Day Four of the HRF Discusses Aboriginal Justice
Aboriginal Justice - A Contentious Issue
(Calgary, AB - August 16, 2012) An interesting discussion sparked from todays GlobalFest Human Rights Forum presented by TD. The topic of Aboriginal Justice was addressed in detail, and a bit of light was shed from our speakers perspectives, and some of our audience members. A key point addressed in the forum today was the trauma of the colonial experience of First Nations, and the painful impact that it’s had; this is a root cause of the Aboriginal Justice issues that exist in our provinces and our country.
To make her perspective clear Kim Pate, the Executive Director of Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies shared a meaningful quote with the crowd “If you’ve come here to help me, you’re wasting our time, if you’ve come here because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together (Lilla Watson)”. Ms. Pate has an immense amount of experience dealing with aboriginal justice issues pertaining to women, which provided great awareness at the forum today, and a different perspective in comparison to Judge John Reilly, Former Provincial Judge.
Mr. Reilly shared his thoughts in response to a question concerning the number of Aboriginal suicides, as well as factors that he believes are the root causes of Aboriginal Issues. Simply put, he expressed “You learn what you live and you live what you learn; I believe that suicides happen when people realize that the only power they have is the power of their own lives”.
The forum concluded and left the large crowd with much knowledge and a variety of different perspectives. As highlighted at today’s forum, and at all of the other daily forums, simply continuing to learn, and share with others, is the first step to a positive solution.
Friday’s final forum discussion will feature special guests from Doi Chaang Coffee Company. The forum will focus on The International Experience of the company, and the trials triumphs that lead them to their road of success.
The intent of our Human Rights Forum presented by TD, is to address issues of racism and discrimination in a positive and safe environment, while helping to share experiences, knowledge, and practical solutions. The Human Rights Forum runs from Monday, August 13 to Friday, August 17. For more information visit globalfest.ca
Special Mention:
Friday, August 17 marks the last day of GlobalFest’s Human Rights Forum, concluding with an international presentation from the Doi Chaang Coffee Company. Five of the company’s Thai partners will be visiting Calgary, and sharing the success story of how Doi Chaang Coffee has come to be.
GlobalFest is a not-for-profit society dedicated to celebrating and showcasing Calgary’s cultural diversity and artistic excellence within our communities locally and across the globe. We are committed to producing an inclusive, world-class, multi-faceted arts and cultural festival that will enhance Alberta’s reputation as a truly international destination.
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For more information, please contact:
Lisa Fleming
Human Rights Forum Coordinator
T: 403-569-9679 | C: 403-835-7418
E: lisa.fleming@globalfest.ca
www.globalfest.ca
