2008/2009

FUNK THE SYSTEM WEEK SPEAKERS

Mike Hudema - Mike Hudema, climate and energy campaigner with Greenpeace, Canada  discusses the role of direct action in bringing about social change, taking us through decades of experience working in Alberta and make the case that direct action is often necessary for progressive change.

Mike Hudema has been a longtime dedicated and creative activist in Edmonton, Alberta. He has participated in countless direct actions, the most high-profile of which have included actions in the streets of Quebec City for the FTAA protests, sleeping on the steps of the Alberta legislature to protest rising tuition rates, and occupying Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan’s office to defeat Canada’s anti-terrorism legislation. Hudema gained his bachelor of education, majoring in drama, and most recently his law degree, specializing in labour and environmental law. He co-hosts CJSR’s alternative news program Rise Up: Radio Free Edmonton, and is the author of “An Action a Day Keeps Global Capitalism Away” published by Between the Lines Press.

Mike currently works for Greenpeace, Canada fighting to stop the Athabasca tar sands. He is also a climb trainer with the Ruckus Society and has held activist training camps which teach aspiring activists skills ranging from climbing to blockades.

(Source: Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs website)

Avi Lewis and Michele Landsberg -

Avi Lewis is one of Canada’s most controversial and eloquent media personalities. His new weekly television series – Inside USA, examining the real issues at stake in the US presidential election – debuted on Al Jazeera English television network in February 2008.  His previous shows--On The Map with Avi Lewis, a daily half-hour of opinionated international news analysis and The Big Picture with Avi Lewis, combining hard-hitting documentaries and town hall debates--aired on CBC Newsworld in 2006 and 2007. In 2004, he directed his first feature documentary, The Take, which follows Argentina’s new movement of worker-run businesses.  An emotional story of hope and resistance in the global economy, The New York Times called it “a stirring, idealistic documentary.”  It was released theatrically in Canada, the U.S., and across Europe, was nominated for 4 Gemini Awards, and won the International Jury prize at the American Film Institute festival in Los Angeles. In the late 90s, as the host and producer of counterSpin on CBC Newsworld, Lewis presided over more than 500 nationally televised debates in three years.  In the early 1990s, he hosted City TV’s landmark music journalism show “The New Music.” At the same time, he was MuchMusic’s Political Specialist, pioneering political “uncoverage” for a youth audience and winning a Gemini Award for Best Special Event Coverage.

Michele Landsberg is known as one of Canada’s most tireless and effective social justice activists.  Through NSB, she will bring her incomparable experience and insight to audiences, and challenge them to explore the potential for human progress.  As a journalist and speaker she discusses issues that others shy away from or ignore, including the plight of women in developing countries and race and gender equality here at home.  Her work has brought many important issues to light and influenced countless opinion leaders across the country. She has been recognized with numerous awards such as the YWCA Women of Distinction Award and two National Newspaper Awards during her time at the Toronto Star.  Landsberg is a progressive thinker and a natural optimist.  She is outspoken and tenacious and insists on looking at all sides of an issue.  Audiences will see the vast potential for human progress and improvement, as Landsberg inspires listeners to become engaged in creating a more equal society for all.  

(Source: National Speakers Bureau website)

2006/2007

POLITICAL ACTION WEEK SPEAKERS
Dr. Patrick Moore - Co-Founder of GreenPeace
Topic: Environmental Fragility

Daniel Zopoula - International Humanitarian
Topic: African Development Issues

Irshad Mangi - The Power of Asking Questions
Author of: "The Trouble with Islam"

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2005/2006

AVI LEWIS
Canada’s most controversial and eloquent media personality and Gemini Award-Winning Broadcaster, Avi Lewis, spoke to students about their influence and responsibility of global issues. His topic "Students’ of the World Unite: You’ve Got Nothing To Lose but Everything", encouraged students to see their challenges in the context of the global economy and how to respond to the underlying reasons as to why student life is getting harder. Avi easily captivated students at this intimate affair with his charisma and personability, affording students the rare opportunity to interact with him on a personal level.  Students were amazed and inspired by this event.

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2004/2005

WILLIAM SAMPSON
Falsely accused and sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia, William Sampson shared his inspiring story of determination, human potential, and the value of the emotional essentials in life. The government of Saudi Arabia claimed he was a terrorist guilty of killing another Westerner in a turf war over illegal alcohol. With no proof of other than a coerced confession, Canadian William Sampson was sentenced to having his head cut off in public. Sampson generated a large of audience of over 500 people to hear him speak as well as media attention on a province wide scale.  

 

MAUDE BARLOW
Maude Barlow, an activist, author and policy critic spoke to students and community members about International Trade and the Water Files. An outspoken crusader for Canadian sovereignty and citizen’s rights, Barlow canvassed strongly against the commodification of water. She is the Volunteer Chairperson for the Council of Canadian, a non-profit, non-partisan organization of over 100,000 Canadians, as well as Director with "The International Forum on Globalization" and co-founder of the Blue Planet Project.

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2003/2004

LLOYD AXWORTHY
EMPOWERMENT 2004 - Violence Awareness Week Speakers

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2002/2003

STEPHEN LEWIS
EMPOWERMENT 2003 - Violence Awareness Week Speakers

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2001/2002

FRED PENNER

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2000/2001

DOC HILL - Splitting the Sky
SPEAKERS - Violence Awareness