Adiel Cohen, an Israeli influencer and activist, shares his insights on the challenges and potential pathways for reconciliation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He also offers his perspective on the rise of pro-Palestinian protests and the BDS movement in Western countries.
On a Friday morning in a small Milton-Parc appartment, we gratefully interviewed Maïtée Labrecque-Saganash. Maïtée is an activist, author, animator, political figure and proud community member of Waswanipi First Nation. She grew up in Quebec city, but spent most of her summers connecting with community and the land where she feels most at home in Waswanipi, which is situated around the middle of Quebec. She now writes for The Nation magazine, which addresses Cree news. Her father, Romeo Saganash was a federal MP for the New Democratic Party in the Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou riding in northern Quebec, serving the party between 2011-2019. Beyond her writing and political work, Maïtée is actively involved in the wellness and advocacy for her nation, along with that of other Indigenous nations in Canada and around the world.
In this episode, Lina, Zack and Yussif sit down with Zeyad Abisab, former General Coordinator of SPHR Concordia (Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights), to discuss his journey as an activist and the impact of grassroots movements. Zeyad reflects on his upbringing, the role of family and mentors in shaping his activism, and the ongoing challenges faced by the Palestinian youth movement. From mass mobilizations to strikes, Zad highlights the importance of storytelling, community solidarity, and media in combating misconceptions. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the fight for justice and how young activists continue to push boundaries for change.
In this episode, Antonio, Tania and Camila interview Nelly from climate justice Montreal. She discusses what Climate Justice Montreal does and her role in this movement. She also gives activist advice, from her experience in the activist world.
This interview, hosted by Saraluz Barton-Gomez, Naia Ballman, and Samuel Gold, introduces Montreal activist, SCPA alum, and law student, Jay Sallos-Carter, exploring their story as an activist. The conversation touches on a variety of movements and moments that have been fundamental to their work. We begin by exploring their initial forays into activism through the Occupy Wall Street movement and its manifestations across Canada and make our way through their experience in Queer spaces and, most importantly, their work on Defund-Fest and abolitionist projects much more broadly. With moments of laughter, contemplation, and reflections on society, this podcast highlights the impact that one person can have on their community, and that community can have on a person.
This episode features Mia Kennedy for an episode “Food for thought,” where we take a deep dive into the pressing issue of food insecurity Canadians are facing. Kennedy takes us through some of her inactivates she has participated in such as “Atwater Community Pantry” project, and a new start up campaign “fed-up”, as well as how she got to where she is today. Student life is a hot topic and how other activists can get involved while maintaining commitments to other aspects of their lives. The group also digs up some interesting conversations around policy and future movements towards this issue. Join us as we explore policy and activism, we hope to inspire others to take action on social issues.
Anna Kryzynzki is a beacon of positivity, with a lifelong commitment to various activist movements. Beginning with feminism and student activism, she has since embraced anarchism. Her fervor for political engagement is contagious, motivating those around her. Batiment 7 stands as a prime example of a community-driven effort to reclaim what was rightfully theirs, demonstrating the power of grassroots organizing and resistance. While this project highlights her contributions to Batiment 7, Anna's journey throughout her career remains an inspiring story of dedication, growth, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Description: Angelica Antonakopoulos is the academic coordinator at the Arts and Science Federation of Associations (ASFA) here at Concordia University. In this role, Angelica was originally tasked with campus upkeep, planning fun spirit week activities, and coordinating writing workshops. However, in October 2023, everything changed as Quebec announced its plan to massively increase tuition for out-of-province students. Within this podcast, Angelica discusses how her role at ASFA shifted entirely as she jumped into mobilizing against these tuition hikes. Here, Angelica delves into her activism before university, her motivations for participating in student mobilization, and the impact these efforts had on her goals, perceptions, relationships, and activism.
Mostafa Henaway is a community organizer and advocate for migrant and temporary foreign workers' rights at the Immigrant Workers Center in Montreal. With over two decades of experience, he has tirelessly fought for social justice and labor equity. A researcher, PhD candidate at Concordia University, and author of Essential Work, Disposable Workers: Migration, Capitalism and Class, Mostafa brings a critical lens to the challenges faced by migrants under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP). In this interview, he discusses the systemic struggles these workers endure, the exploitation they often face in the workplace, and the campaigns aimed at securing their labor rights.
In this episode, we sit down with Koby Rogers Hall, an artist and activist whose journey has been profoundly shaped by her upbringing as a "dip brat," traveling extensively in her youth. These experiences, exposing her to diverse cultures and injustices from a young age, ignited her passion for performance arts and migrant justice. It led her to working with the Immigrant Justice Center, building artist-run spaces, and pursuing interdisciplinary work. Now, as an advocate for radical mothering and collective care, Kobycreates spaces for resilience and solidarity, offering a unique lens into the intersection of creativity and social change.
Our interviewee is Samuel Vanzin, graduating student of the school of community and public affairs who was an activist during the Quebec student protests of 2012 while studying at the Cégep du Vieux Montréal. This interview discusses a look back at the 2012 Quebec student protests, their impact on Quebec politics and education, as well as where the movement is today. He also touches on recent and past struggles with keeping the movement alive to this day, despite COVID making it harder to gather.
Finally, we learn about Samuel's life and activist journey and what led him to become the activist he is today.
Join us for an insightful episode delving into the life experiences of Michael Frakas, a creative individual who uses his music and education to fuel activism within the Little Burgundy community, known for its crucial role in black culture in Montreal, Quebec.
Please be aware that this interview is done in French and English, covering sensitive topics like race, identity, drugs, and violence.
CONTENT WARNING: this podcast contains swearing and language concerning race that some may find offensive.
This episode presents an insightful interview with Vlada Polischuk, a dedicated Ukrainian activist who strongly advocates for the freedom of Ukraine. Vlada's childhood experiences served as a source of motivation for her fight for justice. Vlada works primarily from Montreal but takes every opportunity to travel to Ukraine, where she fights for various initiatives on the ground. "What I am doing is what we are supposed to do as civilians," she says, emphasizing the importance of her work beyond geographical limitations. Come along as we explore the complex picture of Vlada's life, her unwavering efforts to improve Ukraine, and her stance that collective action is a responsibility shared by all.
Links
-Vlada’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/f72404a0
- Denis Khrystoff Evacuation of civilians from tough locations. He also films a lot and shares English subtitles paypal:denisrudi83@gmail.com https://instagram.com/denis_khrystoff?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==
- Artem Fysun a devoted volunteer. Brings aid there and provides full visibility (He will share his link) https://instagram.com/artem_fysun?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==
- Unbroken Ukraine Prosthetics and medical aid for civilians including kids and military https://unbroken.org.ua/donate - Virni Zavzhdy (Loyal forever)
-To support families who have their loved ones in Russian captivity https://instagram.com/virni_zavzhdy?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==
They can also write a message of support to Anastasia Ordynska who has her husband in captivity for over a year and a half https://instagram.com/nastyaordynska?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==
- Second Front Ukraine Foundation Does a lot of work in support of Ukraine Based in Canada: https://secondfrontukraine.com/
In this episode, we interview the one and only Ted Rutland, associate professor at Concordia, about the Defund the Policemovement. Rutland has helped in the creation of the Defund the Police Coalition, and has published two books on the subject of crime and racial discrimination in Montreal. In this episode filled with personal stories, insightful examples, and unfiltered facts, we touch on what defunding the police would look like in Montreal, on what needs to be changed politically for that change to come about, and on how the media and ‘’copaganda’’ has affected the common perception of the police. We hope you enjoy this very informative episode!
In this episode, Adam Yahav, and Sawyer Kiernan-Parsons interview Concordia University PHD student T Braun to discuss the expression of gender identity in virtual reality spaces. The interview also takes a dive in Braun’s extensive history in drag performance, using drag as a resistance to the gender binary and as a vessel for their activism.
In this episode, Rylee and Eleanore talk to Celeste Trianon, Transfeminist jurist & activist - about her experiences with law school, activism, and navigating the internet as a trans person fighting for her community. All this is in face of, or perhaps in response to, the growing presence of anti-trans ideologies in Canada.
For information about the name change clinic: https://celeste.lgbt/en/
To follow Celeste and get updates on events:https://www.instagram.com/celestetrianon/?hl=en
This interview sheds light on the career of Suzan Simatos, a lifetime of learning, educating and empowering. She used her personal experience to become an educator fighting against human rights violations specifically related to children, First Nation, Inuit, and Metis people. Sue spent her career at LBPSC where she created a legacy that inspired many generations to learn, grow, and build meaningful reciprocal relationships. She created a framework for integrating indigenous history in the across the schoolboard by practicing gratitude, teaching the Great Law of Peace, and educating students about the Indigenous way of life. Sue participated in the Truth and Reconciliation commission process with her students and is passionate about implementing the 94 Calls to Action as a way of reconciliation and healing the generational trauma of Indigenous people.
In this episode, we share with you our guest’s story as an inspiring force for change, challenging norms and fostering social justice in our community. We had the pleasure and great opportunity to meet and get-to-know John Davids, a dynamic individual that is consistently keen to expand his knowledge base and demonstrates a genuine passion for learning. Having grown up in countries around the world, he is now putting his capabilities into a push for positive change in Montreal; John is currently working to contextualize the lives and experiences of Black anglophones at the Black Community Resource Center in Côte-des-Neiges. Without further ado, here’s our enlightening conversation with John Davids.
Veronica Jane “Vero” Bertiz joins Jon Marvin and Ariel at Concordia University for a conversation about intersectional activism through the lens of her lived experiences. Title inspired by Vero’s own podcast “Everything’s Political” (“Lahat Konektado” in Tagalog), this episode explores the realities of Filipinx community facing queer intersectionality and racism in Montreal. As an active community organizer, outspoken radio host, and passionate paralegal, Vero voices out the ongoing challenges of homonormativity, colonial mentality, and disturbing invisibility within her cultural community.Zine prepared by Jon Marvin Reyes and Ariel Pereira-Brunner:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFzuHH3fnw/ja_UlsHd6qjB7cCNp9MXgQ/watch
Stay connected with Vero:
Vero’s podcast – https://www.instagram.com/lahat_konektado_podcast/
Centre Kapwa – https://www.centrekapwa.org
Radyo Kapwa – https://ckut.ca/playlists/RY
In this episode, Silvia, Paula, and Martin have the pleasure of interviewing Carlos Arco. Through a series of questions regarding his life experience, the interviewers are able to explore how Carlos Arco carries out his activism through his passion for art. This conversation is a reminder that there is more than one way to be an activist and make a difference in one's own community. It also helps shed light on how activism can be part of one's own passion.
