Headlines from around the country
Below are excerpts of recent articles in which Bahá’ís or the Bahá’í Faith is mentioned. If the full article is available online, the headline will appear as a link.
(Please note: Some newspapers require registration or payment to view articles. Some links may have expired.)
Transformative faith
TheRecord.com — Waterloo, Ontario, 23 May 2009
Members of the Baha'i faith in Waterloo Region are reaching out to young people and sponsoring events to instil a commitment to community service.
Minister Cannon Expresses Concern over Iran’s Continued Detention of Seven Bahá’í Leaders
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Government of Canada — Ottawa, Ontario, 14 May 2009
The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement marking the anniversary of the arrest and detention last year of six Bahá’í leaders in Iran, who, with another arrested two months earlier, remain in custody...
Sun lights up display: Baha'i festival entry a first
Owen Sound Sun Times — Owen Sound, Ontario, 9 December 2008
Members of the local Baha'i community have installed the Festival of Northern Lights' first solar-powered display, along 1st Avenue East.
Baha'i community's youngest members donate to food bank
The Daily Gleaner — Fredericton, New Brunswick, 6 December 2008
For some 60 years, a Baha'i faith community has existed in the Fredericton area. It now consists of more than 70 members who meet in one another's homes.
Iranian press targets Nobel Prize winner Ebadi: Allegations also made against McGill law professor Payam Akhavan
The McGill Tribune — Montreal, Quebec, 2 December 2008
McGill University has been at the centre of a number of allegations made by the official media of the Islamic Republic of Iran this year.
Baha'i faithful urge residents to write letters
Devon Dispatch — 12 September 2008 Nestled between Iraq and Afghanistan on the shores of the Persian Gulf, Iran and the 350,000 people of the Baha'i Faith who live there may seem a world away from a small town on the Canadian Prairies, but one Devon Woman believes what's happening there should concern all members of the human race.
Eco camp teaches respect for the environment
The High River Times — 12 August 2008
High River youngsters learned an important lesson about environmental stewardship at a day camp last week.
Office nerd transforms into Rocker superstar
The Toronto Star— 16 August 2008
There's only one moment when Rainn Wilson, an otherwise amiable presence, betrays a hint of irritation during an interview in a Toronto hotel room.
Persecuting a gentle people
National Post — 8 August 2008
It was a lucky day for me and my two then-toddlers when 14-year-old Susan answered my help-wanted ad for a mother's helper (as nannies were then called). For years, this gentle, patient girl proved to be an indispensable and much-loved fixture in our Montreal household, and thereafter a valued friend.
UNESCO adds sites to list
Canoe.ca — 2 August 2008
Baha’i holy places in Israel, the Monarch butterfly biosphere reserve of Mexico, and the historic center of Camaguey, a Spanish colonial town in Cuba first settled in 1528, are among the new sites added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Finding empathy
Peace Arch News — White Rock, British Columbia, 22 July 2008
Seven prominent figures of the Baha’i faith in Iran were imprisoned in Iran after recent raids on their homes, an event reminiscent of 1980 when nine Baha’i leaders were abducted and never heard from again.
Baha'is reflect on holy day
Halifax News Net — Halifax, Nova Scotia, 17 July 2008
Baha'is held a devotional meeting in Dartmouth last week for one of nine annual holy days - to commemorate the death of a martyr and to reflect on the vicious oppression their religious brethren face today in Iran.
Iran Star story on the Baha'i Shrines: Iran Star-July
(click link to view and download articles in pdf format, Farsi only)
Iran still unfriendly home, area Baha’is say
Era Banner — Newmarket, Ontario, 10 July 2008
“We have seven bodies here, come and get them.” With those chilling words, 17-year-old Farzeen Mehri learned his beloved uncle, Tarazullah Khuzayn, was dead.
UNESCO adds 27 new sites World Heritage List
Canada.com — Montreal, Windsor, Edmonton, 8 July 2008
UNESCO's World Heritage Committee added a whopping 27 new sites to its World Heritage List at its 32nd session this week, including French fortifications, a Hindu temple and a butterfly biosphere.
Canada Day means celebrating freedom for local refugee Baha’i family who fled Iran
Niagara Advance — Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, 3 July 2008
Touba Agahzadeh came to Canada 23 years ago seeking freedom and safety, and has never regretted the decision.
Locals worry about Baha'i relatives in Iran
Airdrie Echo — Airdrie, Alberta, 2 July 2008
Airdrie’s Bahá’í community continues to be highly concerned over the fate of family and friends in Iran.
Whitehorse Baha'i group makes Iran rights plight plea
Whitehorse Leader — Whitehorse, Yukon, 25 June 2008
In 1983 Mindy Roberts, then 17, was expelled from school in her native Iran.
Art the medium, Oppression the message
Cowichan Pictorial — Duncan, British Columbia, 22 June 2008
Seeing is feeling. That’s why students and teachers at Maxwell International School used artistic emotion in their play Oppression to deliver messages about daily persecution of Baha’is in today’s Iran.
Baha’i followers seeking release of their spiritual leaders in Iran
The Okanagan Sunday — Kelowna, British Columbia, 22 June 2008
Okanagan followers of the Baha'i faith, one of the world's most widespread religions, are asking people of all faiths to help pressure the Iranian government to release the country's spiritual leaders from jail.
Baha’is worry about detained group
The Chronicle Herald — Halifax, Nova Scotia, 21 June 2008
The continuing detention of seven Baha’i leaders in Iran has local members of the religion fearing the crackdown is a prelude to genocide. They’re asking Canadians to help end the persecution.
Helen Yazdani had no choice but to leave her homeland
Kawartha Media Group — Peterborough, Ontario, 19 June 2008
When Lindsay resident Helen Yazdani left Iran in 1978 to study in India, she had no idea that because of her religion, she would never again be able to live in her homeland with her parents.
Locals plead for Iran's Baha'i captives
The Citizen — Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, 18 June 2008
In the wee morning hours of May 14, six members of the group responsible for coordinating the activities of the Baha'i community in Iran were taken from their homes and families by Iranian authorities.
Locals Baha'is fearful for loved ones in Iran
The Fort McMurray Today — Fort McMurray, Alberta, 17 June 2008
Local Baha'is are fearing the worst after six Iranian Baha'i leaders were arrested on May 27, a pattern that resembles episodes in the 1980s, said David Crewe, a spokesman for the local Baha'i community.
Cousin victim of religious persecution?
Cowichan News Leader — Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, 17 June 2008
Cobble Hill resident Fayzeh Mehrgani hasn't seen her cousin since she left Iran to escape religious persecution 20 years ago.
MPPs keep Christian prayer, add new ones
Globe and Mail — 13 June 2008
The Ontario Legislature will retain the recitation of the Lord's Prayer to begin its daily proceedings, but supplement it with the prayers of other major faiths.
MPPs vote 58-0 to maintain Lord's Prayer
National Post, Ottawa Citizen — Toronto, Ontario, 13 June 2008
Ontario legislators charged with modernizing the daily prayer ritual at Queen's Park yesterday agreed to keep the Lord's Prayer, reaffirming the primacy of Christianity in the provincial assembly.
MPPs to hear Lord's Prayer — and others
Toronto Star — Toronto, Ontario, 13 June 2008
Prayers have been answered for those who fought to preserve the daily recital of the Lord's Prayer in the Ontario Legislature.
Baha'i community expresses concern
Vernon Morning Star — Vernon, British Columbia, 13 June 2008
News from Iran has raised concern in the local Baha’i community.
Ontario to keep Lord's Prayer in legislature
Globe and Mail — Toronto, Ontario, 12 June 2008
Ontario's governing Liberals tried to say “Amen” Thursday to a thorny proposal to replace the Lord's Prayer in the legislature, opting instead to make time for an additional ritual that would better reflect the province's diverse cultural and religious landscape.
Vancouver Iranian-language paper covers arrests in Iran
Farhang-11 June 2008
(click link to view and download articles in pdf format, Farsi only)
Baha'i leader decries Iran's action
London Free Press — London, British Columbia, 6 June 2008
One of Canada's Baha'i leaders, speaking in London yesterday, called on members of the faith to stand strong behind other Baha'is facing persecution in Iran.
Baha'i leader's arrest worries WV relative
North Shore News — West Vancouver, British Columbia, 6 June 2008
The imprisonment of a high-ranking Baha'i official in Iran has deeply worried his West Vancouver cousin, who fears his relative may never be seen again.
Arrest has impact on local family
Leader-Post — Regina, Saskatchewan, 3 June 2008
A human rights infringement has struck close to home for one Regina resident.
Iranian Baha’is arrest raises concerns
Prince Albert Daily Herald — Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, 31 May 2008
Ten days after leaders of the Baha’i community in Iran were arrested because of their religious beliefs, Baha'i delegates from across Canada gathered in Toronto for the Canadian Baha'i Convention, May 23 to 25, and elected the governing council of their community, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Canada.
Transplanted Iranian fears for cousin's life
The Standard Freeholder — Cornwall, Ontario, 31 May 2008
Sara, a native of Iran, fled the country in the 1980s after suffering religious persecution and her brother's execution for his beliefs.
Canadian Iranian-language media covers Montazeri edict
Iran Star-30 May 2008 #1, #2; Shahrvand-29 May 2008
(click links to view and download articles in pdf format, Farsi only)
Human rights abused in Iran
Capital News — Kewlona, British Columbia, 30 May 2008
Kelowna’s Baha’i community is holding an event Sunday to draw attention to how Baha’i children are persecuted in Iran.
Arrests of Baha’i leaders in Iran repeats sinister pattern of 1980s
Cranbrook Daily Townsman — Cranbrook, British Columbia, 30 May 2008
The Baha’i communities of Cranbrook and the East Kootenays are greatly distressed on learning of the six Baha’i leaders who were arrested and taken to Evin prison on May 14, 2008 in a coordinated series of arrests similar to episodes in the 1980s that included executions and disappearance.
Ignoring Baha'i plight hypocritical
National Post — 29 May 2008
Let's say six Muslims are arrested in dawn raids across Canada and held indefinitely without charge. Can you imagine the outrage?
Ignoring Baha'i plight hypocritical
The View in Lake Country— Lake Country, British Columbia, 29 May 2008
A local Persian Canadian, and member of the Baha’i Faith, is expressing concern about the way the Iranian Government is persecuting his friends and family in that country — all because of their differing religious and personal beliefs.
Arrests of Baha'i Leaders in Iran
Dunnville Chronicle — Dunnville, Ontario, 28 May 2008
The Haldimand Baha'i community along with Baha'i communities in all parts of the world were deeply distressed to learn that on 14th of May six Baha'i leaders were arrested and taken to Evin prison - a prison in Tehran, Iran, notorious for its cruel and unjust treatment of prisoners.
Iranian arrests hit home in Lake Country
Lake Country Calendar — Lake Country, British Columbia, 28 May 2008
Members and friends of the Baha’i community in Lake Country are concerned over a series of arrests that took place in Iran earlier this month.
Baha'is denounce arrests of faith's Iranian leaders
The Hamilton Spectator — Hamilton, Ontario, 28 May 2008
Members of Hamilton's Baha'i community say the arrest of six Iranian leaders last week is another example of religious persecution.
Baha'i believers just want freedom to practice their religion
The Daily News — Kamloops, British Columbia, 26 May 2008
For 150 years, followers of the Baha'i Faith have preached a oneness with God, religion, and humankind.
EU Presidency urges Iran to stop persecuting the Baha’is
Victoria Times-Colonist — Victoria, British Columbia, 24 May 2008
The EU presidency called on Iran this week to end its persecution of member of the Baha'i religious community, whose faith is banned in the Islamic republic.
New life, new home, one woman
The Liberal — Richmond Hill, Ontario, 24 May 2008
Two Iranian men who now call York Region home, still fear for their family’s lives back home.
Island Baha’i fear for Iranian followers after leaders’ arrests
The Guardian — Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, 24 May 2008
One Iranian member of the Island Baha’i community says she is feeling sad and worried about the recent arrests of Baha’i leaders in Iran.
Six religious leaders arrested
Comox Valley Record — Courtenay, British Columbia, 23 May 2008
Members of the local Bahá’i community are speaking out for members of their faith family, and their own blood relations, in Iran.
Canadian Iranian-language media covers the arrests in Iran
Iran Star-23 May 2008, Shahrvand-22 May 2008, Payvand-15 May 2008,
(click links to view and download articles in pdf format, Farsi only)
Baha'is accuse Iran of discrimination after arrest of 7 leaders
Metro Canada (Halifax, Edmonton, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto), Victoria Star, Canada Press, CanadaEast — 22 May 2008
Radio/TV: News1130, 940 News, 680 News, 660 News, 570 News, KBS Radio, CJFW Radio, CKFR Radio, CKWS Radio, and CFTKTV — 22 May 2008
Seven Bahai leaders arrested and accused of endangering national security are being persecuted by Iran's government for their religious beliefs, leaders of the minority faith said Thursday.
A policy of intolerance
Globe and Mail — 21 May 2008
Under the shadow of the nuclear question, Iran's human-rights situation has steadily deteriorated. Hard-liners have exploited fears of conflict with the United States to brand reform as a foreign conspiracy against Islam.
Baha'i arrests prompt bad memories for followers
Star Phoenix — Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 21 May 2008
The arrests of six Baha'i leaders in Iran last week has triggered painful memories for Saskatoon followers of the faith, including one whose father was executed in the last government crackdown.
Iran jails six Baha'is on security charges
Globe and Mail — 21 May 2008
Iran Baha'i Sweep (Audio link to Part 1, listen from 10:05 -17:10 min)
CBC Radio's "As It Happens" — 20 May 2008
Today, for the first time, the Iranian government confirmed that it's holding six members of the Baha'i religious community. All of the leaders were arrested at their homes last week.
Ottawa man's father jailed in Iran
National Post — Ottawa, Ontario, 17 May 2008
Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier last night declared "unacceptable" Iran's jailing this week of six Baha'i leaders without charge. The Canadian-based son of one of the six said yesterday he fears the group may be tortured.
Foreign Affairs minister slams detention of Baha'i leaders in Iran
Ottawa Citizen — Ottawa, Ontario, 17 May 2008
Victoria Times Colonist — Victoria, British Columbia, 17 May 2008
Edmonton Journal — Edmonton, Alberta, 17 May 2008
Vancouver Sun — Vancouver, British Columbia, 16 May 2008
Calgary Herald— Calgary, Alberta, 16 May 2008
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier has criticized Iran's jailing of six Baha'i leaders this week without charges as "unacceptable." Iran intelligence officials arrested the four men and two women early Wednesday in raids that officials of the internationalist faith say are reminiscent of the deadly sweeps of the 1980s.
(To view the Minister's statement click here.)
Former Grimsby speaking about poverty, over-consumption
West Niagara News — Beamsville, Ontario, 14 May 2008
Gordon Naylor cares about people, and the problems they face. The Grimsby native will be speaking on Wednesday, May 14 at Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School. The subject is Go-Green - Eradicating Poverty.
Voices united in Guelph
Dunnville Chronicle — Guelph, Ontario, 14 May 2008
The Voices of Unity, a Baha'i inspired choir with three from Dunnville as members held their spring concert at War Memorial Hall on the campus of the University of Guelph on Saturday, May 10. Several from Dunnville drove up for the program to enjoy the music.
B’nai Brith responds to Baha’i call to put spotlight on Iran regime’s abuse
Jewish Tribune — Toronto, Ontario, 13 May 2008
B’nai Brith Canada has responded to the call of Canada’s Baha’i community to spotlight the human-rights abusing regime of Iran, which has intensified persecution of its Baha’i citizens. For nearly three decades, the Iranian regime has engaged in a campaign of persecution against the Baha’i community, the largest religious minority in that country.
The Mullahs' Achilles heel: Iran's youth
The National Post — Toronto, Ontario, 19 April 2008
This week, Iranian Nobel peace laureate and renowned human rights lawyer Shirin Ebadi announced that death threats against her have intensified. Most recently, a shadowy group calling itself the "Association of anti-Baha'is" warned her to "watch your tongue" and stop "serving the foreigners and the Baha'is"...
A place for all to mourn
The Ottawa Citizen — Ottawa, Ontario, 6 April 2008
Beechwood Cemetery, the burial place for Canada's military and the RCMP, hopes to comfort members of all faiths with its new memorial centre, which blends nature, light and geometry, Maria Cook writes.
Govts should heed Baha'u'llah's call for unity across nations
Indo Caribbean World — Thornhill, Ontario, 2 April 2008
Increasingly it appears that a growing number of people from all strata of society and from all over the world are becoming aware that the existing world order, based on the sovereignty of nations, grows increasingly incapable of resolving modern, international issues.
Baha'is concerned about students' treatment
Devon Dispatch News — Devon, Alberta, 28 March 2008
The Devon group of the Baha'i faith have a growing concern with the treatment of other Baha'i believers across the globe. The Baha'i religion is a peaceful group, believing that all religions come from one true God, explained Sima Quddusi, a Devon member. "We do not reject any of the religions."
Women have plenty to celebrate
Guelph Mercury — Guelph, Ontario, 8 March 2008
Today's the day. March is the month when the United Nations declared International Women's Day.
Local women to be honored
Saint City News — St. Albert, Alberta, 7 March 2008
Five St. Albert women will receive recognition for their passion, humility, energy, and the love they give to their various projects in the community on Saturday, March 8, at the 12th annual St. Albert Baha'i celebration of International Women's Day.
Canada silent on 'death to heretics'
National Post — United Nations, 29 February 2008
Canada has shown international leadership by working within the UN to focus world attention on Iran's appalling human rights record. Which makes it all the more regrettable Ottawa bureaucrats dropped the ball this week by letting the European Union speak out first against Iran's latest bid to persecute its people.
Zaat to launch debut CD
The Guardian — Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, 29 February 2008
When Steve Zaat was driving to Charlottetown from Halifax about three years ago, the lyrics to a song popped in his head.
Egypt grants Baha'is access to official ID
National Post — Cario, 30 January 2008
In an important ruling for Egyptians practising unrecognized religions, the Court of Administrative Justice has granted Baha'is the right to obtain government identity papers yesterday, so long as they omit their faith.
Toronto man helps Ave Maria University in Florida
Catholic Register — Toronto, Ontario, 23 January 2008
A Canadian manufacturer is hammering its nails into an oratory which will be the centre piece of Ave Maria, a brand new Catholic town in Naples, Florida, that will host Ave Maria University and an oratory in the city centre.
World Religion Day - 20 January 2008
Victoria, British Columbia
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Summerside, Prince Edward Island
Gatineau, Québec
Ottawa, Ontario
Sault Saint Marie, Ontario
Dunnville, Ontario
North Bay, Ontario.
Women celebrated
St. Albert Gazette — St. Albert, Alberta, 16 January 2008
On March 8th, the 12th Annual United Nations International Women's Day Awards celebrate the achievements of women and ponder once more the legacy left by earlier generations.
Proud of Canada
Sooke News — Sooke, British Columbia, 16 January 2008
“We are proud it was Canada that put forth the recent resolution at the U.N. regarding the persecution of minorities in Iran,” said Houri Skuce, one of five members belonging to the Baha’i Community of Sooke who have Iranian roots.
Baha'i Faith teaches the oneness of all humanity
The Daily Gleaner — Fredericton, New Brunswick, 12 January 2008
To Dr. Will van den Hoonaard, humanity is one family that is to live together in tolerance. "When two people argue about religion, they're both wrong," he said.
Ontario couple braves terror in a bid to bring hope to troubled Haiti
The Calgary Herald — Calgary, Alberta, 28 December 2007
In his 20 years in Haiti, John Currelly has been kidnapped, forced with his family to flee home-invasion bandits and found himself caught in the middle of innumerable firefights.
Crusader fights suicide with paints and chocolate
The Ottawa Citizen — Nunavut, 22 December 2007
A sentence in a newspaper reminded Beth McKenty of a 40-year-old promise she had yet to fulfill.
Choir stands up for social, as well as musical, harmony
Times Colonist — Victoria, British Columbia, 13 December 2007
When gospel singer and arranger Eric Dozier came to Vancouver Island for a Baha'i workshop a few years ago, he had no idea he would end up staying here.
Darian's rainforest adventure
Flamborough Review — Waterdown, Ontario, 07 December 2007
At nine years old, Darian Rahimpour has already had the adventure of a lifetime. The Waterdown boy spent two weeks of his summer vacation in Ecuador, where his aunt, a family physician from Burlington, helped set up medical clinics for people in the Amazon rainforest.
Forum targets violence against women
Cowichan News Leader — Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, 28 November 2007
Violence kills more females than cancer, malaria, car crashes and war combined. That United Nations stat, which includes women and children aged 15 to 45, is one reason Nov. 25 has been declared the UN International Day to End Violence Against Women.
Iran two votes shy of UN win over Canada
The National Post — United Nations, 21 November 2007
Canada barely avoided international embarrassment Tuesday as Iran came within just two votes of winning enough United Nations backing to throw out a Canadian-led censure of its human rights record.
Local players band together to benefit the Baha'i faith
The Edmonton Journal — Edmonton, Alberta, 16 November 2007
Most people over the age of 30 associate the Baha'i faith with Seals and Croft and their '70s hit Summer Breeze. But the six million or so adherents of the universalist religion boast a more diverse group of musical heroes, including lounge singer Vic Damone and the late jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. Now you can add Edmonton pianist and composer Joseph Lai to the list.
C.B. Baha’i mark founder's birth
The Chronicle Herald — Sydney, Nova Scotia, 13 November 2007
Lloyd Tollman brought home a different understanding of world religions after travelling through Africa in the early 1970s.
The North West Arm man spent his childhood Sundays in the United Church but embraced the Baha’i faith as an adult shortly after his travels.
Composer mixes his Faith and music
Vue Weekly — week of 12 November 2007
Local pianist and composer Joseph Lai has found a way of combining two of his loves. In support of the National Baha’i Fund, Lai is composing for and performing in a fundraising concert in support of his Baha’i faith.
Local Baha'is gather to celebrate annual United Nations Day
Dundas Star News — Dundas, Ontario, 9 November 2007
Sixty people recently gathered at the home of Aghdas Javid in Dundas to celebrate UN Day. People from Hamilton, Six Nations, Saudi Arabia and Israel crowded into her living room to listen to Graeme MacQueen speak on the relevance of the UN in world affairs today and Anne Pearson talk about the roles of the Baha'i international community and her grandfather, Lester B. Pearson, at the UN.
Canada lobbies for UN censure of Iran
The National Post — United Nations, 9 November 2007
Canada is locked in a desperate bid to convince UN members not to reject the Canadian-led censure of Iran over its human rights record. Ottawa's efforts hang in the balance as Iranian officials have made enormous strides in winning support for their argument the UN should not single out countries in name-and-shame resolutions.
Event celebrates diversity
The Langley Times — Langley, British Columbia, 7 November 2007
Music, song and dance will mark “Unity in Diversity” within the Canadian cultural mosaic this Friday. The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. at Kwantlen University College theatre on the Langley Campus, at Glover Road and Highway 10. The event is sponsored by the International Festival Society and the Baha’i Community of Langley, and is free of charge.
Performers share their many cultures
Langley Advance — Langley, British Columbia, 6 November 2007
A celebration of the diversity of Langley residents is taking place at Kwantlen. Experience the rich Canadian cultural mosaic, through a musical journey to the sacred land of the First Nation's people, to Iran, China, Korea, Mexico, Egypt, Scotland and Argentina.
Darlene Gait: listening to her dreams
Focus Magazine — Esquimalt, British Columbia, October 2007
I arrive a day early for my meeting with Darlene Gait at her new One Moon Gallery on the Esquimalt Reserve. It is a sunny afternoon, so I explore the beautiful cove in front of the Big House and band office.
The Holy Land's low-profile religion
The Toronto Star — Haifa, Israel, 22 October 2007
Ask someone to rhyme off three world religions that trace their origins to the land now known as Israel, and you will likely receive a quick, confident reply. Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Now, ask someone to name a fourth global religion, one that also has deep roots in the Holy Land, and you are likely to receive a blank stare.
View Royal student aids education in Tanzania
Goldstream News Gazette — View Royal, British Columbia, 19 October 2007
Following the footsteps of her faith took a View Royal resident to one of the poorest areas of Africa. Shanna Dance, 21, returned in August after spending nine months teaching English to secondary students in the town of Tabora in central Tanzania.
Artist and teacher was a 'free spirit'
New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal — Grand Manan, New Brunswick, 11 October 2007
When the Baha'i faith community her mother pioneered here in the 1950s held a graveside memorial service for Helen Charters last Sunday, it was left to its leader to paint a word picture of the beloved Toronto-born artist and educator.
Films help Rwandans heal
The Montreal Gazette — Montreal, Quebec, 11 October 2007
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner may be an odd choice of film to prevent genocide, but people all over Rwanda are watching the 1967 classic to learn how to avoid future killings.
Eco-friendly Dentistry: Not a Matter of Choice
(Narrated PowerPoint presentation is also available online)
Journal of the Canadian Dental Association — September 2007; v73:7
For many people, dentistry is not the first word that springs to mind when one hears the word “eco-friendly.” Dr. Ali Farahani hopes to change that. He opened Front Street Dental in Stratford, Ontario, in April of this year with the intent to make his practice as environmentally friendly as possible.
Fundraising play takes a look at love, dance, and death
Coquitlam Now — Coquitlam, British Columbia, 21 September 2007
Nina Rahmany is used to a little more action on the dance floor. He teaches salsa classes in Maple Ridge and dances in several competative groups. But when he took on the role of a ballroom dance champion for the new play Transition he needed a few lessons in a dance style that is decidedly slower and refined.
Bridging musical worlds (story at bottom of linked page)
Georgia Straight — Vancouver, British Columbia, 13 September 2007
With his soft voice and gentle manner, Farshid Samandari seems an unlikely jailbird, and it's probable that had he grown up anywhere other than Iran he would never have seen the inside of a prison cell.
Eco-camp honours virtues, environment
Weekly News — Halifax, Nova Scotia, 7 September 2007
Eco-Camp 2007 started out with an ice-breaker for the campers - literally. T-shirts had been frozen into the centre of blocks of ice, and groups raced to see who could come up with the fastest method to free the shirt and get it onto a member of the group.
Bahá'í Centre celebrated 40 years
The Sylvan Lake News — Sylvan Lake, Alberta, 28 August 2007
The Bahá'í Centre outside of Sylvan Lake was a busy place, Aug. 11, as close to 300 people attended a 40th anniversary celebration. Ed Muttart, former coordinator of the Bahá'í Centre, said it was a great day.
Getting in touch with nature
The High River Times — High River, Alberta, 24 August 2007
A new program in the foothills has been teaching children the importance of respecting the environment.
Last Thursday and Friday, the Eco Program took a group of 12 young people and provided a new outlook on human interaction with nature through various activities.
A generation of leaders emerge
Cowichan News Leader — Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, 19 August 2007
From impoverished East Africa to remote areas of Israel, the young people of the Cowichan Valley are making a difference.
Eaglearts Academy booming in Shawnigan Lake
Cowichan News Leader — Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, 8 August 2007
Changing the world by changing self through art is the lofty goal behind Eaglearts Academy and Summer Arts Camp at Shawnigan Lake. Classes in two, two-week sessions between July and August give local and global students the tools to make a difference in their hometown, says administrator Sharon Marnell.
Go big or go home
Globe and Mail — 1 August 2007
After three decades of success in any field, many artists might start to think about slowing down. Not Jack Lenz.
Overseeing Lenz Entertainment, a company of about 60 musicians, writers, engineers and puppet artists, the fiftysomething Toronto-based composer and arranger is looking to expand.
It's about people building
31 July 2007
This is a concept so obvious it is often left out of the discussion. In our enthusiasm to laud the newest architectural designs and construction methodology those who create buildings... sometimes forget that architecture is not a private endeavour.
Putting ‘bling’ into buildings
Toronto Star — Toronto, Ontario, 30 July 2007
Craftsman and entrepreneur Soheil Mosun is fond of saying that you can’t soar like an eagle if you flock with turkeys.
NB beat checks out the Steve Zaat Band
Here magazine — St. John, New Brunswick, 26 July 2007
While the majority of New Brunswickers are taking it easy for the summer, Saint John’s Steve Zaat has been rolling along in high gear prepping for the fall release of his debut CD.
Bahá’ís in Hamilton, around the globe commemorate martyrdom of the Bab
Ancaster News — Ancaster, Ontario, 13 July 2007
Baha’is in Hamilton and around the globe, gathered on July 9 at noon to commemorate one of the 11 holy days in the Baha’i calendar; the Martyrdom of the Bab.
Creating the bridge to cultural understanding
Fort McMurray Today — Fort McMurray, Alberta, 7 July 2007
Fort McMurray is a unique city to experience multi-culturalism with its people working together, despite the many different nationalities, ethnic backgrounds and religions found here.
Baha’i community mourns loss
The Record — Burnaby, British Columbia, 4 July 2007
Members of the Baha’i community in New Westminister are mourning the passing of their chair, Maureen Peterson, who passed away on June 2 after a short illness.
Measuring for Success
Canadian Architect — June 2007
This story would not be complete without at least some discussion surrounding the Bahá’í Temple in Santiago by Hariri Pontarini Architects (HPA).
St. Paul’s nurses praised
The Prairie Messenger — Muenster, Saskatchewan, 27 June 2007
Anniversary celebrations for St. Paul’s Hospital exploring the theme, 100 years of Hope and Healing, included a multi-faith service June 13. Leaders from many faiths — including Jewish, Muslim, United Church and Baha’i — spoke on healing and spirituality in a tent on the Catholic hospital grounds, despite pouring rain.
Iranian couple lives back-to-basics lifestyle in the South Okanagan
The Penticton Herald — Penticton, British Columbia, 29 June 2007
Canada Day takes on a special meaning for Farideh Tavakoli, who came to Canada from Iran on a student visa, not realizing she was never to return.
‘Spiritual lens’ permits long-term vision
The Guelph Mercury — Guelph, Ontario, 23 June 2007
A world view impacts every thought, every choice and every resulting action. It is like a lens through which we perceive and interact with our environment.
Unexpected 50 year reunion
Leduc Representative — Leduc, Alberta, 22 June 2007
Retired Maj. Ian Ferguson got a big surprise when he and his wife, Karin, drove down 50 Avenue after they moved to Leduc, a few months ago.
As a former fighter pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and then the navy, Ferguson was reunited with the T-33 Jet #518 that is currently stationed at the Leduc Legion.
Multicultural Festival showcases world
The Chronicle Herald — Halifax, Nova Scotia, 16 June 2007
Wisps of Elizabete Almeida’s dark hair peeked out from beneath a royal blue, fringed head scarf. Her large, smiling, almond-shaped eyes greeted passersby as they studied her intricately woven blue and white costume accented with splashes of gold jewelry.
Interfaith talk to bring people closer
The Question — Whistler, British Columbia, 11 June 2007
Local religious leaders and academics will gather together this Thursday (June 14) at the Squamish United Church to discuss their faiths and how they affect us as a community.
Rwanda recovers from war
Red Deer Advocate — Kitchener, Ontario, 6 June 2007
When the fighting had ended and Rwandans were ready to rebuild their country, Safieh and Chris Anderson knew they had to be part of it.