2024 Northern Lights Conference – Schedules

Location: Telus Centre – First Floor Open spaces and rooms

Program:

Engage with plenaries and sessions focused on human rights. Activities include a Human Rights in Action plenary with Dr. Pam Sugiman as moderator, concurrent sessions on topics such as Pan Asian Solidarity and Digital Literacy, and a special banquet at Lister Hall with an indigenous menu and guest speakers.

Time	Room	Topic	Speaker
9:00 am to 9:20 am		Land Acknowledgement	Indigenous Elder
9:20 am to 9:40 am		Welcome	Paul Fujishige (Moderator)
		Opening the Conference, introducing key individuals, and allow special guests to speak	NAJC HR Chair – tentative
9:40 am to 10:00 am		Make the Connection (cushion time – this is flexible)	John Humphrey Centre (Moderator)
		Activity to get people connecting and interacting with each other, networking, and establishing community relations	Angelica Quesada
10:00 am to 11:00 am		Plenary Panel Discussion: Human Rights in Action: Preserving the Legacy of Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi – Past, Present and Future	Pam Sugiman (Moderator)
Lead: Oliver Rossier – tentative		Panelists will reflect on how to understand Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi’s legacy in the current Canadian Context. This conversation will pay special attention to the intersections of healing, trauma, and action; the connections of the Japanese experience with other diverse communities; and generational needs and strengths.	Teresa Woo Paw Art Miki Young Leader Representative -TBDRenee Vaugeois – John Humphrey Centre
		• Reflecting and building on the Hirabayshi Keynote • Connect the themes discussed on April 26 with respect to intergenerational trauma with elements of coalition/relationship building, mobilization, and joy • Diverse perspectives with the partners from the 75 Anniversary of the Human Rights Declaration Conference to speak of the common experience of trauma, healing and joy • Intergenerational trauma in the Japanese Canadian community
11:00 am to 11:15 am		Break
11:15 am to 12:30 pm		Intersectionality and Inclusion Created and led by members of the NAJC Young Leaders Committee, this session will explore the intersection between race, queer identity, and disability. All too often, conversations about race, queer identity and disability occur independently from one another; in this session, we hope to explore how these pieces intersect with one another, and how we can ensure all people are meaningfully included in all of the spaces we occupy.The session will begin with a panel discussion followed by a dynamic, interactive practical period. Not only should attendees walk away from this session with a renewed sense of community and mutual understanding, they will also gain practical knowledge that they can take back to their own communities.	Panelists: Hanako Teranishi, Emily Gleave-Higa, Representatives from Inclusion Alberta

		Concurrent 2: Who is Ijusha? Dialogue on Ijusha Experiences	Yukari Peerless (Moderator) – lead
		Join us for a panel discussion as we explore the multi-faceted identities and experiences of Ijusha (post war immigrants from Japan). From personal narratives to societal perceptions, our panelists will explore the complexities of Ijusha identity, highlighting cultural heritage, linguistic diversity, and the nuances of belonging. Through candid conversations and shared stories, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of Ijusha communities, their contributions, and the challenges they face in contemporary society. This dialogue will also address critical issues such as human rights, advocacy for equality, and the empowerment of Ijusha individuals within broader social contexts.	Miki Takabayshi (West Vancouver) Mariko Nishi (Montreal) Hitoshi Sugiyama (Edmonton)
		Indigenous and Japanese Canadian Communities: Building Relationships Through Learning Together A conversation with Dr. Dwayne Donald and Judy Hanazawa Moderator: April Sora The Human Rights Committee of the NAJC has been learning from Indigenous communities and individuals across the country on how we can work together to support one another for many years. Dr. Dwayne Donald at the University of Alberta and NAJC Human Rights Committee Chair Judy Hanazawa will have a conversation about how the Japanese Canadian community can learn from and walk with Indigenous communities as friends and allies. They will share stories, experiences and best practices with the audience to help us all find ways we can honour the Treaties and work in right relationship with each other.	Dr. Dwayne Donald Judy Hanazawa / April Sora leads

12:30 pm to 1:30 pm		Lunch	Community Organizations
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm		Pan Asian Solidarity Lacking community and a feeling of belonging is true for so many young people today; in the context of racialized young people, many have lost their sense of identity and belonging through the cruel process of colonialism, forced assimilation and dispossession. Created and led by members of the NAJC Young Leaders Committee, this session will explore the importance of building Pan-Asian solidarity in the fight against oppression and colonial violence, particularly in the context of the ongoing genocide of Palestinians. Forging inter-diasporic bonds is the first step towards our collective liberation. Consisting of a panel discussion followed by a facilitated practical period, we hope that all attendees leave this session feeling empowered, having gained some tools to help them build Pan-Asian solidarity in their communities. The foundational text for this session is Edward Said’s Orientalism.	Panelists: Hanako Teranishi, Stéphane Hamade, Emily Gleave-Higa, Marco Luciano – Director of Migrante Alberta

		Concurrent 2: Digital Literacy	John Humphrey Centre Angelica Quesada- Lead
Lead: Tiffany Efird		Through this workshop, participants will be empowered to navigate cyber issues, handle challenging topics online, foster a positive online presence, and address discrimination for safer online interactions.	2 facilitators
Lead: Carley – tentative		Concurrent 3: Human Rights 101	EJCA CARE Carly Okumura- lead
		How do we work collaboratively with everyone to move the Human Rights agenda forward?	Terumi Kuwada Misty Cozac
3:00 pm to 4:15 pm		Action Building	John Humphrey Centre (Moderator) Angelica Quesda lead Mohammad Hashim – CRRF
		• To deepen connections with partners • To build on action ideas • Using creative means such as the artsInclusivity Training lead by Misty Cozac
4:15 pm to 4:30 pm		Closing remarks	Ken Teramura
4:30 pm to 5:30 pm		Break to prepare for banquet

Location: Telus Centre – First Floor Open spaces and rooms

Program:

	Open space	Room 131/133	Auditorium	Room 134
9:00 ~10:00				Opening session
10:00 – 11:00	Iaido/Kyudo	Tea Ceremony workshop	Taiko workshop
11:00 – 12:00	Karate/Kendo	Tea ceremony workshop	Taiko workshop
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:00	Iaido/Kyudo	Calligraphy workshop
2:00 – 3:00	Kendo/Karate	Calligraphy workshop
3:00 – 4:00
6:00 – 8:30	Izakaya Evening

Izakaya Style Food by Mikado
Food tickets purchased at the Conference registration.
Sake by Sakegami, Calgary / Cash Bar

Click here to see Cultural Day Information >>

2024 Northern Lights Conference – Schedules

Thursday, October 3rd: Pre-Conference Day

Friday, October 4th: Human Rights Day

Saturday, October 5th: Arts and Culture Day