Harambeecouver African Folk Music Festival
Coming this August...Keep checking for more info on our Music and Live Entertainment venues, Soccer Tournament and 5Km Run.July 28th Noon-10 pmNorth Vancouver ShipyardsMain Event, Soccer TournamentAugust 23, 24, & 25th, Sept 1 & Sept 7th #harambe #kenya #diversity
CANADA DAY-REMEMBERING OUR ANCESTORS
https://website-9b356346.fij.nsk.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/We-Remember-Our-Ancestors-1.mp4This Canada Day we celebrated our uniqueness, our blackness and our Ancestors that helped build North America. We spent our afternoon exploring our past, and looking forward to our future. Bringing together different communities, children, youth and families.Our activities included circle discussions, outdoor games, and a bbq. All were welcome to join this celebration of spirit and diversity.
Fundraising for Harambeecouver Soweto Uprising
Come join us for a fun-filled event at 600 Campbell Ave, Vancouver, BC! Let's come together to support a great cause and make a difference in our community. Let us commemorate the 48th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising by bringing REALITY 7 Choir from Soweto South Africa to our community. Enjoy live music, local performances, delicious African cuisine, cultural exhibits, and exciting activities while contributing to a worthy charity. RESERVE YOUR TABLE via info@greatlakessociety.org and our different social media outlets or by calling any of the phone numbers below.SPREAD the word and be party of this meaningful cause.We anticipate celebrating with you.www.greatlakessociety.orgPhone: 604-789-4212 ; 672-338-1968 ; 1-855-655-4567 Click here to reserve a seat https://website-9b356346.fij.nsk.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Soweto-Fundraiser-1.mp4
Nakhatandi on a Soweto Story in Visual Arts and Painting New Horizons for Seniors
Seniors event: PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTThe Great Lakes Networking Society of BC, in collaboration with Africa Canadian Education Foundation cordially invite you to join us for the New Horizon Seniors Program!WHAT: Outreach and Meet and Greet with our SeniorsWHEN: June 23 at 3 PMWHERE: Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Ave, VancouverTHEME: Nakhatandi on a Soweto Story in Visual Arts and PaintingIt is proudly sponsored by thNew Horizon Seniors Program.Come and celebrate the stories and talents of our seniors through the vibrant world of visual arts and painting. It will be an afternoon filled with creativity, inspiration, and meaningful connections.Join us as we honour our seniors and support the New Horizon Seniors Program. Let's create a brighter future together!
Letter from BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU)
BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) Dear Sage, Today is Black Excellence Day. It’s an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black people to our province’s history, and to recommit ourselves to fighting racism and discrimination in all forms so we can build a stronger, safer province that works for all working people. Please check out this video message we recorded to mark this important day. [2] [3] Activists in B.C.’s Black community created Black Excellence Day because the stories and voices of Black people have so often been overlooked, under-played or erased entirely in the “official” history. Black people have played key roles in every aspect of Canada’s history from the founding and development of communities and causes, to breakthroughs in civil and human rights, to visionary leadership in political and labour movements. It’s important that these contributions are not just acknowledged but shared and celebrated. That’s why our union is proud to support Black Excellence Day and join the call to make Black history mandatory in B.C.’s school curriculum. Of course, we can’t stop there – we...
Black History Month & Beyond: African Storytelling is the Future
https://website-9b356346.fij.nsk.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Video-2024-04-03-at-16.50.44_4b011fcf.mp4 Africa Great Lakes Networking Foundation founder Mama Kombii was joined by storyteller Novuyo at Waverley Elementary to share in the wonderment of African Storytelling for Black History Month & Beyond. Black History Everyday! Thanks to Canadian Heritage for your continued support!
Waverely Elementary Black History & Beyond
Great Lakes Networking Society of BC has teamed up with Waverely Elementary to talk about Black History and Beyond. Celebrating Black History, Everday! Waverely students getting their jigglies out with Mama Kombii and friends. https://website-9b356346.fij.nsk.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WhatsApp-Video-2024-04-03-at-16.50.44_4b011fcf-1.mp4
Black History Month & Beyond
Carter G. Woodson hoped that Black History Month would be unnecessary. https://website-9b356346.fij.nsk.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/EVERYDAY-Eeveryday-EVERYDAY-everyday-EVERYDAY.mp4
Demographic Survey UBC Robson September 24th
Anti-Racism Data Legislation Community Engagement In Person at UBC Robson Square Your input will help to shape the way the BC Government provide services that are equitable and inclusive. Many programs and services in BC were designed generations ago, without the benefit of what we know now about inclusivity and equitable access. Sunday, September 24th @ 2pm 800 Robson Street UBC Robson Square is conveniently located on Robson Street by the Vancouver Art Gallery, and within walking distance of three SkyTrain stations. https://website-9b356346.fij.nsk.mybluehost.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/glnsdataleg2023GOOD.mp4
Panel Discussion: “How To Make It As A Black Man In Canada”
ZOOM EVENT 1st JULY 2023 PROGRAM A- Welcome and Introduction MC by prof. Charles Quist Adade B- Opening Prayer Prayer by Magdalina Nungu C- Land Acknowledgment By Stephen Lytton / Imtiaz Popat D- Performances a) George Mutunga in Taiwan With African drums and spoken words. b) Elvis Nelson with Reggae songs c) Prof Charles with poet d) Euphony Band with Zimbabwean song E- Panel Discussion: “How To Make It As A Black Man In Canada” Panellists: Oladjimeji Peter Gureje-Thompson Introduction by Prof. Charles Quist Adade Bio: A clergy, strategic thinker, security expert, conflict resolution consultant and statesman. Trained as an Architect (MSc. Hons), he has served in mission fields across different continents. He is a regular conference speaker across African nations, Europe and the US having presented a paper in the US Congress Auditorium on the Omoluabi Matrix as an alternative dispute resolution tool in counter-terrorism. He has authored several theological and motivational books including a best-seller, Decoding Dreams. Charles Lartey Introduction by Prof. Charles Quist Adade Bio: "As a youth motivational speaker,...
Black History Month 2023-Richmond Library Storytime
Thanks for your participation with our Black History Month programming this year. Confirming that you Mama Kombii, Imtiaz Popat and Rebecca Juga are guest readers at Richmond Public Library's Family Storytime program on Saturday, February 11. Cindy, the librarian who led the rest of the storytime that day, took a few photos of the program that I'd like to share here. Richmond Public Library-Minoru
Black History and African Heritage Calendar of Events
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African Heritage-Mashujaa 2023 Marketplace Vendors
Calling all vendors of fashion, craft, accessories and stuff. We need you! DM our insta or facebook for more information on how you can join. https://www.facebook.com/harambecouverfestival https://www.instagram.com/glskaribuni/
Mashujaa 2023 African Heritage and Black History Month
Many great things happening for this upcoming month of February. This month offers an opportunity to learn about our past, reflect on our present, and prepare for a brighter future. Our first event features BIPOC fashion designers, entertainment and dj's, and market vendors. A celebration of upcoming and seasoned artists with a distinct African Heritage. You won't want to miss out on this event sure to bring it and begin this African Heritage Month with style and taste. Keep coming back for more new events during BHM month in February.
African Cultural Week May 25th, 2022
Join us on May 25 as as we come together to enjoy one of Africa's greatest's gifts: the Art of music. Featuring: Randy Jernidier SMX SLIGIDDIE Elvis Nelson Ndidi Cascade Storm Goring Viiberson Jaspi Nams Grandavian Manyenya Ebon Empress Our artists and performers especially from the continent of Africa capture and translate their experience through music with the goal of positive societal impact. To practice African Spiritual Healing, with the role of a healer in a traditional African community - Traditional healers serve many roles which include but not limited to custodians of the traditional African religion and customs, educators about culture, counselors, social workers and psychologists. While some religions adopted a pantheistic worldview, most follow a polytheistic system with various gods, spirits and other supernatural beings. Traditional African religions also have elements of fetishism, shamanism and veneration of relics Understanding traditional African Healing Traditional African healing has been in existence for many centuries yet many people still seem not to understand how it...
ACHA CHUKI PROJECT DURING THE ALKABULAN WEEK “MAY” 2022
Acha Juki Initiative- it started in 2017, after we organized our 2nd a successful Vigil event on Jul 10, 2016, that saw more than 500 people gathered at the Vancouver Art Gallery - Sunday afternoon to show solidarity that included group speakers from Black Lives Matter. The vigil came as a result of the deaths of two black men – Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, in the United States at the hands of police officers. Castile was shot in front of his four-year-old daughter and his girlfriend during a routine traffic stop. Racism, in all forms, is abhorrent and unacceptable - In this era when racism, xenophobia, antisemitism & Islamophobia are on the rise across in Canada, and global, it is important that all children, from all backgrounds, learn & practice non discrimination. Education is the best tool to tackle Racism, Discrimination and to help build inclusive societies. Children should be taught early about equality, respect and tolerance. Governments must...
We are recruiting 3 volunteer event assistants for Harambecouver 2022!!
Volunteer Community Event Assistant x 3 Positions: Harambecouver We are looking for an energetic and dynamic individual to play an active role in the success of the 2022 Harambecouver event. We encourage applications from senior high school students, university students and community members who are looking to gain experience in community mobilisation and awareness About the Great Lakes Networking Society of BC. Great Lakes Networking Society of BC, (GLBC) changed its name from Africa Great Lakes Networking Foundation AGL to Great Lakes Networking Society of BC (GLBC). A Not-for-Profit Organisation, registered under the Society Act, since 24th, June 2010 In the spirit of moving towards reconciliation, the Inter-generational Trauma, and many other barriers to opportunities, raising awareness about and reducing ethno-racial prejudice, discrimination, and stereo-typing by engaging respect for equity, diversity and inclusion through education, Information Dissemination to community members, by making connections, building bridges to strengthen those connections, consultations, programs, dialogue, conferences, cross-cultural exchange, surveys and research. GLBC recognizes and acknowledges that its...
GLNS Purchased Items for Homeless
Donations of Cold Weather Clothing Wanted We bought these items and we are distributing for the winter weather that the homeless people, especially those sleeping on streets, can use, we made tuques, and we bought some socks from the dollar store. This is for our outreach team.
Poppin’ Footwear for Africa
Previous Next Teacher Brian Lee of St Georges Secondary Generously donated these sweet kicks to be shipped to Africa for some deserving children and men.
Church Minister Does the Unthinkable
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8TSmqDK/ Watch This! Systemic racism is at the root of the problem. Colonization in the earliest form has taught people that we are different. We are not different. We have been taught that race matters, colour matters, differences matter. It is time to unlearn these differences.
Race-Based Data Engagement Concert
https://greatlakessociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Live-3.mp4 Saturday, December 18th, 2021 UBC Robson Square800 Robson Street Important information you need to know about Race-Based data collection in British Columbia. Data Survey Form The B.C Government is committed to tackling systemic racism in public sector policies, programs, and services. Data is needed to better understand how Government policies, programs and services have an impact on Indigenous, People of African Descent and other racialized communities. Members of People o African Descent, Indigenous and racialized communities have advocated for race-based data collection in support of this goal. Government will introduce legislation next year on race-based data collection.Race-Based data collection is about better identifying where gaps and barriers exist for People of African Descent, Indigenous and other racialized communities, so Government can provide better services and ensure that services are delivered equitably.The four African-Canadian organizations, Africa- Canada Education Foundation, Great Lakes Networking Society of British Columbia, Ghanaian Canadian Association of BC, and African Stages Association of BC applied for and were awarded the grants...
IDAOBC Family Cultural Dance and Storytelling Festival 2021
Mama Kombii Nanjalah and Stephen Lytton were invited to join the Igbo Development Association of BC for their Family Cultural Dance and Storytelling Festival at the Aria Convention Centre in Surrey, BC. The evening started with speeches from prominent leaders of the African Community including President Emmanuel Ihejirika from the IDAOBC and our very own Stephen Lytton addressing the current Data Collection for the Legislation. Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program Take a Closer Look Mama Kombii Nanjalah with Stephen Lytton Dr. Quist-Adade from GCABC Chief Co-Executive Stephen Lytton
Teaching Black History in Schools
As part of our educational goals, GLNS has joined Elementary Schools to facilitate learning Black History. Kombii Nanjalah has been instrumental in spearheading this initiative making sure to accurately retell the history of Black Pioneers, Slavery, and the history of People of African Descent around the World. Pictured: Waverely Elementary School students sitting with Kombi Nanjalah.
MASHUJAA MAC’22
OPEN CALL FOR TALENT
Covid-19 Update October 2021
Globally, efforts have focused on taking measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. An official global travel advisory and pandemic COVID-19 travel health notice are in effect, we ask citizens to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice. Risk to Canadians - COVID-19 is a serious health threat, and the situation is evolving daily. The risk varies between and within communities, but given the number of cases in Canada, the risk to Canadians is considered high. We continue to advice and pass useful health concerns/information and or reassess to the communities on the best available evidence as the situation, through our Phone-In practices that we started back in 2020 April. We relay on the “Public Health Agency of Canada that works with provinces, territories and international partners, including the World Health Organization, to actively monitor the situation. Global efforts are focused on containment of the outbreak and the prevention of further spread, our situation is to keep, taking any...
We have outlined plans and policies in place related to current public health orders and restrictions Covid-19
Globally, efforts have focused on taking measures to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread. An official global travel advisory and pandemic COVID-19 travel health notice are in effect, we ask citizens to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice. Risk to Canadians - COVID-19 is a serious health threat, and the situation is evolving daily. The risk varies between and within communities, but given the number of cases in Canada, the risk to Canadians is considered high. We continue to advice and pass useful health concerns/information and or reassess to the communities on the best available evidence as the situation, through our Phone-In practices that we started back in 2020 April. We relay on the “Public Health Agency of Canada that works with provinces, territories and international partners, including the World Health Organization, to actively monitor the situation. Global efforts are focused on containment of the outbreak and the prevention of further spread, our situation is to keep, taking any...
Policies, procedures, and practices processes in place to support and promote fair remuneration, equitable employment, safe and respectful workplaces/activities places
(including human resource and management practices related to our projects/activities/events). Our annual and other projects/programs, activities and events involve working with individuals or materials from communities outside our own, particularly those that have been historically underserved, and we have in place the steps taken to collaborate with these communities, respecting protocols, integrating an equitable and ethical approach in our work. All our projects/programs engage with and provide sustainable benefits to diverse and/or historically underserved communities and their artistic practices. POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND GUIDLINES Policies are set for a given purpose, mainly to maintain peace and order in a given organization. The society we live in faces numerous issues in terms of bullying, harassment, and security proposal. These issues have been a major problem that just keeps getting worse over the years. In the workplace, such issues are not taken lightly. Vision, Mission Statements and Mandate VISION An achievable solution to social-economic development, an environmentally sustainable and socially just world, network and engage in...
Improving Engagement
At GLNS engagement is key factor that promotes higher performances efforts, greater returns, and lower turnover. We explore the components of successful engagement initiatives, identifying strategies that creates stronger engagement in teams, and Capacity/Team building. Counteracting Unconscious Bias - There is no such thing at GLNS as a workplace, Programs, Projects and or Events lacking diversity. Despite decades of legal and social reform aimed at reducing racism and discrimination in the workplace/events and or activities, inequality continues to be a significant problem in all societies and most workplaces, programs/projects. We identify the perceptual and psychological processes that impact the way that individuals interact with others who are demographically dissimilar from them. As well we examine the psychological processes that impact decision making within our Society, that is the reason we I identified and designed better work Practices/Procedures/Policies which helped more effectively leveraging the potential among employees/volunteers and contactors. In our organization we are uniquely positioned to help participants and stakeholders...
Showing and demonstrating Respect in the Workplace, projects, Programs, and Events include
Treating others with courtesy, politeness, and kindness. Listening to what others have to say before expressing our viewpoints, never speaking over, or interrupting others, listening, and stopping to formulate rebuttals and responses in the mind when there is need to focus on listening to others. Use others' ideas to change or improve. Our employees, volunteers and contractors know, we use their ideas or encourage them to implement those ideas into action to make change. They have been taught never to insult, use name-calling, disparage, or belittle people or their ideas. Not to constantly criticize, judge, demean, or patronize others. A series of seemingly trivial actions added up over time constitutes bullying - We train and talk to our employees/volunteers to be aware of their body language, the tone of voice, demeanor, and expression in all their interactions at work/programs/activities and or events. We ask that they improve their ability to interact with others, Program managers, and supervisors based on the awareness they have...
Determine Respect in the Workplace
Respect can be heard in a person's tone of voice, in their nonverbal communication, body language and in how they address. It can be observed by co-worker or supervisor listening and asking questions to make sure they understand the point of view. We are judged, respected by the way our organization, superiors, and coworkers/volunteers/contractors treat each other. It is apparent in how our organization establishes new rules, policies, and procedures introducing them to employees, volunteers, and contactors and how they are compensated, recognized, and rewarded. Respect has been determined by how often workers, volunteers, and contactors ask our opinion, consult us about any changes that could affect our job prior to implementing them, and delegating meaningful assignments.
Our MOTO to our employees/volunteers/contractors
Create a safer space/environment and always treat people in a respectful the way we would want to be treated. Recognize that, like you, coworkers, reports, and superiors have rights, opinions, wishes, experiences, competence, and they make mistakes, which are simply lessons to be learned. They have similar concerns and insecurities and share the common goal of wanting to perform their jobs successfully. Respect in the workplace breeds a healthy work environment. A professional, respectful work culture encourages productivity and growth. Staff work optimally knowing they are valued and respected for their ideas as well as their role within the GLNS. Respect in the Workplace, Programs, Projects, Activities, and Events foster productivity, growth, and success for our Society.
Diversity and Inclusion at Work
The management of diversity and inclusion has evolved from a focus on compliance to a strategic-level effort with a demonstrated positive impact on an organization's performance. In the current business climate, we strive for both diversity and inclusion, achieving intended business results, which provide the proof that diversity and inclusion are much more than a legal or moral requirement; they are also a competitive advantage. Diversity, inclusion and presenting targeted and high-involvement diversity practices examines diversity in the contexts of teams, leaders, framing diversity in terms of current business and cultural challenges. Our employees/volunteers and contactors identify sources of inclusion, and align inclusion to improve engagement, business results, and determine methods to assess the effectiveness of inclusion initiatives. Fostering an Inclusive Climate - Inclusion is a relational construct. It is ultimately about how our team functions and performs based on the quality of social connections, oneness, and openness to learning, agility, and depth of decision making. The team examines the...
Responsibility to build and maintain a respectful workplace, programs, Projects, Activities, and Events
The responsibilities are shared by everyone in the BC Public Service, others, and that is where GLNS focuses. At Great Lakes Networking Society of B.C we have in place policies, procedures and statements regarding Workplace, Programs, Projects, Activities, and Events behaviours and conducts which require all employees, volunteers, and contractors to behave respectfully, collaboratively and in ways consistent with the BC government's corporate values. For us, Respect is a key requirement for everyone, from artists, performers, audiences, members of the community, our contractors, to even the members of our communities. It promotes teamwork and increases productivity and efficiencies in the workplace, programs, activities, and events. It lets employees/volunteers know they are valued for their abilities, qualities, skills, and achievements, and that their roles are important to the Society's success. Being respected and valued promotes a positive work culture where all concerned are loyal, fulfilled, and motivated to perform at their best for GLNS.
Promoting diversity in the workplace, programs, Projects, Activities, and Events
Helps promote diversity at our Workplace, Programs, Projects, Activities, and Events, focusing on the Cross-cultural communication which is an invaluable skill. We believe that today, more than ever, we are likely to interact professionally with people from different cultural backgrounds. Mutual respect is especially important in the workplace, programs, Projects, Activities, and Events - We ask our employees/volunteers not to display disrespectful or degrading behaviours, that result in a poor workplace culture that is likely to increase employee/volunteer turnover. Encouraging mutual respect help to: Reduce workplace, programs, Projects, Activities, and Events stress, conflict, and problems.
Updates to our Code of Conduct
We Promote a Respectful Workplace, programs, Projects, Activities, and Events... by defining and Communicating expectations. Our Leadership team is the example. We provide employees/volunteers with regular training, to be respectful and communicate appropriately. We provide plans to address accessibility and safety of engagement, including but not limited to physical spaces, cultural safety, affordability, and accommodations for diverse participants especially the underserved communities. Respect in the workplace, programs, Projects, Activities, and Events, meaning respectful behaviour displaying personal integrity and professionalism, practicing fairness, and understanding, demonstrating respect for individual rights, differences and encourage accountability for one's actions. Respectful workplaces, programs, Projects, Activities, and Events do not just happen, we must build it and we did, built it.
Harambecouver 2021 Kick-Off Pancake Breakfast for those in need.
August 27th on Hastings St. We organized and met to provide pancakes and mandazi to those in need of a good feed. Thank you to our volunteers and sponsors for making this all possible. Dr. Charles Quist-Adade and a volunteer assistant to hand out pancakes and mandazi.
Harambecouver Diversity Festival 2021
https://youtu.be/Tw9elFVwi-0