Executive Director, MCC Alberta

Abe is the Executive Director of MCC Alberta (Mennonite Central Committee). Learn about MCC's AIDS related projects at http://mcc.org/aids/.

Abe Janzen participated in the festival on May 13th, 2008

President of Darfur Association of Canada/Calgary

Adam was born and brought up in Darfur, Sudan and all his family members and relatives remain in Darfur. He is involved in a number of advocacy organizations that work to stop the genocide in Darfur. Adam is a Coordinator for Employment Services, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society.

Adam Abdalla participated in the festival on November 14th, 2008

These young Nigerian-Canadian women from Calgary represent their homeland of Nigeria in the form of rhythmic and artistic dance expression. Members of the group are Olawumi Adeniyi, Chisom Chiwetelu. Tomiwa Mosuro, Amy Umeh, Amanda Okafor, and Kemmy Nwankpa. The name Amara Ijo means “(divine) grace of dance”, and is derived from both the Igbo and Yoruba languages of Nigeria. The group has appeared at Afrikadey, Globalfest, Heritage Day, and the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary Gala Nite. "“Although we are Canadians, we are also proud Nigerians . Our objective is to keep our culture alive in Canada by constructing creative styles of dance and performance as a means of displaying the splendor and allure of Nigeria.”

Amara Ijo Dance Group participated in the festival on November 17th, 2007

Board of Directors, Linguana Foundation and Sudanese Women for Change

Ameera was born in Western Darfur. She has been an activist within the Darfuris of Canada since her arrival in 2000. She co-founded the Darfur Diaspora Association and works to raise awareness of the Darfur situation in the international community.

Ameera Abbo participated in the festival on November 14th, 2008

Journalist, Author

For 20 years, Andrew Nikiforuk has written extensively about education, economics and the environment, in numerous newspapers and magazines. His books include Fourth Horseman and Saboteurs: Wiebo Ludwig’s War Against Big Oil, which won the Governor-General’s award. Andrew lives in Marda Loop.

Andrew Nikiforuk participated in the festival on November 15th, 2008

International Peace Research Association

Coordinator the International Peace Research Association (IPRA) biennial conference held in Calgary this past summer.

Anna Brassard participated in the festival on November 18th, 2006

Founder of the University of Alberta Chapter of Dignitas International

Anne is currently a third-year medical student working in Peace River and last year founded the University of Alberta student chapter of Dignitas International - an organization founded by Dr. Orbinski. She has worked with a non-government organization in Cameroon, and Zambia to develop community-based integrated approaches to HIV/TB & primary care. Over the past summer, she worked with the World Health Organization on a campaign against gender-based violence.

Anne Aspler participated in the festival on November 16th, 2008

Associate Professor, Director, Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Program, University of Calgary.

Anne Hughson, PhD. (Charter Psychologist, Alberta), Associate Professor, Director, Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Program, University of Calgary.

Dr. Hughson teaches disability related courses in program evaluation & consultation, counseling, leadership, disability studies, inclusion, social policy & advocacy, violence & abuse, and community based research approaches. Anne also facilitates Summer Institutes on Inclusive Education, in partnership with Alberta Association for Community Living.

Anne Hughson participated in the festival on January 12th, 2010

Associate Professor of Development Studies, Faculty of Communication and Culture, University of Calgary

Dr. Parmar’s expertise includes gender and development, development studies, South Asia, immigrant women in Canada and ancient Indian political thought. Dr. Parmar is a recognized scholar, with numerous publications—book, articles, reports to her credit. She is also the past-president of India-Canada Association of Calgary and Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association and Canadian Association for the Study of International Development.

Aradhana Parmar participated in the festival on March 9th, 2010 & March 9th, 2010

Executive Director of Dafurian Congress of Canada

The Darfurian Congress of Canada, was created by local Darfuris whose mission is to protect people at risk in Darfur and Sudan while seeking justice and accountability for violations against them. In her role Barbara applies her knowledge of the issues of genocide and human rights violations and ensures the information from her weekly communications with Darfuris in the IDP (Internally Displaced Person) camps throughout Sudan and Chad reaches as wide an audience as possible.

Barbara Butt participated in the festival on November 14th, 2008

Faculty of Communications and Culture, University of Calgary

Barbara Schneider participated in the festival on January 9th, 2007

Barry Robinson, Calgary staff lawyer for Ecojustice (formerly the Sierra Legal Defence Fund), sees interesting parallels between the subject matter of Waterlife and the impacts of oil sands development on the Athabasca River in Alberta.

Barry has represented clients and worked to enhance environmental laws dealing with leaking oil sands tailings ponds, impacts on landowners from oil and gas activities, and water allocation and licensing. Barry has a Bachelors in Forestry, Masters in Environmental Studies and a law degree from the University of Victoria.

Barry Robinson participated in the festival on November 21st, 2009

WATER Coordinator, CITIZENShift, National Film Board of Canada

http://citizen.nfb.ca/

Brennan Wauters participated in the festival on March 13th, 2007

Calgary Health Region's Grief Support Program

Brian is a Grief Counselor with the Calgary Health Region's Grief Support Program. As part of this position, he has been the facilitator of the Homicide Grief Support Program since its inception in 2005.

Brian Pickering participated in the festival on January 8th, 2008

Alderman Ward 11, City of Calgary

Brian’s community involvement has been primarily focused at the policy level around finding ways to ensure that our communities are thriving and healthy for everyone. He serves on various City of Calgary committees, including Standing Policy Committee on Utilities and Environment, Calgary Housing Company, Nose Creek Watershed Partnership and is actively involved in moving the ImagineCalgary initiative forward.

Brian Pincott participated in the festival on November 16th, 2008

Involved in the making of documentary film "Maquilopolis". Carmen, from Tijuana, Mexico, is a maquiladora (factory) worker struggling to bring about positive change

Carmen Duran participated in the festival on November 18th, 2006 & November 18th, 2006

Cher Ewing is the mother of Kristen Paige Deyell, a Mount Royal College student, who was gunned down outside a nightclub while on a student exchange program, in Guadalajara Mexico, April 23rd, 2004. She is also a part time volunteer for the Calgary Health Region - Homicide Grief Support Group.

Cher Ewing participated in the festival on January 8th, 2008

CivicCamp

Cheri McCauley participated in the festival on November 17th, 2009

Chris Turner is the author of the national bestseller The Geography of Hope: A Tour of the World We Need, which was named one of the Globe & Mail’s Best Books of 2007 He is also the author of the international bestseller Planet Simpson: How A Cartoon Masterpiece Documented an Era and Defined a Generation (2004). His narrated visual tour of The Geography of Hope has captivated audiences across Canada, ranging from Environmental Defence summits to Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers galas. He writes regularly on pop culture and sustainability for The Globe & Mail and contributes a column to Worldchanging.com. He is currently at work on a new book on the global shift to sustainable living.

Chris Turner participated in the festival on November 17th, 2009 & November 22nd, 2009

Clint Mooney is an ordained minister of The United Church of Canada, ministering at St. Matthew's U.C. Clint has for many years worked with interchurch organizations on various justice concerns, work that is now encompassed under KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives. Clint chairs the Calgary committee of Kairos. In that connection he has been involved with Corporate Responsibility issues, seeking to engage, for example, with Talisman over operations in Sudan and Peru, with TVI Pacific over mining in the Philippines, with the government's Roundtable process on accountability structures for Canadian corporations active in resource extraction.

Clint Mooney participated in the festival on November 22nd, 2009

MLA Calgary Currie

Local MLA for Calgary-Currie, deputy leader of the Alberta Liberals, and previously a long-time broadcaster and journalist

Dave Taylor participated in the festival on November 18th, 2006

Dept of History & Classics, University of Alberta

David is the Director of the Stasiuk Program on Contemporary Ukraine at the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, University of Alberta. He is author of twelve single-authored books and two edited books on topics ranging from 20th Century Russia, Stalinism, contemporary Belarus and the Chernobyl disaster. At the University of Alberta, he received a McCalla Professorship in 1998, the Faculty of Arts Prize to Full Professors for Excellence in Research in 1999, the J. Gordin Kaplan Award for Excellence in Research in 2003, a Killam Annual Professorship in 2005-06, and the University Cup in 2008.

David Marples participated in the festival on November 15th, 2008 & November 15th, 2008

Director of Operations for Inn from the Cold Society

David W. Lewry is Director of Operations for Inn from the Cold Society, which provides shelter and hope for Calgary’s homeless families. David, who has a diploma in social work, has been a part of Inn from the Cold since shortly after its conception and beginning 12 years ago.

David W. Lewry participated in the festival on November 22nd, 2009

Public Affairs Coordinator for the Canadian Red Cross

Dena Allen is the Public Affairs Coordinator for the Canadian Red Cross. As part of her community outreach, she talks to people about the Red Cross Malaria Bites program to help prevent the spread of the disease and how Canadians can get involved. Dena has also travelled and worked in malaria-endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa and has seen first-hand how the disease can ravage human potential.

http://www.malariabites.net

Dena Allen participated in the festival on September 9th, 2008

President of the Calgary-Cambodian Association

Dom was born in Cambodia and arrived from Cambodia as a refugee. He spent years in camps, held by the government of Cambodia. These camps were similar to the camps discussed in the film.

Dom Eam participated in the festival on November 14th, 2008

Honorable Douglas Roche, O.C.

The Honorable Douglas Roche, O.C., is an author, parliamentarian and diplomat, who has specialized throughout his 35-year public career in peace and human security issues. He lectures widely on peace and nuclear disarmament themes.

Mr. Roche was a Senator, Member of Parliament, Canadian Ambassador for Disarmament, and Visiting Professor at the University of Alberta. He was elected Chairman of the United Nations Disarmament Committee at the 43rd General Assembly in 1988.

In 2005, he was given Lifetime Achievement awards from both the Canadian Pugwash Group and the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. In 2009, he received the Distinguished Service Award of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians for his "promotion of human welfare, human rights and parliamentary democracy in Canada and abroad." He is an Officer of the Order of Canada.

For a detailed biography please visit roche.apirg.org

Douglas Roche participated in the festival on September 15th, 2009

Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Calgary

Dr. Nieman has been practicing as a specialist with children for more than twenty years and has been a pediatrician in Alberta since 1987. He currently serves on the Canadian Pediatric Society's Healthy Active Living Committee. Previously Dr. Nieman served on the Canadian Pediatric Society's Psychosocial Committee which explored the beneficial and harmful effects of media on children’s mental and physical health, and to identify how physicians can counsel families to promote the healthy use of the media in their homes and communities.

Dr. Nieman teaches as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Calgary and is a regular medical contributor to newspapers and radio and television broadcasts. "He hosts a website www.healthykids.ca which is a resource for parents who want to raise healthy kids". In addition to his medical experience, he is also a parent who recognizes the challenges of raising healthy children.

Dr. Peter Nieman participated in the festival on May 11th, 2010

Associate professor from Al-Azhar University in Daqahliya, Egypt

Bedeir is an associate professor from Al-Azhar University in Daqahliya, Egypt, the oldest Islamic University in the world. In Calgary, he teaches and serves as a Muslim Chaplain at both Mount Royal College and the University of Calgary, and is the Imam at the Calgary Islamic Centre. In 2004, Dr. Bedeir was the J. William Fullbright Scholar teaching about Islam at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

Dr. Reda Bedeir participated in the festival on November 18th, 2007

Public Engagement Director with CAUSE Canada

Wilkins has been involved in International Development Work for the past 5 years. Having lived in Sierra Leone, India and traveled extensively around the world, Erin can speak to some of the realities of the developing world and provide insight into the opportunities development projects can create for communities.

Erin Wilkins participated in the festival on November 18th, 2007

CivicCamp

Filomena Gomes participated in the festival on November 17th, 2009

Frank McShane recently joined Talisman Energy as Manager of Corporate Responsibility Policy and Ethics. He is responsible for Talisman’s Policy on Business Conduct and Ethics, global corporate responsibility and ethics policies, and practices. Frank worked in exploration drilling, completed an M.Sc. in Environmental Resource Management, taught in Fiji and consulted for projects receiving overseas aid in the Pacific islands. He also completed a doctorate at McGill University, on impacts of minerals development, and then joined the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) in London, where he worked on sustainable development issues in the mining industry. In 2002 Frank joined EnCana where his work extended from international community relations to environmental policy, ethics, and best practices.

Frank McShane participated in the festival on November 22nd, 2009

Alberta Progressive Conservative Party

Gary McPherson, Alberta Progressive Conservative leadership candidate, and former chair of the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities will introduce Emmanuel’s Gift (Sunday 2:00 pm). Gary is a a quadripalegic since a childhood bout with polio.

Gary McPherson participated in the festival on November 19th, 2006

Sgt. with Calgary Police Service

Sgt. Gavin Walker has been with the Calgary Police Service since 1990. He is a former member and supervisor of the Gang Enforcement Team and is currently attached to the Organized Crime Section. Check out www.getalife.ca a website associated with the Calgary Police Service addressing the issue of gangs.

Gavin Walker participated in the festival on May 12th, 2009

Analyst within the Pembina Institute’s Corporate Consulting Group

The Pembina Institute is an environmental non-governmental organization that advances sustainable energy solutions through innovative research, education, consulting and advocacy. The Corporate Consulting Group helps corporations integrate sustainability concepts into their operations. One of Greg’s primary roles is to provide training in Life-cycle Value Assessment, which is a decision-making methodology that accounts for the potential triple bottom line (ecological, social, and financial) impacts of various project options over their complete life cycles.

Greg Powell participated in the festival on November 17th, 2007

Amnesty International

Heather is a long-time human rights advocate and supporter of the International Criminal Court. With Amnesty International, she petitioned for the court to be established and for mass rape to be included as a crime of genocide. Heather is also Director of Research and Programs for the Sheldon Chumir Foundation for Ethics in Leadership. At the Foundation's 2004 symposium on Canadian Values in the World Community, Canada's leadership role in establishing the International Criminal Court was recognized.

Heather MacIntosh participated in the festival on May 8th, 2007

James Nguen is one of the Lost Boys of Sudan who is living in Calgary and attending the University of Calgary. He is the founder of the Biluany Literacy and Water Project, cofounder of the "Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan Association of Calgary" and a subject of the Award Winning documentary "The Long Journey Home of James Nguen."

James came to Canada as a refugee on September, 2001, fifteen years after he was forced to leave Sudan at the age of seven. James was orphaned by war and lived alone for twenty years without knowing whether any of his family was alive. In 2005, he learned that his mother was alive and reconnected with her. James works tirelessly helping others by advocating for the Sudanese refugee population in Calgary, and at home.

James Nguen participated in the festival on September 14th, 2010

Jamie McIntosh, an advocate for children at risk, leads International Justice Mission Canada. IJM Canada staff and volunteers have participated in rescue operations of children from forced prostitution and families from bonded slavery. Following studies Christian ministry and leadership, Jamie is now reading for his Master of Studies in International Human Rights Law at Oxford University.

Based on referrals of abuse received from relief and development organizations, IJM conducts professional investigations of the abuses and mobilizes intervention on behalf of the victims. A multi-national team of law enforcement professionals and legal staff conduct criminal investigations and collect evidence to rescue victims and bring perpetrators to justice. IJM was founded by Gary Haugen who served as the Officer in Charge of the U.N. investigation into the Rwandan genocide.

Jamie McIntosh participated in the festival on November 20th, 2009

Samaritan's Purse

Samaritan's Purse is an international Christian relief organization. SP with Canadian headquarters in Calgary, builds, installs and maintains Bio Sand Water Filters. To date about 70,000 have been built and installed around the world with plans to partner with Canadian donors for another 65,000 filters during the next three years.

www.samaritanspurse.ca

Jeff Adams participated in the festival on March 13th, 2007

Host of the Calgary Eyeopener on CBC Radio

Jim Brown hosts a weekday morning show on CBC Radio One in Calgary Alberta. He was also the co-director of the film Radiant City.

Jim Brown participated in the festival on November 16th, 2008

Pembina Institute's Corporate Consulting Group

Prior to joining the Pembina team, Kasia worked as an analyst in banking and the energy sector. She has also worked internationally, most recently in Santiago, Chile for the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Kasia Sell participated in the festival on November 17th, 2007

Purses and Projects for African Grandmothers

Kate is associated with "Purses and Projects for African Grandmothers" in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

www.stephenlewisfoundation.org

Kate Clark participated in the festival on May 13th, 2008

Kelly Sundberg is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Justice Studies at Mount Royal University and former investigator with the Canada Border Services Agency. Kelly's research primarily focuses on issues of border and national security, terrorism, human trafficking, and youth gang violence. During his time with the Government of Canada, Kelly has travelled throughout Africa and other developing regions of the world to meet and consult with their local criminal justice organizations. He holds a Bachelors in Political Science, Masters in Justice and Public Safety Leadership from Royal Roads University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy in Criminology at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

Kelly Sundberg participated in the festival on November 21st, 2009

Kevin Littlelight is the Tsuu T’ina Nation Administrator. Tsuu T'ina, which means "a great number of people, is described by Kevin as a hardworking and extremely resourceful nation in transition. Kevin is also a filmmaker whose "Freudian" short, "Samurai Kid" opened the program at The Calgary Society of Independent Filmmaker’s imagineNATIVE event this past July.

Kevin Littlelight participated in the festival on November 21st, 2009

Freelance writer and reporter

Kyle is a freelance writer and reporter for a variety of media outlets, including CBC radio and television. He began his journalistic career in England, where he worked for the BBC. He's been back in Canada for just over a year and continues to work in all three media – concentrating chiefly on human rights issues.

Kyle G. Brown participated in the festival on November 17th, 2006

Calgary Catholic Immigration Services

A Sudanese-Canadian and Family Support Counsellor with Calgary Catholic Immigration Services

Lam MedKoryom participated in the festival on November 18th, 2006

Professor Emeritus at Mount Royal College

Mahfooz Kanwar, Ph.D. is a specialist in criminology and sociology and Professor Emeritus at Mount Royal College. Dr. Kanwar continues to teach part time at the College and has frequently won Excellence In Teaching Awards. He is currently conducting a research project in Criminal Youth Gangs in Canada. Dr. Kanwar is a frequent contributor to radio, television and print media.

Mahfooz Kanwar participated in the festival on May 12th, 2009

co-founder of INSPIRE!africa

Margaret McQuiston is the co-founder of INSPIRE!africa, a Canadian foundation supporting widows and orphans of the genocide in Rwanda. In the 2 years since INSPIRE!africa started they have raised over $100,000 and this summer they took a group of 8 volunteers to Rwanda to teach English to young adult orphans of the genocide and tour other projects they are supporting in Rwanda. Margaret has a background in community development and currently works at the National Energy Board where she advises on socio-economic and Aboriginal matters.

Margaret McQuiston participated in the festival on March 10th, 2009

Director of the Bow River Basin Council

The Bow River Basin Council (BRBC) is a multi-stakeholder, charitable organization dedicated to conducting activities for the improvement and protection of the waters of the Bow River Basin, considering: riparian zones, aquatic ecosystems, quality and quantity of water, and effects of land use on surface and groundwater. Mark has served as the Director for the past 8 years. Previously Mark worked in Emergency Management, never very far from concerns involving water. Either too little - as in the 1989 Manitoba forest fires emergency; or too much – as in the 1993 summer flooding, the 1996 flood and the Flood of the Century in 1997 on the Red River.

Mark Bennett participated in the festival on November 16th, 2008

Environmental Coordinator at Shell Canada Energy

Marlow has worked on many International projects and did his master research in Latin America focusing on the energy needs of Caribbean Islands and their dependency on imported oil. He currently works as an Environmental advisor for Shell in the Oilsands Division. When he is not working he is actively involved in Alternate energy development on his acreage near Sundre, Alberta. Marlow has developed micro projects in Solar Energy (both Photovoltaic and thermal) and Bio fuels research in Bio diesel development. He is a keen advocate in conservation and energy efficiency and is a member of the International Solar Society local chapter in Calgary.

Marlow D. Currie participated in the festival on November 16th, 2007

Member, Citizens Advocating the Use of Sustainable Energy (CAUSE)

CAUSE is a Calgary-based grassroots movement opposing plans for nuclear development in Alberta with the goal of informing the public about the safety, environmental, health and economic risks of nuclear power. Mary is a retired high school English teacher. She has extensive practice in facilitating dialogue and believes that important issues are only better understood by engaging in that process.

Mary Nokleby participated in the festival on November 15th, 2008

Dr. Maureen Hiebert is an Assistant Professor in the Law and Society Program at the University of Calgary and a faculty member with the Genocide and Human Rights University Program in Toronto. Her PhD dissertation was on the origins of genocide.

She is working on a book-length project examining how perpetrators of genocide use the law as a weapon to carry out their crimes. Dr. Hiebert previously taught comparative genocide at the University of Toronto. Dr. Hiebert's publications include work on the Holocaust, Cambodian genocide, and genocide in Chile. Her current research deals with the question of whether war crimes trials effectively prevent future atrocities.

Maureen Hiebert participated in the festival on November 21st, 2009

Merv Chia has been a volunteer with the Red Cross for the past 9 years and is currently serving as Council President for the region. He is the President of NEX Industries Ltd, an investment company. He has always been an active volunteer in community organizations with a keen interest in international development. Merv returned from a month in Liberia on a Red Cross mission in June 2008.

Merv Chia participated in the festival on November 22nd, 2009

Michael, a resident of Marda Loop, co-founded a community gardening co-operative in Windsor, ON and is working with others on a similar project here in Calgary. Michael's passion for these projects stems from his concern for social justice. He is currently completing a Master's degree in Communication and Social Justice and plans to continue his pursuits through PhD studies on community level food co-operatives.

Michael Classens participated in the festival on March 11th, 2008

Director and a Founder of Ghost River Rediscovery

Michael, a Mohawk from Six Nations has over 25 years of experience in outdoor education, leadership, community development and is a senior instructor for the Rediscovery International Trainings. With a background in the military, Michael’s work has included counseling, corrections, treatment foster care, and outdoor leadership development. He is a wilderness first aid instructor, cultural educator for the City of Calgary Police and facilitator of Aboriginal awareness for many corporations in Calgary, communities in Canada and around the world. Michael brings a unique combination of rigorous professionalism, leadership experience and grounding in traditional cultural teachings.

Michael Lickers participated in the festival on November 16th, 2008

Account Manager - Me to We [Responsible Style]

Me to We is a social enterprise committed to providing ethically manufactured, quality apparel to consumers and leading socially-responsible companies. Their product line is ethically manufactured in Canada, sweatshop-free and made using certified organic cotton and bamboo fibres. One half of profit goes directly to our partner organization, Free The Children, to develop youth leaders in Canada and implement sustainable community projects around the world; to date 450 schools have been built, which over 40,000 children attend daily! Free The Children has received three Nobel Peace prize nominations and is partnered with both the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.

Me to We [Responsible Style]

Michael Smith participated in the festival on November 16th, 2007

Educational technology specialist for Innovative Learning Services at the Calgary Board of Education (CBE).

Michelle helped spearhead the Many Faces of Poverty and Homelessness project (www.thehomeless.ca), which encourages global dialogue on issues of poverty and homelessness. Participation in this project is open to schools, students and teachers all over the world.

Michelle Speight participated in the festival on November 18th, 2007

The spiritual leader of Temple B'nai Tikvah

Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman is the spiritual leader of Temple B'nai Tikvah, Calgary's Reform Jewish congregation. He has served in that position since 2002. Prior to that, he was a rabbi in Chicago, and prior to attending rabbinical school, Rabbi Howard was an attorney for eight years. Rabbi Howard is an active participant in Calgary's interfaith community, and hopes that these sorts of programs will increase our understanding of each other and bring more hope to the world. Rabbi Howard and his life partner, Annie, enjoy three beautiful children, Emilie, Judah, and Adira.

Rabbi Howard Voss-Altman participated in the festival on November 18th, 2007

International Program Director for CAUSE Canada

Roland Vanderburg is the International Program Director for CAUSE Canada, a twenty-five year old community development organization based in Canmore, AB, with programs in Central America and West Africa. He lived in Latin America for twelve years, ten of which were in Central America (El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala). Roland’s wife is from El Salvador, and no fewer than three relatives have “taken the train” north. Mr. Vanderburg has an economics degree, and a Master’s Degree in community development and microfinance from Eastern University in Pennsylvania.

Roland Vanderburg participated in the festival on November 20th, 2009

Founder, Ayudamos Foundation

Sandra worked as an International Election Observer with the Organization of American States during Guatemala's Presidential elections in 2003 and toured the polling areas of Atitlan with Canada's Ambassador to Guatemala in the elections of 2007. Sandra founded the Ayudamos Foundation in 2003. Ayudamos works in Guatemala with Indigenous Maya women and their families, building homes, women's centres and most recently through educational scholarships for their children.

Sandra van den Brink participated in the festival on November 15th, 2008

Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology

CAWST is a Calgary-based NGO that provides technical training and consulting services to organizations working to improve access to safe water and sanitation for the poor in developing countries.

www.cawst.org

Shauna Curry participated in the festival on March 13th, 2007

President and Chief Executive Officer, Opti Canada Ltd

Sid has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of OPTI since June 2001. From June 2000 to March 2001, Mr. Dykstra was the President of Hunt Oil Company of Canada Inc. Sid, a cofounder of Newport Petroleum Corporation, was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Newport from 1997 to 2000. Mr. Dykstra held various positions with Suncor, Pancontinental Oil Ltd. and was an independent consultant with Maranta Resources Ltd. He is currently a director of Cinch Energy Corp, and a past Governor of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.

Sid Dykstra participated in the festival on November 15th, 2008

Red Cross Operations Director

A disaster and emergency manager, served as the Red Cross Operations Director, 2004 Asian tsunami

Steve Armstrong participated in the festival on November 18th, 2006

Resettlement and Integration Services Coordinator - CCIS

In various rolls with Calgary Catholic Immigration Services (CCIS) since 1993, Sultana has facilitated all aspects of resettlement and integration of clients and the challenges that they bring. In 2001 she was among the 8 recipients of the First Jerry Sellinger Award, given to frontline workers who work with domestic violence cases. Sultana and CCIS as a whole have a vision to build a community where immigrants and refugees become contributing members of the Canadian society.

Sultana Assar participated in the festival on January 13th, 2009

After attaining her degree from Oxford University, Susan Scott came to Canada in 1967. Currently a freelance writer in Calgary, she has also worked for three Canadian newspapers. In recent years, Susan has spent a great deal of time in Canada’s underworld of drop-ins, shelters, food banks and slums gathering information for her second book, All Our Sisters, Stories of Homeless Women in Canada. Her first book was No Fixed Address, Tales from the Street. Susan volunteers with the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness and Vibrant Communities Calgary.

Susan Scott participated in the festival on November 22nd, 2009

Since 1995, The Dorymates have been entertaining Western Canada with east coast music that get the hands and feet moving. The band consists of four lads from the Atlantic Provinces, three Newfies and a Herring Choker (that's Newbrunswick for you Westerners).

Larry Skinner, originally from Rencontre West, NL is the lead singer and jokester on rhythm guitar. Johnny MaGrath, from Bell Island, NL plays a mean button accordion. Playing the drums and bodhran and singing back up vocals, Ray Kenny hails from Canada’s oldest city, St. John’s, NL. Eddie Richard , from Minto, NB adds vocals and plays bass guitar.

The Dorymates participated in the festival on November 21st, 2009

John and Trish Pritchard, along with their children Alana and Jordan went to South Africa for 6 months to help out at the Seed of Hope Mission near Durban. The center runs various programs for the community including children and youth after school programs as well as support groups for families affected by AIDS.

The Pritchard Family participated in the festival on November 16th, 2008

Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC)

Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is the Community Development Coordinator for Sisters is Spirit (SIS). The main objective of the SIS Initiative is to address violence, particularly racialized and/or sexualized violence against Aboriginal women in Canada. NWAC believes we are in an urgent state of affairs with regards to the safety of Aboriginal women in Canada

Theresa Ducharme participated in the festival on November 17th, 2007

Married to a Tibetan, Tsering was born and raised in India, left India and moved to Australia for 13 years. She has been in Canada for two years, seeking work as a registered nurse, and looking after her three children.

Tsering Chodon participated in the festival on November 15th, 2008

Foundation for AIDS Control and Eradication

The Foundation for AIDS Control and Eradication (FACE) raises funds in Calgary through various events to address the desperate AIDS situation in Africa.

Vicki Nzekwu participated in the festival on November 19th, 2006

Coordinator of the Committee for the Support of Mapuche People, Calgary

Victor was born in Chile, his mother was Mapuche. Victor has been actively involved in the struggle of the Mapuche nation for more that 45 years. He is a writer, educator and activist.

Victor Gavilan participated in the festival on November 18th, 2007