Ismaili Seniors Games

The Ismaili Seniors Games were an opportunity for members of the Jamat 55+ to participate in friendly competition and stay active.

Visit: http://iicanada.org/british-columbia/news/2014-ismaili-seniors-games

Photo Gallery: http://iicanada.org/british-columbia/galleries/2014-ismaili-seniors-games

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT!

Narratives of Expression: Rethinking identity and music in Muslim discourse at the Ismaili Centre in Vancouver

The Ismaili Centre in Vancouver recently hosted a program Entitled Narratives of Expression: Rethinking identity and music in Muslim discourse. The event highlighted the use of music as a tool to discuss various aspects of Muslim identity.  At the heart of this program, was a roundtable discussion held by academics Dr. Hussein Rashid and Dr. Karim Gillani along with artists, Salim & Sulaiman of Bollywood as well as Ali Ramzi and Hamin Honari of Qalandar.

http://iicanada.org/british-columbia/news/narratives-expression-rethinking-identity-and-music-muslim-discourse

Gallery: Narratives of Expression: Rethinking identity and music in Muslim discourse at the Ismaili Centre in Vancouver
http://iicanada.org/national/galleries/narratives-expression-rethinking-identity-and-music-muslim-discourse

Former Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Kim Campbell, delivers the 2014 Ismaili Centre Lecture
On Saturday November 15, 2014, the Right Honourable Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada, delivered the 2014 Ismaili Centre Lecture at the Ismaili Centre. Speaking on the topic of “Building Civil Societies: The Role of Women Leaders”, Ms. Campbell delivered a thought-provoking lecture, engaging in important dialogue about the role that women leaders have in building a stronger, peaceful, and more civil world, and drawing on her own ideas and experiences as the first female Prime Minister of Canada.

http://iicanada.org/national/news/former-prime-minister-canada-right-honourable-kim-campbell-delivers-2014-ismaili

Gallery: Former Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Kim Campbell, delivers the 2014 Ismaili Centre Lecture
A collection of photographs from the 2014 Ismaili Centre Lecture
http://iicanada.org/national/galleries/former-prime-minister-canada-right-honourable-kim-campbell-delivers-2014-ismaili

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15 December 2014 - The following content was published at TheIsmaili.org, the official website of the Ismaili Muslim community.

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The Government of Canada has announced significant reforms to the Citizenship Act which will take effect Saturday, August 1, 2015.

Currently, those aged 54 and over do not have to undergo language and knowledge tests. Beginning Saturday, August 1, 2015, testing will be required except for those aged 64 and over.  Jamati members who are 54 years old or older are urged to apply for their citizenship now.  Those who do not will have to write the tests or wait for another 10 years.

In addition, under the current rules, one must have lived in Canada for 3 out of 4 years.  As of Saturday, August 1, 2015, this period will be changed to 4 out of 6 years. Jamati members who arrived in 2010 or before are urged to apply for citizenship before the rules change.

Citizenship has many benefits.  It can lower one’s risk for removal from Canada, give access to social service benefits such as Employment Insurance, offer security and re-entry with a Canadian passport, and much more. 

The National Settlement Portfolio will be holding information sessions in several regions. Dates will be announced through Jamatkhana announcements and Al-Akhbar. These sessions will be conducted by a regulated immigration professional who will inform the Jamat about reforms to the Citizenship Act of Canada, which will be in effect on Saturday, August, 1, 2015.

Please contact your local Settlement member or the local Council office if you have any questions regarding the citizenship process.

For more information on the recent reforms to the Citizenship Act, see a news release and a summary of changes. Forms and study guides are available on the Citizenship and Immigration website or using the links provided below:

• To access the application form, instruction guide, and document checklist, visit: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/adults.asp
• To see a video on how to send a complete application and avoid common errors, visit: www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/multimedia/video/complete-application/complete-application.asp
• To access free immigrant services in your area including help with filling out forms and applications, visit: www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/map/services.asp
• To pay your fees online so that you can print out and attach a payment receipt with your citizenship application, please visit: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/result.asp?lob=prcf&canada=inside&cat=cit
• To study for the citizenship test, access the "Discover Canada" guide at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/discover/index.asp
• To find an authorized representative in good standing, please visit: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/representative/verify-rep.asp

Jamati members who would like to become permanent residents should apply to the Express Entry online application system. Top ranking candidates will be invited to apply for permanent residency.

• For more information on Express Entry visit: www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/express/express-entry.asp?utm_source=slash-express&utm_medium=short-url&utm_campaign=express-entry
• Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) with a maximum of 1200 points: www.cic.gc.ca/english/express-entry/grid-crs.asp
• Express Entry Q&As: www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/notices/2014-12-01.asp

Did you know…?

• In cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.
• Mittens are warmer than gloves, covering your mouth with a scarf protects your lungs, and wearing a hat prevents loss of body heat.

To observe Winter Safety:

• Always check the weather before you leave your home.
• Listen for a wind chill warning. Warnings are based on local climate and are issued when significant wind chills are expected.
• Dress in layers, with a wind resistant outer layer.
• When it is cold, wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves. Keep your face warm with a scarf, neck tube or facemask.
• Wear warm and waterproof footwear. When it is very cold, or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible. Your body's extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes lose heat the fastest.
• Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit the time you spend outside.
• Check on elderly relatives and neighbors to ensure they are warm enough and have sufficient supplies, particularly when the weather is cold or snowy. They might not feel comfortable going outside to shop and may require food, medications and other supplies.
• Avoid over-exertion when shoveling snow as this can bring on heart attacks to those at risk.
• Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
• In case of a power outage, when using generators, pressure washers, grills, and similar items, be sure to use it outdoors only in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

For more information on common symptoms and treatment of hot weather illnesses and summer safety, please visit:

• GetPrepared.ca: www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/sfttps/tp201212-eng.aspx
• Centre for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/features/winterweather/

To learn more about learn more about Focus Humanitarian Assistance, please visit: www.focusstar.ca and www.akdn.org/focus, or contact us at 1-800-423-7972/1-416-423-7988

Knowledge is Power! Empower yourselves, stay connected, benefit from clear and concise information about a variety of programs and services offered by the Government of Canada. For further details, please contact your local Care For The Elderly Resource Officer.

Protection from Elder Abuse and Neglect

Elder abuse in any form is wrong. Unfortunately, some seniors suffer from abuse and neglect, sometimes from caregivers or family members. Abuse can take many forms, such as physical, sexual, emotional, financial, or spiritual.

Neglect and self-neglect are also forms of abuse. Self-neglect happens when a senior lives in a way that puts his or her own health, safety, or well-being at risk. 

Where to Get Help

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, dial 911 or call the emergency number listed in the front of your phone book.

In non-emergency situations, there are many organizations that can help abused or neglected seniors or their friends and family get help and protection. See: 

Information Kits

The Government of BC has developed an Information Kit to help older adults learn how to prevent abuse, recognize abuse when it happens, know how to respond and know where they can find assistance. These resources can also be used by organizations to host workshops or seminars to increase awareness about elder abuse in their communities.

You can download copies of the brochures in English, French, Traditional Chinese or Punjabi from our website:

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=31E45F6D04A74FBF96C37540B2B4E483

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS & WEB LINKS

• Visitation Line: 604-438-4010 ext. 830
• Canada Pension Plan
  • Retirement Pension, Disability Benefits, Death Benefit, Children's Benefits, Survivor's Pension: 1-800-277-9914
• HandyDart (everyday): 604-575-6600
• HealthLink BC (24/7): 811 or www.healthlinkbc.ca
• Seniors Health Care Support: 1-877-952-3181
• Seniors Distress Line (24/7): 604-872-1234 or www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
• Community and Govt. Services (24/7): 211 or www.bc211.ca

ISMAILI SENIORS’ CENTRES

Join in fun, exciting and high quality programs at your local Ismaili Seniors' Centre throughout the week. Benefit from our holistic approach to improving your overall well-being. Participate in open forum discussions, information on health, wellness and financial matters, computer classes, yoga, exercise and fitness classes. For further details please contact your local Care for the Elderly member.

As the Jamat may be aware, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is currently investigating an outbreak of Avian Influenza in BC farms.

Avian Iinfluenza rarely affects humans that do not have consistent contact with infected birds. It also does not pose risks to food safety as long as poultry and poultry products are prepared and cooked properly.

The Jamat is encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly after preparing poultry products and to ensure all poultry is fully cooked before eating it.

For more information, please call 811 or visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website at www.inspection.gc.ca/eng/1297964599443/1297965645317.

During the Winter, 15% of Canadians will feel a little bit sadder and sleepier than usual. These feelings are called the “Winter blues.”1 However, 2 to 6% of Canadians will feel a more overwhelming form of sadness, called Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.).2  There are many different types of depression, and people with S.A.D. make up 10% of all Canadians living with depression.3 Most people with S.A.D. will notice their mood changing during the Fall and their feelings of sadness will last until the Spring. A smaller number of people will feel extremely down during the Spring and Summer.

How can I tell if I have S.A.D.?

Many signs, or symptoms, of S.A.D. are the same as symptoms of another type of depression, called Major Depressive Disorder. Some of the signs are:

• Feeling much less interested and happy during many or all activities.
• Feeling much less interested and more nervous about being around other people.
• Sleeping two to four hours more per day.
• Struggling to wake up in the morning and to remain active through the day.
• Weight gain and eating more sugary/starchy foods.
• Feelings of worthlessness and guilt.
• An overall feeling of hopelessness, sadness, and despair.

Together, these feelings make it very difficult for a person to carry out everyday tasks.
Who experiences S.A.D.?

• Because it is linked to shorter days and colder weather, S.A.D. is more common in northern countries.
• S.A.D. is more common among middle-age adults (between the ages of 20 and 50) than among children or seniors.
• 80% of people with S.A.D. are women.4
• S.A.D. often runs in families. Between 13 to 17% of people with S.A.D. have a family member with S.A.D. or with a different type of depression.5

How is S.A.D. treated?

• It is very important for people feeling any symptoms of S.A.D. to meet with a doctor in order to learn more and talk about treatment.

• 70% of people with S.A.D. feel better through use of light therapy.6 Because there is very little daylight during the Winter, people with S.A.D. could use light boxes for a few minutes each day. Light boxes are available for purchase across Canada, but some may cause eye damage as they are used for various purposes.  Please consult your physician before purchasing a light box.
• S.A.D. can also be treated through anti-depressant medications from a doctor and therapy sessions with a counselor. 
• Monitoring sleeping, eating, and exercising habits is also an important component of treatment.

What are other ways that I can maintain my well-being and happiness?

• Physical activity plays an important role in health and happiness. Try to find at least four to five opportunities per week to exercise. Because of the cold Winter weather, other options include walking around the mall, taking the stairs, and trying to work at a standing desk. However, even though it can be chilly outside, being in nature is often very relaxing. Skating, skiing, tobogganing, or bundling up for a walk around the block are activities that can make Winter into a positive experience.
• Social connectedness can also affect mood. Participating in regular activities with family and friends is a powerful strategy to maintain happiness and well-being. Try to attend at least one or two social events per week, including Jamati gatherings, dinners, movie nights, and book clubs. Volunteering and giving back to one’s community are also approaches to developing connections with others.
• Finally, nutrition also plays a role in a happy and healthy life. Please see the links below for further information about eating a balanced diet.

1 Mood Disorders Society of Canada
2 Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
3 Canadian Mental Health Association, British Columbia
4 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
5 Canadian Mental Health Association, British Columbia
6 Mood Disorders Association of Ontario

For further information, please see the following:

• Locating a Local Canadian Mental Health Association Branch:
  www.cmha.ca/get-involved/find-your-cmha/ 
• Canadian Mental Health Association, Calgary:
  http://calgary.cmha.ca/mental_health/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/#.VG6Nvot4qeI
• Canadian Mental Health Association, British Columbia:
  www.cmha.bc.ca/get-informed/mental-health-information/sad#B
• Mood Disorders Association of Ontario:
  www.mooddisorders.ca/faq/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad#t10n533
• Mayo Clinic (Purchasing a Light Box):
  www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/in-depth/seasonal-affective-disorder-treatment/art-20048298?pg=1
• Nutrition:
  www.theismaili.org/nutrition

Email akhbc@iicanada.org to learn about the variety of mental health programs and services offered by the Council for Canada. Emails may be forwarded to appropriate portfolios. All boards, portfolios and their members abide by principles of confidentiality.

The Ismaili Youth Hockey League (IYHL) 2015 season starts January 4, 2015 and will end on March 29, 2015. The league is open to girls and boys between the ages of 7 to 17.

Registration is now open and will fill on a first come first served basis. Please register early as this program gets sold out every season. For more information, please email IYHLexec@gmail.com.

The Council for Canada is pleased to announce the launch of the ISTAR 2015 program cycle. This year will mark the 30th anniversary of ISTAR, and will be celebrated with a National Youth Leadership Conference and Gala Event in Toronto. ISTAR is the Canadian Jamat’s platform to value the achievements of its youth, inspire them to new heights, develop their leadership capabilities, and nurture their sense of identity and belonging. Participating in ISTAR enables students to be recognized for their achievements, develop valuable life skills including application completion and portfolio building, and be celebrated by their community. 

ISTAR this year will recognize the achievements of Ismaili youth in the areas of:

• Academics
• Arts & Culture
• Mathematics, Science & Technology
• Sports
• Youth Leadership & Community Service

The ISTAR platform will open on Saturday, December 13, 2014. All applications must be submitted by Wednesday, February 14, 2015.  Please visit the ISTAR portal for more information: www.iicanada.org/istar.

In 2014, 120 youth from 25 countries met in Kenya, volunteered with local communities, and were changed by their experience. Global Encounters, an international program for secondary school students, will be held again in East Africa in 2015. Global Encounters gives students the unique opportunity to live on the Aga Khan Academy campus, while:

• volunteering and leading service projects;
• building friendships with brothers and sisters from around the world;
• seeing the AKDN’s work in action;
• broadening their perspectives in thought provoking and challenging courses; and
• discovering what it means to be a global citizen.

The camp will appeal to motivated youth who have a range of interests. From going on safari to exploring coastal living, students will experience the rich culture of Kenya.

Global Encounters is open to Ismaili youth who will be between 15 and 17 years of age by Monday, 1 June, 2015. Students should be entering their last three years of secondary school.

Two camps are planned for 2015:

• June 22 to July 16, 2015
• July 10 to August 3, 2015

For more information and to complete an application, please visit: www.theismaili.org/go/globalencounters or contact globalencounterscanada@gmail.com

Facilitators and staff are required for the full duration, including training: 

Camp 1: 15th June - 16th July, 2015 (includes training on-site in Mombasa) 
Camp 2: 3rd July - 3rd August, 2015 (includes training on-site in Mombasa) 

We are seeking professionals with experience and passion for working with youth to embark on this exciting journey with us! 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Interested applicants must submit their applications online by 25th January, 2015. Applications can be found online at https://www.eduonline.net/camps/GE/ge-applications.asp. If you have any questions, please contact globalencounters@jubileemonuments.org.

The Institute of Ismaili Studies continues its invitation for applications to the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (GPISH) program commencing in September 2015. A 3-year fully-funded scholarship programme, GPISH provides the following study opportunities: 

• First two years spent at The Institute of Ismaili Studies pursuing Islamic Studies and Humanities
• Third year spent at an accredited UK university, studying for a Master’s degree
• Intensive Arabic language training with language immersion in an Arabic speaking country
• Educational field trips to Spain and Egypt
• Experience of carrying out a field based research project in locations around the world
• Opportunity to pursue rewarding careers in a variety of fields

For more information, please visit the GPISH page on the IIS website, click here for the GPISH prospectus, or contact your local ITREB office. The application deadline is  January 12, 2015.

The Aga Khan Academies is pleased to announce that it has commenced the process for application for the August 2015 Academy Fellows Programme at the Academies in Hyderabad, India, and Mombasa, Kenya. With the aim of bringing diverse perspectives and fresh energy to the Academies, we annually recruit a small number of recent graduates from well-respected universities to serve as Aga Khan Academy Fellows.

Appointed for a two-year period, the Academy Fellows have the opportunity to work with gifted and talented students from diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.  Each Academy Fellow will live on campus in a student residence and serve as a Dorm Parent promoting community life.  For further information and to submit your application please visit the AKDN Careers Centre at www.akdn.org/careercentre.

The World Partnership Walk is seeking two National Social Media Coordinators.

Are you passionate about tackling poverty? Excited by the challenge of inspiring Canadians to care about international development? Use your marketing powers for good and become a National Social Media Coordinator for the World Partnership Walk! The World Partnership Walk is looking for two social media savvy volunteers to help expand their reach in 2015.

Please apply by Saturday, December 27, 2015. For more information please visit: www.worldpartnershipwalk.com/images/2014/2015_WPW/Volunteer/WPW_Call_for_National_Social_Media_Coordinators_2015_FINAL.pdf

The FSWEP provides full-time students valuable, hands-on work experience related to their field of study and allows for a wealth of learning opportunities. Students obtain fair and equal access to job opportunities across the country. Although students are not required to have previous work experience to apply, they must meet the program’s eligibility criteria.

There are many types of exciting and challenging jobs being offered to both secondary and post-secondary students. These opportunities encompass a wide range of duties and responsibilities as they relate directly and indirectly to providing service to all Canadians. This full spectrum includes office and clerical work, field and lab work, information technology work and working outdoors. The FSWEP campaign began on October 20, 2014 and closes in October 2015. For additional details please visit http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/fswep-pfete/index-eng.php.

Are you considering a career change or do you want to upgrade your skills? Start a new career as a Drafting Technician. Drafting Technicians prepare engineering designs, drawings and related technical information in multidisciplinary engineering teams, in support of engineers, architects or industrial designers or they may work independently. Job prospects in this occupation are expected to be average over the next few years.  Employment opportunities will arise from the demand to replace retiring workers.

Drafting Technicians

Drafting technicians perform some of the following duties:

• develop and prepare engineering designs and drawings
• operate computer-assisted design (CAD) and drafting workstations
• develop and prepare design sketches
• verify that drawings conform to specifications and design data
• write technical reports

What do you need to qualify?

• Completion of secondary school is required.
• Usually requires vocational training, college education or apprenticeship training in engineering design and drafting technology.

What does this career offer?

• Competitive wages according to qualifications and experience.
• Alternative to full-time work via contract work and consulting.

To learn more about this career, please visit www.workingincanada.gc.ca, search by occupation or NOC #2253. For examples of other vocational careers, please visit www.elcanada.com.

For additional information, please contact the Skills and Employment Program Counselor in your region:

• Tel: 604-438-4010 Ext. 610 or email: sep@ijkc.com in BC
• Tel: 403-215-6200 Ext. 214 or email: cfp.sep@iicanada.org in AB
• Tel: 416-751-4001 Ext. 321 or email: sepontario@iicanada.org in ON
• Tel: 514-738-8866 Ext. 16 or email: sep@icqm.ca in QC

Local Employment Opportunities

• Reichhold has a position for Technical Co-Ordinator. Please contact curtis.symmes@reichhold.com or fax your resume to 604-931-3944.
• Gas Station Attendants with Chevron in Maple Ridge, BC
• Service Technician Trainee/Warehouse Person in North Vancouver, BC
• Customer Service Positions with BC Wireless locations across Lower Mainland
• Production Worker for Glass Business in Langley, BC
• Amica Mature Lifestyles has various positions available across the Lower Mainland. Please visit careers at www.amica.ca.

For additional information on these and other employment opportunities, please refer to www.sepcanada.com, password: guest or contact the Skills and Employment Counsellor at 604-438-4010 Ext. 610 or by email: sep@ijkc.com.

WOW is designed to motivate and inspire, promote self-discovery and aid in continued personal development. Each week the column will present a powerful quote, metaphor, short parable or thought-provoking question, sourced and selected by experts in the personal development field.

Bertrand Russell’s 10 Commandments Of Teaching

• Do not feel absolutely certain of anything.
• Do not think it worthwhile to proceed by concealing evidence, for the evidence is sure to come to light.
• Never try to discourage thinking for you are sure to succeed.
• When you meet with opposition, even if it should be from your family, endeavor to overcome it by reasoning and not by authority, for a victory dependent upon authority is unreal and illusory.
• With respect for the authority of others, remember there are always contrary authorities to be found.
• Do not use power to suppress opinions you think pernicious, for if you do the opinions will suppress you.
• Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.
• Find more pleasure in intelligent dissent than in passive agreement, for, if you value intelligence as you should, the former implies a deeper agreement than the latter.
• Be scrupulously truthful, even if the truth is inconvenient, for it is more inconvenient when you try to conceal it.
• Do not feel envious of the happiness of those who live in a fool’s paradise, for only a fool will think that it is happiness.

WOW is an invitation to enter the portals of self-discovery, so step through and enjoy the journey. We look forward to your feedback and to know how you benefited from the insights. You can email us at wow@ijkc.com.

To sign up for the electronic Al-Akhbar, please visit http://iicanada.org/eAA-subscribe.

We appreciate your comments and feedback. Please send your feedback to:

E-mail: feedback@ijkc.com with "feedback" in the subject line 

Feedback line: 604-438-4010 or Fax: 604-432-7984  

To join the Electronic Al-Akhbar publishing team, email info-bc@ijkc.com.

Thank you.

Communications & Publications

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© 2016, Ismaili Council for British Columbia  

All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the Ismaili Council for British Columbia's copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, recording taping, or information and retrieval systems) without the written permission of the Ismaili Council for British Columbia.