Amnesty International Lethbridge to Join Global Write-a-thon

Lethbridge – Amnesty International Lethbridge will host a community event on International Human Rights Day, encouraging people to come out and write letters to promote human rights. Highlights of the event include local musicians, a raffle, delicious refreshments, and Christmas gifts for sale. They will be joining people from 30 countries around the world who will host their own events.

Amnesty International's write-a-thon is catching the spirit of people everywhere. Last year, thousands of Canadians wrote over 36,000 letters at nearly 1,000 events in schools, community centres, faith institutions, cafes, and living rooms across the country. Participation is free and open to everyone.

Amnesty International's Write-a-thon offers our community a unique opportunity to make a difference in upholding human rights. Members of the media are invited to report on the Write-a-thon.

WHO: Amnesty International Lethbridge

WHAT: Amnesty International Lethbridge hosts write-a-thon

WHEN: Thursday, December 10 at 7:00 pm

WHERE: The Round Street Cafe

For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact Amnesty International Lethbridge at 403-327-8196.

Find out more at www.amnesty.ca/Write-a-thon.

Photos from Dialogue on Racism Potluck - November 2009

News from Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle

Dialogue on Racism Potluck - November 23, 2009

Thank you to everyone who attended the potluck on Monday. We had 45 dinner guests, including Mayor Bob Tarleck and Chief of Police Tom McKenzie. We will be publishing the recommendations in a second report, which you should receive in the coming weeks.

We will be presenting recommendations from both potlucks to the Public School Board in January.


Upcoming events of interest:

FNMI Days: Celebrating our Pride, History and Knowledge
Thursday, November 26 at Lethbridge College

10:00 am: Drum protocol
11:30 am: Taste of culture: Berry soup and fry bread
11:30 am: Mini powwow
Noon: Naming ceremony
2:00 pm: First Nations connection to the land

Heritage Through My Hands at Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump
Saturday, November 28
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

A full day of activities where local artisans, crafters and entertainers gather to kick start the festive season. Includes aboriginal art and craft fair, sweet grass ceremony, hoop dancer, silent auction and door prize draws.

Dialogue on Racism and Discrimination Potluck - November 23, 2009

This is an open invitation to the second DIALOGUE ON RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION sponsored by the Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle.

The Dialogue on Racism and Discrimination is a potluck at which you have the chance to meet new people and share a meal, and make recommendations for positive action on the issues of racism and discrimination in our community. Children are welcome to attend with their parents.

The potluck will be held on:

Monday, November 23 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

at:

Lethbridge Mennonite Church (4303 3rd Avenue South)



IF YOU CAN ATTEND, please RSVP to Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle (lethbridgearc@gmail.com)

This is the second potluck we have held. The recommendations from people who attended our first potluck were published in a report which has been presented to City Council, the Holy Spirit School Board, and the City of Lethbridge Community and Social Development Committee. The report has also been widely distributed across Canada.

This is your opportunity to effect positive change in our community. Your recommendations and ideas will be presented to decision making bodies such as the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge School Division, Lethbridge College, and other institutions in the coming year.

Sisters in Spirit Vigil 2009

The 2009 Sisters in Spirit Vigil will be held in Lethbridge, Alberta on MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 at 7:00 pm at GALT GARDENS.

Please come out and help us remember missing and murdered aboriginal women in Canada, and stop this racialized violence.

FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL 2009 - Friday, August 14

Amnesty International & Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge Presents:

FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL 2009

"Bringing Community Together"

Friday, August 14, 2009

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Galt Gardens

Performances by: Floyd Sillito with West Wind; Miss Blackfoot Canada Meghan Shouting; Trevor Kiitokii; Richard Doerksen; Lance Tailfeathers; Pow Navarro; Russell Red Crow; Ammena Dance Compay; and Planet Telex.

Also: Facepainting, Henna Art, Ethnic and Western Food.

Everyone welcome - free public event!

Lethbridge City Council Motion - June 1, 2009

At the regular meeting of City Council held on Monday, June 1, 2009 the following resolution was passed:



"BE IT RESOLVED THAT the communication from Jacinda Weiss, Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge, Ruth Preston Schilk, Lethbridge Mennonite Church, Sara Sweet Grass and Mary Kosta, Amnesty International Lethbridge, requesting to present the "Dialogue on Racism" booklet and the plan for action by the Lethbridge Action Circle on Racism addressing issues of racism and discrimination in our community, be received as information and filed

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT they be encouraged to present their report to the Standing Committee on Community and Social Development

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that Mary Kosta and Ruth Preston Schilk be thanked for their presentation."