Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

The recent sentencing of seven innocent members of the Baha’i Faith in Iran is testament to the continued mistreatment of this religion under the Iranian government. Persecution of Bahai’s began in the nineteenth century and has continued to the present day. Many members of this minority religion in Iran have been imprisoned and executed. Iranian Bahai’s now face increasingly restrictive laws concerning employment, education, marriage and the right to assemble. Why do Bahai’s face such opposition in Iran? What tenets of this religion are particularly problematic for the government? Why has religious intolerance continued to escalate even in the face of increased pressure from the U.N. and from many other countries? A discussion of the Baha’i Faith and the chanting of some Baha’i prayers will follow a short history of the oppression of the Bahai’s in Iran. Speaker: Janet Youngdahl, D.M.A.; M.M. Janet Youngdahl is a Professor of Music at the University of Lethbridge, and was formerly a Professor at

The recent sentencing of seven innocent members of the Baha’i Faith in Iran is testament to the continued mistreatment of this religion under the Iranian government. Persecution of Bahai’s began in the nineteenth century and has continued to the present day. Many members of this minority religion in Iran have been imprisoned and executed. Iranian Bahai’s now face increasingly restrictive laws concerning employment, education, marriage and the right to assemble. Why do Bahai’s face such opposition in Iran? What tenets of this religion are particularly problematic for the government? Why has religious intolerance continued to escalate even in the face of increased pressure from the U.N. and from many other countries? A discussion of the Baha’i Faith and the chanting of some Baha’i prayers will follow a short history of the oppression of the Bahai’s in Iran. Speaker: Janet Youngdahl, D.M.A.; M.M. Janet Youngdahl is a Professor of Music at the University of Lethbridge, and was formerly a Professor at

7-9pm in the Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery

7-9pm in the Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery

To date, there has been very little work done or literature available on the stories, the narratives of experience, of those Aboriginal individuals who have journeyed through post-secondary, Eurocentric paradigm-based Western education successfully. This is a critical missing (qualitative) piece in the literature. So much quantitative data and attention around the issues of Aboriginal success focuses on the lack of success, on Western education, on the negatives or deficiencies, on how poorly Aboriginal students do relative to non-Aboriginal students. Seldom do we hear how they have excelled, what has enabled them. In understanding the post-secondary experience of Aboriginal students, it is important to hear the story from their voices and from their perspective such that it will lead a better understanding of success rather than always focusing on the deficit. The speaker’s research entailed collecting and evaluating the oral, educational, experiential narratives of perceived both “successful” and “unsucc

To date, there has been very little work done or literature available on the stories, the narratives of experience, of those Aboriginal individuals who have journeyed through post-secondary, Eurocentric paradigm-based Western education successfully. This is a critical missing (qualitative) piece in the literature. So much quantitative data and attention around the issues of Aboriginal success focuses on the lack of success, on Western education, on the negatives or deficiencies, on how poorly Aboriginal students do relative to non-Aboriginal students. Seldom do we hear how they have excelled, what has enabled them. In understanding the post-secondary experience of Aboriginal students, it is important to hear the story from their voices and from their perspective such that it will lead a better understanding of success rather than always focusing on the deficit. The speaker’s research entailed collecting and evaluating the oral, educational, experiential narratives of perceived both “successful” and “unsucc

Glaciers and ice sheets play an important role in the global environment. They are storage systems of most of the world's fresh water, dramatically alter the landscape and sea level, affect ecosystems and provide us with unique records of climate and atmospheric conditions that go back hundreds of thousands of years. Global climate change has caused widespread accelerated glacier retreat, which has negative effects on fresh water availability, causes global sea level rise and affects climate and ecosystems at the local and global scales. In order to understand how glaciers affect life on earth, it is important to understand how glaciers work and what causes them to change. By being informed about natural systems such as glaciers we can understand why some changes in nature happen fast while others take longer, and why snapshots do not always reflect the big picture. This presentation will address recent measurements and predictions of glacier shrinkage and sea level rise, as well as local and global effects

Glaciers and ice sheets play an important role in the global environment. They are storage systems of most of the world's fresh water, dramatically alter the landscape and sea level, affect ecosystems and provide us with unique records of climate and atmospheric conditions that go back hundreds of thousands of years. Global climate change has caused widespread accelerated glacier retreat, which has negative effects on fresh water availability, causes global sea level rise and affects climate and ecosystems at the local and global scales. In order to understand how glaciers affect life on earth, it is important to understand how glaciers work and what causes them to change. By being informed about natural systems such as glaciers we can understand why some changes in nature happen fast while others take longer, and why snapshots do not always reflect the big picture. This presentation will address recent measurements and predictions of glacier shrinkage and sea level rise, as well as local and global effects

In recent weeks we have witnessed dramatic and sometime violent social unrest in many Middle East countries. While these protests have led to democratic reform in Egypt and Tunisia, civil war has been the result in Libya. Populations in several other countries have gained some concessions, but are nevertheless still demonstrating against the ruling class. Nervous Arab leaders in these countries are scrambling to stay in power. The speaker will explore the unique culture and demography of this region. He will examine who is an Arab, and what is Islam. He will inquire into the impact of Facebook and other social media. He will probe the tensions of Arab and western worlds and where the future is heading. Speaker: Thabit Alomari Thabit Alomari is a mature graduate Anthropology student at the University of Lethbridge. He is researching the phenomenon of "religious tourism". He holds an MA in tourism from Yarmouk University in Jordan as well as a B.A. in Islamic studies from Medina University in Saudi A

In recent weeks we have witnessed dramatic and sometime violent social unrest in many Middle East countries. While these protests have led to democratic reform in Egypt and Tunisia, civil war has been the result in Libya. Populations in several other countries have gained some concessions, but are nevertheless still demonstrating against the ruling class. Nervous Arab leaders in these countries are scrambling to stay in power. The speaker will explore the unique culture and demography of this region. He will examine who is an Arab, and what is Islam. He will inquire into the impact of Facebook and other social media. He will probe the tensions of Arab and western worlds and where the future is heading. Speaker: Thabit Alomari Thabit Alomari is a mature graduate Anthropology student at the University of Lethbridge. He is researching the phenomenon of "religious tourism". He holds an MA in tourism from Yarmouk University in Jordan as well as a B.A. in Islamic studies from Medina University in Saudi A

Arguments for supporting the family farm appear to be plentiful among both urban and rural folks. However, paying more for food is not one of them. This type of farming has in the past been the lifeblood of the rural society economy, but driven by many different factors, the landscape is changing. What was considered an “industrial farm” 30 years ago is now the norm and as technology expands, chances are, so will the size of family farms. The speaker will argue that despite variable government subsidy programs around the world, which often makes it difficult for Canadian farmers to compete, the family farm can survive. However, efforts to make it more attractive for the younger generation to replace the aging majority of present family farm owners are paramount. Related to that, farmers needs better marketing opportunities for their products, which often are handicapped by obstructive regulations, frequently involving the Canadian Wheat Board. The speaker will further relate how farm policies can affect foo

Arguments for supporting the family farm appear to be plentiful among both urban and rural folks. However, paying more for food is not one of them. This type of farming has in the past been the lifeblood of the rural society economy, but driven by many different factors, the landscape is changing. What was considered an “industrial farm” 30 years ago is now the norm and as technology expands, chances are, so will the size of family farms. The speaker will argue that despite variable government subsidy programs around the world, which often makes it difficult for Canadian farmers to compete, the family farm can survive. However, efforts to make it more attractive for the younger generation to replace the aging majority of present family farm owners are paramount. Related to that, farmers needs better marketing opportunities for their products, which often are handicapped by obstructive regulations, frequently involving the Canadian Wheat Board. The speaker will further relate how farm policies can affect foo

Delegate’s from all 194 countries except one agreed to cut carbon emissions and assist developing countries tackle climate change as part of a "historic" deal in Cancun to help stop global warming. The deal falls far short of what many scientists, environmentalist and the country of Bolivia claim is needed to stop catastrophic global warming. But it represents a step towards the eventual goal of many, a legally binding treaty aimed at preventing temperatures rising more than 2C this century. For the first time all countries are committed to cutting carbon emissions under an official UN agreement. As well, rich nations have to pay a total of £60 billion annually from 2020 on, into a "green fund" to help poor countries adapt to floods and droughts. The money will also help developing countries, including China and India, switch to renewable energy sources. The speakers will offer their opinions on the deal and whether it’s too little, too late or a good start. Speakers: Richard Mrazek, George Gallant and

Eight Student competitors kicked off the 2011 U of L Student Speaker Challenge on January 18, 2011. Robbie Rolfe and Thomas Fox, Brittany Kocken and Taylor Webb, Channing Stenhouse and Sara Ortiz Ospina, Alex Masse and Rory Tarant competed in the preliminary rounds with Thomas Fox and Taylor Webb, Channing Stenhouse and Rory Tarant squaring off in the semifinals. A wide variety of solutions were offered, ranging from globalization to climate justice to upholding human rights and the rule of law. Acceptance and respect regarding diverse cultures was also cited as important, as was the possibility of forming a representative world governing body specifically metering out global justice. It was generally felt however, that “Global Justice” in terms of total equality among people, most likely is unachievable, not only globally, but also within nations. Speakers: Channing Stenhouse and Thomas Fox Channing Stenhouse was born in Peace River and raised with two brothers and a foster sister in McLennan,

Eight Student competitors kicked off the 2011 U of L Student Speaker Challenge on January 18, 2011. Robbie Rolfe and Thomas Fox, Brittany Kocken and Taylor Webb, Channing Stenhouse and Sara Ortiz Ospina, Alex Masse and Rory Tarant competed in the preliminary rounds with Thomas Fox and Taylor Webb, Channing Stenhouse and Rory Tarant squaring off in the semifinals. A wide variety of solutions were offered, ranging from globalization to climate justice to upholding human rights and the rule of law. Acceptance and respect regarding diverse cultures was also cited as important, as was the possibility of forming a representative world governing body specifically metering out global justice. It was generally felt however, that “Global Justice” in terms of total equality among people, most likely is unachievable, not only globally, but also within nations. Speakers: Channing Stenhouse and Thomas Fox Channing Stenhouse was born in Peace River and raised with two brothers and a foster sister in McLennan,

January 18 – March 15, 2011 Ballroom A in the SU building and at Andy’s Place (AH 100) University of Lethbridge The third annual Student Speaker Challenge will kick off on Tuesday, Jan. 18 with a total of eight students competing in this year’s event, addressing the question: What is global justice and how can it be achieved? The Student Speaker Challenge is a collaboration of SACPA, LPIRG and the U of L Students Union, with financial and promotional support from the University of Lethbridge. A panel of judges will determine who wins the competition, with a prize of $500 going to the overall winner. Second place will receive $300 and $100 prizes will be awarded to the two students not advancing past semifinals. Student Speaker Challenge Preliminary Session Schedule at the University of Lethbridge is: Session 1 - Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 12:15 p.m. in Ballroom A, Students Union Building Speak

January 18 – March 15, 2011 Ballroom A in the SU building and at Andy’s Place (AH 100) University of Lethbridge The third annual Student Speaker Challenge will kick off on Tuesday, Jan. 18 with a total of eight students competing in this year’s event, addressing the question: What is global justice and how can it be achieved? The Student Speaker Challenge is a collaboration of SACPA, LPIRG and the U of L Students Union, with financial and promotional support from the University of Lethbridge. A panel of judges will determine who wins the competition, with a prize of $500 going to the overall winner. Second place will receive $300 and $100 prizes will be awarded to the two students not advancing past semifinals. Student Speaker Challenge Preliminary Session Schedule at the University of Lethbridge is: Session 1 - Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 12:15 p.m. in Ballroom A, Students Union Building Speak

Alberta appears to be moving towards a serious water crisis. Climate change is causing rapid melting of the glaciers and decreasing snowpack on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the source of most Alberta's water. Alberta has the fastest growing population in Canada and this growing population is centered in the southern most, driest region of the province. Industry and agriculture continue to thirst for more water to expand their operations; but as rivers are beginning and expected to continue to decline, the water limits are becoming evident. An Our Water Is Not For Sale (OWINF) working group came together in 2010 when it became apparent the Alberta government was planning on changing Alberta's current water allocation system to a market based system. The proposed water market system could give wealthy and powerful individuals and companies better access and control over Alberta's already over allocated water resources. OWINF believes the proposed water markets would have insufficient conservatio

Alberta appears to be moving towards a serious water crisis. Climate change is causing rapid melting of the glaciers and decreasing snowpack on the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, the source of most Alberta's water. Alberta has the fastest growing population in Canada and this growing population is centered in the southern most, driest region of the province. Industry and agriculture continue to thirst for more water to expand their operations; but as rivers are beginning and expected to continue to decline, the water limits are becoming evident. An Our Water Is Not For Sale (OWINF) working group came together in 2010 when it became apparent the Alberta government was planning on changing Alberta's current water allocation system to a market based system. The proposed water market system could give wealthy and powerful individuals and companies better access and control over Alberta's already over allocated water resources. OWINF believes the proposed water markets would have insufficient conservatio

The Tea Party is an American populist political movement, which is generally recognized as conservative and libertarian and has sponsored protests and supported political candidates since 2009. Reduced government spending, opposition to taxation in varying degrees, reduction of the national debt and federal budget deficit are on the Tea Party’s agenda, as is adherence to an originalist interpretation of the United States Constitution. The name "Tea Party" is a reference to the Boston Tea Party, a protest by colonists who objected to a British tax on tea in 1773 and demonstrated by dumping British tea taken from docked ships into the harbor. The present Tea Party movement in the US arose seemingly out of nowhere. Yet within two years, it moved from being a fringe right-wing movement to one of some prominence. What is the Tea Party movement really aiming to achieve? Who are its supporters? Is it an Astroturf or a grassroots movement? What was its real impact on the 2010 American midterm-elections? Is there th