2007 Conference Speakers
Jean Becker: Elder in Residence, Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work
Biography
Jean is of Innu, Inuit and English Descent and is a member of the Metis Nation of Labrador. She received a Masters degree in Socciology and Anthropology from the University of Guelph where her research focused on traditional Aboriginal knowlege systems. Jean leads lectures and workshops on Aboriginal traditions, history and issues. She has been quite active in the Aboriginal community of the region; including serving as chair of SUNDANCe (Shared Universities Native Development & Navigation Committee), and on the board of Anishnabeg Outreach, a Kitchener Aboriginal employment agency. She is a strong advocate for the revitalization of Aboriginal traditions, ceremonies and spirituality, women and children and justice for Aboriginal adoptees who were removed from their families and communities.
http://www.wlu.ca/homepage.php?grp_id=1811&f_id=30
Dr. Jenna Hennebry: Professor of Communication Studies and Sociology, WLU
Biography
Dr. Jenna L. Hennebry has an academic background in sociology and demography, specializing in the political economy of international labour migration. She has work experience in academic, public policy, and applied research domains, utilising both qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches. Her research interests include comparative studies of Mexican-Canadian and Moroccan-Spanish labour migration policies and practices, the formation of migration industries around temporary migration flows and migration policy and foreign worker programs. Recent research includes extensive qualitative fieldwork and interviewing with Mexican seasonal migrants and their families, and comparative studies of Morocco-Spain labour migration.
"What is home to you?"
My family and my husband
Aaraon Diaz Mendiburo
Biography
Over the past few years Canadians have become increasingly aware of the thousands of Mexican and Caribbean migrant workers that come to labour in our fields each year as part of the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program. We have seen how these men and women work long hours, contributing in body and spirit to their own families' advancement, and to the cultures and economies Canadian towns where they live and work. We have seen too, how the Canadian agriculture has grown with these workers, and how governments are striving to increase their numbers and expand the program to other industries all over the country. The story that we do not know is what happens to migrant agricultural workers when they go back home. Participants in this program do not just return to their families with money, gifts and work experience, but often carry with them serious injuries, chronic illnesses, personal traumas, and feelings of loneliness and disconnection that stay with them well beyond the period of their contracts. Mexican filmmaker Aaraon Diaz Mendiburo has given a voice to these health problems and to the migrant workers, families and friends who must endure their consequences. (Write up from www.justicia4migrantworkers.org)
Ezat Mossallanejad: Centre for Victims of Torture
Biography
Ezat holds a Ph.D. degree in political economy. In Toronto, he has worked as a Youth Counsellor with St. Christopher House, and as Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service-Canada. At present, he works as a full-time counsellor and Policy Analyst with the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT). He is presently on the Editorial Board of the Refugee Update and the board of the Canadian Centre for International Justice (CCIJ). He has published 4 books and more than 150 articles in Persian as well as two books and around 35 articles in English. He has worked with several UN bodies in connection with refugee protection and eradication of torture. In his mission to protect refugees and survivors of torture, he has travelled to different countries including USA, Mexico, Rwanda, Switzerland, Austria and Nigeria. His book, Torture in the Age of Fear, was published in September 2005.
"What is home to you?"
Home is not a building or a place where one resides. It is rather a series of human relationship and interactions. Home is the centre of domestic life and interests where you recreate yourself regenerate your energy, enjoy the beauty of family life and human intercourse. Home is the abiding place of one's affection and according to Dryden "the sacred refuge of our life." Being at home is not a given right; it is rather a natural one intertwined with our identity as a human person.
Gloria Nafziger: Refugee Coordinator - Amnesty International
Biography
Gloria is a Master of Social Work graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, with a specialization in community development studies. She has worked with refugees in Toronto for the past 20 years. This work has included: founding co-director of the Metro Toronto Host Program (CultureLink), Refugee Coordinator for Mennonite Central Committee Canada, Chairperson of the former Inter Church Committee for Refugees, and for the last 11 years, Refugee Coordinator at Amnesty International. Gloria lived and worked in Mozambique for two years from 1990-92, observing the causes and affects of displacement.
"I have been inspired by the many refugees and uprooted people I have met over the years who have found the courage to stand up to oppressive regimes and fight against tremendous odds for justice. I often ask myself if I would have the same courage if confronted with similar circumstances."
"What is home to you?"
Home is to be surrounded by those I love and who love me.
Joseph Oywak: Program Coordinator for The Kitchener Reception Centre
Biography
Joseph Oywak was born in Sudan in 1964. As a result of the Sudanese civil war, Joseph and his family left for Uganda when he was a child. They lived in Uganda for about ten years, returning to Sudan after a peace agreement was signed in 1972 between the government and rebels of South Sudan. Joseph decided to leave Sudan for Egypt. After coming to Cairo, he began to see an influx of refugees fleeing Sudan for safety. Many others choose to flee from Sudan's war-torn countryside for the cities and neighbouring countries. After spending three years in Cairo, Joseph traveled to Rome where he was accepted for resettlement in Canada. He was hired as a Settlement Counselor for the Kitchener Reception Centre, where he provided settlement services to New Canadians for eight years. He is still working with Reception Centre, now as a Program Coordinator.
"What is home to you?"
Home is where I have peace of mind, my dwelling place where I feel safe and have security. Home is a place where you feel acceptance in your community, you feel value have respect. Home is a place were you work, have schools, recreation, hospitals, every institution that is needed for a social setting of a human being.
Francisco Rico-Martinez: FCJ Refugee Centre; past Canadian Council for Refugees president
Biography
Francisco Rico-Martinez earned a Master's degree in economics from Costa Rica and a Law Degree (J.D.) from El Salvador. In El Salvador he was a law professor at the National University, writer, political analyst, human rights advocate and investigator for the Archbishop office of San Salvador. As well, Francisco was a refugee issues advisor for the Jesuit Refugee Service in El Salvador.
In Canada, Mr. Rico-Martinez is currently co-director of FCJ Refugee Centre (formerly known as FCJ Hamilton House Refugee Project) that strives to meet the diverse needs of uprooted people, particularly refugee claimants and people without status. In addition Mr. Rico-Martinez was the president of the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR). Mr. Rico-Martinez is the recipient of the 2001 City of Toronto William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award and the YMCA Peace Medallion 2006.
Mr. Rico-Martinez has a long history of refugee advocacy and volunteer activity on behalf of victims of human rights violations. He also has a number of publications regarding refugee and human rights issues.
http://www.fcjsisters.ca/refugeecentre/index.htm
http://www.ccrweb.ca/
"What is home to you?"
Home is a place where everything you fundamentally love is. A place where you can open your eyes enjoying the sunrise, work in peace, take a rest while you are talking with your silhouette; a place where you feel safe to close your eyes and taste the sunset sleeping beside you. Home is a place where you can dream on hoping that some of them will be reality. Home is the most beautiful dream...to have one is the most beautiful reality.