Brave Spaces Conference
The date of this conference has passed.
This is your warm welcome to check out our upcoming conference that features acclaimed artists and specialists in building inclusive and diverse communities.
How do we have difficult but important conversations, especially when it comes to being truly inclusive? And can we have fun while doing it?!
Brave Spaces is here! A time to be curious, open, and to explore what inclusivity looks and feels like, beyond the words.
Join us in Calgary for a special one-night-only show, and a day full of workshops, great food, and more!
- Friday, September 28, 2018 – Certified at 7:00pm
- Saturday, September 29, 2018 – Keynote and workshops 8:00am – 5:00pm
Morning and afternoon refreshments and a full lunch will be available on Saturday.
For tickets visit eventbrite.ca.
For more information or to follow the details of the event, visit facebook.com.
Subsidies available. Consider sponsoring a ticket for someone to attend!
Ticket Cost:
- $20 for Certified only
- $70 for Certified and full day conference
- $60 for full-day conference only
Location: McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca St. SE)
Certified by Jan Derbyshire: Award-winning Canadian playwright Jan Derbyshire is opening the conference on Friday, September 28, 2018, with her gritty production which turns the audience into a mental health review board. Join the irreverent fun in this hilarious & heart-aching romp, as comedian & certified insane person Jan Derbyshire turns the audience into a mental health review board to help determine her current state of sanity. Come humorously grapple with hefty questions like What’s crazy? What isn’t crazy? Who decides? In this comic case, you do. Anyone can buy a ticket just for the show, or you can purchase a whole conference ticket with the show included!
This show contains strong language and deals with heavy themes. Recommended for ages 13+.
Keynote Speaker and Workshop Leader
Erik Carter, Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. His research and teaching focus on evidence-based strategies for promoting valued roles in school, work, community, and congregational settings for children and adults with intellectual disability, autism, and multiple disabilities.
Workshop Leaders
Tony Snow. Tony is an indigenous theologian and scholar from the Stoney Nakoda First Nation in Morley, AB. He has over 15 years of experience working with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers on spiritual and social concerns that affect communities across Alberta. He currently attends the Vancouver School of Theology while working as a ministry coordinator for pastoral and community care at McDougall United Church. The son of the late Rev. Dr. Chief John Snow Sr, Tony grew up immersed in the church as well as the spiritual practices of the Stoney Nakoda people. He has worked in cross-cultural education, Indigenous awareness, and anti-racist advocacy.
Jan Derbyshire. Jan is an established multi-disciplinary artist, producer, inclusive designer and educator. She specializes in the design, facilitation and delivery of playful, inclusive, interactive, and participatory experiences that push forward ideas of diversity, belonging and interdependent communities.
A self-motivated, enthusiastic communicator she is able to express ideas both in public presentations and writing with over 20 years experience working in professional and community arts and in issue-based collaborations with non-profits, educational institutes and corporations.
She draws from a background of stand-up comedy, playwriting, devised theatre, storytelling, interactive installation, game design, essay writing, and stage directing. She has produced projects locally, nationally and internationally. Jan Holds a Masters in Inclusive Design from OCAD University in Toronto.
Danna Ormstrup. Danna is the Executive Director of the Foothills Fetal Alcohol Network. She began working people with learning disabilities in the early 80’s. Her role includes family care, prevention, awareness & professional education.
We value accessibility and have strived to make ticket prices reasonable. If you would like to attend but funds are prohibitive, please email us at bravespaces@mcdunited.com a
