UCC Moderator's Visit at MCM

Last April 21st, MCM and St. James United were delighted to host the United Church Moderator, the Very Reverend Jordan Cantwell.

Over a delicious lunch of Syrian delicacies, we discussed new and exciting projects with our partners from the Muslim Association of Canada - Nabil Abu-Thuraia, Mehdi Jouhri and Ahmad Abdelkader Mohammed, as well as Amal Elsana and Tahany Okby fom McGill ICAN (International Community Action Network).

Creating a safe environment for Syrian children to learn and play, organizing inter-faith gatherings on St. James Square and providing internships for Syrian university students were all on our discussion menu.

The opportunities right now for diverse communities coming together are stronger than ever. We all need to seize the moment so that walls that divide can indeed come tumbling down!

Moderator Cantwell also took time to meet with members of MCM staff, students and the people we serve to listen to stories of migration, cross cultural challenges, as well as hope for the future.

At the end of our time together, we gathered at the table to break bread – remembering the Spirit that empowers us all to work for inclusion and justice.

Pride, opportunities & ongoing challenges

Melissa Mollen Dupuis, Tehatkatonnions Bush, Sonia Bonspille-Boileau, Paula Kline, Lisa Byer-De Wever, Robert Verrall & Robert McDonough at the McGill School of Social Work

PRIDE … OPPORTUNITIES … ONGOING CHALLENGES …

…are what we saw at two screenings last week of Sonia Bonspille Boileau’s documentary, The Legacy of the Oka Crises-25 Years Later, and heard from a panel of young dynamic First Nations leaders that followed. 

From the 1876 Indian Act that transformed Aboriginal adults into dependent minors, to residential schools, to the ‘60s scoop’ of Indian children, to the Oka Crises, First Nations communities in the Montreal area have just begun the healing process these past five years. Young Tehatkatonnions Bush, an engaging and articulate 15 year old Mohawk, felt his generation was the first to be growing up with pride.

There is currently a veritable explosion of First Nations films with 800 being produced over the past decade. Empowering new generations to express themselves through all art forms is one way to address issues of poverty, loss of identity and purpose according to the panelists. New role models are appearing and fresh perspectives are taking shape.

This is an exciting time for all Canadians - not only to build bridges, but to build a brand new house - from the foundation up - together.

Many thanks to the presenters: Sonia Bonspille Boileau, Mohawk film maker, Melissa Mollen Dupuis, Innu, co-founder of the Quebec Idle No More Movement, Tehatkatonnions Bush, Mohawk, student at the Kahnakwake Survival School and Coutney Montour, Mohawk filmmaker

To our sponsors: Indigenous Access McGill, First Peoples' House, Social Action Office of the Montreal Catholic Diocese, and a shout out to the McGill School of Social Work and St. Lambert United Church for hosting these 2 MCM In Missio presentations.

Bienvenue aux stagiaires!!! Welcome students!!!

La formation terminée, les stagiaires relèvent les défis du travail avec énergie et enthousiasme. Et ils sont plus nombreux cette saison. Sans eux, notre travail ne pourrait se faire

In addition to social work and law students from McGill University and l'Université de Montréal, as well as a diaconal intern from the Center for Christian Studies in Winnipeg, this year we welcome students from the University of Manitoba and Sherbrooke.

We will no doubt be breaking our 2015 record of 18 student interns! Their contribution ensures MCM remains a dynamic and innovative presence in the downtown core and beyond. Essential work gets done and the people we serve are touched by their compassion and devotion.

Long life to MCM students - past - present and future!!

Go Habs Go

 

Quelle soirée magique pour les enfants du Camp Cosmos dans la loge de Brandon Prust et sa charmante compagne Maripier Morin. Mille mercis à vous deux pour votre gentillesse et votre présence auprès des enfants éblouis. Cette soirée restera gravée dans leurs cœurs. 

Merci aussi à la Fondation pour l’enfance des Canadiens de Montréal qui soutient le camp chaque année. 

Et finalement chapeau à nos 3 chaperons bénévoles Angélique, Edouardo et Victor!

A group of kids from Camp Cosmos had the thrill of their lives when they were invited to view last Monday’s game between the Montreal Canadians and the Vancouver Canucks at the Bell Centre. 

But there’s more! They viewed the game from the box of Brandon Prust and his charming partner, popular Quebec television personality Maripier Morin. Brandon and Maripier hung out with the kids, signing their new Canadians’ caps and viewing the game together.

And what a game – the Canadians’ came back from a disadvantage to win 4-3! And there’s more!! Réjean Houle and Geoff Molson also dropped by the box for a visit!

A heartfelt thanks to Brandon and Maripier as well as to the Canadians Children’s Foundation whose support makes the camp possible every year. 

A final tip of the hockey cap to our volunteer chaperons, Angélique, Edouardo and Victor. 

Go Habs Go!

For more photos, visit Camp Cosmos Facebook page.

Pour plus de photos, visitez la page Facebook du Camp Cosmos.

The Syrian Refugee Crisis: What constitutes a wise and smart response?

Money and Mission in the Charismatic City

Do not miss this special evening with author Nimi Wariboko!

Imagine...

IMAGINE...

...if behind every refugee there was a team of high-powered lawyers fighting for that person's chance to settle in Canada. That's often what I think about when I see the files of our clients at Just Solutions Legal Clinic. Their stories are so compelling and the law should be on their side, but they often simply do not have the resources to make their case. The fact is, when it comes to immigration law, it's not a level playing field.

When we are able to take on a case, our advocacy can have an enormous impact on an entire family's life.

Working at Just Solutions has opened my eyes to these aspects of justice that I hadn't really considered in law school. It's been wonderful to feel that with a law degree I really can make a concrete difference in the lives of others. It's inspiring to be a part of a team that is so committed to this work.

Claire K. Boychuk