August & September 2010

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August & S eptember 2010 • Volume 3 • Issue 5 • w w w.thevoiceindiaspora.com • T:905.920.1752

“Using the power of the pen to facilitate smooth integration for immigrants into the Canadian society.”

Community Happenings

Page 15

Punjabi Women Celebrates The Remembrance of the Slave Trade & Its Abolition The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is celebrated each year on August 23rd as designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The historical significance of this date points to uprisings for liberation & freedom on August 22nd & 23rd 1791; this was held on the island of St. Domingue (modern Haiti), which later became a catalyst for the abolition of the trans-Atlantic slave trade – the end of the European trade in African captives.

Close to a thousand elegantly dressed females gathered to celebrate their cultural heritage at the yearly Bhema Da Mela festival for Punjabi-speaking people of India residing in Hamilton. This annual ceremony is intended to bring together all females (both married and un-married) in the spirit of fellowship and love, and to appreciate their roles as females in their...

According to Dr. Afua Cooper, ‘the trade in Black Africans by Europeans began in 1444 & ended in 1888. It started with Portugal

& ended in Brazil. During these centuries, however, it was Britain that emerged as the greatest slave-trading power & gained world supremacy as a result. By conservative estimates, Africa lost upward of 25 million people in the slave trade. This figure accounts only for those who made it alive to the New World. Further millions died on the march to the West African coast, in the forts built there to house the captives until they boarded the ships, and during the long voyage to the Americas. This African holocaust has not been fully acknowledged by European & other Western powers, including Canada’ (Cooper, 2007, p.14). ∞ Continued on page 4

∞ Continued on page 5

New Immigrants Cry Out!

Transportation Loans – New Hardship in a new Country Transportation loans are loans the federal government gives to government sponsored refugees in their countries of origins to help pay for their plane fares and other expenses on their journey to Canada. This loan is expected to be repaid to the Canadian government with interest. Transportation loan has been a source of grieve to so many immigrants who see themselves burdened with so many issues as they navigate the systems to integrate into the Canadian society. Some of these immigrants have argued that they were made to sign papers requiring them to repay the loans when they were very vulnerable, and not very clear about the terms of the agreement. For these individuals, the loan papers they signed back in their refugee camps is a new hardship plaguing them in this new country they now call home.

Some of the new immigrants that spoke on terms of anonymity because of fear of a backlash from the government and

the Canadian public called on the federal government to forgive their loans. They stated that they are finding it very difficult to meet their contractual agreements to repay the loans because they do not have the means to do so. Many are still trying to learn English in order to find any kind of employment, and others who are already working do not make enough to pay the loans.

Samilla, as she is to be called in this interview with the Voice in Diaspora originally came to Canada five years ago from a refugee camp in Kenya. Samilla lived in the Kenyan refugee camp for twelve years prior to coming to Canada, with her husband, six children and an aged father. Prior to the family coming to Canada as Government sponsored refugee five years ago, her husband died of complications of pneumonia and she eventually came here... ∞ Continued on page 5

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EDITORIAL

Newcomer Family Centre

The Voice Editorial August/September 2010 So many milestones have followed this paper since its inception in September 2007. Never was there any paper that represented the interests of all ethnic minorities in the Hamilton area. What abound in this community are different ethnic newspapers that cover specific nationalities, and thus, their representations are very narrow and restrictive. The Voice in Diaspora is the first of its kind to forge relationships with service providers in this city in order to promote the excellent works these service organizations do for the ethnic population here. It is no wonder many organizations in our city have come to depend on the Voice in Diaspora to disseminate their news and information to all ethnic minorities in Hamilton and environ.

So, this edition celebrates another anniversary of the Voice in Diaspora, a milestone that would never be attained without the support of our partner, readers, and advertisers. For a newspaper of this nature to have come this far in light of minimal support from sceptics and those sitting on the sidelines without doing much to foster its growth, it is plainly the un-seen hands of the ALMIGHTY at work. It is for that reason, that I thank God for all He has done and would continue to do.

The Voice in Diaspora having the singular belief that all ethnic minorities, regardless of their belief systems and creed deserve equal representation, have given voice to many immigrants from all walks of life. Many religions have been highlighted as well, and as such helped to enlighten people and reduce ignorance and intolerance.

As the Voice in Diaspora marches forward to the months ahead, we thank all readers and greatly appreciate all supports from many friends and advertisers.

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If Yes, Contact us for an enriching opportunity to work with the ethno-cultural population in Hamilton.

Call: (905) 920 1752 venike@thevoiceindiaspora.com

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Aug. & Sep. 2010 • Vol 3 • Issue 5

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Mountain Office

Youth Centre

1030 Upper James St., Hamilton, ON L9C 6X6 (905) 385-6192 thebusinesshub@sisohamilton.org

24 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H2 (905) 527-2049 youth@sisohamilton.org www.sisoglobe.ca

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Location and route at www.sisohamilton.org/calendar

Is your occupation in-demand in Canada? and dispense prescribed pharmaceuticals and provide consultative services to both clients and health care providers.

• Primary Production Managers (Except Agriculture): These managers plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate operations in forestry and logging, mining and quarrying, oil and gas drilling, production and servicing operations, or commercial fishing.

• Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management: These professionals provide services to management such as analyzing the operations in order to propose, plan and implement improvements or advertising plans, for example.

One way to be eligible for a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa is to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker program by having at least one year of paid work experience during the last 10 years in one of the 29 qualifying occupations. Last month, 11 new occupations were added to the list of qualifying occupations for this program. This is great news for dentists, pharmacists, insurance adjusters, biologists and others who were previously ineligible for the Federal Skilled Worker category of Canadian Immigration.

The government of Canada amended the list of qualifying occupations to better respond to the present needs of Canada’s economy. While most regions in Canada are experiencing a shortage of professionals and skilled workers in these occupations, some cities and regions have a particularly high need for workers with this experience. The government feels that a skilled worker or professional in one of the 29 occupations has the best chance for success in finding full-time permanent employment in Canada.

Below is a list of the 11 new occupations.

Check http://www.cicnews.com and click on each occupation for in depth description.

• Architects: Architects conceptualize, plan and develop designs for the construction and renovation of commercial, institutional and residential buildings.

• Psychologists: Psychologists assess and diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders, counsel clients, and provide therapy relating to behaviour and mental processes.

• Biologists and Related Scientists: These scientists conduct basic and applied research to extend knowledge of living organisms, manage natural resources and develop new practices related to medicine and agriculture, for example.

• Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades: These contractors and supervisors in the heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, millwrighting and elevator installation trades own and operate their own businesses.

• Dentists: Dentists diagnose and treat disorders of the teeth and mouth. They work in private practice or may be employed in hospitals, clinics, public health facilities or universities.

• Dental Hygienists & Dental Therapists: Dental hygienists provide dental hygiene treatment and usually work in dentists’ offices, hospitals, clinics, and educational institutions. Dental therapists carry out limited dental services and are employed by the federal government and the provincial governments to provide services in rural and remote communities.

• Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners: Insurance adjusters investigate insurance claims and determine the amount of loss or damages covered by policies. Insurance claims examiners examine claims investigated by insurance adjusters.

• Pharmacists: Pharmacists compound

Foreign investors have strong interest in Canada system, an attractive tax environment, and a low, and stable, debt ratio. Canada has already recovered from the global economic recession while the US still struggles. In 2010, for example, Canada’s fiscal deficit is forecasted to be $33 billion, well below the 3%-of-GDP threshold that economists consider manageable, while the US’s projected deficit will amount to 9.2%-of-GDP.

Canada’s strong growth prospects and superior economic position have created a favourable foreign investment climate.

Canada’s pragmatic approach to economic management—strict banking regulations, stable banking system, low debt ratio, and economic immigration—has created a safe place to invest. Canada was better prepared than any other developed nation to weather the effects of the global recession.

Investors have been loading up on record amounts of Canadian bonds for the past 18 months and a report by CIBC World Markets shows this interest in Canada by

foreign investors has real staying power.

Foreigner investors added $12.4 billion in Canadian securities to their holdings during the month of April, the majority going into bonds, according to the most recent data from Statistics Canada. Since January 2009, non-residents have acquired Canadian investments in excess of $100 billion.

The increase in demand is attributable to the eagerness of foreign central banks and sovereign wealth funds to diversify their foreign currency holdings away from U.S. dollars and euros.

Canada has several advantages attractive to foreign investors—a stable banking

Canada's strict banking regulations and bankruptcy rules have certainly played a role in the strength of its recent economic recovery; however, Canada’s focus on economic immigration has also contributed to its overall economic success.

While Canada admits 60% of its immigrants as economic immigrants (skilled workers, professionals, entrepreneurs and investors), in the US only 14% of immigrants meet that criteria. Canada has one of the highest immigration rates in the world, receiving about 250,000 new permanent residents annually.

Foreign investors seem to agree that Canada is a safe place to be and there is indication that Canada’s currency will appreciate further.

■ TVID Source: http://www.canadavisa.com Image Source: Flickr/ By BlatantNews.com (under CC Licencing) w w w.thevoiceindiasp ora.com

• Social Workers: Social workers provide counselling and therapy to help individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities develop the skills and resources they need to enhance social functioning.

■ TVID Source: http://www.cicnews.com Image Source: TVID Archive

The Voice in Diaspora 571 James Street N. L8L 1J8 Hamilton, Ontario www.thevoiceindiaspora.com

Our Mission Using the power of the pen to facilitate smooth integration for immigrants into the Canadian society.

Publisher/Editor Veronica Chris-Ike venike@thevoiceindiaspora.com venike@gmail.com

Art & Creative Design Jihan C. Aydin www . A4AMEDIA . com

Advertising & Marketing Tel: (905) 920 1752 Venike@thevoiceindiaspora.com

Contributors Nica Brown , Veronica Chris-Ike, Hussein Hamdani, Jihan C. Aydin, Amanrdeep Simran Sandu, Arvind Singh, Maki Kajiura SISO (Settlement And Integration Services Organization) The Voice in Diaspora Newspaper is free of charge. Publication will be done Bi-monthly.

10,000 copies will be printed and distributed as follows: 1000 copies mailed to stake holders, 6,000 copies dropped into personal mail boxes; 3000 copies will be distributed to businesses, shopping malls, churches, Non-profit organizations, adult learning Centres, etc, in Hamilton and environs.

The views/materials expressed/used by writers/ contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this newspaper. All rights reserved. The Voice in Diaspora is not responsible for accuracy of information provided by advertisers and contributors.

Reproduction in whole or in part without prior permission is prohibited. Some graphic images may be used via flickr.com with respect to its rightful owners under the Creative Commons Licencing.

Aug. & Sep. 2010 • Vol 3 • Issue 5

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Canadian Provinces Compete for your Business Know-How

There is a competition among Canadian provinces to attract immigrants with entrepreneurial and business management skills. To attract these individuals, the provinces have set their own criteria for the entrepreneur categories of their provincial nomination programs.

by creating jobs for Canadians.

an existing business.

A nomination certificate from any province leads to a Canadian permanent resident visa, absent health and security issues. Individuals with business management experience are seen as being able to contribute to provincial economic and social goals and stimulate local economies

There are currently 7 provinces and 2 territories willing to nominate qualified managers from around the world for Canadian permanent residence. Applicants are required to have the intent and ability to move to the province and set up a new business or purchase or acquire a share of

As compared to the Federal Entrepreneur program, there are two main advantages to applying for business immigration under the provincial nomination programs:

The Remembrance of the Slave Trade & Its Abolition

..Continued from page 1 As acknowledgement for this African holocaust, a number of African countries have initiated campaigns for reparations for the injustices of slavery & colonialism.

The claim for reparations to Africa became more visible at the United Nations-sponsored World Conference against Racism held in Durban, South Africa in September 2001. It then traces the claim back to the Eminent Persons Group established in the early 1990s by the Organization of African

1) the visa processing times are considerably faster, and 2) permanent resident visas issued under Unity to pursue reparations for slavery, as well as for other wrongs perpetrated on Africa, including colonialism and “neo-colonialism”.

Nevertheless, inevitably, campaigns for reparations have generated much controversy both among African countries themselves as well as among various people of African ancestry in the Diaspora due principally to a lack of sustained political will.

Further, European countries which sustain a culture of racism often exhibit both indifference & a conspiracy of silence related to this issue.

More successful have been the modest attempts related to education like UNESCO’s Breaking the Silence: ‘The Transatlantic Slave Trade Education Project’ originally launched in 1998, or the Canadian based, ‘The Committee to Commemorate & Memorialize the Abolition of the Slave Trade’.

The importance of activities especially in our multi-cultural & multiethnic society such as ours is obvious. The possibility of realizing a society that allows for the full civic participation in its life of all its citizenry can only occur once past atrocities towards minority members are fully acknowledged & adequately addressed.

Genuine reconciliation between people can only occur when this has transpired.

the provincial nomination programs are not conditional upon meeting business performance criteria and are issued upon investment.

■ TVID Source: http://www.cicnews.com, Image Source: courtesy of www.canadianimmigrant.ca we call upon our religious institutions & governments ‘to acknowledge that they have benefited from the exploitation of Africans & African descendents & Asians & Asian descendants & Indigenous Peoples through slavery & colonialism…. And to be clear that the trans-Saharan & transoceanic-Atlantic, Pacific & Indian slave trade and all forms of slavery constitute crimes against humanity… (Ecumenical Caucus Statement at the UN World Conference Against Racism, 2001)’.

Finally, as already expressed, the remembrance of the European trade in African peoples should sensitize us to other & newer forms of enslavement, that is, the human trafficking & sexual exploitation of women & children which is the plague of our contemporary form of globalization.

References & Resources: Bales, K., (1999), Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy,. Berkeley, Los Angeles: University of California Press Cooper, Afua, (2007) Massacre of the Innocents: The European Trade in African Captives – From Chains to Freedom: Journeying Toward Reconciliation 2007 Racial Justice Resource Cooper, Afua, (2006) The Hanging of Angelique: Canada, Slavery & the Burning of Montreal, Toronto: Harper Collins Canada Breaking the Silence: The Transatlantic Slave Trade Education Project: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/ images/0013/001378/137805e.pdf James, Royson, (February 5, 2007), Are we in denial over the Slave role? Toronto Star article: http://www.thestar.com/News/article/178264 The Committee to Commemorate and Memorialize the Abolition of the Slave Trade (CMAST): http://cmast.info/

This just struggle towards truth, towards memory, towards inclusion is fragile but inevitable and needs to be expanded to the consequences of all forms of slavery associated with the modern era in agreement with the words of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu:

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United Nations World Conference Against Racism: http://www.un.org/WCAR/e-kit/backgrounder1.htm Canadian Ecumenical Anti-Racism Network Resources: http://www.ccc-cce.ca/english/justice/ racism.htm

Remembering the struggle of indigenous people ed exploitation. They have asked for their cultural sovereignty and self-determination to be recognized and respected.

August 9th is International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, a day when we can remember the struggle of aboriginal people for cultural and ethnic survival. Indigenous people are diverse but they are united by a historical affinity to their land. This connection to the land often carries a marked spiritual dimension.

Due to their bond with the land, indigenous people have acted as protectors of the land against harm and exploitation.

While the scientific and technological discoveries are filled with promise, contradictions also lie at the core of the ideal of “progress.” We need to ask: Whose interests does the progress advance? At what expense do we reach it? Indigenous people have often been viewed as standing in the way of advancement and progress. In reality, what they have wanted is sovereignty, respect and justice.

Increasingly we recognize that progress comes at a price. It has often involved loss of our environment and exploitation of people, including denial of indigenous rights. Whenever land where Indigenous people reside is blessed with resources, the question becomes who profits from these riches and at what cost. Indigenous people throughout the world have resist-

New Immigrants Cry Out! Transportation Loans – New Hardship in a new Country ...Continued from page 1 ...with her children and old father. Samilla has never been to school in her life, and would like to read and write one day. She is attending ESL program just to learn that. However, due to many constrains which include communication barriers, economic hardships, and issues with some of her teenage children, Samilla is rethinking her decision to migrate to Canada. Samilla received a letter to repay her transportation loans and those of her younger children. Samilla receives On-

Punjabi Women Celebrates . ..Continued from page 1 ...commonality. Visitors to this year event included many friends and well-wishers amongst who was the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Sophia Agglenotinis, who came to render her support and celebrate this important event. Events of this nature always attract the presence of ven-

In Canada, a clear example of abuse and assimilation is found in the residential school system. First Nations people lost generations to these schools starting with the opening of the first school in 1842 and ending with the closing of the last school in 1996. Authorities took children away from their homes and placed them in these schools as part of a policy described by many as “killing the Indian in the child,” so that they would lose their traditional culture and fit European-Canadian culture.

Physical, sexual and psychological abuse of children occurred in these settings run by various churches. Children were punished in appalling ways for even speaking their language.

I personally realized the scar left by this abuse when I was in my first year of university in Winnipeg. During a group presentation on residential schools, a gentle, middle-aged Cree man started to sob. He later explained that during the presentation, he remembered what happened to him. The abuse was too much and so he buried it inside. When he heard stories of others, he recalled all that happened to him. He felt a sense of release and thanked us for the presentation.

From that experience, I realized that disempowerment, marginalization and oppression were not merely words but lived experiences of survivors of residential schools. The abuse suffered has created a need for healing in First Nation communities throughout Canada. The first step to healing is to acknowledge the abuse and

tario works and finds it extremely difficult to provide enough food and pay for shelter for her family. Samilla’s older children used to live at the family residence, while they work and attend school. However, when Ontario works started deducting rent money from her cheques because the older children live at home, they had to move out and stay by themselves. Samilla is more disturbed by the fact that her un-married daughters are not only living under her watchful eyes, but are staying out late and getting themselves into trouble. Thus, she blamed the system for contributing to all her troubles here in Canada. Though Samilla’s older children are helping to pay for her and the younger one’s transport loans, they are burdened with their own financial problems. The whole family would like their loans forgiven by the government as they are trying their best to pay what they owe, but finding many financial road blocks on the way.

Samilla is not alone with this burden.

Many government sponsored refugees the Voice in Diaspora spoke to express

dors, service organizations and Musicians whose presence help to spice up the ceremony. Different age groups included the over sixty year old females danced to the cheering of the jubilant audience. Many at the event shared their opinions as to how they view this yearly event.

Parminder: This event is very good, as it gives women the opportunity to interact with others without the male folk being present. We like dressing in our traditional attires to celebrate our culture. Basically, this event is for both married and un-mar-

harm that occurred in residential schools.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has created an atmosphere where truth can be told and reconciliation can occur. For many, being able to tell of the abuse is the first-step towards personal and collective healing This August 9th honour International Day of the World’s Indigenous People by learning about the struggle, resilience and spiritual understanding of indigenous people. Through awareness, respect the difficulties they are encountering paying their transport loans back. They expressed gratitude to the government for assisting them to come to Canada, but begged that in light of their present economic hardships facing every citizen in this country, the government should forgive the loans and help new immigrant have a fresh start in Canada.

The Voice in Diaspora spoke to Marufa, a manager of the RAF Program (SISO), an agency that help settle some of these refugees in Canada to address the transportation loan concerns presented by her former clients. Marufa acknowledged the hardships new immigrants face once they arrive in Canada, and sees it as a new reality for them. She explained that the Canadian government is very good to grant government sponsored refugees transportation loans to aid their arrivals in Canada as other refugee sourcing countries like America and Australia do not have such programs, and as such, many refugees could not be helped out of their countries of conflict. Marufa went on to state that:

and solidarity, we can do our part to overcome barriers that have historically oppressed indigenous people throughout the world.

■ Arvind Singh Image Source: Native American totem pole, Ketchikan, Alaska, Photo courtesy of Jeremy Keith from Brighton & Hove, UK

“For me, it is better to have something in place to help them , Canada is a survival place, signing the loan document is the survival piece to save their lives; the refugee camps are sad places to be – a disaster, rate of both infant and maternal mortality is high. There is an increased rate of poverty. It is a different kind of reality when refugees arrive here; at least, there is a better future for all, especially the children, and the transportation loan has some flexibility on repayment options. Children above 19 years pay their own transportation loans, while parents pay for their younger ones. Seniors and those families with many children get some sort of waivers. ” The crux of the matter for most new arrivals to Canada struggling to pay the Transport loans is that there is no money left anywhere for them to pay their loans.

They are calling on their elected political representatives to take their case to the federal government to get them a bail out.

■ Veronica Chris-Ike

ried females. Back in India during this ceremony, married women are expected to go back to their parent’s homes to celebrate with families and old friends.

and be themselves. During this time, they enjoy being beautiful and being who they are.

Haljit Multani: This ceremony is our culture, our identity, and we like it very much.

We get the chance to dress up and enjoy with our fellow women.

■ TVID

Vicky Thind: Every Hamilton woman look forward to this event. I love it and feel proud to be part of this annual cerebration. It is a wonderful opportunity for Punjabi women to celebrate, dance, dress up w w w.thevoiceindiasp ora.com

June & July 2010 • Vol 3 • Issue 4

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Lessons of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Growing up in Japan, the month of August was a remembrance month for World War II. It is a time when many re-visit the tragedy of the war. We give our hearts to the people who suffered in wars and pray for peace. At this time you will come across movies, documentaries, and newspaper articles that reveal the atrocity of wars. Also, Peace Memorial Ceremonies are broadcast live all over Japan. The two nuclear bombs that detonated above Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted in immediate deaths reported to be 90,000-166,000 in Hiroshima, and 60,000-80,000 in Nagasaki, with thousands more dying thereafter from burns, and nuclear radiation.

I listened to many survivors’ stories, and visited the war memorials. The graphic displays of the atomic bomb destruction, and the horrific pictures of the innocent victims and loved ones injured and dead, shocked me so much that I felt sad, nauseated, and emotionally exhausted.

Despite the horror suffered by so many, I have never heard any words of hate from the survivors. Nobody asks who is responsible, or who is to blame. Blaming somebody, asking for compensation, or things like that, are not their concerns. Rather the survivors all emphasize that we should never repeat the same tragedy again. Their biggest wish is for world peace. I feel compassion and a great deal of admiration for the many victims who painfully share their horrific memories with us hoping that it will teach us how precious peace is.

Japan was the only nation that suffered two atomic bomb attacks. Now Japan has a firm determination that we should not repeat this same tragedy. The Japanese Constitution prohibits an act of war in its famous Article 9. The nation also has “Three Non-Nuclear Principles” which state that “Japan shall neither possess nor manufacture nuclear weapons, nor shall it per-

mit their introduction into Japanese territory”, thereby forbidding the nation from using nuclear armaments. The Japanese believe that fighting cannot solve any international dispute.

rage in many parts of the world, and despite the many efforts to educate people systematically, many of us still take our affluent, peaceful life for granted, and the sad memories are allowed to fade away.

Peace Education is an important part of the school curriculum. Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Okinawa are popular school trip destinations. Each place has a war memorial museum with survivor testimonials to teach students who have no idea what war is like. History is not the only way to teach students the importance of world peace; we also have reading materials, dramas, music, and exhibits at school festivals to promote peace education.

Indifference and the lack of empathy in people is of concern to me. Unavoidably, survivors who can share their ordeals are getting older and someday will be gone.

Soon there will be none left who can share their firsthand accounts of the war. How we pass on the hard learned lessons to the next generation will become a new challenge; but it is well worth the effort.

We are here today because our parents, grandparents, great grandparents persevered and survived those difficult times.

We shouldn’t be indifferent. We should

Japan is a very peaceful and safe country now. Sadly enough, wars and conflicts still

Racial DiscriminationWhy does it still exist in our society?

Discrimination is seen as to set apart, single out, or to differentiate one from the others. We are aware of the facts that discrimination is done on the grounds of religion, creed, marital status, and family status, sex, sexual orientation, disability (mental, physical) age, colour, and nationality, place of origin, race. Though we are all aware of the law that all men are equal in the eye of law with regard to religion, caste, creed, and discrimination is unfair or unequal treatment of an individual or group, without reasonable justification.

I believe among all types of discriminations, racism is the most common next to sexism. Although the term racism usually denotes race-based prejudice, violence, dislike, the term can also have varying and contested definitions. Racism can be describes as the belief that a certain race or races portray undesirable characteristics.

Racial discrimination is one of the most controversial problems in our society. Peo-

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Aug. & Sep. 2010 • Vol 3 • Issue 5

ple focus on all different racial groups of people and discuss their fairness, discrimination, and prejudice by attending groups, meetings etc.

We all know that all human beings are equal and deserve the same rights as everybody else. People should not and cannot set or build a wall to separate others from themselves. People should not judge others by their physical appearances and race. For example, Blacks are discriminated against because of the color of their skin, their level of criminal behavior, their economic status, and a long list of other reasons. Now we can see that discrimination against blacks is one of the most harmful and dangerous weapons in our society. Many people do not see or hear about the severe cases of racial discrimination and therefore may not understand just how bad of a problem it is. Another example can be given the racial discrimination after 9/11 incident. Ever since Sepw w w.thevoiceindiasp ora.com

tember 11th, a lot of Americans have been blaming all Muslims for it. Even the Muslim people that have lived in the US for their whole lives and have never even been to their native lands are targets of hate. If we see prior to 9/11, racial profiling was frequently referred to as 'driving while Black, now, the practice can be more accurately characterized as driving, flying, walking, worshiping, shopping or staying at home while Black, Brown, Red, Yellow, Muslim or of Middle-Eastern appearance. Even Sikh individuals faced racism all over the world.

Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Sikh men who wear turbans may feel it more personally than most. While working to uphold the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and working to build vibrant communities worldwide, we understand that it may take generations to achieve peace, but it is work of the utmost urgency that cannot be delayed.

Racism has not always been the same, it

not let the memories fade away from our minds. As responsible adults or parents we all should remember the sad historic events, the important lessons learned, and pass this on to the next generation for a better future.

■ Maki Kajiura Image Source: Flickr/by eugeneflores (under CC licencing) Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima heiwa kinen kōen) is a large park in the center of Hiroshima, Japan. It is dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack (August 6, 1945), which led to the death of as many as 140,000 people by the end of 1945.

has changed through history and every day it has become more sophisticated. Although racial discrimination is evidently decreasing now, it has become a potential motivation for war, a symbol of terrorism, and even an excuse for neglecting others.

I think it is necessary for us to find the solution by knowing the precedent, to catch and correct ourselves so we can live in harmony and peace with others. As a part of society I question you as a society, can we really break down the barriers of discrimination and make our society a better place to live?

■ Amardeep Simran Sandu

Raising the Bar in Interpretation Services (CITS). In addition ongoing professional develop ment is provided and encouraged to ensure that every interpreter is well prepared for any situation.

Over the past 3 months, the interpreters and translators of SISO’s CITS participated in a rigorous training program that was offered by SISO, in partnership with several service providers. During the 15 sessions that were offered, representatives from Ontario Works, Hamilton Police Services, Public Health Services, Hamilton Community Legal Clinics, Hamilton’s Centre for Civic Inclusion (HCCI) and SISO’s very own Settlement Counseling Services (SCS) provided insight into the services they offer.

They also spoke about the demands on newcomers, as well as their expectations of the interpreters. This intense training opportunity helped the interpreters gain new insights into the programs that they work with as well as a new perspective on the service they provide.

Left to right are: Alexander Szoke, Clareta Schoenberg, Belkis Ozer, Helin Polat, Maja Maneveska Interpretation is a field of many challenges. It is an intense profession. The interpreter must be objective and neutral in situations that are very personal. You may ask, is this possible? It has to be. At each and every appointment the interpreter is subjected to various unpredictable situations that can progress in any direction. A simple interview to fill out an application, for example, may provoke any

number of responses from the client. Horrifying stories of turmoil, abuse, trauma, harassment, genocide, deaths, murders and neglect, as well as uplifting stories of triumph, success, hope, faith, and love all have a mental strain on the interpreter for whom these vivid accounts become real. They become the essential medium through which the two parties communicate; the direct link between the client

and the service provider.

An interpreter, when doing the job correctly, ensures that communication flows over the language barrier. This is as much of a challenge as it is a responsibility.

Prompt, accurate interpretation is key.

CITS boasts over 500 active interpreters and translators working all over the greater Hamilton area. These sessions helped create a feeling of friendship among people who came to Canada from the far reaches of the planet, united by one language, one trade, one common goal of helping their fellow newcomers and their need to do so at the highest level of professionalism.

■ By Alexander Szoke

All interpreters at SISO receive training before entering the ranks of SISO’s Cultural Interpretation and Translation Services

Women Focus on Health

“I started bringing women together with a group focused on keeping them and their families healthy because it is a priority of newcomer women,” says Shelair Kittani, Host Counselor and Group Activity Facilitator. Shelair started meeting this need through a partnership with Public Health and a program called Women Wellness.

The Women Wellness Program is a six week program that raises awareness among women about some common, family health concerns. The objective of the program is not only to learn about health and healthy lifestyles, but to socialize, discuss and ask questions with peers and reputable experts in the field of public

label identification. For the final session, each participant brought a traditional dish that was prepared using their new understanding of healthy eating.

The response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive. The women enjoyed the sessions, learned new skills and gained knowledge about the community.

One participant said, “(I can now) cook my tradition(al) food with healthy style - it’s the same food, same taste, but less calories!”. health.

Throughout the six week program, guest speakers presented information on a variety of subjects such as fitness, diet, healthy cooking, emotional wellness and food

But a healthy lifestyle requires more than just a good diet and exercise, as women found the information on taking care of themselves just as important, such as knowing that a “Women(s) emotional w w w.thevoiceindiasp ora.com

health is important for the whole family”.

In the fall, Women Wellness Sessions will begin again both at the Newcomer Family Centre, SISO’s East End location and at The Business Hub, SISO’s Mountain location.

For more information or to register, call Shelair at 905-667-7476 ext. 3610.

In addition to the Women’s Wellness Program there are also Women’s Monthly Cooking Sessions. To register for the fall Cooking Sessions, please call Nazia at 905667-7476 ext. 3341. Child minding is available depending on date and time of each session.

■

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Back to School Means Back to Business for SWISH The thought of going back to school can sometimes be overwhelming for newcomer students and their families. Adapting and acclimatizing to a new school system, getting over the language barrier and integrating into the new community

are all challenges which may arise during this process. However, with the help of Settlement Workers In Schools Hamilton (SWISH) there will be someone there for you during this transitional period to make the process easier.

Currently, the SWISH program has fourteen information and referral counsellors operating in both the Catholic and Public School Boards. SWISH staff members are able to provide a wide range of services such as : ✓✓information and support ✓✓assisting with settlement needs, ✓✓orientation to the education system ✓✓information on recreation, health, and housing systems, and

SWISH workers present in the schools speak a variety of different languages such as: French, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Kurdish, Assyrian, Tagalog, Czech, Vietnamese, Korean, Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, Farsi, Dari and Somali. This aids SWISH in reaching more newcomers and providing services that are not hindered by language barriers. Ultimately, SWISH aims to facilitate the integration of newcomers into Canadian society by providing them with necessary services, while also helping society understand the needs of newcomers.

With the new school year, come the dreams and hopes of a successful and bright future. The SWISH team would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and a prosperous year that is full of success and achievements.

Settlement Workers In Schools Hamilton is a dedicated professional team of information and referral counsellors. We are there at schools to ease your worries and make your settlement an easy process.

Newcomer Orientation Week For many newcomer students, high school in Ontario can be very different from their previous school experiences.

The first few months can be stressful. However, the NOW program promises to give them a better start.

Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW), through the assistance of Peer Leaders, SWISH workers, and teachers, orients students to their new schools. This year, 36 trained Peer Leaders from both the HWDSB & the HWCDSB will lead new students in a variety of fun filled activities.

Peer Leaders, who were once themselves newcomer youth, will share their own experiences and challenges as well as how they managed to succeed. Leaders and participants will take part in scavenger hunts, skits and fieldtrips. At the end of the week long session, participant will have a good understanding of the layout of their school as well as who they can go to for assistance.

Peer Leaders also benefit from their participation in this program. As noted by the Kappel Ramji Consulting Group, “(NOW) not only prepares newcomer youth for entry to school, it also unleashes and enhanc-

Barton Secondary School Mizgene

289-244-2306

Glendale Secondary School Sharaline

289-244-2307

Sir John A. MacDonald Secondary School Mahtab

289-339-0158

Kim

289-244-2305

Ali

905-518-7819

Cathedral High School Rosalia

289-244-5296

To find out if there is a SWISH worker available in your child’s school, please contact us at 905-385-6192, Ext: 3419

by Souhaila Dihaini SWISH Manager

✓✓cultural interpretation

es the leadership skills of the Peer Leaders, an important secondary benefit of NOW.” The NOW program will run during the last week of August. For more information or to register a participant please contact the Settlement Worker listed for the school of your choice.

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NOW is part of Settlement Workers in School (SWIS), a successful program that helps newcomer students and their families settle in their school and community.

NOW is fully funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada through local settlement agencies such as SISO. Souhaila Dihaini SWISH Manager

Occasional Childcare Services at SISO Occasional Child Care (OCC) supports the goal of serving as many newcomer families as possible by removing a major barrier to accessing services: child care. Onsite childcare provides a level of freedom that allows parents to actively participate in workshops and training sessions. Parents can meet with settlement counsellors knowing that their children are being well cared for by a team of dedicated childcare specialists.

LSSP/SWISH Activities

cerns which are essential for OCC staff to know in order to protect the health and safety of children.

In addition, the maximum number of children allowed in any given group is twenty. School-aged children have a ratio of one caregiver to ten children, but preschoolers require one caregiver for every five children because they have higher needs.

Along with attending to the safety and care of children, we also provide snacks when needed.

Quality Care with Professional Child Minders The manager of the OCC program at SISO is highly supportive of our program and promotes professional development for all OCC staff in order to provide the highest quality of service for the children.

In 2009-2010 OCC at SISO was highly successful with many children enjoying the services. Training by the Child Minding Monitoring Advisory and Support for OCC program was successfully completed by two of the program supervisors, in order to better administer the program at SISO. This training allowed our team to share information with other OCC staff members. Our dedication to professional development contributes to our ongoing success and quality service for the children.

What is OCC? OCC is an informal arrangement for the care of children on an as needed basis. This means that the children in our care constantly change according to the needs of the parents who seek service at SISO. The OCC program provides child care for children 19 months to 12 years of age. In order for children to become OCC clients, their parents need to register their child with the OCC program by providing some important information about the child, and ensuring they will be onsite during their child’s stay. The registration form parents must fill out asks for special information, including allergies, medical conditions, food restrictions or other con-

In addition, we provide both onsite and offsite services for SISO clients through our mobile service. Also, our OCC program plans activities according to the ages and interests of children. We provide creative materials to develop the physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social domains of children. Child minders sometimes refer to this as the “PILES” of children’s education, and our professional child minders strive to promote a positive and educational environment taking PILES into account in our child minding locations.

The best reward working in OCC is when parents express their appreciation for service and their children are happy. We also delight in providing the best care possible for children at all times, even if their visit is only occasional.

By Parminder Mahajan

SWISH Calendar: NOW Program (4 consecutive days) August 23 – August 26, 2010 @ Barton Secondary School, Cathedral Secondary School, Glendale Secondary School and Sir John A. MacDonald Secondary School in Hamilton Contact: Souhaila at 289-244-5291 LSSP Calendar: Welcome to Canada, Get to know your library & Hamilton City, “Opportunities for recreation in the Hamilton Area” August 10 @ 5: 00 pm at Red Hill Library, Program Room Contact: Shahira at 905-512-8673 Chinese Seniors Series August 20 @ 10:00 am, Central Library, Dundas Room Contact: Sharron at 905-512-9538 Spanish Club, “Online Library Services 1” August 28 @ 10:00 am at Terryberry Library for Spanish Speakers Contact: Arcelia at 289-339-0259 Welcome to Canada, Get to know your library & Hamilton City, “Garbage & Recycling” September 14 @ 5: 00 pm at Red Hill Library, Program Room Contact: Shahira at 905-512-8673 Chinese Seniors Series September 17 @ 10:00 am, Central Library, Dundas Room Contact: Sharron at 905-512-9538 Spanish Club, “Online Library Services 2 ” September 25 @ 10:00 am at Terryberry Library for Spanish Speakers Contact: Arcelia at 289-339-0259

Left to right are: Amardeep Sandhu, Shahnaz Shahbazi, Liban Abdi, Parminder Mahajan, Salma Obaidul and Zaineb Hatem

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Aug. & Sep. 2010 • Vol 3 • Issue 5

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English Language Instruction for Newcomers in Hamilton In Canada, the school year generally begins in September. It’s a time when you see school supplies on sale and students of all ages getting ready for another exciting year of learning. This is also true for newcomer adult students who wish to learn English. In Canada, there is a program called LINC that can help eligible newcomers learn English. At SISO, LINC Assessors will help you find your level of English and give you information about the LINC program in various schools in Hamilton. If you are interested in learning English here is some information that may help.

Who is eligible?

If you are 18 and can show proof that you are a Permanent Resident or approved Convention Refugee, you are eligible for this program.

How do I enroll in LINC? In order to enroll in LINC, you must first have a free language assessment provided by a certified LINC language assessor at SISO. This assessment helps you to know your English level according to the Canadian Language Benchmarks. The Canadian Language Benchmarks are used throughout Canada and are a reliable way for you to keep track of your language progress.

How do I make an appointment for an assessment?

To make an appointment, please call SISO or contact your closest LINC school. You will need to provide your first name, last name and your phone number. You will then get an appointment to come in for the assessment. You can choose to come to any of the three SISO LINC assessment centres either on the Hamilton Mountain at 1030 Upper James Street, in east Hamilton near Stoney Creek at 2255 Barton Street, or downtown Hamilton at 360 James Street North. You will also need your original immigration document showing your status in Canada such as your permanent residence card, your original landing paper or your notice of decision for convention refugee status. If you would like us to check your document, please call us or come in to an assessment centre anytime.

LINC – What is it?

How long is the assessment and how can I study?

The assessment can take between 3 and 4 hours. If special arrangements are required, please let us know. The assessment is a standardized test that measures your listening, speaking, reading and writing according to the Canadian Language Benchmarks. There is no one-way of studying for the assessment, but you can try a practice assessment for listening and reading online at www.clb-osa. ca. The online practice will take you about 2 hours and will provide a result range of 3 benchmarks. It is not as precise as the assessment you will take in the office, but it will give you an idea about the format for the assessment.

Do I get my results right away?

LINC stands for Language Instruction for Newcomers and is fully funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. It is a free program that helps you learn one of the official languages in Canada. In Hamilton, you can learn English for free and meet some wonderful friends at the same time. LINC also provides free child care for young children at some locations and offers bus tickets to students who must travel long distances to reach a LINC school. There are many schools in Hamilton that offer LINC. Contact your local SISO assessment centre to find the school nearest you.

Yes. After the assessment, your assessor will provide you with an outline of your Canadian Language Benchmarks and your overall LINC level. Your results will be put into the LINC system and then you can choose any LINC school you want to attend. The assessor will give you the names and contact information of all the LINC programs so that you can make the best decision for your needs.

We hope that learning English continues to be a fun adventure that will help you in your settlement in Canada.

The LINC program can assist you in making that difficult first step in learning the language. We at the assessment centre are always happy to talk to you if you have any questions about LINC. For any questions, please call us at 905-667-7476 and ask for the Language Assessment Centre.



IFTAR GLOBE TALENT SHOW Great Prizes To Be Won Tryouts August 7, 9, 10 5:30-7:00 pm

Break your fast with us 19 August 2010 Call for the exact time

BACK TO SCHOOL HAIRCUTS 27 August 2010 11:00 am-3:00 pm REGISTRATION REQUIRED



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Sikh - My Religion The Sikh religion has many followers amongst the Punjabi speaking people that reside around Hamilton East-end. Many followers can also be found in other parts of the city. When these immigrants came to Canada, they brought with them their values, beliefs and most importantly, their religious practices. Though the Sikh religion has been around for many years, many people are still not familiar with their teachings. Many Sikh followers started settling in Hamilton as far back as 1972. There were very few families then, now, there are about seven to eight thousand people who identified themselves as followers of the Sikh religion in Hamilton. The pioneers came, settled, and helped others to come to Canada.

There are four Sikh Temples in Hamilton, namely ones in Lake Avenue, Covington Street, Dundas area, and last one in Burlington. The Temple is where the congregation meet for religious activities and the priest lead the followers in prayers sup-

Ramadan & Eid First day of Ramadan will be Wednesday, August 11, 2010 and Eid ul-Fitr on Friday, September 10, 2010.

“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint.” Qur’an 2:183 Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which consists of 12 months and lasts for about 354 days. The word “Ramadan” is derived from an Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground and shortness of food and drink. It is considered to be the most holy and blessed month.

Fighting is not allowed during this period.

The month of Ramadan traditionally begins with a new moon sighting, marking the start of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Many Muslims (except children,

ported by singers. The temples are getting smaller for the increasing number of followers, and so, the Covington Temple would be extended to 14,000 square feet from 4,000 sq feet to accommodate people.

Sikhism believes in one supreme God. The Sikh school of thought started by Guru Nanak teaches gender and race equality, sharing, working hard and honestly, being honest, contentment, selfless service, talking sweetly, worshiping naam, good etiquette, tradition, prayer, meditation, the concept of miri-piri, the concept of the saint-soldier/warrior, remembering God all the time in all actions, keeping in good company, proper sexual conduct, the life of a house person instead of becoming a celibate monk and rejecting the world, compassion, faith, justice, mastery, righteous actions, bravery, courage, love for God, humility, salvation, the afterlife, the law of karma (karam) which is counteracted by dharma (dharam), charity, and good will to the sick and the elderly) abstain from food, drink, and certain other activities during daylight hours in Ramadan. This is considered as the holiest season in the Islamic year and commemorates the time when the Qu’ran (Islamic holy book) is said to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. This occurred on Laylat Al-Qadr, one of the last 10 nights of the month.

Ramadan ends when the first crescent of the new moon is sighted again, marking the new lunar month’s start. Eid-al-Fitr is the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.

The Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) and the European Council for Fatwa and Research (ECFR) recognize astronomical calculation as an acceptable Shar’ia method for determining the beginning of lunar months including the months of Ramadan and Shawwal. The FCNA & ECFR use Makkah alMukarramah as a conventional point, and take the position that the conjunction must

humanity. It also teaches God's omnipresence, transcendence, omnipotence, and omniscience. (From Wikipedia) The Sikh do not believe in Angels, but do believe in Heaven (Swarag) and hell (Narak). The Sikh religion also believes in marrying one wife/husband, does not condone divorce.

They respect family unit and believe in joint-family network where members live in one household in love, peace and unity.

The Sikh holy book is called Guru Granth Sahib, and contains important teachings for followers.

Most religious activities are held in the Temple, led by the head priest who resides within the Temple compound with his wife. The duty of the head priest is to pray for the followers. The Temple activities are also carried out by two singing groups which consist of three people in each group. These singers come from Indian to live in the Temple for a period of six months before they are replaced with another set of singers. The Temple is retake place before sunset in Makkah and the moon must set after sunset in Makkah.

On the basis of this method the dates of Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr for the year 1431 AH are established as follows: 1st of Ramadan will be on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 1st of Shawwal, which marks the start of Eid ul-Fitr, will be on Friday, September 10, 2010.

Ramadan 1431 AH: The Astronomical New Moon is on August 10, 2010 (Tuesday) at 11:08 am Makkah Time. Sunset in Makkah on August 10 is at 6:55 pm. On that day, the Topocentric Altitude of the moon in Makkah at sunset is 1.6 degrees. Therefore, the first day of Ramadan is on August 11, 2010 (Wednesday), making the first Tarawih prayer to be on the night of Tuesday August 10, 2010.

garded as sacred place, and both men and women are required to cover their heads inside the Temple as a sign of respect. Individual families take turn to bring food to the temple every Sunday to be shared amongst the followers.

■ Interviewed by Veronica Chris-Ike Interviewed: Kulwinder Multani http://www.betterworld.net/quotes/interfait The Astronomical New Moon is on September 8, 2010 (Wednesday) at 6:30 pm Makkah Time. Sunset in Makkah on September 8 is at 6:31 pm. On that day, the moon in Makkah at sunset is below the horizon. Therefore, the first day of Shawwal, which marks the start of Eid ul-Fitr is on Friday, September 10, 2010, insha'Allah.

May Allah keep us on the right path, and accept our fasting and prayers. Ameen. For more detailed information, please visit: www.hilal-discourse.net or www.moonsighting.com ■ Excerpted by Jihan C. Aydin Sources: Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi at www.fiqhcouncil.org, Chairman of the Fiqh Council of North America and www.timeanddate.com

Eid ul-Fitr 1431 AH:

The Role Your Lawyer Will Play in a Real Estate Sale Deal he or she may also be able to give you the names of several lawyers to contact.

When talking to prospective lawyers, ask about their real estate experience. After all, if their practice concentrates on immigration, they’re unlikely to be involved in many real estate transactions.

Ask that if they are easily accessible on weekends and evenings, when most offers are presented. Chat to them briefly to see if you are comfortable with them.

If you are planning on selling your home in the near future, you should know that the selling process – like the buying process – will involve a number of legal steps and legal jargon that most people find confusing.

If you have not used the services of a lawyer for a while, you might be wondering about whom to go to. The most logical person, of course, is the lawyer you hired when you purchased your current home.

Obviously, this person is familiar with your property and its specifics. If you were happy with the service you received from this individual, your problem is solved. If that lawyer is not available, see if there is another lawyer at the same firm. If no one at the firm is available, speak to family and friends for a referral recommendation.

And although your realtor cannot recommend or endorse a particular lawyer,

When talking to different lawyers, you’ll probably notice a difference in their estimated fees. Some will propose a single “flat fee” for their services. Ask how the fee is structured, what services are included and how and when they will let you know if costs are likely to exceed this figure.

However, it is very important to ask for the estimated legal costs or disbursements for the transaction. Unfortunately, some lawyers quote a low fee, and do not tell you what the estimated disbursements will be.

Before you know it, you are paying more for the transaction (because that lawyer buries his or her fees in the disbursements, than if you went with the lawyer with the higher fee, but lower disbursements costs.

Typically, for real estate sales you can expect $750 in fees and approximately $250 in disbursements plus HST (not including broker and banking fees). Of course, if there are unique circumstances with your home, the fees may go higher.

The key thing is to go with a lawyer that you feel comfortable with and that you trust. Buying a home is the largest investment most of us will make in our lives, so it is important that you know who your team members are during this process.

In real estate transactions, lawyers look after many time-consuming and complex things most of us cannot do. One important role would be a review of any offers submitted by purchasers – because when you and the buyer sign this document, you are legally committed to price, terms and condition of the sale.

However, you should not expect a lawyer to advise you about the price contained in the offer.

After the conditions of the offer have been met, your lawyer will begin gathering the documents that are necessary to complete the transaction title to the new owner.

Your lawyer will also be in contact with the purchaser’s lawyer and will respond to any questions or issues regarding title or requirements in the agreement which have to be resolved before closing.

If you have an existing mortgage on your property, and you plan to pay it off from the proceeds of the sale, your lawyer will obtain a copy of the mortgage statement from your lender. He or she will also send a letter to the purchaser’s lawyer that conw w w.thevoiceindiasp ora.com

firms the mortgage will be discharged from the proceeds.

Your lawyer will meet with the buyer’s lawyer and will exchange the paperwork required for transferring title to your name.

Your lawyer will also send you a reporting letter setting out the services that were performed and will supply you with any appropriate documents from the transaction.

If you have any questions or concerns about the buying or selling process in a real estate transaction, please feel free to call me at 905-528-8411 ext. 336 or contact me at Hussein@SimpsonWigle.com.

■ Hussein Hamdani is a lawyer at SimpsonWigle Law LLP where he practices in the area of corporate/commercial and real estate law.

Aug. & Sep. 2010 • Vol 3 • Issue 5

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Many Diabetics Unaware of Hot Weather Hazards

that heat posed a risk to their oral diabetes drugs (39 percent), glucose meters (41 percent), and glucose test strips (38 percent).

Ironically, 37 percent of those who were aware of the risk chose to handle the problem by not taking their medical supplies with them when they went out into a hot environment, thereby creating a new risk.

"If [people] are unable to check their blood sugars while they are away from home, that's unsafe," said Nassar, who added that more patient education on the issue is needed.

Although diabetes raises the chances of developing heat illness, many people with the condition don't know how to reduce their risk, a new Mayo Clinic survey reveals.

"People with diabetes have an impaired ability to sweat, which predisposes them to heat-related illness, as do uncontrolled high blood sugars," lead researcher Dr. Adrienne Nassar, a third-year medical resident at Mayo, said in a news release from the Endocrine Society. Many patients surveyed, she noted, had less-than-optimal glycemic control during the summer, which could also increase their risk of dehydration.

She and other researchers analyzed 152 surveys on heat awareness taken by diabetes patients at a clinic in Phoenix. The surveys indicated that 20 percent of the patients did not take precautions until temperatures climbed above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, despite the fact that when humidity is factored in, heat illness can occur in as low as 80-degree weather.

The authors noted that people with diabetes visit emergency rooms in rising numbers during hot weather, with an accompanying increase in hospitalizations and even deaths.

Despite this fact, only around half the pa-

tients knew the definition of "heat index" -- a combination of temperature levels and humidity. Heat is more hazardous during high humidity, the researchers said, because humidity tends to reduce perspiration and prevent the body from cooling down naturally.

Diabetes medications and supplies are also subject to heat damage, said Nassar, who stressed that "oral medications as well as insulin have a therapeutic temperature range above which they lose efficacy."

The survey -- conducted in collaboration with the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service -- is slated for presentation on Monday at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Diego.

■ TVID Source: Endocrine Society, June 21, 2010, news release. HealthDay

Yet, while nearly three-quarters of the patients acknowledged having been warned about heat and insulin, far fewer realized

Meat Compounds May Boost Bladder People with highest levels of dietary nitrite had nearly a 30 percent increase in risk, study shows Certain compounds used in meat processing may increase the risk of bladder cancer, a new study from the National Institutes of Health and the AARP shows.

U.S. researchers analyzed data from about 300,000 men and women, aged 50 to 71, from eight states who took part in a large prospective study on diet and health. At the start of the study in 1995/96, the participants provided information about their lifestyle and dietary habits. During eight years of follow-up, 854 participants were diagnosed with bladder cancer.

People whose diets had the highest levels of dietary nitrite (from all sources and not just from meat) and those whose diets had the highest amounts of nitrate plus nitrite from processed meats were 28 percent to 29 percent more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who consumed the lowest amounts of those compounds, according to the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study.

The results may explain why previous studies have identified an association between consumption of processed meats and increased bladder cancer risk, the researchers said.

The study appears online Aug. 2 in the journal Cancer.

"Our findings highlight the importance of studying meat-related compounds to better understand the association between meat and cancer risk," study author Amanda J. Cross, of the U.S. National Cancer In-

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stitute, noted in an NCI news release.

"Comprehensive epidemiologic data on meat-related exposures and bladder cancer are lacking; our findings should be followed up in other prospective studies," she added.

Previous research has linked consumpw w w.thevoiceindiasp ora.com

tion of red and processed meats to increased risk for a several different types of cancer.

■ TVID Source: Cancer, August 2, 2010, news release. HealthDay Image Source: Flickr/ by sean dreilinger (under CC licencing)

African-Canadian wins the 2010 CMU-OCASA Outstanding Research Award

Dr. Ayaya Worenwu, with some of his Professors

Dr. Ayaya Worenwu, a Nigerian, residing in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada wins the 2010 CMU-OCASA Outstanding Research Award for his excellence in graduate research work in education. Dr. Worenwu arrived in Canada a decade ago. He presents as enthusiastic, generous and as goaloriented individual. Ever since his arrival in Canada, Dr. Worenwu has made great difference in many people’s lives especially in his area of work as a professional

helper. Dr. Worenwu has worked with the palliative, mentally ill, homeless population, special needs, victims of abuse and divorce, people in conflict with the justice system, and as well worked with students who are struggling with their school work.

Dr. Ayaya Worenwu is known for doing his work with great compassion, diligence and humility. He is proven to be an excellent mentor, Counsellor and Academic Advisor to people from diverse ethnic and so-

cio-economic background. He has always shown the willingness to make himself available to individuals and organizations at anytime. Dr. Worenwu has Bachelors degree in Philosophy from England, Masters and Doctorate in Logic from the Catholic University in the Vatican City – The Holy See. When he arrived in Canada many years ago, Dr. Worenwu like many others was obliged to retake the high school diploma before he could attend college in

Canada. He retook the Ontario high school credits at St. Charles Adult Learning Centre and Red Hill Adult learning Centre in Hamilton. Dr. Worenwu went further to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Counselling Skills from George Brown College, Toronto, Canada, and Certificate in Counselling Techniques from Mohawk College, Hamilton, Canada. On May 8, 2010, Dr. Worenwu completed another Masters degree in Education – with concentration in Leadership, Governance and Academic Advising at the Central Michigan University in USA. And on June 22, 2010, Dr. Worenwu was honoured and awarded the 2010 CMU-OCASA Outstanding Research Award at the OCASA PD Conference held at the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, Ontario for his excellence in research and dissertation/thesis entitled “The Ramifications of Academic Advising in Student Developmental Process”. In his research, Dr. Worenwu pinpointed the need for more inclusive, supportive and innovative education for diverse population (immigrants from diverse culture, special needs population and students who are struggling with their school work).

Dr. Worenwu is a talented individual who is also very passionate and versatile in his community services role in the social service sector. His role encompasses but is not limited to information gathering, assessment, tutoring, clinical report writing, and case management. He has demonstrated through his work with vulnerable population an ability to form trusting therapeutic relationships with the clients and also has the skills necessary to develop targeted goals and achievable action plans. Dr. Worenwu has excellent skills that appeal to the most vulnerable in the community and has been described by some clients as being respectful, reliable and a genuine ally.

He is exceptionally skilled in writing clinical and psychosocial assessment reports and he always keeps it simple, detailed, clear and candid. Dr. Worenwu as well possesses excellent interviewing and recreational skills and is highly dedicated to his work. Despite the fact that Dr. Worenwu is well educated, articulate, intelligent, experienced, hardworking, honest and possesses an outstanding academic record, he is still unable to find a suitable job in Canada. Above all, Dr. Worenwu is tenacious and courageous.

■ Veronica Chris-Ike Image Source: TVID Archive

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Women Volunteers Needed

Palestinians in Hamilton Celebrates!

If you are a woman who would like to help survivors of sexual violence, consider becoming a crisis line volunteer. Once trained, you volunteer from home. Screening will take place in August for our next training programme beginning 1 September 2010. This 16-week programme will be held on Wednesday evenings.

“One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, how much I had in my bank account, or what my clothes looked like. But the world may be a little better because I was important in the

As part of SACHA’s work against racism and other oppressions, we strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Women who are First Nations, Métis, immigrant, refugee, lesbian, bisexual; women from racialized communities, women with disAbilities, and trans women are encouraged to apply.

the current sponsorship program, OWB has sponsored 10 children (5 from Jenine and 5 from Gaza) and the money from the event was given to continue this cause.

The fundraiser featured a colorful display of Palestinian culture and poetry, broadcasting the vibrancy and resilience of the Palestinian people in lyrical and musical form. Attendees actively participated in dabble, a traditional Palestinian folk dance and sang along with “Al Achaean” in a fun night for the whole family. The members

Miriam at (905) 525-4573 ext 222 or clvol@ sacha.ca Information is also available on our website at www.sacha.ca.

For more information, please contact

life of a child.” – unknown On Sunday June 20th 2010 at the Hamilton Convention Centre, the Palestinian association of Hamilton organized an evening of entertainment and cultural music as a fundraiser for sponsored orphans in the West Bank and Gaza. The orphans are sponsored by Omahat (Mothers) without Borders. The event featured the Palestinian band “Al Ashaqeen” from England, touring the continents to display the unique cultural dimension in Palestinian history that lives on beyond the conflict. Serving vulnerable Mothers and Children in zones of conflict, Omahat (Mothers in Arabic) Without Borders (OWB) was created in Mississauga, Ontario, to send a message of hope and offer tangible solutions to the constant and recurring problems mothers and children face in the Middle East. Under

Congratulations to St. Martin's Manor Graduates St. Martin’s Manor Secondary School is proud to recognize its graduation class

of 2010. The graduation ceremony also acknowledged the achievements of the students at St. Martin’s Manor by presenting awards and certificates to many of the students.

St. Martin’s Manor is a Young Parent Resource Centre that provides services to strengthen the lives of all young parents and their children by offering support, encouragement and hope in a safe welcoming environment. The school is a partnership between Catholic Family Services of Hamilton and the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board.

Located on Hamilton’s West Mountain, St. Martin’s Manor offers residential and community based programming for pregnant

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of the Palestinian band were dressed in traditional Palestinian attire, which features exquisite hand-made broidery on the garments. It was a night of entertainment, culture and most importantly an avenue to fundraise for the orphans- to reinforce that they have not been forgotten by the world.

This event was made possible by the Palestinian Association of Hamilton. They arranged for the logistics of the event and coordinating enjoyable and smooth evening.

To get involved or to learn more The Hamilton Palestinian association of Hamilton, please contact hamiltonpalestine@ hotmail.com Lina El Ali

and parenting young women/parents and their children. The secondary school program allows students work towards their high school diploma. Free qualified onsite child care and the Ontario Early Years Centre Drop-In are available for the students. Students can access prenatal and postnatal community based programs.

For example, the Learning Earning and

Parenting program (LEAP), outreach to the community and referrals to public health or alternatives for youth.

To date, St. Martin’s Manor has provided over 50 years of support for pregnant and parenting young women and their children. The program offers support to over 300 mothers and children per year.

For information regarding St. Martin’s Manor, visit the website http://www.cfshw.com/teen-pregnancy/ or call (905) 575-7500

Re-opening of Hamilton City Hall

Bhema Da Mela Indian Women Festival

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Enjoy the best‌ Summer in Ontario

Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP

Ted McMeekin, MPP

Constituency Office 2-952 Concession St. Hamilton, ON L8V 1G2 Tel: 905-388-9734 Fax: 905-388-7862 saggelonitis.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

Constituency Office 299 Dundas St. E. Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0 Tel: 905-690-6552 Fax: 905-690-6562 tmcmeekin.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

Paul Andrea Miller Horwath

MPP, Hamilton East-Stoney Creek 289 Queenston Road (905) 545-0114

MPP, Hamilton Centre

20 Hughson St. S., Suite 200 (905) 544-9644