Technology

mythesetrealites.ca – A new website to better understand Indigenous Peoples

Published

3 months ago

June 14, 2024

QUÉBEC CITY, June 14, 2024 /CNW/ – Aboriginal Peoples: Fact and Fiction, a new, unique and user-friendly website, was launched last night by Institut Tshakapesh and the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse. The organizations joined forces for this major project to strengthen ties between Indigenous Peoples and all Quebecers.

The new mythesetrealites.ca/en website, available in French and English, was created from the content of the third edition of Aboriginal Peoples: Fact and Fiction, a vital reference work in terms of education and awareness-raising for over 20 years. The web platform provides a better understanding of Indigenous Peoples and tackles the stereotypes and prejudices that stand in the way of closer bonds and dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Are Indigenous people “privileged members of the system” with more rights than other Quebecers? Do they have distinct rights? How did the emancipation of Indigenous Nations begin? mythesetrealites.ca/en answers a host of sensitive questions and debunks myths by offering reliable, interactive content and image-rich itineraries that broaden the scope of the printed work. The site includes portraits of key figures, a glossary, a quiz and a timeline recounting key moments in our shared history.

mythesetrealites.ca/en was made possible by financial support from the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Premières Nations et les Inuit (SRPNI), the ministère de la Justice and the ministère de l’Éducation du Québec.

A gathering and a launch

The website was launched as part of the “Kwe!” event held in Québec City until 16 June. The unveiling of this major project took place in the presence of its creator, Pierre Lepage, and the collaborators and dignitaries who have contributed to this initiative in various ways.

Representatives from the ministère de l’Éducation and the Secrétariat aux relations avec les Premières Nations et les Inuit were also present, and the minister responsible for First Nations and Inuit Relations, Ian Lafrenière, expressed his congratulations and appreciation for Aboriginal Peoples : Fact and Fiction over video. Institut Tshakapesh was represented by its Executive Director, Marjolaine Tshernish, and the Commission by its Vice-President, Myrlande Pierre.

Quotes

“My approach is based on the principle that no one should feel guilty for not knowing. The most important thing is to be open to others, to be prepared to listen to what they have to say. Then, we have to accept that our perception of things is all too often distorted by preconceived ideas.” – Pierre Lepage

“We’re particularly proud to continue sharing our story, who we are, what we’ve been through and what we’ve achieved. We’re even prouder to use this platform to spread the word and, above all, to bring us closer together! We’re here to continue our challenge of raising awareness, to enable respectful relations, for the future of our nations and that of future generations, in the footsteps of our ancestors.” – Marjolaine Tshernish

“The new Mythes et réalités site is a crucial project for the Commission des droits and for all of Québec society. It is a rich and reliable source of information, and this is invaluable in the current context. We need to know, learn and understand the realities of Indigenous Peoples in order to counter stereotypes, prejudices and systemic discrimination, which have devastating effects.” – Myrlande Pierre

About Aboriginal Peoples, Fact and Fiction

Aboriginal Peoples, Fact and Fiction was first published in November 2002, then republished and expanded in 2009 and 2019. Enhanced in 2023 to create the mythesetrealites.ca/en site, the book has been used for more than 20 years as a training and awareness-raising tool in the education community and the workplace, and is part of the mediagraphy of several anthropology and political science courses in Québec CEGEPs and universities.

About the author

Anthropologist Pierre Lepage worked at the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse from 1976 to 2009. For nine years, he co-ordinated the program to raise awareness of the Indigenous reality on the theme “the Quebeçois-Indigenous encounter.”

As part of this program and in the wake of the Oka crisis, he came up with the idea of writing this book to discredit preconceptions and prejudices about Indigenous people.

Institut Tshakapesh

Institut Tshakapesh, at the service of its member communities and the Innu Nation, works to safeguard and promote Innu-aitun (Innu culture) and Innu-aimun (Innu language). It provides support for preserving cultural heritage and for language planning and fosters artistic expression. Institut Tshakapesh plays a key role in education, particularly in the academic success and identity development of Innu youth.

The Commission des droits

The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse promotes and upholds the principles of the Québec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. It also ensures that the interests of children are protected and that their rights under the Youth Protection Act are promoted and upheld. The Commission is also responsible for administration of the Act respecting equal access to employment in public bodies.

Contacts

Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse
Halimatou Bah
438 867-4074
medias@cdpdj.qc.ca

Institut Tshakapesh
Dan-Georges McKenzie
418 968-4424 | 418 961-3332
dan-georges.mckenzie@tshakapesh.ca

SOURCE Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse

Technology

Supreme Court Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin Joins Elementary Students for Live Virtual Q&A and Chapter One Storybook Reading on Sep. 24

Published

2 mins ago

September 21, 2024

The Honourable Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin, the first Indigenous person appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, will join elementary students in a live virtual Q&A on September 24, from 1:00-2:15 pm ET, following a reading of the children’s storybook, “Daanis the Judge.” This event is hosted by Chapter One, a children’s literacy charity, to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Lawyer Victoria Perrie, writer of “Daanis the Judge,” will read aloud the inspiring story, which is based on Justice O’Bonsawin’s remarkable journey. Illustrator EJ Miller-Larson will join Justice O’Bonsawin and Perrie in a moderated Q&A session with over 1900 elementary students.

TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Honourable Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin, the first Indigenous person to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, will join elementary students in a live virtual Q&A following a live online reading of the original children’s storybook “Daanis the Judge,” on September 24, from 1:00-2:15 pm ET. The event will be hosted by Chapter One to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Chapter One is a children’s literacy charity that provides 1:1 high-impact reading tutoring and co-creates original storybooks with participating communities nationwide.

“I am very humbled and proud to be a part of the book, “Daanis the Judge.” My hope is that this book will inspire youth to dream big and know that anything is possible. I am evidence of that!” – Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin

Métis-Cree lawyer Victoria Perrie, who wrote “Daanis the Judge,” will lead the live reading. Students will ask questions during a moderated Q&A with Justice O’Bonsawin, Perrie, and illustrator EJ Miller-Larson, of the Fond du Lac Band and Oneida Nation.

“Daanis the Judge” was inspired by Justice O’Bonsawin’s trailblazing career. It tells the story of a young student, Daanis, who dreams of becoming a judge after learning about Justice O’Bonsawin’s achievements.

The story is part of Chapter One’s growing collection of original children’s e-storybooks, co-created with Indigenous writers, illustrators and communities. The e-storybooks celebrate Indigenous experiences and perspectives, and feature audio clips of Elders pronouncing foundational words in their communities’ first languages. All e-storybooks are provided for free through the Global Free Library.

About Chapter One

Chapter One (chapterone.org/ca) is a global nonprofit and registered Canadian charity that provides one-on-one early literacy tutoring programs to 2,300 children in eight provinces and territories across Canada. Its proven “short burst” high-impact tutoring approach—five-minute sessions, three to five times a week—is ideally suited to young children’s attention spans and aligns with the Science of Reading. In one of the largest randomized control trials conducted on early literacy instruction, researchers from Stanford University found that 7 out of 10 students receiving Chapter One high impact tutoring achieved phonics benchmarks by the end of Kindergarten, compared to 32% in the control group.

Children at risk of reading failure receive 1:1 reading support from trained, paid paraprofessional tutors through Chapter One’s online reading platform and custom software. Programs are delivered in-person and virtually in classrooms through agreements with schools and school boards, and at home on families’ smartphones, connecting struggling readers with individualized reading support—regardless of location and circumstance, even in some of the most geographically remote communities in Canada.

In addition to its tutoring programs, Chapter One collaborates with Indigenous communities to co-create children’s stories that represent the communities’ priorities and experiences and advance language revitalization efforts. The e-storybooks are provided for free online, as part of the Global Free Library.

Event details

The Live Virtual Q&A and Reading of “Daanis the Judge” with the Honourable Justice O’Bonsawin takes place on Tuesday, September 24, from 1:00-2:15 pm ET via Zoom. The event is open to elementary classes (Grades 1-6). Teachers/principals must register their classes in advance using this link.

Media Contact

Denise Orosa, Chapter One Canada, 1 4374224825, denise.orosa@chapterone.org, chapterone.org/ca

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/supreme-court-justice-michelle-obonsawin-joins-elementary-students-for-live-virtual-qa-and-chapter-one-storybook-reading-on-sep-24-302254639.html

SOURCE Chapter One Canada

Technology

PEAC Institute Launches “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert”

Published

2 hours ago

September 21, 2024

24 Hour Pause for Peace Will Be the Largest Peace Initiative Ever Worldwide, Unifying 96 Countries on Six Continents Through Music

MONTCLAIR, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — On this International Day of Peace, PEAC Institute, part of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winning team, has launched “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert,” the largest peace initiative ever organized worldwide through music.

“Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.”

On October 4, 2025, this ground-breaking program will activate a massive network of youth ensembles that spans 96 countries and territories across six continents and host two 24-hour commercial festivals featuring some of the biggest acts in music and entertainment. This extraordinary day-long event will be live-streamed globally, allowing millions to participate simultaneously.

“It has been 40 years since Live Aid and We Are the World historically unified and changed the world through music,” said Rebecca Irby, president and CEO of PEAC Institute. “With our planet riddled with post-pandemic fatigue, climate chaos, unsettling wars and more, we believe it is time to create a new trajectory for humanity by inviting everyone around the globe to a 24 hour pause for peace to enjoy the sounds of music and feel the transformative power of human connection,” Irby explained.

Additionally, 24 Hour Pause for Peace plans to amass more than 100 million ambassadors to sign an appeal to the United Nations calling for a 24 hour ceasefire during the children’s concerts and commercial music events. All countries are welcome to participate with no exceptions. One of Pause for Peace’s core beliefs is everyone has the right to be equally respected and heard, particularly in collectively calling for peace.

“Achieving this ambitious global endeavor requires the support and participation from the most impactful brands, organizations, and influential leaders, artists and celebrities,” said Jennifer McKenna, 24 Hour Pause for Peace CEO.

Pause for Peace is a $165 million global initiative. Currently, it is in its first phase of raising seed capital through consumer brand-aligned sponsorships and private donors. Funding for the program is tax-deductible through PEAC’s 501(c)(3) status.

“We have assembled an exceptional executive team of change agents in entertainment, production, consumer marketing, charitable development and global security to make this extraordinary, worldwide peace event happen.” McKenna added. “Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.” To become involved in 24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert as a sponsor, partner or donor, sign up to be an Ambassador, or for more information, go to www.24hourpauseforpeace.org.

About PEAC Institute

PEAC Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. PEAC stands for peace, education, art and communication. It was formed in 2016 through a campaign with partner organization, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which garnered a 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. PEAC now holds special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and has a global presence working with countries and territories worldwide to reach the most marginalized youth through art and communication activities to help them explore and express. For more information on PEAC Institute, go to www.peacinstitute.org.

Media Contact

Chadwick Boyd, Pause for Peace, 1 4046060611, chadwick@24hourpauseforpeace.org, www.24hourpauseforpeace.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/peac-institute-launches-24-hour-pause-for-peace-a-global-concert-302254527.html

SOURCE Pause for Peace

Technology

Global Times: China opens 12 nuclear research facilities to global scientists

Published

3 hours ago

September 21, 2024

The involved facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

VIENNA, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — China will open 12 nuclear research facilities and testing platforms to international scientists and institutions to enhance global cooperation, a senior Chinese official said here on Monday.

These include the China Advanced Research Reactor, the new-generation tokamak device Huanliu-3, and the Beishan Underground Research Laboratory, Liu Jing, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), said at a meeting on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) annual general conference.

The facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

Monday’s meeting, themed “Share for Development,” was organized by the CAEA to promote international cooperation in nuclear technology research and development, as China marks the 40th anniversary of its accession to the IAEA.

Yu Jianfeng, chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation, said at the event that the company aims to deepen cooperation with the IAEA and expand international collaboration. He expressed hope that opening China’s nuclear research facilities will contribute to advancing nuclear technology globally.

IAEA’s Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov commended China’s remarkable achievements in nuclear energy development and highlighted the long-standing, fruitful relationship between the IAEA and the CAEA.

Welcoming China’s decision to open up more of its nuclear research and development facilities, Chudakov said the move will further strengthen the agency’s technical capacity to support its member states.

On Monday evening, the CAEA and China’s permanent mission to the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations in Vienna jointly held a reception at the UN headquarters in Vienna to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China’s accession to the IAEA. More than 200 participants, including IAEA representatives and foreign envoys to Vienna, attended the event.

Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, said at the reception that China and the IAEA have expanded practical cooperation and jointly promoted the development of nuclear energy over the past 40 years.

China, he said, will continue to strengthen collaboration with the IAEA and its member states to address emerging challenges in international security, safeguard the global non-proliferation regime, and promote the use of nuclear energy and technology for the benefit of the Global South.

At the reception, Liu, Li and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi jointly unveiled a bronze statue of Qian Sanqiang, a renowned Chinese nuclear physicist and one of the founders of China’s nuclear industry.

The statue, donated by China, will be permanently displayed at the IAEA headquarters, alongside sculptures of Polish-French physicist Marie Curie and other prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Contact: xutianshu@globaltimes.com.cn

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-china-opens-12-nuclear-research-facilities-to-global-scientists-302254830.html

SOURCE Global Times