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Politics and Social Justice
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CLICK HERE TO SEND US YOUR POLITICAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS!

Workshops and Seminars
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CLICK HERE TO SEND US YOUR UP COMING WORKSHIPS AND SEMINARS

Earth and Environment
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Sail the Salish Sea: waters off B.C. coast officially get new First Nations name

VICTORIA - The coastal waters off the coast of B.C. officially have a new First Nations name: the Salish Sea.

The body of water will extend from the north end of the Strait of Georgia and Desolation Sound to the south end of Puget Sound off Washington state.

It doesn't replace any of these existing place names, but incorporates them into a single marine ecosystem.

B.C. Lt.-Gov. Steven Point and Aboriginal Relations Minister George Abbot attended an official naming ceremony today with members of the Songhees and other Coast Salish nations.

Point, himself of aboriginal descent, says the name pays homage to First Nations history and reflects a growing understanding of native culture.

Abbot says the new name is part of the province's effort to reconcile with B.C. First Nations.-CP-

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Greater protection needed for B.C. wilderness area: UNESCO report
By Tamsyn Burgmann

VANCOUVER - A pristine swath of wilderness in southeastern B.C. needs ecological protection matching that of a neighbouring world heritage site, says a new report by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Flathead River Basin, situated adjacent to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, is part of the same ecosystem but is largely unprotected by the province.

The basin should join counterpart jurisdictions in Alberta and Montana under a single "conservation and wildlife management plan,'' according to the report to be released by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee during its annual meeting later this week in Brazil.

The Flathead watershed holds the highest concentration of inland grizzly bears in North America and is its last intact corridor along the border, along with the wolf and Canadian lynx. Water rating among the purest in the world runs through it and is home to several endangered species of fish.

"Remote, uninhabited and pristine, it is regarded as one of the last of America's remaining wild rivers and of global ecological significance,'' says the report, titled "Report of the Reactive Monitoring Mission.''

Conservation groups, who obtained a copy of the report before it was formally released, argue the document boosts their call for the region to be designated as a national park.

"It's a no-brainer,'' said Chloe O'Loughlin, executive director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

"The province should just step up to the plate and it would bring economic benefits to British Columbia and protect this area that is so important to the world.''

A report commissioned by the society found a park designation would increase entrepreneurial activity, bring new capital investments, create ongoing spending by Parks Canada and increase visitation. Annual net economic benefits would bump the provincial GDP by $1.44 million, it says.

More than 70 per cent of area residents supported the concept of a national park, according to a telephone poll conducted of 910 people in 2008 by McAllister Opinion Research.

In February, B.C. and Montana signed a memorandum of understanding banning mining and oil and gas development in the basin as permissible land uses.

O'Loughlin, along with members of ten other conservation groups including Sierra Club BC, contend the memorandum of understanding is a good first step, but doesn't go far enough.

"There is more needed here, we need to do more work, we need to do a better job for this world class wildlife and wilderness area,'' said Casey Brennan, a spokesman for Wildsight.

The province and Ottawa must work together to adhere to the report recommendations, Brennan said, adding it's not UNESCO's place to prescribe political solutions to environmental issues.

B.C. Intergovernmental Relations Minister Naomi Yamamoto said she won't comment on the report until it's officially discussed by the World Heritage Committee later this week.

"(The February agreement) ensures that the environmental values in the Flathead River Basin are sustained in a manner consistent with current forestry, recreation, guide outfitting and trapping uses,'' she said in an emailed statement. "This measure provides the certainty required to protect the environmental values of the Flathead watershed.''

Calls to Parks Canada were not returned.

The report also recommends completely prohibiting mining and energy development throughout the watershed, that governments minimize barriers to roaming wildlife, greater cross-border co-operation and close consultation with indigenous peoples.

NDP environment critic Rob Fleming said his party supports the report's findings.

"Is B.C. going to negotiate in good faith?'' he asked, raising an email sent under Energy Minister Bill Bennett's name earlier this month calling people who want to turn the basin into a park "eco fascists.''

Bennett later apologized, saying the note was sent by a new and junior employee.

UNESCO commissioned the 50-page report at the urging of the conservationists, carrying out an eight-day mission by vehicle, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft in September 2009.

UNESCO will also review a joint Canada-U.S. report on the status of the world heritage site itself later this week. -CP-

Arts, Film, Music and Media
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Friday, July 30th, 2010: The 17th Annual YELLOW WOLF Intertribal Pow Wow
Frisay at 7:00pm - August 1 at 7:00pm
Brentwood Bay B.C
Brian Sampson
The 17th Annual YELLOW WOLF Intertribal Pow Wow

Come one, come all. Open to the public, Free admission. Lots of traditional foods. Salmon BBQ, Bannock, Clam Chowder and much more. Tons of Arts and crafts. At the bottom of Stelly's X rd. on the beautiful Tsartlip reserve, close to the water. Vendors 75$ a day - 150$ for the whole weekend. NO outside food vendors, 50/50's, Loonie / Twoonie's. This is how our family pow wow runs eve...ry year, it's all non profit.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE.

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Saturday, July 31, 2010: Victoria Electronic Music Festival
12p-10p 31st and 1st
City Hall
Victoria, BC

The Victoria Electronic Music Festival (VEMF) is a non-profit event presented by the Northwest Entertainment Foundation. VEMF is Produced by Symbiant Entertainment and Lucky 13 Productions, with tremendous support from its sponsors, artists, and volunteers.

Now in its 7th year, VEMF is expected to attract 15,000+ people this BC Day long weekend.

A showcase of cutting edge DJ's, Producers, and live acts both locally and abroad; VEMF will take place at Centennial Square on Saturday July 31 and Sunday August 1. This all ages event is free to attend and features an exceptional artist lineup, VEMF Interactive seminars, a beer garden, and much more. We'll keep you rockin' till the early morning as VEMF offers multiple nightclub and after hours events both Sat & Sun night.

AND IT'S FREE FOR ALL!

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Saturday, July 31, 2010: FOOD NOT BOMBS BENEFIT CONCERT
2:00pm - 7:00pm
Location Lulu's Village Pub
1509 Main Street
Port Jefferson Station, NY
Created By
Ryan Mack
More Info Current set list will include:

~Ryan Mack
www.myspace.com/cloudandtree
~Born in a Cent
www.myspace.com/borninacent
~Shannon & Natalie
www.myspace.com/shannonandnatalie
~All One
www.myspace.com/AllOneVoice
~Joe Vicino
www.joevicino.com

The concert will be raising much needed funds to keep Food Not Bombs alive on Long Island.

18+
21 to drink
$10 admission fee

For more info on the situation with Food Not Bombs and how you can help, click here: http://www.lifnb.com/article/support_long_island_food_not_bombs_urgently_needed_please_help
Good music, good times, good vibes all around

News Releases
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Market Tables

GVWWC will have stalls at markets this summer as usual, and we would welcome 1 hour, 2 hours, or more on one or more of the dates listed below. Newcomers will not be left alone, but can still provide valuable help for our organizers.

Colwood Market: In the parking lot in front of Juan de Fuca Library. In the periods 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday August 18th.

Goldstream Market: Off Bryn Maur Road which is off Goldstream Avenue between Veterans Memorial Road and Peatt Road. In the periods 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday August 21st.

Upcoming Events
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Friday, August 6, 2010: Hiroshima-Nagasaki Remembered
19:30 - 21:30
Craigflower Park/Kosapsom
Admiral's Road and Gorge Road W.
Sannich, BC

The annual lantern ceremoy, marking the 65th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Japan will be held at Craigflower Park. Lantern making starts at 7:30 pm, with drummers, words and songs of peace at 8pm, followed by floating the lanterns in the Gorge. All are welcome.

free

More information:
Contact Rosa
Phone: 250-665-7788

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Sunday, August 8, 2010: Sooke Farm & Food Garden Tour
11:00 - 05:00
Various locations in Sooke including Sunriver Allotment Garden and ALM Organic Farm.
Sunriver allotment Garden, Philips Road
Sooke, BC

Self-guided tour of 5 food gardens and 5 working farms in Sooke.

Tickets $10 available after July 8 at Moss Street Market, Sooke Country Market, Double D Gardens, Westburn gardens and Shoppers Drug Mart in Sooke. Proceeds to Sooke Region Food CHI's Farm Mentorship Program.

More information:
Contact Phoebe Dunbar
Email: phoebetwin@shaw.ca
Phone: 250-642-4342
Website: www.sookefoodchi.ca

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Monday, August 9, 2010: Compost Education Centre Summer Kids Camp
09:30 - 14:00
The Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre
1216 North Park Street
Victoria , BC
Map

Teach your kids to be ”Green” at Summer Camp at the Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre. This exciting new summer camp program offers fun and educational outdoor experiences including: Exploring urban farms; building our own compost bins; playing with red wriggler worms; learning about local food; planting seeds and growing veggies; arts and crafts; outdoor games and activities; big end of the week field trip; and much more! Runs Mon-Fri Aug 9th-13th 9:30am-2:00pm . Ages 6-11. Cost: $115 (payment plans available). For additional information call (250)386-WORM or email outreach@compost.bc.ca.

Cost: $115 for the week (payment plans available)

More information:
Website: www.compost.bc.ca

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Friday, August 13, 2010: VIDEA Youth Gender Forum
17:00 - 18:00
August 13th: Langham Court Theatre August 14th: Michelle Pujol Room, UVic SUB
805 Langham Court/ 3800 Finnerty Road
Victoria, BC

This summer, VIDEA is hosting a forum for youth by youth. Despite many
milestones in equity and equality, deeply rooted gender injustices still
pervade daily life globally. Gender inequality is a reality in Canada, and
has severe repercussions on human rights internationally. On August 13th
and 14th VIDEA hopes to unite youth in the Greater Victoria area to
discuss gender and international development as it relates to them
personally, locally and globally. At Langham Court on the 13th we will
engage in a provoking introduction to gender theory by Professor Cole
Little, , a performance by Dave Morris, and a chance to establish
relationships between youth delegates to nurture healthy, organic
discussion and listen to some great local music. On Saturday the 14th we
will be moving to the Michelle Pujol room at UVic where we will host such
renowned scholars as Dr.Laura Parisi, Dr.Janni Aragon and Lara Quigley, and
workshops by NGOs including PRIDE, Project Respect, TAPS and more. There
will also be several workshops to nurture the creative, including
silkscreening, improve and more. This forum will serve as an opportunity
for youth to explore gender creatively, and through organic discussion with
fellow youth. We hope to develop the tools and resources to continue
positive change in our communities, in the aim of creating a more equitable
community locally and globally. Registration is open to all self identified
youth and is available for download on our facebook page. Late registration
will be at Langham Court at 16:30 on the 13th and the UVic Student Union
Building at 9:30 on the 14th.The conference is completely free and everyone
is welcome - please bring your own plate and mug. For more information
please contact mquigley@videa.ca or find us on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=128915440478431&ref=ts

Free!

More information:
Contact Megan Quigley
Email: mquigley@videa.ca
Website: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=128915440478431&ref=mf

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Sunday, August 22: T.H.A.W welcomes you to join us for a GATHERING ON PANDORA GREEN
Noon to 4 pm

We know people care about making our city a place of peace for all. It is time for conflicting interests to come together peacefully on this little patch of grass to enjoy a picnic, music, and conversation – bring your acoustic instruments, your voices and your songs for STAGES IN THE GRASS. Free BBQ and a Food Not Bombs serving.

We are inviting local business people, politicians, police officers, service providers and frontline workers to join the homeless, the disadvantaged and those who access services to SHARE YOUR STORIES.

T.H.A.W is making a documentary about homelessness and how people feel about it. We have built a SPEAKER’S CORNER BOOTH so that you can share with us
· Your experiences with the poor or homeless
· Your experience with “poor-bashing”
· Your experiences with police, security and people in authority
· Your experiences walking down Pandora Green
· Your suggests for solutions on how to address homelessness

We will be set up to film your stories and hear your point of view in the speaker’s corner booth at Pandora and Vancouver. Requests for anonymity will be respected.

Gentrification, brighter lighting and footpaths cannot be the only solution to solving the conflicts between opposing interests - to bring peace to our neighbourhood.

We all have rights as well as needs. We should be able to accommodate all citizens within our neighbourhood and be able to protect each other from harassment – this includes the homeless, residents and local businesses. Chasing the homeless out will only move the problem of homelessness to another area in Victoria.

We must listen to what each of us has to say because we are all fellow citizens. Please join us. Let's sit down on the grass, share some food, listen to each other’s stories, and enjoy Pandora Green.

Organizations: Do you want to show your colours? If you would like to bring and set up a table, or help us by co-sponsoring the event, please contact us!

Sponsor:
Committee to End Homelessness in Victoria

Participants:
Action Coalition of People with Disabilities (ACPD)
Aids Vancouver Island (AVI)
Harm Reduction in Victoria
International Workers of the World
Our Place Society
Society of Living Intravenous Drug Users (SOLID)
Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS)
Vancouver Island Compassion Society
Vancouver Island Public Interest Research Group (VIPERG)
Victoria Coalition Against Poverty
Victoria Conservatory of Music

For more information: Email: thawdoc@gmail.com. Phone: 778-430-2454

Committee to End Homelessness in Victoria: http://www.homelessnation.org/en/userpage/3401

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Thursday, August 26, 2010: Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival
19:00 - 00:00
Intrepid Theatre Club and other venues across Victoria
2-1609 Blanshard
Victoria, BC

Over 11 days in late August, the Fringe transforms Victoria into a vibrant international arts hub, with over 400 performances by alternative theatre companies from around Canada and the world. The Fringe is Vancouver Island's biggest theatre event and features 55 different theatre, comedy, drama, spoken word, dance and music shows at 15 venues across town. The Festival includes family friendly 100% free events such as FringeKids Fest in Market Square (August 28) and the free all-ages Block Party Concert that kicks off the fringe fun (August 23).

$9-11

More information:
Contact Sammie Gough
Email: sammieg@intrepidtheatre.com
Phone: 250 383 2663
Website: http://www.intrepidtheatre.com