reality that our crucial resource is dwindling and greed just may be the cause. Insightful, provocative and powerful.
- Speaker: Ray Zahab, is an ultra-marathon runner who ran 2400 miles across the Sahara Desert in 111 days, to raise awareness on water issues in Africa.
- FREE Gift bag worth $75 from The WaterGeek’s Laboratories featuring unique products that will save Vancouverites over 10 million gallons of water per y