2026 @M OON LIGH T.M URA LS.C OLL ECTI VE
BACKGROUND In 1966, The UN General proclaimed March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, to be commemorated annually. To signify the struggle to end the policy of apartheid in South Africa, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. The struggle against racial discrimination is a central element of UNESCO's work to build peace in the minds of men and women, through education for tolerance, and the rejection of racist stereotypes that may persist in culture or in the media. -From International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - 2020 (unesco.org)
COMMUNITY POWER OF ONE WAS FOUNDED IN 2015 TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION. SINCE THEN, IT HAS GROWN TO INCLUDE NUMEROUS PARTNERS, COLLABORATORS, SPONSORS AND FUNDERS.
PURPOSE CommUnity Power of One revolves around three key concepts: Remember, Reimagine, and Rebuild, representing a journey from acknowledging past injustices to envisioning a more inclusive and equitable future. Rememberraising awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of the Land Acknowledgment Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 and other historical and contemporary In the spirit reconciliation, the CommUnity Power of One organizing experiences relatedof to racial discrimination. committee acknowledges wedifferent work, connect and grow on Treaty 6 and Reimaginepromoting harmony that among ethnicities and cultures while empowering our audience with Alberta inspiration, practical skills,lands and have been Treaty 7 territories and Métis Zone 3. These tangible tools to meeting address racial issues.for Cree Nations, Métis, Dene, Nakota Sioux, traditional grounds Rebuild- rebuilding intentional relationships, providing solutions and and Blackfoot Nations. strategies for community engagement and a sense of hope for a brighter future.
We are grateful for the opportunity to organize and contribute on these lands as we work to make our community inclusive to all; acknowledging past injustices and envisioning a more equitable future.
SPECIAL GUESTS THERESA “CORKY” LARSEN-JONASSON
KELLEY ARNOLD
Community Traditional Indigenous Elder
Culture Connections Program Coordinator, Red Deer Native Friendship Society
Mina Shokori, in Afghanistan in Theresa “Corky”born Larsen Jonasson and is araised proud India, is driven a passion for social welfare Cree/Métis womanby with lifetime roots in Red Deer andMaskwacîs, holds degrees andher Social and she inisSociology danish on dadWork. Sid Dedicated to connected supporting marginalized Larsen side and to Samson Band communities, especially women, and through her mother Virginia, her children, Kokompan newcomers, she is fluent English, Dari, Farsi, Christine Fraser Joseph andinfamily, and Chapan, Hindi, andPotts Urdu, Mary Susan andbridging family. cultural divides to provide vital assistance. Now inyears Canada, Born and raised in Red Deer andsettled through of Mina serves as a Settlement Counsellor at hard work, her community has Identified her as an Catholic Social Services, guiding newcomers Elder. through integrationIndigenous into Canadian society. Corky is a traditional ceremony woman who lives by the teachings passed down from her family and Elders- primarily the George Goodstriker family of Stand Off, Alberta. She is a sundancer, Berry woman, cares for and holds traditional pipes and ceremonies and helps with community sweatlodges. Corky is on the Walking With Our Sisters missing and murdered indigenous peoples national collective and a founding member of the Red Deer Red Feather Women. She has been honoured with the Alberta ESQUAO Award for Community Development and the Red Deer Women of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award. Corky is currently focused on youth and the way science and spirituality move together. She is passionate about uplifting
youth,
encouraging all people and social justice. A published author, her books The Sharing Circle and The Circle of Caring and Sharing center on the healing power of the talking and sharing circle, supporting
younger
people
in
finding
and
honouring their voices by using the sharing circle for conflict resolution. Corky’s love for her community is so great you can’t even imagine.
Kelley Arnold is the Nanâtawihowin Culture Program Coordinator at the Red Deer Native Friendship Society. She is a passionate cultural facilitator, community connector, and advocate for Indigenous wellness, truth, and belonging. Kelley’s work is grounded in Cree teachings, relationship building, and creating safe spaces for healing, learning, and reconnection to culture. As a singer and cultural helper, Kelley shares songs and teachings that honour ancestors, lived experience, and the strength of Indigenous communities. Her work is deeply relational and guided by the belief that culture is medicine and connection is essential to collective wellbeing.
SPECIAL GUESTS OUR ANCESTORS’ WILDEST DREAMS Kelley Arnold & Shannon Humphrey Our Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams is the duo of Kelley Arnold and Shannon Humphrey. Together, they reclaim their roots through song drum, Mina Shokori, born in Afghanistan andand raised in honoring resilience their people. India, isthe driven by a of passion for social welfare
and holds degrees in Sociology and Social Work. They are the generation of fire, the grandchildren Dedicated to supporting marginalized who resisted, especially persisted, women, and returned communities, children,more and resilient than she ever. Their voices and Dari, heartbeat newcomers, is fluent in English, Farsi, carry of bloodcultural memory, raising Hindi,the andwisdom Urdu, bridging divides to awareness, creating visibility, taking action provide vital assistance. Now and settled in Canada, for a future where is left behind. Mina serves asnoa one Settlement Counsellor at Catholic Social Services, guiding newcomers through into Canadian They are integration their ancestors’ wildest society. dreams. And they are still here.
HAWA MUSIC BAND Hawa Music Band is a Syrian musical ensemble that brings rich cultural sounds and community spirit to their audiences. They were featured at the Welcoming Week Citizenship Ceremony in Red Deer in September 2025, where they performed as part of the celebrations honoring new Canadians and the city’s vibrant cultural diversity. Their music reflects the traditions IVE CT and resilience of Syrian heritage and addsOLaLE .C S L meaningful voice to community events RA
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DR. KAYZIE SUTTON, ND Naturopathic Doctor Dr. Kayzie Sutton, ND is a licensed naturopathic doctor based in Central Alberta. Her work focuses on nervous system regulation and resilience in the context of chronic stress and complex health concerns, including hormone and menopause support, PCOS and endometriosis, gut health, chronic pain, metabolic concerns such as high cholesterol & blood sugar, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes, and care for youth and adults with ADHD and learning differences. She uses evidenceinformed approaches—including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and nervoussystem–based care—to support lasting improvements in health, resilience, and longterm healing.
JUSTINE ARCANDSTRAWBERRY
Justine Arcand-Strawberry is a confident 18 year old from central Alberta. She's dedicated to promoting cultural appreciation and celebrating her vibrant Indigenous identity. Her mission as Miss Queen Teen Alberta is to empower Indigenous women and girls by not only showcasing her deep connection to her culture in her everyday life but also by providing vital resources and avenues to enhance mental health and well being through a powerful Indigenous perspective. Justine is a true embodiment of strength, culture, and positive influence.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS The StopHateAB Community Anti-Hate Outreach Project An in-depth look at how hate is impacting the communities of Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Grande Prairie and Peace River / Grimshaw Mina Shokori, born in Afghanistan and raised in India, is driven by a passion for social welfare and holds degrees in Sociology andMAE Social Work. JENNY Dedicated to supporting marginalized SMITH communities, especially women, children, and newcomers, she is fluent in English, Dari, Farsi, Provincial Anti-Hate Hindi, and Urdu,Community bridging cultural divides to Engagement provide vital assistance. Now settled in Canada, Specialist Mina serves as a Settlement Counsellor at StopHateAB Catholic Social Services, guiding newcomers through integration into Canadian society. Jenny Mae Smith is a Provincial Anti-Hate Community Engagement Specialist with StopHateAB, an organization whose clarity of mandate mirrors her own — to show up fully for communities and people impacted by hate. Raised in Medicine Hat and now based in Calgary, Jenny Mae brings a rich foundation to this work — a degree in Sociology, two decades of corporate human-centred work, and a courageous pandemic-era shift toward communitybased advocacy, authentic relationship building, and grassroots change. She leads not from a place of certainty, but from one of deep rootedness — guided by collaboration, humility, and an unwavering commitment to what truly matters. https://stophateab.ca/
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Inclusive Hiring Introduction If we have a brain, we have bias. Bias impacts us and others in every aspect of life. Chris will help us understand hiring-related biases and how they impact both job seekers and organizations as we challenge norms and begin to navigate solutions to bringing the best talent on board.
CHRIS TRAEGER Human Resources, Workforce Development Professional and Mediator Chris is a human resources, workforce development professional and mediator with more than 20 years of experience supporting leaders, teams, and organizations. She has held senior roles in talent acquisition, human resources business partnerships, Indigenous workforce development, and inclusive leadership. Drawing from her experience competing, visiting, and working in more than 70 countries, Chris brings a global and culturally grounded perspective to her work and personal life. She believes in sharing the knowledge she’s gained while continuing to learn and grow. She is passionate about building positive relationships, fostering understanding, and empowering people to grow beyond what they thought possible, recognizing this as the foundation of healthy, engaged workplaces and strong communities. She is now the owner of her own HR consulting firm; Chris Traeger Consulting which supports organizations with her collective expertise. https://christraeger.ca/
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Hidden Challenges and Undiscovered Opportunities in Collaborations The keynote will propose that unintended consequences of harm to the community may be the result of competing missions and objectives of our partners and stakeholders. Using examples from the speaker’s research and professional work, this presentation intends to challenge the audience to be critical of the current state, to consider a more creative approach in pursuit of community wellbeing and be brave and seize hidden opportunities when presented. The concept of social fiction – grounded storytelling that explores human behaviors, social structures, and responses to wicked problems – will be woven throughout the speech to encourage the audience to create space to allow for creative thought, new partnerships, and potential mission alignment with actors in the community.
JUDGE JAMES CLOVER Citizenship Judge
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James Clover served 25 years as a police officer with the Edmonton Police Service, and was a lecturer in the Faculty of Health & Community Studies at MacEwan University since 2015. He was awarded the 2018 International Police Officer of the Year by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, in part to his work in the field of law enforcement and public health. Judge Clover has collaborated with organizations around the globe including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative. In 2021, he was named a Police Fellow with the Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Association.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS RICARDO MORALES
Thoughts on the Shifting Language and Enduring Values of our Work as Leaders, Advocates, and Practitioners Committed to Equity and Inclusion. The term DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) seems to be creating some discomfort and in some areas it is reappearing as ACB (Acceptance, Community, and Belonging). Given this evolving adaptation, it is the time for us to examine, discuss and reflect on what these changes signify and what impact do they have for us in as we engage with others in our organizations. While the terminology may shift, the fundamental commitment to creating inclusive, equitable, and diverse environments remains steadfast. Navigating this evolving landscape calls for reflection, adaptability, and integrity. This is an opportune time for us to come together to examine not just the words we use, but the principles we uphold—as our shared commitment to inclusion continues to shape stronger organizations and a more just society.
Community Development Integration Services & Southern Alberta Rural Projects Ricardo Morales is the Director of Community Development and Integration Services & Southern Alberta Rural Settlement Projects, a Division of Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS). During his 35 years of experience in Education at the K-University, he served as: High school English Teacher, University Associate, and retired as a school Principal. Ricardo is currently providing leadership for CCIS in the area of Cultural Diversity and Community Development. Ricardo’s passion is in Intercultural consultation and presentations in the areas of : Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Building Culturally Inclusive Communities, Professional Development for schools and organizationsCulturally Responsive Teaching. Ric served as President of the Trinidad and Tobago Canadian Cultural Association of Calgary. Among his awards: Alberta Distinguished Leadership award- School Leadership ATA; Black Achievement Educator’s Award Alberta. His personal mission is to assist others to engage successfully and effectively with people of other cultures and he adheres to the following belief: I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can….for it. George Bernard Shaw
PANEL DISCUSSION Reporting and Responding to Hate The discussion is moderated by Rhyean Hyland, Community Engagement with United Way of Central Alberta, who helps frame the conversation and provide local context. This panel brings together sector leaders to discuss the impact of racism on communities, how incidents are reported, and how communities respond. The conversation explores effective communication, media coverage, accountability, and the role of sustained community and political leadership in addressing racism in Red Deer.
SEAN MACINTOSH
MOHAMAD KHALED
Journalist, Red Deer Advocate
Hate Crime Coordinator RCMP Alberta – “K” Division
Originally from Ontario, Sean earned a diploma in journalism at Loyalist College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at Trent University. After finishing his post-secondary education, Sean made his way to Western Canada, first working as a journalist in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. He then joined the news team at the Red Deer Advocate in 2017. During his time at the Advocate, he has written thousands of stories about a variety of subjects throughout Central Alberta. Sean also worked on the Telus Storyhive documentary series “The Currency of Contribution.” This series highlighted several individuals and organizations throughout the City of Red Deer.
Cpl. Khaled has been a Member of the RCMP for 14 years. All of his service has been in Alberta (K Division), where he has held a number of positions and worked with various units, including as a General Duty Detachment Member, a member of the Federal Serious and Organized Crime Team, the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, the South Alberta Crisis Negotiator Team, and the Alberta RCMP Diverse Community Engagement Unit. Mohamad’s current role is K Division’s Hate Crime Coordinator, and he is also the Co-Chair of the Alberta RCMP’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion Action Group.
Hello there! Those two words comprise my favourite quote from Star Wars, and I am quite the nerd on that front. It's simple, provocative and clever. Number one: I am a dad and husband, and have also been a professional broadcaster and journalist since 2012. I am the host of my own news and current events show called The Everything Red Deer Podcast. I grew up in Surrey, B.C. and am a die-hard Canucks fan. I also live with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or ulcerative colitis, to JOSH HALL be specific. I was diagnosed in late 2007 and have used my platform to promote awareness of bowel diseases. Through my work as a journalist, I am passionate News and Sports about building community, and ensuring voices seldom heard (or often silenced) get their time in the spotlight. Whether it's enjoying local craft beer, exploring a Journalist, new hiking trail, or speaking Haitian Creole, I love supporting my community, rdnewsNOW basking in nature, and celebrating diversity whenever possible.
VIDEO SERIES Fireside Chat - Community Reflections on Racism Community voices gather for honest and thoughtful conversations. Panelists will share reflections based on their lived experiences and provide insights on community based action.
ARDEN BISSILA Settlement & Case Management Services Coordinator at FRAP Red Deer Arden brings extensive international experience, having worked across Africa and the Middle East, and received professional training in Africa, Europe, the United States, and Canada. He holds degrees in Mechatronics and Electrotechnics (Engineering) and has extensive experience in the oil and gas sector. Arden has also been actively involved in social impact initiatives and demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, cultural awareness, and addressing systemic barriers, including racism, in the communities he serves.
ASEEL JOUDEH Conversation Group Coordinator, ESL educator and cultural bridgebuilder I am passionate about empowering immigrants through real-world language skills. My own journey-moving from Jordan to Canada to complete my Master's in Education at UPEI as a mother of three—fuels my empathy and dedication. With a background spanning 10 years of teaching and 4 years as an Academic Coordinator and Elementary School Principal in Saudi Arabia, I combine academic rigor with practical leadership to design dynamic programs. I believe language unlocks the dignity, belonging, and dreams that transform newcomers into confident community participants.
SHANNON HUMPHREY Nanâtawihowin Two Spirit Program Keeper Tansi! My name is Shannon Humphrey, and I use all pronouns. I am your Two Spirit IndigiQueer warrior. I am a learner, a teacher, a storyteller, an advocate, a coach, a friend, and a parent. I am passionate about creating awareness, visibility, and meaningful change that empowers individuals to take ownership of their most authentic identities through the process of self determination. It is my goal to challenge the way people think, redefine words, and reclaim our identities, our spaces, and our stories.
DEIRDRE ASHENHURST The City of Red Deer, Community Development, Diversity & Inclusion Community Facilitator Deirdre is dedicated to sustainable, equitable, accessible, and inclusive community development that celebrates diversity. Building relationships, centering lived experience, and fostering inclusive spaces are central to her work. She has worked in reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion (READI) since 2013, with advocacy roots beginning at age 14. She holds a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and applies a systems-based approach in her role as Diversity and Inclusion Facilitator for the City of Red Deer, supporting community-led inclusive change.
Thank You