Waterloo Sikh Youth Camp (July 9 to 12)

Summer in Canada means mosquitos, road construction and Sikh youth camps. There's a great one taking place in the GTA this July. The Waterloo Sikh Youth Camp is in its 5th year. Here's an FAQ on the camp put together by the organizers.

FAQS

Q: What is Waterloo Sikh Youth Camp about?

A: This Sikh Youth Camp has been designed to bring all the Youth together to share knowledge of Sikhi and to promote Sikhi to our young future! Camp will be run by YOUTH from all over. Working together we shall achieve an important element in Sikhi, which is Sangat. Including in Sangat, the youth will have inspiring role models who are enthusiastic about instilling the Sikhi spirit within these young minds. With Guru Saahibs kirpa, this is our 5th year and we are growing each and every year!

Previous Camp Audio Recordings: CLICK HERE
Previous Camp Pictures: CLICK HERE

Q: Where is this Gurughar located? Are any of the programs held off site?

A: Address: 2070 Snyder’s Rd East, Petersburg, ON (Near Waterloo/Kitchener, ON)

Full duration of camp is held on site at Kitchener Gurughar Saahib.

Q: What will my child get out by attending this Youth Camp?

A: The opportunity for him/her to bond with other Sikh children of their age and as well, make new friends, learn about Sikhi, and have elder youth role models. Not only will they learn more about Sikhi, but as well as other aspects of life including balanced nutrition and sports education.

Q: I am quite shy, will I fit in?

A: Waterloo Sikh Youth Camp is open to everyone. We as camp sevadaars/volunteers/councilors try our best so each and every single child learns, has fun while learning, and does not feel isolated.

Q: Camp dates this year clash with my school; can I attend three of the four days?

A: Yes, of course! We encourage everyone to attend full duration of the camp but if you cannot due to reasons, you can shorten your stay just as long as the organizers have been informed before the start of the camp! (ie. Notifying us on your Camper Form or emailing us at waterloosikhyouthcamp@gmail.com).

Q: Do I have to stay overnight?

A: No. However, we again encourage Campers and volunteers/sevadaars to stay overnight. We get up at 4:30am amritvela everyday. The company of sangat during morning nitnem/simran/kirtan is PRICELESS!

Q: Do I have to get a Camp Tshirt? I bought one last year, can I use that one?

A: No. However, again we encourage you to do so. It is only a small fee of $10 and it makes everyone welcomed, included, and involved in the camp. We change designs of the T-shirts every year to match the camp theme!

Q: Can I stay with my child at camp? I don’t want to send my kid alone because of security reasons.

A: Parents are allowed to stay during the day with their kids at the camp just as long as they do not directly interfere with camp organization. We do not encourage parents to stay overnight with the kids, but if there are specific reasons we are willing to listen. Let us ensure again to everyone that this camp is fully monitored for inappropriate activities. We have a zero tolerance against any such behaviour at this year’s camp and will act upon the situation with proper proceedings. All kids/councillors will have proper identification, those that do not will be questioned if they are interfering with the Camp.

Q: Any rules for camp?

A: Rules, Rules, rules! Like any other camp, we ALL need to follow guidelines. Most of these apply not only to campers, but as well as Camp Sevadaars, Councillors and Volunteers.

• No fighting, swearing, inappropriate activity. You will not be given any warnings and will be asked to leave with your parents contacted.
• Under no circumstances are males allowed to visit female rooms or vice-versa. We know we use these rooms for workshops/kirtans, this rule applies between 9pm-9am.
• Campers are not permitted to drive or ride in private cars or any type of motor vehicles except under the supervision or authorization of a counseling staff member.
• Participants may not interfere with any security system or tamper with locks in student rooms and other areas.
• Lights out at 10:30pm. Anyone seen outside their sleeping areas after this time will be questioned by security and questioned.
• Guests and visitors (parents and other immediate family members) must inform the head sevadars and check in. Day visitors are not allowed in the sleeping area.
• No pets of any shape or form are allowed at the camp.
• Because of the potential danger to others and property, vandalism and pranks will not be permitted.
• The Camp reserves the right to dismiss any participant for improper dress, conduct, language, or attitude which, in the judgment of the Co-ordinators, is deemed detrimental to the other participants or smooth operation of the camp.
• The obvious to state is this camp is held at Gurughar Saahib.

If anyone has any questions or concerns they would like to have addressed, please do not hesitate to contact us.

WSYC Sevadaars,

Vaheguruu ji ka khalsa, Vaheguruu ji ki fateh

Edmonton Police Officer Overcomes Abuse

An inspiring story from the Edmonton Sun about how individual overcame domestic abuse.

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Before Namrata “Mona” Gill became a city police officer she endured beatings and belittling from her husband, eventually seeking refuge in a women’s shelter with her young daughter.

But as a Sikh woman from India, where divorce is frowned upon, it was far from easy to escape her arranged marriage.

“It takes a lot of courage,” said Gill, 39, Thursday.

Language barriers, a lack of family support and cultural differences make it especially difficult for immigrant females to leave abusive relationships, Gill said.

The first shelter for immigrant women in Canada opened its doors in Edmonton Monday. The five-bedroom shelter – WIN House III - is staffed with multi-lingual workers 24 hours a day.

Gill said she is amazed to see the centre open but says more are needed. Already the shelter’s 10 beds are full, said Sandra Danco, executive director of Edmonton Women’s Shelters.

The $500,000 project was funded through Alberta Children and Youth Services, Ministry of Culture and Community Spirit and private donations.

As a police officer, Gill said she speaks with women experiencing abuse daily just as she did.

Gill spent six years in a marriage where she worked unpaid up to 15 hours a day in her husband’s convenience store. He beat her, leaving bruises everywhere on her body – except her face, and was nearly raped.

Her dream of a career in law enforcement was squashed by her partner. But Gill says she was one of the lucky ones - as she had parental support.

With the help of her parents, Gill left and took refuge in a women’s shelter. For more than a month, a WIN House shelter was home with her four-year-old daughter Anmol Gill Sandhu.

Gill speaks openly about her abuse with the hope she can help others in similar situations.

Last month, Namrata - a National Film Board of Canada documentary about Mona’s struggle - was released.

“I know it will help a lot of women, but even if I can help one,” said Gill, a 911 dispatcher.

One of the first things Gill did after leaving her husband was apply to become a police officer. Nearly 10 years ago her dream came true.

“It’s your life. You can do what you want instead of someone controlling it. If I can do it anybody can do it.”

kristy.brownlee@sunmedia.ca

Save Punjab Night in Surrey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 18, 2010

SAVE PANJAB – A NIGHT TO INSPIRE POSITIVE CHANGE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

[Surrey, BC] – The launch of the Save Panjab campaign and a night of entertainment and education will be held on Saturday May 22, 2010 from 6:00pm-9:00pm at the North Delta Secondary School Auditorium. The event will move to discuss the problems facing Panjab in today’s world and what we as a diaspora community can do to inspire positive change.

The keynote speaker for the evening is Harinder Singh, Director of the Sikh Research Institute based in San Antonio, Texas. Harinder Singh is a world renowned Sikh scholar that is respected for the dedication, research and programs he has coordinated both domestically and internationally. His primary focus will be the water issue in Panjab and how this situation has come to be. Renowned Panjabi folk singer Ranvir Dosanjh will be performing selected tracks from his newly released CD “Inqulab” which focuses on Panjab’s cultural and historic traditions. Additionally, families can expect a very entertaining and educational event with internationally renowned artists performing cultural songs, students from Gurdeep Arts performing a routine/skit on the issues of Panjab and various videos and music related to the culture of Panjab.

Panjab is at a crucial point in its history, a time perhaps like no other. Dwindling water resources and alarmingly high suicide rates amongst the states farmers have brought Panjab to a point where the Earth Institute at Columbia University has stated that water resources in Panjab may be completely depleted within the next 10-15 years.

“Panjab’s water resources are dwindling by the day and unfortunately there is not enough being done about it,” said Moninder Singh from the Save Panjab campaign. “Be it discriminatory governmental policies against the state of Panjab or the misuse of groundwater and crop selection, the bottom line is every Panjabi, regardless of caste or religion, should be very worried about this. If the land of 5 rivers has had over 50,000 Panjabi farmers commit suicide in the last 2 decades due to lack of water affecting their agricultural output and therefore them not being able to feed their families, there is something seriously wrong.”

Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own ideas for a positive and educational response to the current crisis. This will truly be a family oriented program with the culture of Panjab being displayed in the positive light that it so rightly deserves.

For further information, please visit www.savepanjab.org or call 1-604-302-3345 / 604-833-4550.

Khalsa Camp 2010 (UK)

Makes me want to go..


Khalsa Camp 2010 from Video Singh on Vimeo.

Job Opportunities with Khalsa School Calgary

Khalsa School Calgary is an educational institution that aspires to provide academic excellence by maintaining a spiritual environment which instills the highest standard of moral and humanitarian values.

Khalsa School Calgary currently has two career opportunities for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year:

• Gurmat and Punjabi Teacher
• Kirtan Teacher

The teachers will be responsible for:

• Leading and Guiding their respective programs to achieve overall school objectives and ensure adequate resources are in place.
• Ensuring that the curriculum, teaching methods and community participation are in conformance with the teachings of Sikhism.
• Implementing and following their respective curriculums and further defining and improving their programs
• Working with students to develop their abilities towards their respective programs

Successful candidate:

• Must be a Gursikh (Baptized Sikh) and live with the values, traditions and teachings of Sikhism according to Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
• Will be teaching classes ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 8
• Must be an influential communicator who is fluent in English and Punjabi and either possess advanced music and instrumental skills, or advanced speaking, reading and writing skills in the Punjabi language.
• Must have the ability to translate English documents into Punjabi
• A hard working visionary who can think through the process, seek advice when needed and make appropriate decisions.

Educational Requirement:

• A Bachelor of Education degree from a recognized post secondary institution
• Teaching experience is required.

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to send in their cover letters and résumés, indicting the job they are applying for before May 28, 2010 to careers@khalsaschoolcalgary.ca

We thank all applicants however only successful candidates will be notified. Please visit us at www.khalsaschoolcalgary.ca for more information.

Canadian Sikhs Wonder: Are Some Canadians More Equal Than Others?

Are Some Canadians More Equal Than Others?

Ottawa – (May 13, 2010): Canadian Sikhs are wondering, why the double standard? While violence and looting in Montreal last night after the victory of the Montreal Canadiens over the Pittsburgh Penguins has been attributed to a “small” group of 500 individuals, the entire Canadian Sikh community has been smeared by certain politicians and media as violent and prone to extremism due to the irresponsible comments and actions of a few.

After the Canadiens’ playoff victory, 50,000 fans poured on to Montreal streets and a mob of approximately 500 started throwing bottles at police and smashed the windows of three downtown stores. Effigies of Penguins’ star Sydney Crosby were also burnt. Despite the violence and looting, Montreal police assistant director Sylvain Brouillette congratulated the fans who came out to celebrate the Canadiens’ victory and said “It was only about 500 out of 50,000 who took part in criminal acts.”

Quebec Premier Jean Charest stated, “This isn’t about hockey. Let’s be clear, these people are not interested in the Montreal Canadiens. Unfortunately they are only interested in trashing things. It’s too bad because it casts a shadow a bit over events.”
This measured and moderate response in response to the violence in Montreal that led to at least 41 arrests, is in stark contrast to the reaction to recent events in the Sikh community in which a lone irresponsible radio statement and a few offensive comments posted online resulted in a firestorm of hysteria amongst some politicians and media, smearing the entire community as being prone to violence and extremism.

In contrast to the events in Montreal, every year tens of thousands of Sikhs gather for Vaisakhi parades across Canada. Crowds top 100,000 in Surrey and Mississauga. These are fun-filled, well organized and peaceful events in which not even one incident of violence has been ever reported. Vaisakhi parades are funded entirely by the Sikh community without any government assistance. Thousands of people are generously fed for free over an event that lasts several hours. And when the event is over, the city streets are left cleaner than when the event started.

WSO Canada President Prem Singh Vinning said, “Any violence is absolutely unacceptable. But unlike the response to the situation in Montreal where the media and politicians have recognized that Canadiens fans as a whole are not to be blamed for the looting and vandalism, it’s disappointing that the same reasonable approach wasn’t applied to recent events in the Sikh community. Some opportunistic individuals have vilified the entire community based on the actions of a few and all Canadian Sikh are paying the price.”

The irresponsible smear campaign against the Sikh community has resulted in a marked rise in anti-Sikh sentiment. Bigoted and discriminatory comments against the Sikh community, some going so far as to call for violence against Sikhs, are now widespread on the internet on various mainstream media and social networking sites. However those who were quick to create an uproar over the alleged rise in “extremism” in the Sikh community seem unconcerned by the recent backlash and rise in intolerance towards Canadian Sikhs. Why the double standard?

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of the Sikh Diaspora, as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, and social and economic status. (Link)

South Asian Youth Leadership Retreat: 29 May 2010

If you identify yourself as a youth of South Asian descent, age between 14-25, and are interested in developing leadership skills, CASSA and the City of Toronto are pleased to invite you to attend our Youth Leadership Retreat coming up on Saturday, 29 May 2010 at Cedarbrook Community Centre, 91 Eastpark Blvd, Toronto, ON M1H 1C6.

We will be offering a number of workshops on how to build up your leadership skills and bring positive changes in your communities. Topics include but not limited to nurturing leadership skills, conflict resolution, informative sessions on youth rights and opportunities, documentary screening etc.

Registration is free! Attendees will receive a certificate of participation. Lunch will be provided. For registration and queries, please contact nafisa.tanjeem@cassa.on.ca or 416-932-1359X11.

Click here to view the flyer.

Delhi 1984 by Sunny Brar

25 years after the fact, it seems like 1984 has turned into an acceptable topic for average Punjabi singers. Here's a new song by on the Delhi anti-Sikh programs by Sunny Brar.

Seattle Sikh Retreat 2010

Comin' at ya May 28-31, 2010, the Seattle Sikh Retreat is back for its fifth year! Sikhi, Gurbani, Sports, Kirtan, and Sangat. What more could you ask for? This year's theme is "Ice The Vice"

Bhai Kultar Singh in Calgary

Bhai KULTAR Singh Ji

Hazuri Ragi - Gurdwara Sees Ganj and Bangla Sahib, Delhi Valay

Monday May 10 to Sunday May 16, 2010
At Guru Ram Das Darbar, Calgary AB

Bhai Kultar Singh Ji is the son of world famous Keertanee, Bhai Avtar Singh Jee, who performed keertan for over 60 years. He was the eleventh generation of Raagees in his family history that have a lineage that dates back to the 16th Century in India, when Bhai Sahib’s oldest ancestors performed Keertan in the darbar of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Jee.

Bhai Kultar Singh is still carrying on that tradition and performs Keertan in Gurmat Sangeet style, using the Raags chosen by the Guru's for each Shabad.

Bhai Kultar Singh's Jatha will be performing Keertan in Calgary from May 10 to 16, 2010.
Please come to enjoy the beautiful Keertan and the wonderful opportunity to hear Bhai Kultar Singh Jee.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
Monday to Thursday: Guru Ram Das Darbar 7 to 8PM
Friday: Sikh Society 7 to 8PM
Saturday: Guru Ram Das Darbar 7 to 8PM
Sunday: Guru Ram Das Darbar 11 to 11:45AM
Sunday: Sikh Society 12:15 to 1PM

Sikh Art Therapist Rapinder Kaur

Therapeutic art arrives in Dufferin
Adam Martin-Robbins


Helping through art:. Registered art therapist Rapinder Kaur opened a practice, Art as Therapy, at the Harmony Health Clinic on Highway 9 last fall. Kaur specializes in working with children and teens with a myriad of challenges including ADHD, anxiety, autism, depression and low self-esteem.

Those walking into Rapinder Kaur's office in the Harmony Health Clinic for the first time might think they've accidentally stepped into an artist's studio. After all it's stocked with paintbrushes, paint, markers and playdough. That's because, while she's not an artist, those tools are central to Kaur's work as a registered art therapist.

“It’s essentially psychotherapy but instead of just relying on vocal means, you’re using art as a medium,” she said. “What it doesn’t require is you to be an artist in the traditional sense.”

Kaur opened her local practice — Art as Therapy — at the clinic inside the ACTS fitness centre last September. Her clients use basic art materials such as clay, collage, paint and markers “in a freer, spontaneous way to express inner thoughts and feelings.”

“It works really well with children because it’s non-threatening,” Kaur said. “It’s a much more friendly way of working with children. … (Because) difficult feelings are often hard to express through words.”

In addition to young children, Kaur also works with teens and their families in a broad range of areas including anger issues, low self-esteem, ADHD, autism or Asperger’s.

She also works with families who are going through a divorce, as well as adults looking for a mental tune-up.

“We all have mental health (issues),” Kaur said. “In the way we think of looking at physical health — exercise, eating better foods — this can be seen as health for your mind.”

Kaur studied psychology in England and worked in a few facilities there before moving to Canada with her parents several years ago. When Kaur arrived in Ontario, she decided to specialize in art therapy.

That’s because when she worked with troubled teens in a psychiatric hospital in England, the kids hated almost all of their doctors, except the art therapist.

“It was a much more friendly way of working with them,” the 31-year-old said.

Kaur enrolled in the Toronto Art Therapy Institute, which was established in 1968 by Dr. Martin Fischer, who is one of the founding fathers of the field in Canada.

“It’s still a fairly new profession (in Canada),” she said. “It’s more established in the United Kingdom and the United States.”

Kaur, who also has a practice in Mississauga, set up shop locally — two days a week — after working with different organizations in Dufferin for about five years.

“I heard there was a real need to have a therapist that has a specialty in working with children and teens,” she said. “I’ve been working with youth and children for 10 years in a number of facilities.”

One of the issues Kaur sees cropping up among local youth is anxiety, which affects about 12 per cent of the younger population.

“People often think it’s ADHD or autism but it’s anxiety,” she said.

Among teens, Kaur said she also notices kids are struggling with a sense of identity.

“They’re thinking about the future and that can be really frightening for them,” she said. Sometimes the solution is to open up the lines of communication between parents and children, she added.

“Often there’s not that dialogue between parents and teens ... because of that there’s lots of behaviour, anger, anxiety,” Kaur said. “For teens, their brains are still developing and they need just as much guidance as when they are three, or four or five.”

A typical session begins with a warm-up activity to set the tone and then, depending on what the client is feeling, Kaur will provide some kind of art-based directive.

“After about 20 odd minutes, we will look at the art together and discuss it,” she explained. “What we’re really doing is trying to help the individual come to understand what it means for them. … There’s no judgment here. This isn’t an art class in the traditional sense.”

In addition to working with clients at her office, Kaur also conducts sessions at a number of local agencies including Family Transition Place (FTP) and Dufferin Child and Family Services.

Stephanie Robinson, a community counsellor at FTP, has been working with Kaur for about three years in the shelter’s Peaceful Families program. She says Kaur has been able to connect with some of the children in the program because of her methods and her approach.

“A lot of what she does is with kids who’ve experienced a lot of conflict in their homes,” Robinson said. “(Art therapy) gives them another way of letting out what’s going on and helps to open up some of the barriers.

“It’s Rapinder’s personality. … She’s got a very level-headed approach and she’s very direct. She has a way of asking questions non-judgmentally that opens up so much more. She works really well with kids with difficult issues.”

For more information about her practice, visit www.Artastherapy.ca or call 519-940-3600.

Link

Feminine Principle in the Sikh Vision

In her talk, Nikky Singh addresses the disjunct between the feminist Sikh sacred text and its patriarchal social context. The scripture is the core of Sikh religion: it is the basis of their philosophy, centre of their rituals and ceremonies, and the grounding of their personal life. And this scripture has great significance for women -- both from a theological and psychological perspective. However, in the everyday sphere, arranged marriages, dowry, female feticides, honor codes, and other oppressive customs prevail. Globalism is creating a whole new set of patriarchal burdens for the community.