Workshop Schedule

Regional Facilitator

Amber Alexander, Calgary

Amber will be joining the Defining Moments team from Calgary, Alberta. She has partnered with dozens of organizations, schools and professional theatre and artist professionals across the world helping to educate, encourage and inspire through the arts. Using various artistic methods, she is able to assist in providing a safe atmosphere for positive and constructive growth amongst individuals while exploring delicate social based issues. She has acted as a facilitator for the creation of numerous original multi art projects, which explored such topics as bullying, peer pressure, abusive relationships and racism. Amber is thrilled to be on board as a regional facilitator for the Defining Moments Project and is proud to be working with an organization who will be responsible for providing these invaluable opportunities for youth across Canada.

Katie MacDonald, Edmonton

Katie MacDonald is currently a PhD student in Sociology at the University of Alberta. Her research interests centre on the experiences of Canadians will in Nicaragua. After completing her undergraduate degree at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB, Katie did a Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies at York University and a Masters of Education at York University. Katie also spends her time volunteering with a Toronto based NGO called Good Evidence, working with Intercordia Canada and with her two delightful cats. Katie loves feminism, engaged pedagogy and thinking about better ways to be in the world.

Workshop Schedule

Regional Facilitator

Negar Omid, Vancouver

Negar is doing her MSc in the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia. Her focus is on nutritional epidemiology, and more specifically, on how it can be applied in international settings. Negar has travelled and volunteered throughout parts of Europe, Eastern Africa, and the Middle East working on issues such as HIV/AIDS, food security, and access to essential medicines.

Community Facilitator

Alexandria Mitchell, Abbotsford

Alexandria is a community catalyst advocating for citizen engagement and sustainability initiatives across British Columbia. Mitchell's background in film and television, in addition to her passion for community action and commonsense solutions, allows her to speak to organizations, decision makers, and businesses on integrated approaches to community sustainability, youth volunteerism, and political advocacy. After being a delegate at the COP 15 UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen, she was inspired to look specifically at energy issues in Canada and around the world. Alex is involved in many projects as a Communications Manager and develops social media strategies for campaigns and non-profit organizations. She is also on the Fraser Basin Council's Air Quality/Climate Change Task Force, and on the Board of the BC Rural Network. As she pursues a degree in International Relations and Commerce at UBC, Alexandria advocates for social and economic issues pertaining to smart growth and regional economical development in small communities.

Dhaneva Panday, Vancouver

I am a fun-loving chic geek whose passionate about working with youth in any capacity where I can provide a positive experience. I strongly believe in education and advocacy and volunteering with TakingITGlobal for this neat project combines my love of history and art with my desire to make a difference.

Pamela Hamilton, Victoria

Pamela Hamilton, is a youth counsellor in the Victoria B.C. community, she has a degree in Child and Youth Care from the University of Victoria. She is passionate about engaging with youth and supporting them to find their strengths and overcome barriers.

Pamela is a self-taught artist, who paints with acrylics and makes vintage inspired jewellery which she sell's locally. Most recently Pamela participated in a mixed media and collage class and loved the freedom and expression this unique style of art offers. Pamela is excited to be a facilitator for the Defining Moments project because she is enthusiastic about connecting with the community, engaging with people from other parts of the world and using art as a tool to facilitate relationships.

Tasman Lacroix, Richmond

Hi! I'm Taz from the West coast of Canada eh!! I've been a member of TIG for 10 years and excited to be part of the Defining Moments project! My most memorable Canadian moment was when Pierre Elliott Trudeau was elected to parliament as Canada's Prime Minister. I'm very interested in how our democracy works so much so that I studied political science at Concordia University and was involved with Apathy Is Boring while studying in Montreal. Currently I work for the City of Vancouver in community services and gearing up to celebrate Vancouver's 125th birthday. I enjoy traveling and recently returned from a trip to Australia. Je parle français et bonne été tout le monde!

Tim Krupa, Kelowna

Tim's an outgoing, conscientious, and creative third year science student at UBC Okanagan focusing in Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Upon graduation, he intends to study medicine and specialize in neurology or pediatric cardiology. Tim's other passions include politics, philosophy, children, traveling, the environment, and anything athletic.

Workshop Schedule

Regional Facilitator

Andraea Sartisan, Winnipeg

Andraea Sartison is originally from Alberta but moved across the prairies two years ago to Winnipeg. Since then she has been busy working in the arts as a publicist and administrator and helping to organize events as large as the Royal Tour, the NHL return to Winnipeg party and the River Barge Festival. All of this in between acting for local theatre companies like Manitoba Theatre for Young People where she also teaches, and creating new interdisciplinary performances with her company One Trunk Collective.

Michelle Amos, Winnipeg

My name is Michelle Amos and I am a First Nations woman from a small community called Little Saskatchewan. I currently reside in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I graduated from a Technical Vocational High School in 2007 and I went to the University of Winnipeg for 2 years to obtain my Bachelor of Arts. Now I work full-time for the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg (ACW) as a Youth Intern. My job at the ACW includes working with urban youth and the community. We attend events for networking and assist youth with resources, schooling, volunteering opportunities, employment and just someone to talk to. I am also a single mother of my now 9 year old daughter Jayden. She is my motivation for achievements and goals I have set and obtained. I enjoy taking her out to attend traditional events and activities in the community. I believe family is the most important support system anyone can have; just by being family oriented motivates me to accomplish more towards building a strong future for my daughter and myself. My top goal career wise is to become Chief of my reservation Little Saskatchewan First Nation. A voice is what my home community has and it's up to us to put ourselves out there and be heard.

Workshop Schedule

Regional Facilitator

Janet Ramsay, Bathurst

Hi! Bonjour! My name is Janet Ramsay and I am a 27 year old educator from Bathurst, NB. Two of my passions in life are teaching and traveling. Both keep my energy levels charged and remind me of how proud I am to be Canadian! I am excited to be a part of the Defining Moments project and look forward to working with the youth of my region. NB Youth: Come out and show what it means to be Canadian!!

Samantha Hodder, Fredericton

Samantha Hodder of Fredericton, NB is passionate about making a positive impact on the world. She has worked and volunteered in Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador on issues related to poverty, gender, leadership, education, and the environment. She has two degrees from the University of New Brunswick, (Leadership and Science), where she is currently employed, working on intercultural education projects.

Workshop Schedule

Regional Facilitator

Danielle Parrott, Harbour Breton

Danielle is currently employed by the Hr Breton Community Youth Network working as an Information Outreach Coordinator, promoting youth employment programs and services offered through the Dept. of HRLE. She loves working with youth, assisting them with their future career choices. Danielle looks forward to the opportunities that lie ahead with TIG.

Workshop Schedule

Regional Facilitator

Justin Dubreuil, Halifax

Justin is a graduate of the Neptune Theatre Pre-Professional Training program and the N.S.C.C.-Recreation Management program. He has been working with youth in a multitude of capacities since 1999. Involved within the Youth Project Society, a resource and support centre for LGBT youth, Justin became their Community Educator in 2010. "I'm proud of all of the amazing work we do within the LGBT communities throughout Nova Scotia."

Justin is thrilled to be involved with TakingItGlobal and part of the Defining Moments project as Regional Facilitator for N.S., "I'm excited to hear from youth and to get them involved within their communities."

"Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men hold guns than holding hands?" - Ernest Gaines

Workshop Schedule

Regional Facilitator

Allen Auksaq, Iqaluit

Allen Auksaq is a 24-year-old young Inuk who grew up in Igloolik, Nunavut, but now lives in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Allen was heavily involved with youth issues and was elected to Igloolik Hamlet council at 18. He has worked as a television reporter for CBC North TV, produced a television series, substitute taught at elementary and high school, and represented Inuit youth in regional, territorial and national conferences and workshops. Allen is a graduate of high school and Nunavut Sivuniksavut, a college program affiliated with Algonquin College in Ottawa.

Samantha Tugak-Brown, Rankin Inlet

Samantha is an Inuk from Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Samantha moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba to pursue a post secondary education. She received her 2 year diploma from the Aboriginal Self-Government program at Red River College and is enrolled at the University of Winnipeg working on her Aboriginal Governance Degree. Samantha is a member of the youth group Empowering Aboriginal Youth In Leadership and Governance (EAYGL) as well as the Manitoba Urban Inuit Association (MUIA). Samantha is a proud mother to twin girls, and a throat singer and embraces her Inuit culture. She enjoys sewing, singing, and learning. Samantha has a passion for helping others and hopes to become a politician in Nunavut once she completes her education.

Workshop Schedule

Regional Facilitator

Carmen Braden, Yellowknife

Originally from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Carmen Braden is a composer, performer, sound designer, and acoustic ecologist. She received the International Baccalaureate from Lester B. Pearson United World College, and has a Bachelor of Music from Acadia University. Carmen is a working musician with a love for the sonic environment. Her interest in local, national and global soundscapes has led her to create music influenced by the people she has met and places she has lived and visited. Other interests include jazz piano, SCUBA diving, international travel, carpentry and vocal music from the 16th Century. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Carmen is particularly happy when spending time in nature, particularly on a frozen lake recording sounds of the ice cracking.

Krystal M. Shaben, Yellowknife

I am 23 years old and have lived in Yellowknife for twenty of those years. I graduated from Mount Royal University's Broadcasting program in 2010 and have since been working at one of our High Schools while I get my own business up and running. I love to work on volunteer projects, especially if they involve media of any kind. Some of my volunteer work from the past includes the Poverty Forum in Calgary, the World Skills Competition, the National Skills Competition, the Army Cadet Program in Yellowknife, and much more. I also sit on the NWT Skills Board of Directors where I am greatly involved in the Try-A-Trade event for our regional and territorial events. I am looking forward to what the coming months will bring with this project and getting our Northern Youth involved!

Workshop Schedule

Regional Facilitator

Jeff Clemens, Cambridge

Fresh from a 5000km road trip across Canada, Jeff is back in his hometown of Cambridge, Ontario planning his next adventure. In between past travels, he's worked to create fun and captivating events on behalf of Engineers Without Borders and OXFAM. When it's time to relax, you'll most likely find him in the forest, on a baseball diamond, or singing songs around a campfire.

Megan Wark, Ottawa

I'm Megan and my two passions are teaching and exploring. I have taught everything from English to how to paddle a canoe. Why I really love teaching is that I get to meet so many interesting people and hear their perspectives and stories. I love to explore countries, cities and nature whenever possible. One of my favourite trips was biking from Ottawa to Halifax.

Community Facilitator

Amy Peebles, Toronto

Amy Peebles is a community planner by passion and profession. She is the Creative Director of Urban Synergies, a small consulting practice that specializes in arts and culture based community engagement and collaborative practice. Amy has traveled extensively in South East Asia and the Caribbean and has just recently gotten back from working in Georgetown, Guyana as a Community Development Planner for the Central Housing and Planning Authority. Aside from work, Amy is an avid believer of taking the bull by its horns and approaches life with a hunger for knowledge and understanding. Amy is tremendously excited about being involved in the Defining Moments Project. She believes it is this opportunity for dialogue across the many cultures of Canada that makes being Canadian so remarkable.

Gabrielle Fayant, Ottawa

Gabrielle Victoria Fayant is a young Metis woman, originating from Fishing Lake Metis Settlement and Edmonton, Alberta. She currently lives in the Nation's Capital and works full time as the National Association of Friendship Centres' Youth Development & Leadership Officer. She embraces her traditional arts and performing arts such as floral patterns, beadwork and jigging. As a youth herself, Gabrielle believes that leaders start young and encourages all youth across Canada to participate in activities that bring out their inner child.

Michelle Garbacz, Torrence

I love to snowboard, kayak, read, learn and I just tried surfing for the first time! My preferred art media is photography and I love taking photos of the places I have traveled to. I am a teacher who doesn't work in a classroom because the world is my classroom! I am currently living in a cabin in the woods in Muskoka, Ontario and am taking my Masters in Leadership by distance. I am proud to be Canadian and I look forward to meeting you all!

Rita Nketiah, Brampton

Rita Nketiah is a twentysomething creative and curious young feminist, trying to beat off the quarter-life crisis. She holds an MA in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Toronto. Her passions include writing, reading and conversations that push her forward. In recent years she has become a social media junkie and is currently starting her first blog. She joined the Defining Moments Project because she has a unique interest in how youth of the African Diaspora relate and identify with the Canadian state and is committed to creating platforms to tell those stories. She recently came back from a CIDA-sponsored international volunteer experience in Ghana, where she learned more about her culture, and the socio-political issues of her native land. She is uber excited to be part of the Defining Moments Facilitation Team and looks forward to facilitating discussions on Canadian identity and history with youth.

Shagufta Pasta, Toronto

Workshop Schedule

Regional Facilitator

Calvin Bain, Stratford

My name is Calvin Bain and I am the Regional Coordinator for Prince Edward Island. I am currently the Youth Coordinator for the Town of Stratford and I am also the new Executive Director for Swim PEI. I was born on December 22nd, 1988, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, PEI, to Roslyn and Kenneth Bain of Grand Tracadie Prince Edward Island. I was born and raised in Grand Tracadie, and attended Grand Tracadie Elementary as a child. After Elementary I attended Stonepark Intermediate Junior High School and then on to Charlottetown Rural High School, where I graduated from in 2006. I am excited to be a part of Taking it Global, and look forward to meeting everyone at the Toronto Conference in August, and am looking forward to the opportunity of being involved with such a great program.

Community Facilitator

Mode Francis, Charlottetown

Workshop Schedule

Regional Facilitator

Melissa Sokoloff, Montreal

Melissa Sokoloff was born in Montreal, and is of Swiss and Bulgarian origins. She has travelled a lot within Quebec, Canada, and internationally and is very interested in interculturality. Holder of a masters degree in Art Therapy, she works as an art therapist in the mental health domain with adults. She began her doctorate studies in September, 2011 integrating anthropology and art therapy in applied human sciences at the Université de Montréal. It is during her year and a half stay in northern Quebec where she found her vocation in art therapy and developed her interest in Native culture. She has recently returned from intercultural training in Peru focusing, specifically, on mental health among Indigenous communities in the Amazon. She is currently developing action research with Native communities in Montreal on cultural identity through the use of visual art.

Workshop Schedule

Regional Facilitator

Corey Fransishyn, Yorkton

Always the type of individual to be working and furthering his education at the same time, this extra effort has allowed Corey to grow simultaneous success in business and education. His most recent education accomplishment is his acceptance into an Executive M.B.A. With a mind for politics and the ambition of future parliament, Corey has always been concerned about barriers to education, and early in his career started doing non-profit work for positive change. Some of you may be familiar with the Saskatchewan Graduation Tax Credit that came into play a few years back. Corey's report was one of the major stakeholder influences of the provincial parties that adopted this major change for tax savings to graduate employees which has caused proven positive outcomes for graduate retention in Saskatchewan. A proud Canadian!

Maya Medjesi, Saskatoon

Maya Medjesi graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a BA in International Relations. Her career started with a summer work placement at the Canadian Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia and after graduation she worked on Parliament Hill. She has lived in various countries throughout her life and has always enjoyed traveling to unique destinations. Her travels proved two things to her 1) that Canada is the best country and 2) that everyone loves Canadians. Maya has always been very active within her community by creating community events, sitting on the SaskCulture Board for an elected term of 2 years as the Multicultural Director and through her position as the Regional director for the Sense of Belonging Project administered by United Nations Association in Canada.

Workshop Schedule

Regional Facilitator

Jessica Vellenga, Whitehorse

I am an artist, curator and arts educator currently based in Whitehorse, Yukon Canada. I am currently employed at the Yukon Arts Centre Public Art Gallery. I am also a practicing visual artist, specializing in textiles and fashion design. My practice is grounded in my education from McMaster University as well as from the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Leeds, England. I have experienced a wide variety of art exhibits, conferences, workshops, and public lectures at modern and contemporary art spaces throughout Canada, the United States and Europe.

Sofia Fortin, Whitehorse

Born and raised under the midnight sun, Sofia has returned to the Yukon to make her home. She tried to be a big city girl for a while but found the draw of mountain vistas, and lakes around every corner too strong to resist. So she's back home attempting to make a career out of environmental social marketing and communications consulting. She has a degree in Communications from Simon Fraser University with a minor and publishing. Sofia first started working with Youth in a daycare setting while still in high school, and has participated in, organized, and facilitated for various youth events ever since. She was part of the awesome pan-Canadian team that put together the largest ever gathering of youth on Climate Change - Power Shift Canada 2009, and has facilitated the Yukon Youth Outside the Box Climate Change camp for two summers. Sofia enjoys her weekly crafting group, and is known for knitting like a fiend, her recent attempts a sewing, and constant home renovation and gardening projects.

Community Facilitator

Kenny Lindsay, Whitehorse

I am originally from Kelowna, B.C, but moved to Whitehorse in 2005. Since moving to Whitehorse, I have worked with TIG on the Creating Local Connections Project, as well as a local NGO called Bringing Youth Towards Equality, and with youth who live in government care. I have met many wonderful people from each of Yukon`s communities, including past and present leaders of Yukon`s First Nations, many of whom have achieved and now practice their right of self-governance. I love experiencing, and seeing others experience, other parts of our great country. We share many Defining Moments that we have benefited, suffered, and learned from, and I have no doubt there are many more of such moments awaiting...