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International Development

GLOBAL AWARENESS
POWER OF PEACE
YOUTH PEACE NETWORK





Mission

We are a charitable association dedicated to the development of people in spirit, mind and body as well as the improvement of local, national and international communities.


The Power of Peace, the Power of People

2009 YMCA Power of Peace Awards

Notice of Postponement

The YMCA of Greater Vancouver regrets the postponement of this year’s YMCA Power of Peace Awards. Unfortunately, our keynote speaker, L. General Romeo Dallaire injured a vertebrae in a fall. Though his injury is serious, the General is expected to make a full recovery.

General Dallaire’s message is important and compelling and we are eager to have him share it with us in person.

Please continue to visit our website for updates on the re-scheduling of this event.

The YMCA Power of Peace Awards is an opportunity to celebrate local individuals and organizations whose work strengthens communities through the promotion of peace.

When: TBA
Where: The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts (777 Homer Street, Vancouver BC)
Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.ca or by calling 604-280-4444.

This Year’s Speaker and Entertainment:

Keynote Speaker: Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire

Author of the 2003 book Shake Hands with the Devil - The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda. He will discuss leadership and conflict resolution based on his experiences as the Force Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission to Rwanda during one of the worst genocides of the 20th century.

General Dallaire was summoned to the Senate on 24 March 2005. He remains a Special Advisor to the Minister responsible for the Canadian International Development Agency on matters relating to War Affected Children around the world, as well as the Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada on matters relating to serving and retired members and their families. The United Nations recently appointed Lieutenant-General Dallaire to an Advisory Committee on Genocide Prevention. He is a visiting lecturer to a number of Canadian and US universities and he has written several articles and papers on Conflict Resolution and Humanitarian Aid/Human Rights. He is also advisor to the Minister of National Defence on the professional development and the education of the members of the Canadian Force. Romeo D'allaire
Emcee: Lynn Colliar of Global BC Morning News

Entertainment:

Joe Given

Joe is 16 and lives in Surrey, BC, Canada. Joe loves to share his passion for singing, music and performing and his goal in life is to work with music in ways that help make a positive difference and that help contribute to peace in the world.

Kunaka Youth Marimba

Kunaka, 9 talented young artists ages 12 to 15, play as though they “own” the music, a signature sound inspired by the Shona traditions of Zimbabwe and fused with contemporary rhythms. Mbira master Kurai Mubaiwa and percussion specialist Theo Vincent mentor Kunaka, sharing the beautiful marimba melodies of Southern Africa and encouraging the young musicians to contribute their own musical ideas to a repertoire that's sure to bring everyone’s dancing shoes out of the closet!

Miyanda (African Drumming and Dance)

Miyanda, which is an East African word meaning “ROOTS”, has been performing for the past 6 years. The girls make up the following cultural heritage map - Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Lesotho, Haiti, Uganda, and of course, Canada! Miyanda won the Junior Black Achievement Award for Group Performance in 2006 as well as the Runner’s Up Award in 2005.

Freshh

Freshh are the 2007 World Hip Hop Junior Champions from Fresh Groove Productions. Fresh Groove Productions continues to strive to nourish personal growth, strengthen self-esteem and bolster self-confidence. FG dancers all share the passion to “just dance”.

Previous Recipients:

International Peacemaker: Mordecai Briemberg
Mordecai engages in anti-war work with STOPWAR.CA, Vancouver’s largest peace coalition, Palestine solidarity work with canpalnet, and humanitarian projects in the Middle East with NECEF. Mordecai Briemberg

Local Peacemaker: The Cinderella Project
The Cinderella Project provides disadvantaged high school graduates with formal attire so they can attend their graduation festivities with pride. Cinderella Project

Young Peacemaker: Stephanie Ngo
Stephanie has been involved in Youth Inspiring Action and Youth on the Go and has developed, initiated and delivered leadership programs for youth at various community centres. Stephanie Ngo

International Peacemaker: Clement Abas Apaak
Clement Abas Apaak founded Canadian Students for Darfur and has been at the forefront of the effort to send more aid to the region and raise awareness about the atrocities occurring there. Clement Abas Apaak

Young Peacemaker: Caitlin Ohama-Darcus
Caitlin founded Build-a-School project in Vancouver, which helped furnish classrooms, provide textbooks and build a school in Kenya. Caitlin Ohama-Darcus

As featured on Global TV's Global Village, preparations for this year's awards ceremony are underway.

Click the play button to watch the video clip below:

Please note: QuickTime is required - after installing, a restart of your computer may be required.


YMCA Power of Peace Awards
201 - 1166 Alberni Street
Vancouver, BC   V6E 3Z3
Tel: 604-685-8066
Fax: 604-684-3255
E-Mail: powerofpeace at vanymca.org

 

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