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On August 10 1974, Eddie Nalon bled to death in solitary confinement at Milhaven Maximum Security Prison near Kingston, Ontario when the emergency button in his cell failed to work. An inquest later found that the call buttons in that unit had been de-activated by the guards. August 10, 2003, is the 27"' annual Prisoners' Justice Day, the day to raise public awareness of the demands made by prisoners to change the criminal justice system and the conditions that lead to prison deaths, many of them uninvestigated. This tradition began in Canada on August 10, 1975 as a one day hunger strike by inmates, to remember Eddie and all those who have died in prison. The call buttons at Milhaven were still not repaired in May 1976, when Bobby Landers died in one of those same solitary cells. He scribbled a note that described the symptoms of a heart attack. PJD spread because guys in the original hunger strike were transferred to other prisons, and held another strike the following year, and the next.. . It is now an annual event when prisoners refuse all food, refuse to go to workshops/classes, and do not leave their cells. Corrections Canada used to punish them for it, but now they don't say a word, because it is a peaceful protest. ~ u t t h do e ~dock the inmates their $7 pay for the day. Organizations and individuals in the community who work for prison reform hold demonstrations and prayer vigils, in common resistance with prisoners. We can raise issue with the fact that a very high rate , of women are in prison for protecting themselves against their abusers. This makes it obvious that the legal system does not protect women who suffer violence at the hands of their partners. We need to recognize that there are a disproportionate number of First Nations and other people of colour in Prisons. Incarceration is just another face of the oppression against struggles of recognition and selfdetermination. On this day we remember and publicize the false claims that there are no political prisoners in North American prisons. This is the day to raise public awareness of the economic and social costs of a system of criminal justice which punishes for revenge. There is a lot of 1 brutality by staff committed in the name of psychiatric treatment.

On November 1 1 every year, we pay our respects to all those man and women who died in war. Well, on August lo", every year, we pay our respects to all those men and women who have died in prisons over the years. Today is the one day we need to put aside our differences, join together, to remember and to mourn all those we have lost to the system. My heart goes out to all those who have lost someone, know that I am with you on this day in heart and soul. In Respect and Solidarity Debbie Hazel

If there is ever to be social justice, it will only come about usjng a model of healing justice, connecting people to their crimes and helping offenders take responsibility for their actions. So far, these August 10 Protest Days have spread to England, Scotland, Holland and Australia. Spread the word folks. Write or send petitions voicing your concerns about conditions in prison. No postage required on mail sent to the House of Commons from within Canada. When writing about women in prison, please fax a copy of your letter to the Elizabeth Fry Society (613) 232-7130.

PJD Programming on Community Radio Mon Aug 4: 7-8 pm on Stark Raven, 3 Co-op Radio 102.7 FM Wed Aug 6: 4-5 pm on Radio PIRG, on CJSF 90.1 FM Thurs Aug 7: 5-6 pm on Kla How Ya, Co-op Radio 102.7 FM Sat Aug 9: 1 :30-6 pm on Co-op Radio 102.7 FM

The Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada, 340 Laurier Ave.West, Ottawa, Ont. KIA 0P8 email: The Hon. Anne McLennan, Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ont. Kl A 0A6 The Right Hon. Jean Cretien, Prime Minister of Canada, House of Commons, Ottawa, Ont. KIA 0A6

Canadian Prisoner Resources Film Night Tuesday August 5 , 7 p.m. SFU Harbour Centre, 5 15 W.Hastings Admission by donation Rock Against Prisons Friday August 8, 8:00 p.m. -Coast Salish Welcome The WISE Hall, 1882 Adanac St. Donations at door, Benefit Concert for local prisoner support groups This is an all ages event, children welcome Performances by Shelley Lennox, Stuart Stonechild, Chrystos, Kathleen Yearwood, LOUD & Sunday Skool Dropoutz PJD Memorial Rally Sunday August 10,11 am 12:30 pm Claire Culhane Memorial Bench, SE comer of Trout Lake, Rain or shine. Speakers and performers. Everyone welcome. ~ i d s~ctivi6es ' on site. ASL interpretation

Joint Effort Support and advocacy group for women in prison PO Box 78005, 1755 E. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5N 5W1 Strength in Sisterhood Advocacy group for women in prison PO Box 184,3456 Dunbar St., Vancouver, BC V6S 2C2 Books 2 Prisoners Free books to prisoners Same mailing address as Joint Effort PASAN Prisoners with HIV/AIDS Support Action Network Suite 237, 517 College St., Toronto, Ont. M6G 4A2 -Lady Di

There is no control to base assumptions on of what is to be controlled. To look like a loose cannon, like I have no thought control - so who can do this huge fallacy some justice in our world? But I got my music! It can enhance your thoughts and moods; how can you not hear this contribution of contributions? Crying at night.. no one will hear or even try to care for your woes, but if it's possible seize it, freeze it, grab onto it, hold it, cherish it, never take it for granted 'cause your life could be destroyed even before the moment is over. Don't let 'them' take you to that place where life is dead, even if to die is all you dream of doing. Don't forget we're all just human with faults and assets that can destroy or make up the Path of Great Control. Life takes you. You're able to decide without trying to impress the punks (who would take your last breath and hold it so you can fake it 'ti1 you're dead). You're not even human anymore and all you do is run and hide from society.

Blame your father, the teachers, for all the demons inside your head when it has nothing to do with anyone but you. You created your thought control; you decided you had a destiny in the palm of your hand, in the crackpipe of smoke you just blew or the bottle of rum you just threw up or the last fix of heroin you just had the sniffs for. You can't control your habits; it's not your fault you're sad -"I am an addict." What is a funeral for a productive member of the human race? Being an addict is being a word, but Addiction is derived for economic and bullshit ways to create poverty, crime, and exchange cash for dope It creates a huge reserve, high employment. Anxiety, confusion and social stigmata make every kid want something that's forbidden while your ego lies and says 'you're not like 'them" (Hello. You are.) You are them, moron. "No, not me, I'm special." Who the fuck are 'them' anyway? Who judges? How about I'm 'us' and you're 'them'! Chew on that. Eastside Addict Andrea Pearson Thank you and have a great day. Be cool. Be you.

PRISONERS' JUSTICE DAY By Doris Eisenhauer

Today is a day to remember, All of those who have died. So we must stop and ask ourselves, Is there a reason they've lost their lives? Human life is precious, So why do you look away? Is your life more worth saving? Did all hope go astray? Stop and take a look around, We're no different, you and me. Each day another body's found, But you choose not to see. Is this what you call justice? Or does anger consume your soul? Remember the word forgiveness, And then we all can grow. Help us to fight this system, That has failed us once again. We're not asking that you like us, Or even be our friend. Just try to find it in your heart, Not to judge us on this day, For we are only honouring PRISONERS' JUSTICE DAY.

JUSTICE NOT PRISON by Joint Effort August 10Ih is Prison Justice Day (PJD), a national day of action to protest and to honour the memory of the women and men who have died unnatural deaths (suicide, murder and medical neglect) inside Canadian prisons. On this day, prisoners across the country fast, refuse to work, and remain in their cells, while supporters on the outside organize community events to draw public attention to conditions inside Canadian prisons. This year, Vancouver's Prisoners' Justice Day Committee is organizing a series of events to raise awareness of the conditions women face in prison. We all know that the Provincial Liberal cuts to social services, financial assistance and community programs are forcing more people onto the streets and into prison. What you may not know is that the Ministry of Public Safety (sic) is also quietly and effectively ensuring that anyone going to prison for even a minor offense will soon be serving time in a maximum-security setting. Already, as part of it's budget cuts, the BC Government and Correctional Branch has closed all the minimum and mediumsecurity prisons for men in the province and relocated male prisoners to maximum -security institutions. BC's . only prison for women, the Burnaby Correctional Centre (BCCW), is slated to close in the spring of 2004. On July 215', 2003, a full eight months away from

FRIDAY AUGUST 8th @&M by donation

mhdVISE Hall 1882Adanac Street

Cease WySS - Coast Salish Welcome Shelley Lennox Stuart Stonechild Chrystos Kathleen Yeatwood

LOUD

closure, BCCW suddenly closed its Open Living Unit permanently, forcing minimum -security women prisoners into the secure section. Local prisoner support groups view this latest development as one more step by government to use prisons as a form of social control -- most women are in for

crimes of poverty -- rather than address how their own policies and practice are forcing more people into prison. Next spring, women serving federal time (over 2 yrs) at BCCW will be relocated to a new federal prison currently being built in Abbotsford. This regional prison will contain a separate, super-maximumsecurity unit modeled on Canada's other recently-opened "max" units for federal women prisoners, two of which have already garnered national attention for subjecting women to unwarranted and brutally repressive conditions.

The Prisoner's Justice Day Committee is calling on all activists to join a national campaign to close down the new "max" units for federally sentenced women, and to end the practice of segregating women in men's prisons. For more information on these and other prisoner struggles, along with a complete list of local PJD events, call (604) 682-3269, ext. 3019, or visit their website: www.vcn.bc.ca/auaustl0.

Most of the women serving provincial time in BCCW will be moved to the lessaccessible Alouette River facility. Women who have been designated as needing "a secure environment", including those awaiting trial, will be housed in men's prisons around the province, such as the Regional Correctional Centres in Prince George and Vancouver Island. At the Surrey Pretrial Centre, the plan is that women will be triple-bunked and locked down on one floor in an isolated section of this male lock-up, with virtually no access to programs!! This is all coming at a time when the Canadian Human Rights Commission is doing a Special Investigation into Canada's systemic discrimination against federal women prisoners, in part for engaging in similar practices. (The original complaint came on behalf of women who are being held in men's prisons.) So while the feds have started to end this practice, the province is now planning to do the same thing!!

SUNDAY AUGUST 10th

1l a m 12:30 pm Trout Lake Park

Claire Culhane Memorial Bench SE end of the lake

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY PLAY ANYWAY? Jimmy Tait, Director of the Downtown Eastside Community Play, describes his experiences working with the community of Enderby, B.C. on their community play I remember what it was like directing one-hundred and fifty people in The Enderby and District Community Play: Not The Way I Heard It. The room would be filled with not only the cast members, but the cast members' families and friends. Many of the families and friends became involved when someone in the cast dropped out later.

In Enderby, people of all ages,from four year olds to seventyfour year olds were involved People of all races and backgroundr. Everyone from a bank manager to a welfare mom to a fellow who got out of jail to save the day by replacing someone who had to leave the show two days before we opened. Sonle people had done a play before, some had never seen one, let alone done one. They felt sure we were going somewhere because the team always seemed busy and prepared, but they really didn't know it would happen like it did on opening night. Until we put it all together the musicians, the actors, the costumes, the props, the set, the lights and the sound effects it was all just in our imaginations. That's what we spent most of the rehearsal doing: IMAGINING.Imagining that we were a particular character in a particular story at a 1 particular time in history, including right now. We had people from the S'plat'sin Band, people fiom Grindrob to Mabel Lake along the Shuswap River, people that were well-known in the community and people that didn't know a soul. But in the end, everyone involved was a part of the play. Some people were nervous about doing stuff in fmnt of others. Ways of making them comfortable were found We never made anybody do anything they didn't want to and that seemed to make them want to do more. We had a good story. When you have a good story, the play makes itself. The auditions were just a formality. If you audition, you get in. IYou arrive at the auditions and there's lots of people there and the stage-manager welcomes you, registers you and takes your photo. Then you wait around for a bit until it's your turn to audition and then yoti go into a separate room to talk to the three directors me, the musical director, and Savannah. The play director (me) asks a few questions, gets you to read a bit of the scene if you want and maybe even sing a song or talk about yourself. Really no big deal at all but for the director, it's everything. Based on those few moments and the details left on your registration form, the directors are able to know where you will best be suited to act or sing or dance or make a puppet come to life or sometimes all of these things together. Then, based on your availability, one to three times a week for three months, you rehearse the play at the designated rehearsal hall, preparing for the two weeks of performances that follow.

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT DATES, TIMES AND PLACES FOR AUDITIONS FOR THE DOWNTOW EASTSIDE COMMUNITYPLA Y. COME JOIN IN. GET INVoL KED: WRITE,ACT, SING, DANCE, BUILD, Sk%W, HANG AROUND AND HELP OUT! CALL TERRY at 604-254-6911 or email vrn@cn.net for more information.

VOLUNTEER SUPER STARS!! To All the volunteers who worked as extras on the Vancouver made-for-television movie "On The Corner"

Drumming & Acting

Many of you have been asking when this movie is going to be shown at Carnegie. I've been talking with the Director and he has promised us an October preview. I will let you know the exact date as soon as I can! (I did speak with the Casting Director who recently saw a sneak preview and said it was very moving. She also said many of us are very clearly on the screen.) Thanks for your patience and excitement! Colleen .

- .- .-

Saturday, August 9th in

Carnegie Theatre 12-2pm - Hand Drum Circle Musician Russell Shomrky brings I 2 drums. Everyone Ar invited to try jamming 2-4pm- Theatre Sports & Acting Renae Morrlseau (North of 60) lauds improvisat&n games and offemnjps on a&g & aud&ioning

desmedia

Please Join Us Re@eshments provided

(downtom e a s t s i d e media) presents ...

Carnegie Community Centre, City of Vancouver Oflice of Cultural Afbirs DTES Revitalization Committee, Vancouver Foundation, Vancouver Moving Theatre For Further information call: Colleen, Rose or Leith 604-665-3008

--.-

d your art friends and family) may be in thia show!

@enin;r>eption -

a t t h e Interurban Hastings S t . Friday September 5* 6-1i n conjunction w i t h SWARM "a c e l e b r a t i o n o f a r t i s t run centers" 9

Karaoke with the fabulous Duke DarreII Friday, August 8,2003 7-lOpm, Carnegie Theatre Refreshments Served with a Smile

for more info: email: desmedia@rrr.net

POWELL STREET FESTIVAL This Weekend in Oppenheimer Park August 2 & 3 The Powell Street Festival is the largest Japanese Canadian festival, and the longest running community celebration in Vancouver. Come enjoy traditional and contemporary Japanese-Canadian performances, as well as food, crafts and displays. Programming reflects a continuum of new, emerging and senior artists. New groups often make their debut at this festival. Since the first PSF in 1977, performances and displays have encouraged and inspired many Asian Canadians to pursue careers in the arts. This festival is one of the city's few large-scale events open and accessible to lower income residents of the Downtown Eastside. It takes place in an area with great historical significance to the Japanese Canadian community. This neighbourhood was once known as Japantown, and rivaled in prosperity with its neighbour Chinatown until 1942, when the Japanese Canadians were removed and interned by the Canadian government. As well as the familyoriented celebration in the park, there are free performances and workshops at the Firehall theatre during the day, Saturday from l2:3O to 5:30, and Sunday from 12 to 6:30. Three writers will be reading

Saturday at 1 :30. Hiromi Goto is the author of The Water ofPossibility (a children's novel), The Kappa Child, and Hopeful Monsters; she is the 2003104 9 writer-in-residence at Emily Carr (the art school). Tamai Kobayashi was born in Japan and raised in Canada. She is the author of Exile and the Heart, and Quixotic Erotic. David Fujino is a Toronto poet and actor, whose work has appeared in dANDelion, 0 , Wegway, and Whitewall of Sound. I'm really interested in seeing Butoh master Yukio Waguru's dance workshop 4:30 Sunday afternoon at the Firehall on Cordova Street. Butoh is a contemporary avant-garde dance form which originated in Japan in 1959. It combines performance art, traditional Japanese theatre and German Expressionist dance to create a unique and controversial art form. He will be accompanied by shakuhachi player Alcvin Ramos. Kokoro Dance is a post-butoh group formed by classically-trained choreographer and dancer Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi. She recently completed a Master of Fine Arts at SFU in Interdisciplinary Studies, where she focused on the integration of text and movement. Jay's career began as an athlete and downhill ski racer. before taking on Buddhist studies, ballet, modern dance, and contact improvisation. They create works that change how dance is performed and perceived. Sound interesting? They will be stalking, writhing or rolling in the park Sunday from 2 ti1 2:30. Katari Taiko, Canada's first taiko group, will be the closing act Sunday at 6 pm. Sawagi Taiko, the allwomen drum troupe, closes the stage Saturday at 6, followed by the Matsuri Odori dance on the grass everyone can join. One of the events guaranteed to make you smile is the Kiai Contest for kids. I think "kiai" is Japanese for "scream as loud as you can"! Another show that should be fun is Hip Hop in the Park at 3:30 Saturday afternoon, featuring break dancers, MCs and graffiti art. The Powell Street Festival Society, based in Vancouver, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Japanese Canadian community's arts, culture, and heritage. You can phone them at (604) 739-9388, or e-mail them at psf@shinnova.com. A special thank you to Miko for sending me the information I used in this article. - Diane Wood

Awareness: Our Inner Guide to Change By Larry Trunkey This series of articles looks at the seven conditions that are necessary for change to occur. Wc will examine how these scv& "precursors of change" are relevant to getting a job, keeping that job, and getting ready for our next job.

The Seven Precursors Of Change 1: A Sense of Necessity 2: Willingness or Readiness to Experience Anxiety or Difficulty 3: Awareness 4: Confronting the Problem 5: Effort or Will Toward Change 6: Hope for Change 7: Social Support for Change 111 this issue, we will examine the third precursor: Awareness. Remember that each of the seven precursors of change assists and complements the others. Awareness of our feelings is important in our efforts to make all kinds of changes in our lives, including going back to work.. In the last article, we discussed how common it is to fcel stressed and anxious when we are in the middle of change. We may also feel intense feelings

Employment programs help us become iiwarc of our interests, values, preferences, and skills. Awareness also helps us identify problems and solutions, and guides us every step of the way. Awareness is like a light that we can shine in and around difficulties and challenges to get more infonuation. We gain awareness by acknowledging our feelings about past events and future possibilities. Sometimes we need to remember how something i n the past felt so that we can make a choice today to do it again or to avoid it. Sometimes we need to imagine how we will feel after we make a decision. The way we fcel about ourselves now and the way we feel about our past work experience guides us toward making better decisions in the future. Better understanding of our feelings leads to greater clarity in our thinking. By getting in touch with how we fcel in the moment, our awareness sheds light on our choices. Sometimes we may feel overwhelmed as we imagine what we might need to do to move ahead in our lives. At The Job Shop, we coach people to use they want to change and to move into the life they want. In the next newsletter, we will look at the i~nportanccof directly confsonting problenis. This

Larry Trunkey is the Program Manager of The Job Shop at 'I'radcworks Training Society. 'The Job Shop supports residents of the DTES in their return to work. Participants develop and broaden the skills they will need to get and keep a job. Federally funded by I-IRDC, 'The Job Shop starts new participants every week. Program information sessions are held Tuesdays, at 1 p.m. Call 604-253-9355 and ask for The Job Shop.

Need A Chance To Prove

illing & Able To Work?

)

I 0'

Call to attend the Job Shop Info session. 604-253-9355 Program funded by HRDC

DISAPPEARING ACT on a real hot day I'm hiding in the shade beneath the big oak tree

What Is A Mother!? A mother is the one who gives you birth She is a real precious gift Too lovely to describe with any words..

A mother is a very priceless worth She is your Mona Lisa On loan to you while she is here on earth ... A mother is a very special friend

Someone who really loves you And will always stand right by you right till the very end. What is a mother!? She is all of the above and so much more She is a heavenly gift Sent down by Jesus from above to cherish, treasure, adore, obey, honor and love. What is a mother!? Mom a mother is you Someone I respect Someone to whom I'm true Someone who I'll love, miss and think about forever thru and thru.

I I

This poem is dedicated to my mother, the late Amy Bigg, who passed away Friday morning, July 18"'. Rest in Peace, Mom, Love forever and ever from your son, the Hawaiian Rocker, Carry Bigg.

kids in the park are busy at play three dash out and run through the fountain spray their laughter gets blown by the breeze behind me the lilies approve and start nodding their heads a brilliant white butterfly flutters by dressed up in stripes a hornet appears hovers and hums and then disappears a piper-cub putters and chugs away in the air gulls soar crows call turning over I lie with my face in the grass I smell the living earth And with my heart beating upon her breast 1 know that truly she is my mother then like the hornet sudden and swift I too disappear Ken Morrison jimmys' sliding chord licks monster progressions bizarre a quirk my lighter my bottle the fifth dimension allow me it's late we theatre of the mind until tomorrow in london new york easy living on a one way street beat it all have it remain

THE RIVER OF LIFE Once a people lived along the banks of a river of li The river of life is a river of sweet water, that awakens the seeds of spring and nourishes all growing things The river of life is a storm wind, blowing fresh across the earth.. . The river of life is the deep molten tire that shakes the continents And the people should have had all they needed for happiness and joy, but they were plagued by a monster, the triple-headed monster of Greed, Hate and War Greed sucked up all the colours of life and locked them inside his fortress Hate severed the threads of love and taught the people to fear each other War threatened destruction to anyone who opposed the monster's rules And the people were separate, and afraid, and poor The threads of communication were frayed The fabric of care unraveled And War took the young and marched them off to slaughter and die in places far away Greed stole their future The river of life ran dry The women saw the springs go barren, the new sprouts fail, the trees die, and the hills turn brown And they wept and mourned, and didn't know what to do The women, too, were divided, for some had more and some had less Old wounds and present injustices kept them apart But as War shook his fist, and threatened to unleash weapons to destroy the earth The women turned to each other, They said: "We are scraps of a torn fabric, But if we tie them together, we can bind wounds, dry tears, weave a net to carry heavy loads.. .

Another Polite Murder in Port Alberni: The Death of my Friend and Ally, John Sargent, July 16,2003 By Kevin Annett John, you beautiful man: It wasn't the cancer that killed you last night even though it had eaten up most of your spine. I figure your death was ordained ten years ago, when you showed up in my Port Alberni church that Surlday morning and spoke your mind to that shocked and "proper" congregation of white people, and you began to learn what hatred is reserved for we who name the Beast for what it is. Did that hatred kill you, like it's killing me, nly old buddy? It didn't seem to matter to you, ever. I remember you sitting down that morning in the very front pew, sporting a huge upside-down Cross and an even bigger smile as you watched the Sunday Christians fidget and look away from you. "Another one of Kevin's street people! Ugh!" I could practically hear them all thinking, as they tried not to look at your ragged clothes, long hair and \Inashamed visage. But you proved them all wrong. "Why wear an upside-down Cross to church?" I asked you, later, during coffee time. "I'll put it rightside up again when these rich assholes who call themselves Christians start feeding us poor people here in town" you replied so matter of factly. And from then on you began to change the way I thought, and lived. You helped me open our food bank, Loaves and Fishes, and showed me what the hungry really hunger for. You poked fun at the comfortable Godtalkers. You stood outside their churches sometimes bearing your home-made placards that ripped into their complacency with shouts of prophecy like "Jesus was no Christian" and "Torch a Church for Jesus". Maybe none of that put you on their hit list. After all, every town has its token prophet, the eccentric jester who says what we all know but fear to utter, and thereby releases the guilt of the herd. You could have been tolerated as such, if only you had have stopped. But you never did. You remained John Sargent to the very end.

You marched with us all the way to Victoria in our Walk Against Poverty that named the local lumber baron, MacMillan-Bloedel, as the enemy of the poor. You made even longer journies each week carrying food to hungry families in Port Alberni's ghetto: all of them native, as ignored and abhorred as you were by "polite" society. You stood up one day in my church and held a little Indian girl in your arms, showing her to the resisting gaze of the white folks, and you said out loud to the worshippers, "This is her body, broken for you; or don't you get it yet?". They came to hate you after that, John, just like they hated me for allowing you in to their comfy club. You were the first person to be thrown out of St. Andrew's United Church after I was fired from there, your heart broken, our food bank closed. But still we battled on, didn't we? 1 was unemployed then, suddenly, my dreams all smashed, but it was you who came to my door and announced, so delightedly, "You've just become one of us now, Kev, right where God wants you to be." And so once again you helped me to see the way past the madness, as we opened our Peoples' Inquiry into the Residential Schools right there in the face of the dragon. It was you who made it happen, with the help of another "victim".

Cecilia Joseph had just died, Indian style: murdered in a slum apartment fire by a landlord named Gus Frigstad who hated Indians but gouged them every month for what little they had, No church in the Alberni valley would let us bury Cecilia, for Frigstad was a good church-goer, and had friends on city council. But you found a hall for the funeral, John, and there we heard of the residential school murders for the first time, and we knew we had to act. Out of that seed, that day, came our Truth Commission into Genocide in Canada. Thanks to you, John. You were always with me like that, brother, through every hopeless battle, making it seem a bit less hopeless with your awful jokes and big, bleeding heart. That's why you're still with me, more than anyone else, really, including those who like to call themselves "the living".

And that's what made you a target in their sights, it seems. Your courage made you the object of their spiritual death squads, a nuisance to be blotted out. And I feel responsible for what they did to you. For I made you think that we could win against the lies, the Gus Frigstads, the nice church ladies who carry razors in their minds. They really went after you and the others once I left the valley, and our little guerilla band was scattered. I died and diminished as I watched, helpless, what they did to all of you, to punish you for naming their crimes and defending their victims. And you were first in their crosshairs, for you were not afraid. No, it wasn't the cancer that killed you, or the poverty they thrust you in, or the evictions you survived. It wasn't the arrests you faced when you continued your picketing and one man protests, against my advice, outside their churches: the "throne of their iniquities" as you called them. You finally lost hope, John, just like they planned. They made your life a living hell, right to the end: the medical benefits denied you, the arrogant nurses and welfare workers who humiliated you, the slanders and lies they said aboid you. But it wasn't even those arrows that finished you off. No. You looked out over a battlefield of strewn and fallen comrades, and saw the Lie's banner flying triumphant over the Alberni Valley and its hidden graves, and your battered soul just turned away. Where have you gone, my brother? To fight on, somewhere else? My hope. To wage God's battle of light through my life, in the days left to me before I, too, am claimed by their hatred? My hope. They think they've won again, John. They think you're dead. But they don't see what I see: the unconquerable spirit of a man standing with nothing but the truth to proclaim, outside the throne of their Lie each Sunday morning. They don't see what you and 1 see, John. So thank you, buddy Go with God, and be happy, and pray for me. "what has happened to him is outrageous" Dr. Noam Chomsky, speaking of Kevin Annett, Order "Love and Death in the Valley" by Kevin Annett through First Books at: www. IstBooks.com/bookview/116~~

Nametalling? There is some concern over a term used to describe the police, in an article that ran in the last issue of the Carnegie Newsletter. I'm not going to use the precise term, but I am going to mention a couple of incidents which I think point out the complete lack of respect that many police officers hold for this community and its residents. On an on-going basis, Carnegie staff try to work with the police for a more community-orientated policing approach. Early in July, the Director of Carnegie met with the current Chief of Police to do just that. One of the issues Carnegie put forward was a desire to have better, more consistent and supportive policing in Oppenheimer Park. This is especially needed since the police action on Hastings Street has moved the street activity elsewhere. Carnegie staff received a warm and strong response to this request from the Chief. Hours alter the meeting, however, while I was sitting in another meeting in Oppenheimer Park, we all looked up to watch a motorcycle cop in full gear, helmet, boots, etc. come roaring through the park.As 1 watched this machine come down off the hill by the children's area and make its way through at least a couple of hundred people, I wondered out loud, what other park in this city would this happen in on a sunny summer afternoon?

A short time before this incident, another meeting was held in the Strathcona Community Police Office with Oppenheimer Staff and Community members and a police officer. This was to discuss policing at the up-and-coming Powell Street Festival to be held on the first weekend in August. This is a long-time yearly event, but last year the police had taken it upon themselves to round up and take out of Oppenheimer Park many of the regular park users. They were moved to Pigeon Park and told to stay there for the weekend as "decent" people were going use Oppenheimer. It was in an attempt to ward off this type of police action that the meeting at the Strathcona police office was held. After a community member had described what had happened last year, the police officer in attendance just got up and walked out. I guess I could go on and on with items, but most people out there can fill in their own experience. My observations from over the years is that Carnegie meets with the higher-up members of the police department, who are supposed to be managing the officers in the neighbourhood, and often get good cooperation and intentions from them. However, this does not consistently transfer to the police on the ground. Most cops do what they feel like. If they are frustrated with a lack of plan or whatever, their frustration can translate into actions that are harmful to our community. After all, the police are only here because they get a nice salary to be here, and are assigned to this neighbourhood. Over all, there is much contempt for this community from the police; just listen to the terms they use to describe our community and its residents. They consistently refer the area as the skids or skid row. . When they are "detaining" people on the street, they use many derogatory terms I don't feel like listing in print. Name-calling is something the police do only too well. By Muggs Sigurgeirson

1 VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH - JULY 2003 1 Thanks to Barbara Starr, Lane Level Receptionist and Grant Fischer in the Kitchen for their dedication and commitment towards Carnegie

You Were Caught With A Mouthful Choking You Up You were caught with a mouthful choking you up. Repressive is the way they will make you. You will lose sight so they can reject you some more. The message is clear watch what you say they own everything. You bit more than you can chew. Society can do it to. A mouthful will choke you up. In this life fill of exploitive souls hungry for purity so they can devour the; poor, addicted, and prostituted. Watch what you say they own everything. The authorities can do this to you the government will so to. A mouthfil will choke you up. Oppression is the hand that smacks you down so the rich can feel glorious. High society will expose you for the world to spit on you and glare at you while you suffer like the victim that you are. You bit more than you can chew. A mouthful will choke you up. The watchful eye will follow you down so they can be amused. Watch what you say they own everything. Jadea Chaotica Cooke.

Steward My doctor suggested before they find me hanging I should do something(anything) to get out of my room so I dialed the right # ..talked to a faceless woman and became steward for the totem and his pals in a park off the Drive Keeper of the Totem; quite impressive my new title I work on my knees in the hot hot sun separating the good weeds from the bad weeds cleaning the Medicine Wheel it was planned after It's a holy chore and I'm a lucky man to pull patches of sod and clean the rocks this testament to what used to be holy around here the Totem stands as a reminder of what once was, and is now forever gone.

R. Loewen

ARTHUR DECO & MOLY KRUSCHEF By Gary Gust (cpM3

Well, Molly, the SARS scare seems to have passed. But the great province af Ontario has suffered severe economic setbacks because of a decline of tourists. I think the federal

something to be told of the Glories, yet untold, hidden, magnificent; Turn the pages, tune in the ages, submitting reckless dreams of yore; Move a mountain, transfixed, keep counting on reeking havoc; Foretell my fortune within the stars, parameters holding affirmed' Dig in, entrenched, then advance facing lock, stock and barrel; Rolling, tumbling, shaked/baked/fiied - you'll not be denied, decrying tranquility, perchance to touch, to feel and to see as easy as can be; Earth-tossed endlessly, churning into a jagged descent, free-falling disrespect dissected and rejected, debate denied to soar no more. On the run,hide and seek, reading nothing benefits no one; Corroded brass ring of security and peace, another fallen angel; Compare anomalies, metaphors, 'convolution is secured by being secure' say cynics from time to time; Being extra carefid and still growing weaker & weary yet inner strength and energy persists, like a proud, strong phoenix rising up; Droning motors, foul engines, gasoline fumes inspire pleasant dreams while aspersions are cast with altruistic lies, condemned as bunk. Faking high emotions that are deep within you, your gold as distant as the searing, shining, warming, growing Sun rising high inside you, and yet (as of now) totally and utterly beyond belief. Robyn

Huh! No, I don't. I'm Nodda big Rolling Stones fan.

Tinnitus Forever

The Sound I rose from my body the sweet silence to hear It was good while it lasted.. .if only it lasted. Is there anybody else in here, don't take me back In my cell forever. The sound, the sound, If I could but like, but it doesn't like me It will wear a mask but I know it well Cut it off and it still remains In my face forever. The sound, the sound, the sound Put your hand on me and feel my spirit fled I feel that dread is still there here In my soul forever. Leonard F. Blomskog

'Beach Party'

CODY'S DANCE DJ Mix & Friends Friday, August 1,2003 6-1Opm Carnegie Theatre

Follow the Saxophone It was Friday morning. When I awoke around 6 , l still felt tired and not having any pressing engagements, I went back to sleep to finally get up around I I. I was expecting mail so I dragged my self out of bed. I get my mail at the church (1 United) and they close at noon on Friday. I was rushing around trying to move out of sleep and slip into high gear without a stop in 2ndor 3rd.It wasn't working so I gave up and just phoned the church to see if there was mail. Nope, I was S.O.L.so decided to have a good brunch (Cinnamon French Toast, they were good) and prepare for the afternoon trip to Lost Lagoon. I was looking forward to being near the place that I had been reading about as part of my participation in the Main & Hastings Bookclub. (We meet every Thursday around noon in the Learning Centre to discuss the 'Timothy Taylor novel called Stanley Park. If you enjoy good company and would like to compare notes on a good read then you should join us. There are prizes being awarded by the Vancouver Public Library) I was walking up to Carnegie around 2: 15 when I met Rika, our trip organizer and driver. She asked me to pick up some treats from the kitchen that she had ordered for our outing. I was happy to help so I said ok. 1 got the stuff and went down to wait by the front desk. I sat next to a couple of people and one of them started to joke with me about buying the

stuff that 1 was watching. I played his silly game and we had a laugh or two. About a minute or two later one of the security guys came over to see what I was selling. Someone had taken us seriously and had reported to the security guard about the criminal activity taking place in the corner. He came over and had a laugh too. I'm happy to see that the security isn't as silly as some of the people who profess to be open-minded. I guess it's not only the people passing thru our community who are prejudiced against people in this neighbourhood. Rika showed up right after that and we prepared to depart. We arrived at the park a bit early for the show. I went for a walk along the seawall. Got about 10 minutes up the seawall and I spotted a white haired man down on the beach, actually in the rocks on the shore. I watched him for a moment as he slowly made a sculpture out of rocks. It was fascinating to watch as he balanced those rocks. There were 5 or 6 sculptures of 3 or 4 rocks high. As I continued on my stroll I noticed there were more sculptures up ahead. Big rocks on top of small ones, pointed rocks balanced on their point and there were about a hundred or so sculptures. All at least 3 to 5 rocks high and some of the top ones looked very

heavy. This man had a passion for art and he was sharing it with the seawall world of passers-by. I think most or all of the artwork was below the high tide level so they would be gone when the tide came in. A community made out of rock figures that would be gone in a matter of hours. Ironic, EH? I wonder if he returned to rebuild his city of stone figures at the coming of each day-light low tide. The show was about ready to start so I had to leave and didn't have time to filrther en-joy his artwork. As I walked back towards the show area I stopped and complimented him on his work. He said, "It passes the time." I hadn't noticed before because his back was to me but he also had a sparkling white beard. For some reason I felt connected to this Santa Claus of sculptures. He wasn't very huge but was friendly. Maybe he was one of the elves on summer hiatus. I was in too much of a rush to spend more than a few minutes with him. Later I was to think, "Silly me and shame on me too for not taking the time to spend a few more minutes with this unique individual. These opportunities are few and sometimes far between." But for now, even if whatever else happened this day wasn't that good, this little walk had made me feel great. I was in a good mood to see whatever it was we came to see. Something called "Lagoon of Lost Tales". As I approached the show area I could hear the deep tones of a saxophone drifting thru the air, calling people to come to the show. The story teller told us as the show developed we would be moving to different locations and our clue to move would be the saxophone starting to play. He would lead us to the next venue. The tale was about the adventures of a boy named Seymour. His mom runs away with a past love. Dad quits talking and leaves too. Seymour has a many small adventures as he searches for his parents. The story entices us on a walk around the lagoon to about 12- 1 5 different locations. Each stop enhances the story a bit until the climax, which takes place in the middle of the lagoon. I guess this is something like the Perils of Pauline. It was 'a really good shoe' as Ed Sullivan would say and it was a fascinating way to spend a summer afternoon around the Lagoon in one of the greatest parks in the world.. Thanks Rika. -ha1

Endless For the Community, by the Community

August 22,2003, loam - 7pm Oppenheimer Park Oppenheirner Park and Carnegie's Music Program is organising an all-day event for everyone! Interested in Performing? Sign up at Carnegie's information desk or leave a message for Ken Tabata. Interested in Volunteering ur having a booth? Contact Sandy McKeigan: 604-830-2544 Kumiko Murakanu: 604-665-22 10

Camp Fircom September 8 - 12 Yes, it is that time again. Fun in the sun on Gambier Island with great folk, great food, good fishing, swimming, canoeing, bingo and ????? Attendance at 2 pre-camp meetings are required for participation on this trip. The only exceptions will be from those doing a scheduled volunteer shift, hospitalization or a UFO picked you in the middle of the night. We will need verification of all of the above. These meetings are an opportunity for you all to give your input on what you would like to eat and do for enjoyment at Club Fed! Your input is valuable to us: Thursday, August 7,2:00pm Theatre Thursday, Acgust 14, 2:OOpm Theatre Be there, be square. Thank you! Colleen

DOWNTOWN EASTSIIIE YO1J'I.l I ACTIVITIES SOCIETY

NEEIILE EXCIIANGE - 221 Main; 8:30arn - 8pm every day NEEIILE EXCtlAN<;E VAN - 3 Routes: Cib - 5:45prn - 11:4Sprn Overni~ht- 1MOam - 8:30am Downtown Eastside.- 5:30prn - 1 :30am

2003 I)ONATIONS Libhy 11.-$60 Barry for Sam R.-$50 Eve I.;.-$18 Nancy ll.$30 Margaret D.-$25 llulda R.-$5 Val A318 Wm IB-$10 Mary C-$50 I'aula H-$15 Rolf A.-$55 Bruce J.-$50 HCI'F-$ I0 Wes K.-$15 Charley B-$5 Haycant-$25 Gram -5100 Paddy -$50 Sarah E.-$ I0 Charles F.-$I0 Hosen~aryZ.-$20 Joanna N.-$20 Jim (;.-$I50 Glen H.-$75 John S.-$ I00 Penny G.-$20 Liz S.$5 Jenny K.-$18 Celeste W.$30 Sandy (7320 Uara C.-$20 Ellen W.-$150 Nancy C.-$25 Rockingguys 4 2 5 Joanne 11.-$20 The Edge Cornmuniiy Liaison Ctt -6200 Jay 11.-$25 Bob S.-$25 Christopher R.-$25 Anonymous 44.02

' I ' I I I C NEW'SLE'ITER IS A YtIBI.I<:A'I'IONOF 'I'IIE <:AHNE(;IE COhlhlllNI'I'Y CXNI'RE ASSO(:IA'I'ION.

Articles represent the views of individual cnntributors end not of the Association.

Editor: PaulR Taylor; cover art by Bruce Ray

Deadline for next issue: Tuesday, August 12

I '

Learn Something about Desktop Publishing!! Come see how it's done at the Learning Centre on Thursdays from 1 - 2 pm Take part in producing the book "How to Play BOMBS For Peace & Profit'' by L.F. Blomskog Get it ready for the printer and a WebPage on the Internet.

Native Courtworker & Counselling Association Alcohol and Drug Program

50 POWELL ST, VANCOUVER

ro)o-t6qt Commercial Or., V513V3 Phone: ns-0790 far: ns.a88r

help- you - with: - 4 . phone - - - - - - - & Safe Mailboxes Welfare problems; Landlord disputes; Ilousing problems llnsafe living conditions

12 East Hastings Street or phone us at 682-0931

Various Start dates as follows: Group #6 August 5 - August 2 I, 2003 Group #7 September 2 - September 18,2003 Group #8 September 29 - October 16,2003 Group #9 November 3 - November 20,2003

TIME: 8:30am

- 12:30pm

"Prevent" Substance Use/Misuse Learn to State Feelings "Openly and Honestly" Focus on Negative Consequences of "Behavior" to Promote Change CALL 604 687-0281 for 30-Minute Interview time.

I See Dead People

I see dead people Walking down the street Not wanting to look left or right cause if I do their gaze you'll meet you know they'll say: Do you want to buy? or Do you need? walking, watching, seeing. Light up, suck up shoot up. Now they know no pain fear or love. Rob your Granma, Beat your Granpa Lie, Cheat, Steal 6om Mom and Dad Little brother's video game, t.v, c.d's too bad. Little sister bring her down here show her how it's done after awhile she'll fetch a hefty sum. No need to ask for ID. 'cause what's here is bought or stole. Break into a car, No fear, so bold. The police, the jailer, prosecutor and judge been there so many times they know them by first name.

If you by chance recognize someone you know Give them a big hug 'cause later on, the next time you hear their grave has already been dug .When I drive through I used to say too bad. Now I shake my head and think so sad. I also always say a prayer that God with all His strength and might will make it so the next time I pass through 1'11 see no more dead people. Poppa Sam.

Little has changed Do you remember the pictures on CTV and on the front of many daily newspapers, like the Vancouver Sun showing George Bush smiling as he gave a short speech about slavery while standing at the old slave depot at Goree, Senegal? It was everywhere. Read below to get the real story. This came from Kathy Woods' Newsletter. David Morgan is a long time anti-war activist and progressive thinker from Vancouver. Dearest friends, As you probably know, this week George Bush is visiting Africa. Starting with Senegal, he arrived this morning at 7.20 AM and left at 1.30 PM. This visit has been such an ordeal that a petition is being circulated for this Tuesday July 8th to be named Dependency Day. Let me share with you what we have been through since last week. 1- Arrests : more than 1,500 persons have been arrested and put in jail between Thursday and Monday. Hopefully they will be released now that the Big Man is gone. 2- The US Army's planes flying day and night over Dakar. The noise they make is so loud that one hardly sleeps at night.

3- About 700 security people from the US for Bush's security in Senegal, with their dogs, and their cars. Senegalese security forces were not allowed to come near the U S president. 4- All trees in places where Bush will pass have been cut. Some of them have (sic) more than 100 years. 5- All roads going down town (where hospitals, businesses, schools are located) were closed from Monday night to Tuesday at 3 PM. This means that we could not go to our offices or schools. Sick people were also obliged to stay at home. 6- National exams for high schools that started on Monday are postponed until Wednesday. Bush's visit to the Goree Island is another story. As you may know Goree is a small island facing Dakar where from the 15th to the 19th century, African slaves to be shipped to America were parked in special houses called slave houses. One of these houses has become a Museum to remind humanity about this dark period and has been visited by kings, queens, presidents. Bill, Hiilary and Chelsea Clinton, and before them, Nelson Mandela, the Pope, and many other distinguished guests or ordinary tourists visited it without bothering the islanders. But for "security reasons" this time, the local population was chased out of their houses from 5 to 12 AM. They were forced by the American security to leave their houses and leave everything open, including their wardrobes, to be searched by special dogs brought from the US.

The ferry that links the island to Dakar was stopped and offices and businesses closed for the day. According to an economist who was interviewed by a private radio, Senegal, which is a very poor country, has lost huge amount of money in this visit because workers have been prevented from walking out of their homes. In addition to us being prevented from going out, other humiliating things happened also. Not only did Bush not want to be with Senegalese but he did not want to use our things. He brought his own armchairs, and of course his own cars, and meals and drinks. He came with his own journalists and ours were forbidden inside the airport and in any place he was visiting. Our president was not allowed to make a speech. Only Bush spoke when he was in Goree. He svoke about slavery. It seems that he needs the vote of the African American to be elected in the next elections, and wanted to please them. That's why he visited Goree. Several protest marches against American politics have been organized for before he arrived and even when Bush was here, but we think he does not care. We have the feeling that everything has been done to convince us that we are nothing, and that America can behave the way it wants, everywhere, even in our country. Believe me friends, it is a terrible feeling. But according to a Ugandan friend of mine, I should not complain because in Uganda, one of the countries he is going to visit, Bush does not intend to go out of the airport. He will receive the Ugandan President in the airport lounge. Nevertheless, I think I am lucky, because I have such wonderful American friends. But there are now thousands of Senegalese who believe that, for all Americans, the world is their territory. Love to you all Codou

Regional Programme Manager (Europe) ABANTU for Development I Winchester House, 11 Cranmer Road, London, S W9 6EJ diana@abantu.org l roe@abantu.org www.abantu.org

Why Veterans Should Support Homeless People More than one million veterans returned to Canada after the Second World War. Many of them remembered the misery of the Great Depression of the 1930's, for the First Canadian Division was made up of men who went directly from unemployment to war. They had experienced the indignity of relief procedures; they had been beaten up by the police, and they had worked in slave labour camps for twenty cents a day. Forty-three thousand Canadians were killed in the S ~ XWorld I ~War, and many thousands of others were wounded. These horrors, along with the Great Depression, caused ordinary citizens to think senously about the kind of Canada they wanted to live in. Their dreams were not so different from the dreams of many other people in the world, and were expressed in the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Article 25 of the Declaration said, "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing, medical care and necessary social services" In June, 1944, the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), led by Tommy Douglas, was elected in Saskatchewan. In the same year the Conservative Party changed its name to Progressive Conservative, and John Diefenbaker reminded the House of Commons that Liberals had no monopoly on social welfare. Liberal Prime Minister Mackenzie King was also aware that when citizens fought for their country, they expected to be treated with more respect than as commodities in the market. He introduced the Family Allowance in 1944, and set up three new ministries to prepare for post-war Canada - the Ministry for returning soldiers, sailors and airmen, the Ministry of Reconstruction to plan for high and steady employment and the Ministry of National Health and Welfare to co-ordinate social programs. So successful was King in establishing the foundation for a responsible social contract for Canadians, that he won the federal election in June, 1945, and led the country into an era of prosperity. We Canadians were proud of ourselves in those days. We had seen what we could do in the national emergency of war. We thought of ourselves as a people with a commun democratic purpose, and we

even dreamed of having our own flag. We had a social contract for which men and women had died, and we believed industrial growth ought to be regulated by ethical priorities such as those expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In these days of food banks, high unemployment, homeless people, and a growing gap between rich and poor, we need to remember the hopes for which Canadian veterans fought. They certainly did not fight for unemployment, malnutrition and homelessness. Today homeless people rightly call on veterans for help, for the cenotaph in Victory Square is a monument to those who made the supreme sacrifice so that others might live with dignity and respect in a democracy. Canada is one of the richest countries in the world, and there is no reason, except greed, why all Canadians cannot have a decent income and a decent place to call home. If we lose our ability to govern ourselves as caring citizens with a strong sense of the common good, we will lose the right to call ourselves a democracy. By Sandy Cameron

* On the Tent City Just heard that the relocation of people living in tents to CRAB Park has caused RayCam to shut down its summer day-camp and program for neighbourhood { low-income kids in this park. Seems that the tentdwellers did things like walking around nude, using and so on right beside the kids' play area and even tried to include themselves in the activities. The program's staff people - some adults, some teens got very nervous and even scared for their charges. Note to all protestors - pissing off your neighbours and friends is not the way to get support.. These kids now have nowhere to go. Wake up