Join the Coquitlam Public Library in this four-part speaker series with people from diverse backgrounds sharing their stories.
A Brave Space:
- Is a supportive place where participants feel comfortable learning, sharing honestly and equally, and growing individually and together.
- Is inclusive of all races, sexes, genders, abilities, immigration statuses, languages, and lived experiences.
- Can help encourage dialogue, especially about challenging topics like anti-racism.
Each session will have time for questions from the audience, and light refreshments will be served. Registration is recommended for each session, but drop-ins are welcome as well.
Speaker Series Sessions
October 9 | 6:30–8:00 pm | Poirier branch
This series brings awareness of people who are from diverse groups and how everyone's story is different.
This session includes speakers from TCLIP's (Tri-Cities Local Immigration Partnership) Immigrant Advisory Table.
October 23 | 6:30–8:00 pm | Poirier branch
During this session we will be watching Inay, a documentary film that explores the complex experiences of Filipino Canadians, focusing on the impact of family separation on mental health.
The film screening will be followed by a panel discussion with film director Thea Loo. Join us for a rich discussion on how communities can support immigrant youth and families in building a sense of belonging and wellness.
November 6 | 6:30–8:00 pm | Poirier branch
The speaker for this session is Ernie Cardinal, a humble Cree man who has dedicated his life to helping inter-city street youth and Aboriginal families in crisis. Ernie has spent the past 25 years supporting the most vulnerable and marginalized people in the Lower Mainland.
Ernie is an active keynote speaker and workshop presenter on colonization and the adverse effects it has on the Indigenous community. Ernie can accomplish this by balancing his traditional Cree upbringing with a solid educational background, as he holds an Advanced Certification in Co-Occurring Disorders, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Child and Youth Care Counselling with a specialization in the Aboriginal Stream, as well as Certification in Native Family and Community Counselling and Native Youth Work.
November 20 | 6:30–8:00 pm | Poirier branch
This session will be facilitated by Angela Ma Brown, who is a anti-racist educator, with over 25 years of experience in the public-school system.
Have you ever witnessed a hurtful and harmful incident and didn't know what to say or do and remained silent? This session will help develop your skill set and confidence to courageously and safely intervene during a discriminatory incident.
Questions?
Contact Ann at ajohannes@coqlibrary.ca or Aman at asaroya@coqlibrary.ca.