Tag Archives: Canada

“Look to the Mountain” – Human Rights 2022

The Declaration of Human Right and Freedoms was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948 and enshrined the rights and freedoms of all human beings. It was to be the gold standard of social justice that countries of the world would acknowledge, sign and function in accordance with the principles.  Coming onContinue reading ““Look to the Mountain” – Human Rights 2022″

From Your President: BCLCILA

Happy 2022 from The British Columbia Literacy Council of the International Literacy Association – January 28, 2022 I hope very much that you are well.  Unfortunately we are not yet able to say Good Riddance to COVID.  Linda Klassen, leading the charge in membership, recently attended an online meeting with close to 40 Chapter leaders from the United States,Continue reading “From Your President: BCLCILA”

Say My Name

The Twittersphere is rife with opinions about the Holocaust and Indian Residential Schools, largely with little reference to fact. I was recently reading the post of my Facebook friend, Kit Krieger. He has made a list of the names of his family members that did not survive the Holocaust. To state that 25 members ofContinue reading “Say My Name”

In Times of Rain

It’s easy to celebrate living in a temperate rainforest when the sun is shing through the vast array of greenery and flowers in full bloom.  However, it is October in Vancouver and so far the average number of days of rain for the entire month has already been surpassed.  I have a thick head of curly hairContinue reading “In Times of Rain”

Not All Animals Are Pets

Knowledge provides power to keep yourself safe.  We do children a disservice by not teaching them the difference between their own pets, other people’s pets, domesticated animals, and wildlife.  In some cases, children get hurt when they don’t know how to act appropriately.  In all too many cases, it is the animals who are killed when there isContinue reading “Not All Animals Are Pets”

The Thrill of New Discoveries

If you live or visit Vancouver, sighting a Pacific Blue Heron is as likely as seeing a seagull or a Canada Goose.  Usually, it is one large statuesque and graceful bird alone on the golf course or at the beach during low tide. New discovery today. The Great Blue Heron Rookery is part of myContinue reading “The Thrill of New Discoveries”

The Legacy of Slavery in Canada

Excerpt from August 10, 2020 post The 1783 Act to Limit Slavery was the first legislation to limit slavery in the British Colonies and celebrated by abolitionists in Upper Canada. British abolitionists had been engaged in protests against transatlantic trade in African people since the 1770’s. In 1833, Britain passed the Slavery Abolition Act inContinue reading “The Legacy of Slavery in Canada”

Why Amnesty International Matters

Excerpt from August 10, 2020 blog post Amnesty International first captured my heart and mind and imagination at a booth at Granville Island in Vancouver, British Columbia just after graduation from UBC. I saw the possibility of working with people committed to human rights to create a fairer and more equitable world. I was young,Continue reading “Why Amnesty International Matters”

A Dozen Ways to Find #Joy During COVID-19 Self Isolation

3.  Be grateful for small kindnesses.  After I sent my second letter home to parents and students, I got the gift of a drawing from one of my students for the Easter weekend.  It made my day. 4.  Marvel at Springtime Blossoms and amazing views during physically distanced outings.  The cherry blossoms and the magnoliasContinue reading “A Dozen Ways to Find #Joy During COVID-19 Self Isolation”

Indigenous Experience is Canadian History – Remember on Sept. 30th

Orange shirt day is officially marked on September 30 each year, as that was the time of year Indigenous children were historically taken from their homes to attend residential schools in Canada.  Orange shirt day is not a day about guilt for actions of other Canadians in days gone by.  It is about being part of aContinue reading “Indigenous Experience is Canadian History – Remember on Sept. 30th”