Divorce - Humanist Style

As both a Humanist Canada marriage officiant and a divorce mediator, Alex Howard has a unique perspective on relationships. For this live webinar, Alex will be exploring the impacts religion has on marriage, how divorce differs through a religious vs. humanist lens, as well as how we can mitigate against the ongoing stigma of divorce.

Sunday, May 26th, 3:00 PM,  "Divorce: Humanist Style"  with Humanist, Officiant, Divorce Meditator and Podcaster, Alex Howard.  In conversation with Jarrod Clegg.  Register to Attend

UPCOMING LIVE DISCUSSIONS 

We don't want you to miss out on our events - so please note that registering will now enable a reminder email, with Zoom link, to be sent to you on the day of the event. 

Coming Soon to a Screen Near You

Sunday, May 26th, 3:00 PM,  "Divorce: Humanist Style"  with Humanist, Officiant and Podcaster, Alex Howard.  In conversation with Jarrod Clegg.  Register to Attend

Sunday, June 9th at 3:00PM.   'The Importance of humanism in understanding the legalized dehumanization of Indigenous people of Canada' .  A discussion with Indigenous lawyers Christina Ninham and Maureen Bulbrook hosted by Derek Forgie. Register to Attend

Sunday, June 23rd at 3:00PM  Nicole Carr, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association and Bettianne Hedges, ED of Humanist Canada will discuss "What is going on with the neighbours?" Register to Attend 

Please note that our program offerings are recorded and will be available on our website. 

OUR PODCAST LAUNCHES! 

At our 2024 AGM Humanist Canada was proud to announce the launch of our podcast.  Please watch the trailer and find the podcast on your preferred platform.   Humanist Canada Podcast Trailer

Please also note that the Zoom link to each community platform can now be found in your member portal - centre screen. 

LOCAL MEMBER GATHERINGS 

Halifax - May 25th. Drinks!  Westin Nova Scotian. 4pm to 6pm. No need to pre-register. 

MEMBERS CONNECT

Are you looking for a good conversation? All of our members are welcome to join us at our weekly Members Connect Zoom discussion group - open format.   We meet every Wednesday at 6:00 PM EST. 

Walking Forward Together  -

Humanist Canada Local Member Gathering  at Crow Shield Lodge

May 4, 2024

Humanist Canada member, Angie Hallman, had invited fellow members to attend a bonding experience with the Indigenous community at Crow Shield Lodge in Kitchener, Ontario.

Angie had organized the meeting and it was led by elder Clarence Cachagee, half Cree and half European, the founder of the lodge and a driving force for the recognition and respect of the Indigenous peoples as well as for reconciliation and allyship with the non-indigenous community.

Clarence’s Indigenous name translates to North Wind Man and his story is painful to hear. He has written a book, of the same name, detailing his early life and struggles with “the system” and identity.

The meeting took place in a traditional lodge in the woods in Kitchener, Ontario. The attachment of the Indigenous peoples to the land, to nature is profound. We sat around a sacred fire where offerings of sage, cedar, sweetgrass and tobacco were regularly made.

Each guest was smudged, which was quite an honour and a moving experience.

Clarence spoke at length of the symbolism of all things natural, the eagle and every living and non-living thing, the teachings handed down from generation to generation for thousands of years and how the European invasion shattered that world and reduced the Native way of life to almost zero.

Clarence passed around an eagle feather. The holder of the feather was able to speak their mind about their feelings and experiences. He also sang a few songs in the Ojibway language.

It is heartening to know that the Indigenous culture and identity has been resurrected. The leaders have found their voice and Allies in the non-indigenous community.  Reconciliation is in progress.

I left the meeting with a much deeper understanding of the Indigenous experience and I am a better man for it.

Please visit the website to learn more.

Submitted by Henryk Sokolowski

 

 

Our Executive Director, Bettianne Hedges was a recent guest of the Ontario Humanist Association at their Annual General Meeting held in Orangeville. Pictured is President of OHS, Kerry Bowser with the event banner designed by an Indigenous artist. 

The Humanist Canada Morgentaler Committee invites you to sign this petition to help reduce the impact of anti-choice misrepresentation. 

Click link to read and sign

OFFICIANT INTAKE PROCESS

If you have been a member for at least one year, and interested in becoming a Humanist Canada officiant, please refer to the link in your member portal "Pathway to becoming an Officiant'. 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 

We are committed to bringing engaging and productive volunteer opportunities to our members. Please see your member portal for role descriptions and the application process. If there is something you would like to do but don't see it on the list please reach out to the Executive Director.  We always have opportunities for you to be engaged in smaller projects.  

We are in need of members who have exceptional graphic design skills and ideally able to use Canva.  We are also hoping to find a member with video editing skills. Please reach out to Bettianne if you can be of assistance. 

A little Sunday viewing...

American Humanist Association 2024 Humanist Haiku Contest Winners

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