Contents
- Startling info in 2008 Homeless Count report
- VOTE is like any ol’ tote
- To be creative is, in fact, Canadian
- Harper's Quebec chief apologizes after Algonquins offended
- Secret New NAFTA-like Deal
- In Memory of RICHARD ALBERT BAKER Sr.
- SMALL NOT FOR US!
- Values
- DTES NH - Storytelling Showcase
- VOLUNTEERS in Colleen’s Corner
- News from the Library
- My Second Husband
- Meditation on the death of Frank Joseph Paul
- Ancient Trees
- Running Mad
- UNLETTERED
- A Response to Peter Ladner [Bozo]
- Common Law Notice of Trespass
- Indigenous and local organizers confront the Olympic 'Spirit' Train.
- Out In The Cold
- EXPRESS YOURSELF!
- Hope in Shadows: PIVOT’s 2009 Calendar Award Ceremony
- NEWS FROM THE CARNEGIE LEARNING CENTRE
Startling info in 2008 Homeless Count report
The Greater Vancouver Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness, on September 16, released a report on a count of the homeless which had been done on March 11 of this year. Here are some of the findings.
There are 2,660 sheltered and street homeless persons in Metro Vancouver. 1,086 are sheltered homeless; 1,574 are street homeless. “Street homeless” are persons who had no physical shelter on the day of the count, and were found living on the streets. “Sheltered homeless” are persons who had some kind of roof over their heads.
The count was done during a 24 hour period. It is, by the report’s own admittance, a conservative estimate of the actual number of homeless people.
Needless to say, compared to two earlier counts done in 2002 and 2005, homelessness in Metro Vancouver is increasing. (Don’t buy the government line that the rate of increase is slowing down, so that makes the increase okay—the fact is that the actual number of homeless people is on the rise, despite all of the good efforts to mitigate that.)
The 2005 count was 2,174—the 2008 count represents a 22 per cent increase. It also represents a whopping 373 per cent increase over the 2002 count.
Three out of every four homeless people were found in Vancouver and Surrey.
Street homelessness increased significantly—52 per cent in 2005 to 59 per cent in 2008.
About a quarter of the homeless are women.
The average age of the homeless is increasing: 38 years in 2005; 41 years in 2008.
“While people of Aboriginal ancestry represent only about 2 per cent of the region’s census population, they comprised 32 per cent of the region’s homeless population on March 11, an increase from 30 per cent in 2005.”
About 84 per cent reported at least one health problem, such as addiction, mental illness, or physical disability. 53 per cent reported multiple health problems. This is consistent with the findings of the academic report on Severely Addicted and/or Mentally Ill Homeless also done earlier this year.
Long-term homelessness increased significantly, perhaps an indication of the enduring nature of the homeless population’s illnesses.
364 youth under the age of 25 were counted; 94 of these were children.
Almost 100 fully-employed people were counted in the shelters.
About half were receiving income assistance—an indication that homeless outreach programs were at least partially working. Compare this with the 30 per cent figure of 2005. Despite the better penetration of government aid programs, the homeless on income assistance were unable to find places to live that they could afford.
In a sub-report of FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), the question was asked, “What are you going to do now?” The first part of the answer was, “Continue as before with outreach programs.” Not that this is futile (as evidenced by the greater percentage of homeless receiving income assistance), but it must be noted that according to the Metro Vancouver Housing Corporation, there was a .33 per cent vacancy rate in Vancouver in 2nd quarter 2008. Compare that with the figure of .5 per cent as of October of last year, and you can see problems cropping up with regard to continuing to try to find housing for the homeless. But the second part of the answer is encouraging: the recommendation is to steer clear of building more shelters, and concentrate instead on building more affordable housing with support mechanisms to help the very obviously afflicted majority of the homeless population. The answer also states that we need more prevention strategies so that people don’t become homeless in the first place.
“The Regional Homeless Plan is titled 3 Ways to Home to reflect the three components of the solution to homelessness: Affordable Housing, Support Services and Adequate Income. Action is needed on each of these components to address homelessness in the region.”
By Rolf Auer
VOTE is like any ol’ toteVOTE is like any ol’ tote
Why bother once they are in
They are tied up like livestock
By Corporate companies
Vote is like any ol’ coat
Why bother?
They say the same shpiel – promises
Unless you are the privileged.
Make a day of it –
Go & Vote – why not?
Priscillia To be creative is, in fact, Canadian
[Margaret Atwood is a helluva writer. This likeness (Page 4) was done in 1969 when she was about 30, and maybe using it here may go a bit to having her (you!) forgive me for reprinting this piece without asking you. Margaret is 70 now and likely doesn't need too much extra money, which is good 'cause the Carnegie Newsletter doesn't pay anybody. If or when you ever come to Vancouver, Margaret, drop in and get your volunteer tickets! Ed.]
To be creative is, in fact, Canadian
Harper is wrong: There's more to the arts than a lot
of rich people at galas whining about their grants
MARGARET ATWOOD
What sort of country do we want to live in?
What sort of country do we already live in? What do we like? Who are we?
At present, we are a very creative country. For decades, we've been punching above our weight on the world stage - in writing, in popular music and
in many other fields. Canada was once a cultural void on the world map, now it's a force. In addition, the arts are a large segment of our economy: The
Conference Board estimates Canada's cultural sector generated $46-billion, or 3.8 per cent of Canada's GDP, in 2007. And, according to the Canada Council, in 2003-2004, the sector accounted for an “estimated 600,000 jobs (roughly the same as agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, oil & gas and utilities combined).”
But we've just been sent a signal by Prime Minister Stephen Harper that he gives not a toss for these facts. Tuesday, he told us that some group called “ordinary people” didn't care about something called “the arts.”
His idea of “the arts” is a bunch of rich people gathering at galas whining about their grants. Well, I can count the number of moderately rich writers who live in Canada on the fingers of one hand: I'm one of them, and I'm no Warren Buffett. I don't whine about my grants because I don't get any grants. I whine about other grants - grants for young people, that may help them to turn into me, and thus pay to the federal and provincial governments the kinds of taxes I pay, and cover off the salaries of such as Mr. Harper. In fact, less than 10 per cent of writers actually make a living by their writing, however modest that living may be. They have other jobs. But people write, and want to write, and pack into creative writing classes, because they love this activity – not because they think they'll be millionaires.
Every single one of those people is an “ordinary person.” Mr. Harper's idea of an ordinary person is that of an envious hater without a scrap of artistic talent or creativity or curiosity, and no appreciation for anything that's attractive or beautiful. My idea of an ordinary person is quite different. Human beings are creative by nature. For millenniums we have been putting our creativity into our cultures -
cultures with unique languages, architecture, religious ceremonies, dances, music, furnishings, textiles, clothing and special cuisines. “Ordinary people” pack into the cheap seats at concerts and fill theatres where operas are brought to them live. The total attendance for “the arts” in Canada in fact exceeds that for sports events. “The arts” are not a “niche interest.” They are part of being human.
Moreover, “ordinary people” are participants. They form book clubs and join classes of all kinds - painting, dancing, drawing, pottery, photography
- for the sheer joy of it. They sing in choirs, church and other, and play in marching bands. Kids start garage bands and make their own videos and web art, and put their music on the Net, and draw their own graphic novels. “Ordinary people” have other outlets for their creativity, as well: Knitting and quilting have made comebacks; gardening is taken very seriously; the home woodworking shop is active. Add origami, costume design, egg decorating, flower arranging, and on and on ... Canadians, it seems, like making things, and they like appreciating things that are made.
They show their appreciation by contributing. Canadians of all ages volunteer in vast numbers for local and city museums, for their art galleries and for countless cultural festivals - I think immediately of the Chinese New Year and the Caribana festival in Toronto, but there are so many others. Literary festivals have sprung up all over the country - volunteers set them up and provide the food, and “ordinary people” will drag their lawn chairs into a field - as in Nova Scotia's Read by the Sea - in order to listen to writers both local and national read and discuss their work. Mr. Harper has signalled that as far as he is concerned, those millions of hours of volunteer activity are a waste of time. He holds them in contempt.
I suggest that considering the huge amount of energy we spend on creative activity, to be creative is “ordinary.” It is an age-long and normal human
characteristic: All children are born creative. It's the lack of any appreciation of these activities that is not ordinary. Mr. Harper has demonstrated that he has no knowledge of, or respect for, the capacities and interests of “ordinary people.” He's the “niche interest.” Not us.
It's been suggested that Mr. Harper's disdain for the arts is not merely a result of ignorance or a tin ear - that it is “ideologically motivated.” Now, I wonder what could be meant by that? Mr. Harper has said quite rightly that people understand we ought to keep within a budget. But his own contribution to that budget has been to heave the Liberal-generated surplus overboard so we have nothing left for a rainy day, and now, in addition, he wants to jeopardize those 600,000 arts jobs and those billions of dollars they generate for Canadians.
What's the idea here? That arts jobs should not exist because artists are naughty and might not vote for Mr. Harper? That Canadians ought not to make
money from the wicked arts, but only from virtuous oil? That artists don't all live in one constituency, so who cares? Or is it that the majority of those arts
jobs are located in Ontario and Quebec, and Mr. Harper is peeved at those provinces, and wants to increase his ongoing gutting of Ontario - $20-billion a year of Ontario taxpayers' money going out, a dribble grudgingly allowed back in - and spank Quebec for being so disobedient as not to appreciate his magnificence? He likes punishing, so maybe the arts-squashing is part of that: Whack the Heartland.
Or is it even worse? Every budding dictatorship
begins by muzzling the artists, because they're a mouthy lot and they don't line up and salute very easily. Of course, you can always get some tame artists to design the uniforms and flags and the documentary about you, and so forth - the only kind of art you might need - but individual voices must be silenced, because there shall be only One Voice: Our Master's Voice. Maybe that's why Mr. Harper began by shutting down funding for our artists over seas He didn't like the competition for media space.
The Conservative caucus has already learned that lesson. Rumour has it that Mr. Harper's idea of the sort of art you should hang on your wall was signalled by his removal of all pictures of previous
Conservative prime ministers from their lobby room - including John A. and Dief the Chief - and their replacement by pictures of none other than Mr. Harper himself. History, it seems, is to begin with him. In communist countries, this used to be called the Cult of Personality. Mr. Harper is a guy who - rumour has it, again - tried to disband the student union in high school and then tried the
same thing in college. Destiny is calling him, the way it called Qin Shi Huang, the Chinese emperor who burnt all records of the rulers before himself. It's an impulse that's been repeated many times since, the list is very long. Tear it down and level it flat, is the common motto. Then build a big statue of yourself. Now that would be Art!
Adapted from the 2008 Hurtig Lecture,
to be delivered in Edmonton on Oct. 1
[The following story was in the daily news a week or so ago. It was sent here by an Aboriginal person who put her comments at the end. What fascinates me are some of the responses sent in to the Globe & Mail’s website on how people saw it: Ignorance
is a weapon of mass destruction.]
Harper's Quebec chief apologizes
after Algonquins offended
MONTREAL (CBC) - The office of a Conservative MP and cabinet minister has issued an apology to Algonquins in his western Quebec riding after his personal assistant made remarks that some denounced as racist.
The comments made by Darlene Lannigan came at the Maniwaki, Que., launch of the re-election campaign of Lawrence Cannon, transport minister and Conservative Leader Stephen Harper's Quebec lieutenant earlier this week.
In a conversation recorded by the Aboriginal People's Television Network outside Cannon's Maniwaki campaign office during its opening Tuesday, Norman Matchewan, a member of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, asked Lannigan if he will be arrested if he visits Cannon's campaign office.
The Barriere Lake reserve is about 300 kilometres northwest of Ottawa in Cannon's riding of Pontiac, and a group including Matchewan had visited the office for a rally.
"If you behave and you're sober and there's no problem and if you sit down and whatever, I don't care," a female voice that the network identified as Lannigan responds in the recording.
She goes on to say that "one of them showed up the other day and was drinking."
When contacted by CBC News, Lannigan would not deny she made the remarks.
The Algonquins allege Lannigan also made other crude comments.
Cannon's office issued its apology Wednesday after being asked about the incident by the Aboriginal People's Television Network.
"We would like to take this opportunity to apologize for any offence given," it said. "We also understand these comments were made in a difficult context. That is regrettable."
The statement also said the remarks don't reflect the views of the government of Canada, and the parties involved will meet later this week.
Matchewan, 25, said he didn't think the context in which the remarks were made was difficult.
"We showed up in a respectful manner. We were peaceful," the teacher and part-time police officer said Thursday. "What she said was very offensive. It only goes to show how much they disrespect our community."
Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe said the remarks were a reflection of the Conservative party as it heads toward the Oct. 14 election.
"It's another example of the kind of contempt and arrogance they have, especially I would say towards the First Nations," he said.
"What I'm talking about [is] that kind of ideology that doesn't correspond to Quebec and I would say human values.... I think it's [the] kind of people we have in that party, sadly."
Submitted by Sylvia Sharon Isaac
Hello Folks
I do not know about you but I was so upset when I heard a women addressed an aboriginal protester, shot down by Darlene Lannigan. Her comment not only shocked me, it also angered me. Another racial quote and so damning and put me back to when our People were sterotyped as "alcoholics, falling down drunks and other words like lazy indians - living off the government.
SHAME ON Darlene Lannigan
Comments from G&M’s webpage:
WHAT? How low is the media going to sink to sabotage the Conservatives campaign? Explain ONE word of that statement that is offensive, let alone requires an apology. How about the "natives" issue apologies for their illegal land occupations.
The Conservative machine is destroying itself.
This is what happens when you only let your ministers/staff speak at election time.
They have no idea how to speak to the average Canadian, and when they do speak (or are allowed to), they insult millions of us.
This is hilarious.
That's like saying because you raped and molested our children in the Residential Schools then all of you rape and molest!!!
Incredible, these accusations and disrespect towards Canadians just keep on coming from the Conservative campaign team. Seems Harper is loosing control of the situation after keeping conservative members quiet for the past couple of years.
My Favourite: How about the "natives" issue apologies for their illegal land occupations.
Secret New NAFTA-like Deal
It is appalling that we are just finding out that our Govt has been negotiating a trade deal with Europe that would rival NAFTA in its impact. What little we have learned of the deal indicates it would represent a real threat to the delivery of public services in this country. Citizens have been totally excluded from any knowledge of these negotiations, with a plan to keep us in the dark until after the Federal election.
As reported today in the Metro Canada newspapers in Halifax, Edmonton, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Ottawa, "Prime Minister Stephen Harper must make public the draft text of a new 'deep economic integration' trade deal with the European Union that rivals NAFTA in scope before voters go to the polls on Oct. 14, says the Council of Canadians."
The article continues, "'The prime minister should be accountable to the public and release the text immediately so that voters can make an informed decision on a deal that will be further negotiated in Montreal just three days after the federal election,' said Maude Barlow, national chairperson of the Council of Canadians. 'Stephen Harper ran on a campaign of accountability in the 2006 election, promising to bring significant international treaties to Parliament. He must keep his word, be accountable, and release the draft text of this sweeping new trade deal immediately.'"
The Metro article also reports, "While the text has not been released, it reportedly includes the unrestricted trade in goods, services and investment, the removal of tariffs, and an open market in government services and procurement — which would require the Canadian government to allow European companies to bid as equals on government contracts for both goods and services, and to not give preference to local or national providers of public-sector services."
Council of Canadians
In Memory of RICHARD ALBERT BAKER Sr.
“Dick”
February 15,1940 –September 16, 2008
One June 6,1998 a totem pole was raised in Oppenheimer Park in Vancouver’s downtown eastside. This historic event happened with the vision of Master Carver Dick Baker of the Squamish Nation who wanted to see this memorial pole carved by people in the community. Anyone who was not using drugs or alcohol was permitted to work on the pole. Dick insisted it be this way, too many of our people were
stuck in the throes of addiction and many more were dying.
The Memorial Pole dedication reads:
“This pole is not only a memorial to our sisters and brothers who have died unnecessarily in the Downtown Eastside, it is also for those who have survived and continue to survive in this neighbourhood. It is for those who stand with Courage, Strength and Pride.”
This is the Story of the Memorial Pole (Steven Johnson)
*“At the base of the pole are three Copperheads that represent the people of the West Coast.
*Double Headed Sea Serpent which is representative of the good and bad in all things.
*The sitting down figure carries the most significance: it represents the inaction of agencies, different bureaucracies, and the helplessness we feel in the downtown eastside. It also represents a challenge for the victims of whatever or whoever. We all can make a difference to not being a victim here…even our inspiration of others allows others to grow.
*The mother and child represents the generation lost here.
*The two wolves represent all the people across Canada.
*The Raven represents the Creator without whom we all
would not be here.”
Acknowledgement of other carvers of the Memorial Pole:
Kim Washburn, Paul Auger, Alec Weir, BC Matilipe, Dallas Hunt, David Marcus, Dave Rufus for his design, Maynard John, Matthew Baker and students of Native Education
Centre with volunteers of the downtown eastside.
Dick not only contributed his artistic talents to the people of the downtown eastside he also contributed fish and his many resources. Dick was a dedicated friend of Bill W. and sponsored Aboriginal people in the program. He encour-aged sober Aboriginal people to always do their best and never forget where they come from, more importantly to give back or pay it forward. He will be deeply missed by Carnegie and Oppenheimer Park patrons and staff.
SMALL NOT FOR US!
As I was reading Richard Carlson’s book Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff, it came to my mind that that’s what we people often do – complain about little things (small stuff).
We need to stand together and fight for what we believe, need and want for our city with one word …and everyday we might solve another problem.
As we are in the same situation we need to respect and love one another. We all know the government doesn’t care and why should they? They’ve got all they want.
Having one word year after year and our togetherness, with love, and somebody will hear us. We all stand for our city, our home that we love. We are here sweating for the real stuff, not the small stuff, and we mean what we say. Maybe someone will hear what we are all about.
We sweat for real stuff, not the small stuff.
Ruth Matemotja Values
Values
*We believe that substance misuse is a multi-faceted problem comprised of attitudes, values, beliefs and unproductive coping mechanisms that are learned.
*We believe that recovery is possible when persons change their attitudes, values, beliefs and respond to life as it presents itself.
*We believe that teaching and modeling healthy behaviors in a therapeutic community will help us deliver the best possible treatment for our clients.
*We believe that service to our clients and the quality of care we provide are so important that we are committed to continuous improvement.
*We respect the dignity, person and cultural differences of our clients.
*We believe in a management style that promotes openness and fairness.
*We believe in providing a positive and supportive work environment where motivated people can proudly grow and contribute.
*We believe that effective and frugal management of resources must be based on client needs.
*We believe in being open-minded to new opportunities, ideas and methods of serving our clients.
*We believe that as an organization we must model integrity and demonstrate that recovery works.
Submitted by MD Prevost
Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House
- DTES NH -
Storytelling Showcase
Saturday October 25th, 1- 3pm
Japanese Language Hall
475 Alexander [@ Jackson]
... featuring the wit and wisdom of the DTES
NH Storytelling Workshop
Downtown Eastside residents working together since 2004 to build a grassroots, secular Neighbourhood House
VOLUNTEERS in Colleen’s Corner
VOLUNTEERS in Colleen’s Corner
Karaoke with Steve Friday, Oct.10, 7 – 10
Karaoke is a form of singing available to everyone. It’s a golden chance for people to discover the joy of singing in an encouraging and accepting environment. Come and have some fun with our Maestro Steve! Everyone is Welcome and refreshments are served to valiant souls!!
Volunteer Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Oct 8th @ 2pm in Classroom II
Volunteers of the Month are chosen by those at this meeting (not the staff). ALL Volunteers Welcome! Your voice is needed and appreciated.
Volunteer Dinner
Wed, Oct 15 at 4:30pm sharp(!) in the Theatre
Your contribution and hard work is appreciated by the many people who benefit from your services. Let us (the ornery staff) serve you! [There’ll be skill-testing questions for mystery prizes.]
Get your ticket from the Volunteer Program Office.
Volunteers of the Month
Alvin Stewart, Kitchen Dishwasher
Fred Richards, Summer Cashiering
EGOR IS HOWL OLD???
Happy October 15 Birthday, Big Guy
Keep your eyes open for November’s SOCK HOP Dance – hosted by Colleen
A sock hop is an informal dance that first became popular in the 1950s. Since dances were often held in school gymnasiums, dancers would kick off their shoes and dance in socks to avoid marking up gym floors. Dancers don’t have to attend with a partner.
“All the flat top cats and the dungaree dolls are headed to the gym for the sock hop ball”
The cats and chicks will get their kicks at the hop.
News from the Library
Newly Added Books
Five Ring Circus: Myths and Realities of the Olympic Games (796.98). In this important and much-anticipated work, Christopher Shaw uncovers what he calls the “cesspool of greed, backroom deals and the wholesale trampling of civil liberties” in Vancouver’s preparation for the 2010 Olympic Games. Shaw details the economic, environmental and human costs of hosting the “games”, and takes no prisoners in his damning indictment of the major players involved and their disregard for social justice and fair play.
In a similar vein, Tony Clarke’s Inside the Bottle (338.47), published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, exposes the behind-the-scenes machinations of the major bottled water companies. Clarke argues that, by exploiting publicly-owned resources and employing deceptive marketing and lobbying strategies, these companies’ actions threaten the long-term public availability of a vital resource.
University of Alberta English professor Ted Bishop’s Riding with Rilke (921 BIS) combines travelogue with literary analysis and personal memoir. The story follows Bishop as he rides his motorbike from Edmonton to Austin, Texas in order to research Virginia Woolf’s novel Jacob’s Room, and ends with the author lying on a hospital bed with a broken back. Bishop’s love of literature and the open road, combined with humorous and finely-crafted tales of the people he meets, make this a great book to curl up with.
Finally, a new edition of Missing Sarah, Maggie De Vries’ deeply personal and incredibly moving memoir of her sister’s troubled life on the Downtown Eastside and eventual disappearance—she was among the women whose DNA was found on Robert Pickton’s farm—has been republished and updated with new information from the Pickton trial.
By Aaron on behalf of Beth
My Second HusbandMy Second Husband
My Story, Your story
My second husband, Mad Jack the Trapper
Red Beret in the Korean Police Action
An old guy
Special forces in the Southeast Asian mud
Intimate with cold wet feet ‘n water-born parasites
Taught me the right way to put on my hiking boots
Like I would have then on for a long time
Taught me fishing the clean streams of Nova Scotia
Rainbow trout, sea trout when they were running
The Mayfly is hatching
The air full of white wings… And bass where the nine mile river joins the Shubenacadadic.
Gaspereax we took from fishermen’s gill nets
- bonier than herring
I never killed a deer
When he was in the throes of delirium
and half-woke to strangle me –
Later told me he thought I was a “Gook”
…never the same…
Even after a year in that US hospital in Washington
Not many –a handle of his regiment returned
He a sergeant all the way from Oxford High School
and fencing and Shakespeare
to murder – legitimate murder in Southeast Asia
The women in his family were genteel
Players of Bridge ; Drinkers of tea
Welsh and Mic Mac mix
(Roman Catholic) garden parties with hats
The men enjoyed dripping deer blood
on the kitchen floor
Sleeping with other women
Becoming blood brothers in the Turtle Klan
Leaving Indian wives on the reserves.
When I got pregnant in our 5th year – he split
I listened to Lightfoot’s Ribbon of Darkness and ironed
My son went away with a nice lady
from the Children’s Aid.. but they lied to me
and made up a story, a long complicated story
He found me through the WWW when he was 30
And came to visit me
My son, the engineer
His wife, the engineer
and their children Alex and Nicolas
Q U E S E R A S E R A
Willie
Meditation on the death of Frank Joseph Paul
~
Meditation on the death of Frank Joseph Paul to be recited in the alley
behind the Vancouver detox centre at 377 E. 2nd Ave
Frank Joseph Paul -
Frank Joseph Paul - what links us?
Beyond injustice, beyond the old familiar story of what happens to people
something else -
a body dragged into the street
dying alone in a downtown alley.
Frank Joseph Paul - even I, in my large suburban condo
I, a different kind of Indian, indios, in Dios
in the image of god -
I bear witness for Frank Joseph Paul.
I bear witness for those who walk on foot, summoned to arrive before the
authorities
and then later, then...
Frank Joseph Paul, breached.
We are the trench soldiers -
We are the small timers, thieves, crooks, or worse.
We are the homeless, the itinerant
We are the ragged ones roaming
through the centuries
through countries, borders, wars, famine, pogroms, land-clearances,
reservations,
partition.
We are the tinkers, hired hands, gypsies, saints, shepherds,
pilgrims, refugees and immigrants.
We are cast out and then down, traveling the ground.
All through time on foot we've walked, we've walked the road -
But the rich have lifted themselves,
but the rich have lifted themselves up on horseback, in coaches, trains and
cars
first class,
business class, best class, high class, no class, our class, their class.
What questions - Frank Joseph Paul - should we ask?
If we are warm in our houses, warm on wet nights, and we hear the fist on
the door,
will we go with them? Or if among the crowds that line the way we see him,
or
in among the crowd you saw him bent over with his burden -
his burden bent him - face close enough to see sweat
would you help him?
If at night in the city, stepping from our cars, stepping from your car -
If at night you glimpse, just for an instant, we see just for a moment -
A body, dumped into the street, cheek to pavement -
You, he, us, them - what would you do?
Frank Joseph Paul, your death is the place we'll meet. Golgatha.
Renée Sarojini Saklikar
Renée Sarojini Saklikar
T 604-540-1105
email rsaklikar@shaw.ca
Ancient Trees
We were walking
in the company
of old growth
Douglas Fir trees
at Cypress Falls Park,
and we saw their branches
reaching into the sky
and their roots
reaching into the earth.
Standing in the shade
of ancient trees
with sunlight
shining through their branches
was like being
in dreamtime.
These trees are
hundreds of years old,
and they have much
to teach those
who have eyes to see
and ears to hear.
The trees are our relatives
for we are both
made of stardust
and we are both
children of the universe.
The trees tell us
to live with the dignity
that is manifest
in their age and beauty,
and if we listen closely
we can hear them whispering
"All my relations."
Sandy Cameron
Running Mad
Running Mad with utmost calmness and glee!
Children kidnapped, whose lives are shackled eternally.
Childhood stolen, cultures are a mask of confusion,
Taught to lie, fight and steal; life’s an illusion.
Unreal images of truths are bathed in lies
Babies crying – tears running from their eyes
Happier moments are forever lost in dark voids
Running mad, running free, happiness they now avoid.
Alcohol, drugs and suicide are dire aftermaths
Of Indian Residential Schools assimilating crooked path
What? A few pennies for children who screamed in fear
Whose truth and reconciliation are far away, not near.
Truth & Reconciliation are buried in unmarked graves
Where lay bones of mine sisters and brother, mine baby braves
Unless they’re unearthed, there’ll be no truth or reconciliation
Justice need be served, truths unburied with First Nations babies.
Running mad betwixt truths and lies
Are children with tears in blinded eyes,
Babies afraid to run, afraid to hide,
Oblivious are ones buried on the other side.
I saw babies run, I saw them flee
Wandering, wandering, falling on wounded knee
Rivers of fear, filling a lake of tears
Means of escape were futile through all those years.
Caught and beaten night and day
Whipped, tortured and told to pray
Pray to my god, savage child
Your gods are slaves and you’ll never run wild.
Awaken, awaken at the gates of hell
Residential School reptiles shaking hellish bells
Snakes and lizards disturbed your sleep
Nightmare rattles of imps of the mires deep.
Darkness fills evil hearts of fools
Unforgiven killers at residential schools
Sword of lies lays bloodbaths – sad
Lies running, running mad, mad, mad.
All my relations,
William Arnold Coombes
UNLETTERED
Disarming the one you love like the hundreds before after & back to before, it takes very little time to realize insults do go through doors, at least it’s one thing near completion, it comes with complimentary air & water depletion, just like a selfishist to leave home with the candles running, pretending it’s fun while he swears out loud “What have I done?”; I may have formed my hand into the shape of a gun – not very cunning is it! Just like your phones becoming the next & best instrument to imitate but not much left for imagination “Oh that’s obsolete as of this week” (I thought I just heard Cellularman say cancer is on the way). All thru life your biggest fear was losing your hair but you are unlettered & can barely answer.
Next up I fantasy hairball, get it parted on the side in style and show off those pearly gates I MEAN pearly whites yes, you are pretended – unattended & worse unlettered, we should of all known better – nothing sadder than a child seeing question marks in place of every letter no No NO! Unlettered back when help was a 4-letter word… quit jumping to delusions the las words of a dead man in a bow-tie of confusion to bring an end to a long line of conclusions: take care around angry women & children what began as conversation rapidly escalated into confrontation, the Save Lives people don’t realize the panic & are I believe at some celebration if salvation is your solution then blind faith take a bow & Faith On like hanging… on every word, hanging around to learn more about why you can’t spell what you’ve just heard I check the time in the check-out line an even greater emotional appeal put on hold what was that check-out time? can the unlettered read numbersotherwise how will they know when their number’s up;
If sympathy were in fashion which it is not did you expect another reaction the unlettered for better or worse might at least know what’s what, except for the 2 ½ BILLION unlettered people trying to figure the figures that would spell HUT: Hut Sweet Hut – if you can spell it.
Robert McGillivray
“Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today.. it’s already tomorrow in Australia.”
- Charles M. Shultz A Response to Peter Ladner [Bozo]
A Response to Peter Ladner [Bozo]
I am the retired Nurse from the DEYAS Health Outreach Van from 1998 to 2003; fringe involved and dedicated to the DTES forever. Who are you, Peter Ladner...where do you live?
The "vociferous encounter with 'a' local resident" is an absolutely ludicrous statement mentioned in telling of your recent "stroll" on Davie Street.
Where were the Mayorality Candidates who were invited to ride along with me in the DEYAS Health Van in the nasty hours - 2:00pm to 2:00am, 7/7?? I recall a candidate in the last election who DID ride with us. Mr. Moore-Dempsey was unsuccessful at the polls but I was very impressed. Federal Minister, Monique Beguine, (forgive my spelling, Honourable Minister!) rode with us from 6pm to midnight...a wonderful, dedicated person who wanted to see, touch and learn.
The scourges of addiction, disease transmission, homeless, marginalized/dual diagnosis and ELDER ABUSE are NOT 9 to 5, Monday to Friday with stats and w/e off.
I nursed in the Holding Cells, 222 Main Street; 1978 to retirement in 1998 and then crossed the street to assume the Charge Nurse position on the Clinic Health Outreach Van under DEYAS @ 223 Main Street.
I knew John Turvey for over 40 yrs. I saw him build a Society that addressed the complex needs of the addicted and focussed, initially, on Youth Activities (Downtown Youth ACTIVIES Society...NOT "Action")
John was articulate, credible and diligent in addressing all problem areas in the DTES.
I CHALLENGE ALL CANDIDATES TO A PANEL DISCUSSION ON ADDICTION, HOMELESS, MARGINALIZED/DUAL DIAGNOSED PERSONS AND ELDER ABUSE IN THE DTES and THE ROLE OF DEYAS - past, present and future...I was there and will never give up speaking up.
I have the hard copy references from 1967 to 2008. I was honoured to be elected to the Board of Directors of DEYAS in July/08.
It is insanity to withdraw funding for the Youth Detox Center and deny funding to DEYAS Youth Workers. Family Services cannot handle the present load and lack the one-on-one trust between troubled youth and DEYAS Youth Workers. I will, again, make reference to the 9 to 5, stats and w/e off. DEYAS IS THERE and available for communication/messaging 24hrs.
I have never been one to sit on my hands with my mouth closed. I stand for reality, truth and education. My goal is to Aspire to Inspire until I Expire.
NAME THE DAY, TIME and PLACE!
By Bonnie Fournier,
Registered Psychiatric Nurse
Note: The following legal trespass notice follows on an Eviction Order issued by Squamish Hereditary Cief (Siem) Kiapilano on March 4, 2008 against the Catholic, Anglican and United Churches in Vancouver. It was prompted by the refusal of these churches to surrender the remains of children who died in their Indian residential schools, after repeated requests to them to do so. Chief Kiapilano has therefore ordered these churches off his land, and calls upon all people of conscience to boycott these churches and enforce this Eviction, including by peacefully occupying these church buildings and opening them up to the poor and homeless. He also asks that other tribal elders across Canada issue similar evictions against these churches on their territories. [Eagle Strong Voice, Fiduicary Officer and Agent for Chief Kiapilano.]
Common Law Notice of Trespass
To: The Members, Participants and Officers of the Corporations known as The Roman Catholic
Church, The Anglican Church of Canada, and The United Church of Canada.
You are hereby notified, pursuant to Docket S036483, Supreme Court of British Columbia Registry of 4 March, 2008 (Notice of Eviction), not to remain upon or to enter property on the
land legally possessed by Hereditary Siem Chief Kiapilano of the Squamish Nation.
Said property, upon which the buildings owned by the said church corporations now stand, is under the lawful control of Siem Chief Kiapilano as legal custodian of this land, which is located
in the city of Vancouver and its suburbs, and consists of the following:
Seventy nine churches, two church administrative offices, and one theological seminary owned
by the United Church of Canada;
Seventy one churches, two church administrative offices, and one theological seminary owned
by the Anglican Church of Canada;
Ninety three churches, two diocesan administrative offices, and two theological colleges owned
by the Roman Catholic Church.
Signature of Legal Owner: (in original)
Siem Kiapilano
Dated this 16th Day of September, 2008, on Squamish Nation Territory
TRESPASS NOTICE Under SECTION 4(1)(2) AND (4) British Columbia TRESPASS ACT 1980
In accordance with the above Act and Section, you are hereby warned to stay off the places known as the churches and buildings of the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church of Canada, and the United Church of Canada located in the City of Vancouver and its suburbs, lawfully owned and never relinquished by Hereditary Siem Chief Kiapilano of Squamish Nation.
(Jurat: Quod Meum est sine me auferri non potest – What is mine cannot be taken away without my consent)
You are advised that, in accordance with the provisions of the Trespass Act 1980, it is an offence punishable by a fine not exceeding $1000, or imprisonment not exceeding three months, to enter onto the aforementioned place within the space of TWO YEARS after you have received this warning, OR UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THIS NOTICE IS CANCELLED.
Registered April 21, 2008. Vancouver Court Registry: Affidavit #2 – SHCC Docket S036483
Indigenous and local organizers confront the Olympic 'Spirit' Train.
Edmonton – On Monday September 29th at Wagner School, 6310 Wagner road,the Native 2010 Resistance, a part of the Olympics Resistance Network, in solidarity with concerned citizens of Fort Chipe-wyan will confront the CPR’s "Spirit Train".
The Spirit Train is crossing Canada and stopping in numerous cities along the way. Preparations for the Games ‘nd Tar Sands operations are already having a negative impact on Indigenous, low-income, and marginalized communities and on Indigenous lands
According to Dustin Johnson of the Native 2010 Resistance, "We are here to expose the genocide, ecocide and displacement being promoted by this
'Spirit Train' propaganda machine steaming through Native communities."
Johnson's sentiment is shared by other Indigenous peoples across Canada who are fighting to protect their land.
"We are in Edmonton in solidarity with the Native 2010 Resistance to confront the Spirit Train. It embodies the synergies between the corporate sector supporting the Olympics, and the corporate interests in Alberta's Tar Sands.. while simultaneously continuing the destruction of Indigenous lands and livelihoods," explains Mike Mercredi, resident from
Fort Chipewyan.
"The Olympics is the world's largest sporting event, brought to us with the corporate sponsorship of some of the largest profiteers from the world's largest industrial development known as the Tar Sands" says Clayton Thomas Muller of the Indigenous Environmental Network.
Some of the big players in this massive public relations campaign are the Royal Bank of Canada which has $15.7 billion invested in Canada's fossil fuel industry. RBC also has $110 million invested into the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, making them the 3rd largest corporate sponsor. Petro Canada is set to be one of the largest operators in the Tar Sands and has $60 million invested in Olympic sponsorship and is the official energy supplier of the games.
The events in Edmonton will be the third of a series of actions against the "Spirit Train" planned across the country.
For info: Clay Thomas-Muller – 218-760-6632
Sheila Muxlow – 780-233-2528
Macdonald Stainsby – 780-233-4992
The Native 2010 Resistance is primarily based on the occupied territories of 'BC and exists as an Indigenous space to coordinate anti-2010 Olympics
efforts in conjunction with the Olympics Resistance Network.
The community of Fort Chipewyan is Alberta's oldest settlement and is downstream from the Tar Sands. --
The Indigenous Free School
"It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hand. ~Apache"
Out In The Cold
Out In The Cold will have its world premiere at the Vancouver International Film Festival in a couple of weeks. It would be great to have local people in the audience.
VIFF Screening Times and Location:
Sunday, Oct. 5, 9:45 pm Empire Granville 7
Monday, Oct. 6, 3:00pm Empire Granville 7
SYNOPSIS:
On a night so cold it hurts to breathe, three First Nations Men find themselves abandoned on the outskirts of town.
The wonderful script, written by Cheryl Jack from Saskatoon, was inspired by the freezing deaths of several First Nations in Saskatoon. The film, oftentimes humorous, is a metaphorically rich drama that explores themes of loss, memory and disregard faced by Indigenous people in Canada and around the world.
Film's website: www.sarahabbott.ca/outinthecold. You can also read about Out In The Cold and other films being screened at www.viff.org.
Out In The Cold will have its Saskatchewan premiere in Regina on October 25 and will screen in Saskatoon on October 27. Both screenings will be followed by a panel discussion. The film has also been selected for screening at the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival that runs November 19 – 23, 2008.
EXPRESS YOURSELF!
EXPRESS YOURSELF!
By Libby Davies
There is a federal election underway and I want to encourage all of you to vote!
I fight every day for equality and justice. And let’s face it, there isn’t much of either in our society, I know that some people are definitely more powerful than others. But on voting day equality does exist. Everybody’s voice counts equally. Somebody who is a member of the Carnegie counts just as much as the guy who is a member of the Arbutus Club. Whether you live in the DES or Shaughnessy, your vote counts the same.
Voting is a right that you have to express your choice for who gets to represent you in government. How would you feel if you had no choice? In many countries, people are intimidated and threatened if they express themselves politically. In Canada, on voting day you can express your choice and affirm your opinion as a free citizen. Please do it!
In order to vote, you must be:
* A Canadian Citizen
* 18 years old or over on Election Day, which is Tuesday, October 14th
* Resident of Vancouver East
Plus, you must have proper identification:
1. Once piece of ID: either the BC ID Card or BC drivers licence; OR
2. Two pieces of ID: both pieces must have your name, and at least one of these pieces must have your address (some examples: birth certificate; CareCard, Library Card, SIN Card; Seniors Card; Government cheque or cheque stub; phone bill; cable bill; hydro bill; CPP statement; bank statement; income tax assessment notice); OR
3. Someone who has the proper identification as listed in #2 can vouch for you. This person has to live in the same polling division as you.
You have 3 chances to vote:
1. Go to the Vancouver East Electoral office at 106 Keefer (at Columbia). The office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am-9:00pm; Saturday, 9:00am-6:00pm; and Sunday, 12:00noon-4:00pm
2. Go to the Advance Polls on Friday, October 3rd, Saturday, October 4th, or Monday, October 6th. The Advance Polls are open 12:00noon–8:00pm. Check your polling card under the Advance Voting Days section to find where to vote. If you don’t have a polling card, call Elections Canada at 604 664 9050 or Libby Davies at 604 254 3833 and we’ll tell you where to vote. Advance Voting will most likely be at the Salvation Army Harbour Light at 119 East Cordova, or the Chinese Cultural Centre at 50 East Pender.
3. Go vote on Election Day on Tuesday, October 14th. The polls are open from 7:00am-7:00pm. Again, check your polling card under the Election Day section to find where to vote. If you don’t have a polling card, call Elections Canada at 604 664 9050 or Libby Davies at 604 254 3833 and we’ll tell you where to go to vote.
Hope in Shadows: PIVOT’s 2009 Calendar Award Ceremony
Hope in Shadows
PIVOT’s 2009 Calendar Award Ceremony
The Award Ceremony will start at 10 a.m. on Thursday October 9. We will play a short 5-minute video made of the camera contest at this time. It was done by Daniel Froidevaux and people can already see it online on VancouverIAM.com.
The top 40 are then announced, and the people are asked to come to the stage to receive a certificate and an enlargement of their photo: first we give out 24 Honourable Mentions. They all receive $25 each in prize money. Next is the 10 3rd place-getters – they receive $50. Five people receive $100, and finally the winner receives $500.
The calendar is unveiled also at this time. The top sellers from last year will have already done pre-training for the City of Vancouver Street Licence so they will be able to pick up their free calendars. The top 40 winners also get one free calendar as
their names are in it.
Exhibition
The Hope in Shadows exhibition officially opens that evening at the Pendulum Gallery at 885 West Georgia Street (HSBC Building). The exhibition has the top 40 and all the captions about the photographs. Everyone is invited and winners are invited
to speak about their experience if they want to.
Calendar Street Sale Training
Training is planned for many venues. Training usually takes about an hour. It is run by an experienced trainer (Garvin Snider). While Garvin does the training on how to sell the calendar and goes over the Code of Conduct, we process the ID cards on a laptop computer and portable printer and laminator. At the end of the training, the person goes away with an official ID card, and one calendar to start them off. If they want to buy more to sell, they have to pay $10 at one of the depots. The main depots in the Downtown Eastside are:
* Pivot Legal Society, 678 East Hastings
* Portland Hotel, 20 West Hastings Street
There are also depots on Commercial Drive (Vancity), East Broadway (Cuppa Joes), and two in the downtown core. Last year calendar sellers made more than $55,000 for themselves from selling calendars.
The “pre-training” is reserved for top sellers and is on the 8th. Here are the ones booked with local community centres already:
October 10: LifeSkills, 412 E Cordova Street, 11 a.m.
October 10: Gathering Place, 609 Helmcken (Seymour and Helmcken) 2 p.m.
October 15: LifeSkills, 412 East Cordova Street, 11 a.m.
October 17: LifeSkills, 412 East Cordova Street, 11 a.m.
October 20: DTES Women’s Centre, 1:30pm; November 3: DTES Women’s Centre, 1:30 p.m. (all women trainers at both sessions)
NEWS FROM THE CARNEGIE LEARNING CENTRE
The Learning Centre is getting geared up for another great year after a summer season staffed only by volunteers; with both Lucy and Betsy away on vacation. Lucy threw a great Appreciation Lunch for our faithful volunteers on Wednesday, September 17 and a good time was had by all. Thanks to everyone who makes this place run!
We are always looking for new volunteers. I’ve been doing it for a long time and it is a very rewarding experience. There are workshops, one-on-one tutoring, computer classes and résumé help.
Presently the Learning Centre is open every weekday from 9am-5pm. We are looking for volunteers so we can open on Saturday afternoons as well; it’s a very popular time for people who can’t come during the week.
Writing for Fun is a popular and fun class offered by Betsy every Tuesday from 1-2pm. On Tuesdays and Thursdays Bao teaches Intro to Computers (Chinese) and on Wednesdays at 2pm Bob is offering a basic class. If you need individual tutoring in English or Math, Lucy can line you up with your own tutor to guide you through your studies.
So I hope you can drop by the 3rd floor and find out more about our great Carnegie Learning Centre
Written by Adrienne,
Learning Centre Reporter Extraordinaire
