Event: "Open Doors, Open Hearts" Fireside Chat
Date: April 28, 2023 (Friday)
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm (Optional: 5:00pm-5:45pm – Informal Guided Tour with Stephanie Stobbe (HOF Exhibition Curator and Co-Researcher) and Michael Molloy (Co-Researcher)
Venue: Room 1600, Harbour Centre SFU Vancouver Campus (515 West Hastings St., Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3)
Join us for this inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that looks back at the changes that have transformed its White-only immigration policy to a system that opens Canada’s door more widely, resulting in its reputation of being a model for multiculturalism in the world. Is this a myth or fact? Panelists will speak from their professional and lived experiences relating to past and current refugee resettlement efforts to illuminate the struggles, pitfalls, successes and concerns, as we collectively work towards building a nation to which all citizens feel they can truly belong.
Featuring:
Mr. Michael Molloy ( speaker) - co-author of Running on Empty: Canada and the Indochinese Refugee Movement 1975-80
Michael has 40 years of experience in international and refugee affairs. In 1976, as Director of Refugee Policy, he was responsible for designing the refugee provisions of the 1976 Immigration Act including the sponsorship program and the Indochinese designated class that simplified the selection process for the Indochinese refugees.
Dr. Stephanie Phetsamay Stobbe (speaker) - curator of the Hearts of Freedom travelling museum exhibition
Stephanie is the Chair and Associate Professor in Conflict Resolution Studies at Menno Simons College (a College of Canadian Mennonite University) at the University of Winnipeg, and Associate Professor in the Redekop School of Business. She is the author and editor of multiple books, including Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in Laos: Perspective for Today’s World, and the Stephanie is an Expert Advisory Board member for Asia Pacific Refugees Studies at Auckland University in New Zealand, and President of Canadian Association for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies.
Mr. Loren Balisky (speaker) - co-founder of Kinbrace, a non-profit organization in Vancouver that provides housing, orientation, accompaniment, and education to refugee claimants
Loren lived with his family in the transitional housing community from 1998-2017. In his role as Director of Engagement, Loren provides oversight to the Beyond Refuge and Accessing Refugee Protection programs and works with the Board of Directors to promote the values and strategic vision of Kinbrace while resourcing its mission to support refugee claimants regionally and nationally. Loren lives with his partner Tama and their two young-adult children Abigail and Oliver in New Westminster.
Winnie L Cheung (moderator) - co founder of PCHC-Museum of Migration Society and former Head of International House at UBC
Born to refugee parents in cosmopolitan Hong Kong, Winnie is fascinated by the forces behind people’s migration, and is curious to know how individuals’ identities are shaped by the knowledge of their families’ history. Professionally, Winnie has worked as an educator in universities in Hong Kong and Vancouver, promoting international relations and intercultural understanding. In the community, she has been tirelessly building bridges between first-generation immigrants and local-born Canadians of diverse backgrounds through cultural hubs such as PCHC-Museum of Migration Society, which she has co-founded.
This free program is brought to you by PCHC-MoM Society with support from the Government of Canada, City of Vancouver, SFU Vancouver, and in collaboration with Hearts of Freedom national partners & local partners.