Speakers

Our young people who have been to RYLA training weekends will tell us about their experiences.

Andy is an instructor in Digital Communication at Camosun College.  Andy worked for more than 15 years in the broadcast news industry, doing everything from producing award-winning documentaries to presenting the weather on newscasts. He began teaching part-time at Canadore College in 1993. In 1998 he moved to the United Arab Emirates where he taught video and audio production at Dubai Men's College. He has a degree from Trent University, and is an alumnus of the Electronic Film Media Program at the Banff Centre, School of Fine Arts. Andy has a hands-on approach that gives students an opportunity to stretch their imaginations while exploring the medium.

This documentary, 'Finding Peter Bryce' was a labour of love.  While doing some research on his great-grandfather, Dr. Peter Bryce, Andy discovered that his great-grandfather had been an early whistleblower about the conditions in the Residential Schools.  Through Andy's and Cindy Blackstock's work, Peter received his golden whistle award posthumously - 109 years after he first published reports on the appalling conditions in residential schools.    

Western democracies are confronted with the rise of populist parties that are fueled by strong anti-establishment sentiments. In particular right-wing, nationalist forces have gained considerable support with their anti-immigrant agenda and changed the landscape of party politics throughout Europe (and North America). The presentation will consider the driving forces behind the populist surge and the effects it has on liberal democracy.

Oliver Schmidtke is a Professor in the Departments of Political Science and History at the University of Victoria where he also holds the Jean Monnet Chair in European History and Politics. He received his PhD from the European University Institute in Florence. He currently serves as the director of the Centre for Global Studies in Victoria. His research interests are in the fields of the politics and governance of migration, citizenship, nationalism, and populism.

Our very busy International Service Committee will give us an update on their latest trip to Honduras

Cycling Without Age works to improve the lives of the elderly in Victoria by promoting intergenerational relationships and providing seniors with an opportunity to connect with neighbours, nature and fresh air.

Cycling Without Age Victoria launched May 29th during Bike to Work Week 2017.  Victoria’s is the sixth chapter in Canada, and the first in British Columbia!

Beckley Farm Lodge is the home of Victoria’s first trishaw.  We’re excited to have our second trishaw at Broadmead Care Society‘s Nigel House, through the generous support of Mountain Equipment Co-op‘s Access and Activity Grant.

As of June 2018, the Cook Street Village Activity Centre trishaw is offering rides for people of all ages and abilities in the community.

Brad Edgett is the Executive Director of the Mary Winspear Centre.

Anawim House is a safe, substance-free home and gathering place for Victoria’s street community.

For 27 years, Anawim House has offered a residential recovery house for men and daytime services for both men and women, including meals, showers, laundry, clothing, counselling and help with their day- to-day needs.  

What makes them different from other services for Victoria’s poor and homeless? They offer more than a handout; they offer the chance for lasting change—whether that means freedom from addiction, reconnecting with loved ones, moving into housing, going back to school, or finding work or a home.  Unlike similar services, they offer more than harm reduction. They offer a family environment where people can recover their dignity and self- worth, and break free of isolation, addiction, and past trauma.

Anawim House, a place where people can contribute and build lasting relationships as members of a loving family. A place where people can thrive, not just survive. They work with people to rebuild their physical, emotional, and spiritual health and set new goals for themselves.