Saskatoon Anarchist Bookfair

2010-12-02T22:24:00.000-08:00

updated program

facebook page

2010-12-02T22:23:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: we regret to inform you that this event is no longer all ages. due to a misread of fine print on our license. apologies that it was advertised as such.

facebook page

Is Canada Imperialist? - A Book Launch with Todd Gordon

2010-11-23T22:35:00.000-08:00

December 2nd, 2010
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Frances Morrison Library Theatre
311 - 23rd Street East
Saskatoon, SK

Admission Free - Public Welcome
Wheelchair Accessible

Sponsored by Turning the Tide Bookstore and the Saskatoon Anarchist Bookfair, and Arbeiter Ring Publishing.

Imperialist Canada
by Todd Gordon

Book Description:

Imperialist Canada exposes Canada’s imperialist past and present, at home and across the globe. Todd Gordon interweaves histories of indigenous dispossession in Canada with the cold facts of Canadian capital’s oppression of peoples in the global South. The book digs beneath the surface of Canada’s image as global peacekeeper and promoter of human rights, revealing the links between the corporate pursuit of profit and Canadian foreign and domestic policy. Drawing on examples from Colombia, the Congo, Sudan, Haiti and elsewhere, Imperialist Canada makes a passionate plea for greater critical attention to Canada’s role in the global order.

About Todd Gordon:

Todd Gordon is a social justice activist who completed his Ph.D. in political
science at York University. His articles have appeared in Studies in Political Economy, Canadian Review of Social Policy and Capital and Class. He is also an editor of New Socialist magazine.

Praise for Imperialist Canada

This outstanding book will change the way all of us think about Canadian history, culture, and political economy. Documenting Canada’s oppression of indigenous peoples at home, and the plunder, racism and violence of Canadian multinationals abroad, Gordon shows that Canada’s elites are part of a world power structure built on colonialism, racism and dispossession.”

— David McNally, York University, author of Another World is Possible: Globalization and Anti-Capitalism

A tour de force, a must-read for anyone concerned with bringing about a new world without capital.”

— Henry Veltemeyer, St. Mary’s University, author with James Petras of Globalization Unmasked: Imperialism in the 21st Century

Imperialist Canada provides crucial insights into the new forms of Canadian imperialism. Rather than blindly endorse the mythologies of ‘peacekeeper’ and ‘good neighbour’, Gordon dissects the grim realities of the Canadian state and capitalism.”

— Greg Albo, co-author (with Sam Gindin and Leo Panitch) of In and Out of Crisis: The Global Financial Meltdown and Left Alternatives

If you assume Canada always acts as a benign force in the world you should read this book. You may be surprised.”

— Thomas Walkom, Columnist, Toronto StarSee more

Book Launch - Food Sovereignty: Reconnecting Food, Nature and Community

2010-11-23T22:27:00.000-08:00

Time:
December 1st, 2010, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Location:
Estevan Room - Hilton Garden Inn
90 – 22nd St East
Saskatoon, SK

The National Farmers Union, Fernwood Publishing, Turning the Tide Bookstore and the Saskatoon Anarchist Bookfair present:

A Book Launch
with editors Annette Aurélie Desmarais and Nettie Wiebe
and local authors Carla Fehr, Jim Handy and more TBA in attendance.
...
Admission Free
All Ages/Licensed with ID
Wheelchair Accessible

Book copies will be available at the event and in advance at Turning the Tide Bookstore for $24.95 plus GST.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Details

Food Sovereignty
Reconnecting Food, Nature and Community
Edited by Annette Aurélie Desmarais, Nettie Wiebe, Hannah Wittman

Advocating a practical, radical change to the way much of our food system currently operates, this book argues that food sovereignty is the means to achieving a system that will provide for the food needs of all people while respecting the principles of environmental sustainability, local empowerment and agrarian citizenship. The current high input, industrialized, market-driven food system fails on all these counts. The UN-endorsed goal of food security is becoming increasingly distant as indicated by the growing levels of hunger in the world, especially among marginalized populations in both the North and South. The authors of this book describe the recent emergence and the parameters of an alternative system, food sovereignty, that puts the levers of food control in the hands of those who are both hungry and produce the world’s food – peasants and family farmers, not corporate executives. As the authors show in both conceptual and case study terms, food sovereignty promises not only increased production of food, but also food that is safe, food that reaches those who are in the most need, and agricultural practises that respect the earth.

ISBN: 9781552663745
Price: $24.95 CAD
Hardcover ISBN: 9781552663905
Hardcover Price: $49.95 CAD
Publication Date: Sep 2010
Rights: Canada
Pages: 224

for more information visit - http://brunswickbooks.ca/Food-Sovereignty-Hannah-Wittman/See more

Building Movements of Resistance: Lessons from the G8/G20 Organizing

2010-11-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 3
7:30pm - 9:30pm

Grace Westminster United Church
505 10th Street East
Saskatoon, SK

2010 SASKATOON ANARCHIST BOOKFAIR KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Building Movements of Resistance: Lessons from the G8/G20 Organizing and the Repression of Dissent.

In this talk, Toronto-based community organizer and independent media activist Sharmeen Khan will speak about her experiences and insights into the resistance to the G8/G20 summits which took place in Toronto in June of 2010.
...
The summits are now infamous for the massive scale of the security operation which cost Canadian taxpayers nearly $1 billion as well as the size and violence of the police crackdown on dissent. By the end of the weekend, nearly 1100 arrests had been made (the largest mass arrests in Canadian history) and stories began to emerge of widespread abuse of arrestees and the trampling of civil liberties.

In the talk, Sharmeen will cover a range of topics related to the G8/G20 protests including:

- the broad-based organizing efforts that took place in the lead-up to the summits (which built links between diverse communities and strove to empower people living in marginalized communities to speak with their own voices about the issues facing them in their day-to-day lives),

- the police repression targeting key community organizers and the sweeping arrests which saw thousands of police round up protesters, bystanders, journalists and legal observers alike,

- the ongoing legal support of the 100 or so people still facing charges,

- and the overall impact that the event and its aftermath have had on organizing efforts for grassroots social change.

Please join us to listen and discuss this timely and important issue in the struggle to build a more just and sustainable world.

Sharmeen Khan was a media spokesperson for the Toronto Community Mobilization Network, the main network organizing the resistance against the G20. She now works at the Ontario Public Interest Research Group at York University.

Event page on facebook.

2010-11-16T07:13:00.000-08:00

The Saskatoon Anarchist Bookfair is back with two days of workshops, speakers, literature/art vendors, food, entertainment, and nice people. The main event will be held at Grace-Westminster Church (505 10th St E) with a party/concert at Cosmo Senior's Centre on the Saturday night. The whole weekend is free/by donation, all ages, and vegan-friendly.

With participants coming from across western Canada, it's a perfect opportunity to... share ideas & meet interesting folks. Everyone is welcome - this isn't just for those who self-identify as anarchists. Discussions will cover wide range of political/personal topics and views.

More info to come soon. You can also find more info on the facebook event page.

2010-10-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

beernight fundraiser for this year's bookfair. saturday octrober 23rd at winston's pub 7-9pm. $10. bring your friends!

Friday night @ the Book Fair

2009-11-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

Anarchism, Colonialism, and Aboriginal Dispossession in the Canadian West

Paul Burrows speaks Friday night @ the Saskatoon Anarchist Book Fair!
7 pm
Grace Westminster United Church
505 10th St East

"Anarchism, Colonialism, and Aboriginal Dispossession in the Canadian West" is an exploration of Kropotkin, Goldman, and Rocker's visits to the Prairies in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and what their views, attitudes were on settler-colonialism and indigenous peoples.

Paul Burrows is an activist and writer based in Winnipeg, Canada. In 1995, he helped found Winnipeg's Old Market Autonomous Zone (www.a-zone.org), as well as Mondragon Bookstore & Coffee House (www.mondragon.ca), institutions -- inspired by participatory economics and anarchism -- which have become focal points of activism in Winnipeg. More recently (in 2007), he helped start up the Rudolf Rocker Cultural Centre (www.rocker.cc), a collectively-run gallery and multi-purpose venue for social, political, and cultural events of interest to the anarchist, activist, and wider Winnipeg communities.

Paul's articles on participatory economics, Palestine-Israel, and other issues have appeared in ZNet, Electronic Intifada, rabble.ca, Upping the Anti, New Socialist, and elsewhere. An article on "Participatory Economics & Workers' Self-Management: Reflections on Winnipeg's Mondragon Bookstore & Coffee House Collective" appeared in the anthology edited by Chris Spannos entitled Real Utopia: Participatory Society for the 21st Century (AK Press, 2008).

He completed an M.A. in History at the U of Manitoba with a primary focus on indigenous history and resistance, treaties, and settler-colonialism. His thesis was on "Treaty 1 & the Ethnic Cleansing of the St. Peter's Reserve" -- merely the tip of the iceberg in terms of Canada's shameful history of ethnic cleansing, apartheid, and genocide.

More recently, he started a Ph.D. in History at U of Saskatchewan.

Paul has a four year old son named Asher, who is near-certain proof of humanity's innate tendency towards anarchism.

Only a week away!

2009-11-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

We hope you are all as excited about the book fair as we are! Here is the finalized workshop schedule for Saturday Novemer 14th.

2009 Anarchist Book Fair Workshop Schedule

10:30 - 11:30 – Yoga with Tamra Knaus
Back for anther year, the book fair warms up with some free yoga. Bring your mats!

or...

10:30 – 11:30 – Learn to Knit with Rissy
Learn the basics of knitting! Or if you already know how to knit, come hang out and knit in a social setting! Yarn and needles will be provided.

11:30 - 12:30 – The Menstrual cycle: it's awesome! with Crystal Clarke
Our society deems menstruation as something to hide, be ashamed of, and resent. Just as Eve has been blamed for over 2000 years, women are taught to hate this part of our biology. This is a product of patriarchy and just one of many natural occurrences in a woman's life that nobody talks about. Menstruation, along with other reproduction-related events, are a part of women and society whether we like it or not. This workshop will explore safe discussion about menstruation and reproduction, and celebrate the fact that most women are given a monthly gift in menstruation. You can expect small- and large-group discussion, information, empowerment, and lots of fun in this workshop. It is open to all genders!

Free lunch will be provided

12:30 - 1:30 - Guerilla gardening with Shaun and Jessie from Rooted
Explore the philosophy behind guerilla gardening and the importance of urban agriculture with some of Saskatoon's urban ag collective Rooted. Learn how to make seed bombs! All supplies will be provided.

1:30 - 2:30 - Anarchist Approaches to Education
The system of public education is one of the most important institutions that serves to legitimize and reproduce the unequal structures of power and authority that anarchists fight to undermine. While schools teach children obedience, competition, and blind respect for authority, anarchists encourage free, critical thinking, cooperation, and mutual, universal respect.

If we take our dream of building a better world seriously, we must consider the possibilities for engaging in education in the present. As anarchists who oppose State authority, what options do we have for education in our communities? Is it possible to effect radical change by working within the public education system, or should we advocate for a withdrawal from State institutions?

Join Edmonton's Worker Solidarity Alliance members and advocates for radical education in an interactive workshop that will explore these questions and more.

2:30 - 3:30 - Prisoner Solidarity
Founded in the late 1980s and formally incorporated as an organization in 2000, Books Through Bars was established to address the paucity of educational resources and programming made available to prisoners hoping to use the time of their imprisonment to effect positive change in their lives. By distributing free educational materials to prisoners, Books Through Bars facilitates prisoner education, thereby promoting successful community re-integration. Because successful community reintegration requires transformation within and outside of prison walls, Books Through Bars utilizes our book distribution service as the foundation on which we build innovative programs designed to engage a broad cross-section of the general public in thinking critically about issues of imprisonment.

Cameron from the Regina chapter of Books Through Bars will talk about the importance of prisoner solidarity and some of the ways we can form alliances with those in prison. Come discuss ways of preventing the criminalisation and over-policing of our communities and ways of opposing the growing “prison society.”

3:30 - 4:30 – Trans Resistance with Alix
What exactly is gender and how does our society rigidly enforce binary gender codes at the expense of personal freedom and self-determination? We’ll be discussing some of basics of transgenderism and activism, and the issues transgendered people face, from proper pronoun usage to the medicalization of transgenderism and rampant discrmination.

4:30 - 5:30 - Know your rights!
Ever get stopped by a cop who demands to see your ID? Are you ever unsure what your rights are whenever dealing with police? What's the process of being arrested? Know Your Rights! answers these questions and more. A one hour crash course on your rights when dealing with the fuzz from an anarchist perspective. Put on by Calgary's Anarchist Black Cross.

Free dinner will be provided

5:30 - 6:30 - The Art of Self-Publishing
Local author Wes Funk will provide ideas and tactics for those interested in controlling the publishing and distribution of their writing. Applies to more than just novelists. Zinesters get in there!
___________

You can also once again look forward to a bunch of excellent organizations and vendors there tabling...including Thoughtcrime Ink, Edmonton IWW, Winnipeg Copwatch, Edmonton ABC, Calgary ABC, Anarchist Youth Movement, Black Cat Press, Junto 91, Turning the Tide and much more!

Expect free food! supervised children's play area! and a free store/stuff swap!

Plus: Don't forget about our beer night!

2009-10-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hype!

2009-10-16T19:02:00.000-07:00

2009 Saskatoon Anarchist Bookfair! - November 13-15

2009-10-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

The Saskatoon Anarchist Bookfair is back with two days of workshops, speakers, literature/art vendors, food, entertainment, and nice people. The main event will be held at Grace-Westminster Church (505 10th St E) with a party/concert at Cosmo Senior's Centre on the Saturday night. The whole weekend is free/by donation, all ages, and vegan-friendly.

With participants coming from across western Canada, it's a perfect opportunity to share ideas & meet interesting folks. Everyone is welcome - this isn't just for those who self-identify as anarchists. Discussions will cover wide range of political/personal topics and views. Anyone interested in tabling or participating in some way is asked to get in touch with the organizing committee.

We are now taking submissions for workshops and vendors! Please email saskatoonanarchy@gmail.com.

2008 Book Fair Schedule

2008-11-02T19:21:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY November 7th - Cosmo Senior Centre (614 11th St E)

Celebration of Resistance!

Supper at 7:30

Celebration at 8:30

Featuring Dr. Allan Antliff from the University of Victoria

"War Against War"

In this talk, Allan deals with the history of European anarchist resistance to war from the late 19th century to the present.

Drinks, food, and dancing will take place!

___________________________________

SATURDAY November 8th - Cosmo Senior Centre (614 11th St E)

General Book Fair - 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

Check out the wide variety of vendors selling books, zines, t-shirts, music, movies, and much more!

Workshops

Yoga - 10:00 - 11:00

Wake up with some free yoga, brought to you by Tamra Knaus. Bring your own mat, if you have it!

Wither Marxism? An Interactive Role-Play - 11:30 - 12:30

The "leaders" of our society today (and many self-described "anarchists") would have you believe that Marxism has long been consigned to the dustbin of history, being sufficiently discredited with the collapse of the Soviet Empire in 1991. But are the works of Karl Marx really that irrelevant, or are there lessons we can still learn today?

In this interactive workshop, Alex C of Edmonton will briefly introduce participants to the basic tenets of Marx's Labour Theory of Value (LTV) and place them in a role-play situation simulating a typical work environment today. The direction of the workshop will depend almost entirely on those who attend, so if you want to see how 19^th-century theory can still influence action today (and have some fun in the process), this workshop is for you!

Issues and Organizing for Young People - 11:30 - 12:30

Saskatoon's Tracey Mitchell will help facilitate youth ages 10-15 to organize around specific issues, using creative games and tactics.

FREE VEGAN LUNCH! - 12:30 - 1:30

Better Censorship Through Terrorism - 1:30 - 2:30

This workshop deals with the recent (and not so recent) history of the extra-judicial censorship of activist art in the US and Canada. Presented by Dr. Allan Antliff of the University of Victoria.

Book Making - 2:30 - 3:30

Local literary enthusiasts Taylor Leedahl and Beth Matheson invite you to join their DIY bookmaking workshop at the 2008 Anarchist Book Fair. We have enough supplies for twenty participants, however, if the demand for the workshop is high, people can team up and enjoy making a book together.

All supplies and tools will be provided.

The workshop will include a tutorial, bookmaking extravaganza, and the chance to look at other bookmaking examples and materials.

If you're interested in signing up, please email us at tonight.its.poetry@gmail.com to claim your spot.

Workshop entry fee is by donation (suggested donation $10.00). All money will be donated to the Anarchist Book Fair and Station 20 West initiative.

Direct Action in Workplace - 2:30 - 3:30

The IWW Edmonton chapter will be facilitating an interactive workshop on radicalizing the workplace and defending worker rights. Learn about "social mapping" your place of work and organizing around specific labour issues.

Radical Cheerleading - 3:30 - 4:30

Saskatoon radical cheerleaders Sheila and Candace will be leading a cheer-share. Current radical cheerleaders are encouraged to bring their cheers and people who have never cheered before should come, learn what it's all about, and join in on the radical street theatre!

Know Your Rights! - 3:30 - 4:30

Ever been searched by the cops without reason? Confused about what you are legally permitted to do when dealing with the legal system? This workshop is a primer for Canadian rights: everything from dealing with the police to the right to silence. Given by the Calgary Anarchist Black Cross.

Anti-fascism: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives - 4:30 - 5:30

A discussion on facism, anti-facism, why it's important, what it means, etc. Also, hands on section dealing with tactics, self-defense and organization.

DIY Sex Toys: Make your own strap ons, dildos, butt plugs, and harnesses - 4:30 - 5:30

Discover how sex toys are empowering in a feminist, anarchist and queer friendly space. Learn how to make your own strap on, dildo, butt plug or harness and then make one at the workshop. This is a sex positive and safe sex workshop (condoms, dental-dams and lube provided).
Presenter: Britt, a Member of the Calgary Anarchist Bookfair Organizing Committee and long time radical Anarcho-Feminist.

FREE VEGAN SUPPER! - 5:30

Plus, help us decorate for the party!

GLAMARCHY Party - Doors @ 7:30

-------------------------------------------------------

SUNDAY November 9th

Hangover Pancake Breakfast @ Le Relais (308 4th Avenue N) - 11:00 am

Learn the name of that person you danced with last! You will now have a pen to write down their e-mail address!

1 Week til Go Time!!

2008-10-31T13:09:00.000-07:00

Beer Night #2

2008-09-23T09:54:00.000-07:00

Heck yes, we are moving on to Round 2 of the infamous beer nights!

The Anarchist Book Fair crew wants to thank everyone that came out to our first beer night fundraiser. In fact, it was so successful and so much fun that we have decided to have another one.

It will be at Winston's again in the cellar on Friday, October 17th from 7-9pm.

Infamy ftw!!

2008 Book Fair - Official Call-Out for Vendors, Workshops, & Volunteers!

2008-09-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

*Please forward widely!*
*Please direct all replies to: saskatoonanarchy@gmail.com*

The 3rd Annual Saskatoon Anarchist Book-Fair is quickly approaching, and we
are looking for vendors, workshop facilitators, and volunteers to help make
the event a great success!

The fair will take place this year on November 7th to 9th, 2008 at the Cosmo Senior Citizen's Centre off Broadway (614 11th Street East). Friday will consist of an evening social with details to be announced. Saturday will be the jam-packed day of book fair, including free vegan food, workshops, discussions, activist networking, and of course TONS of alternative and DIY media! Saturday night, we will be hosting our infamous Anarchist Book Fair party, which will include live music, drinks, and dancing all under the theme of Glamarchy! On Sunday, we finish it off with another day of food, organizing, and workshops (location TBA).

The event will be wheel-chair accessible and all ages, with free admission, free vegan food, free workshops, and free child-care. Donations will be accepted at the door to recoup expenses.

If you run a distro, store, collective, or other organization and would like to register a table to distribute your anarchy-related wares, please try to confirm with us before October 31st by filling out the following form. Tables are free!

Likewise, if you want to lead a free workshop, please get in touch by filling out the following form. We are especially looking for creative and unusual workshop ideas that build community, deal with current needs, share useful skills, and are inclusive. We can supply electrical outlets,
white-boards/flip-charts, chairs, tables, pens/paper, and quiet space – let us know what you need. Again, please confirm with us by October 31st.

If you want to volunteer a couple hours to help out before or during this fun and busy day, we need you! Let us know before-hand what you enjoy most: childcare, cooking, cleaning, set-up, take-down, transporting items by bike or car, planning, or promotion, OR just show up on the day and ask someone what needs to be done. All contributing efforts are highly valued, and we
encourage drop-in visitors to take a shift washing dishes, sweeping, or moving tables to lighten the workload for everyone.

More info at:
1. http://saskatoonanarchy.blogspot.com.

2. Facebook Event Page (
http://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=23010823913) - includes Carpool
Registry!

3. Become a Saskatoon Anarchist Book Fair fan on our Facebook Fanpage
http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Saskatoon-SK/Saskatoon-Anarchist-Bookfair/37189127080?ref=ts

We can't wait to see you there!

Love and solidarity,
The book fair team

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*The following form was stolen (with love) from the Edmonton Anarchist Book
Fair Organizing Committee*

Notes:
* Preference will be given to vendors that provide anarchist/activist
literature or merchandise.
* Limited assistance for travel and billeting may be available for out
of town vendors.
* We are able to accept merchandise from vendors who are unable to
attend the event, but only on a limited basis.

Instructions to submit an application:
* Complete the attached form and email it to saskatoonanarchy@gmail.com
* Include your name, affiliation if any, the number of tables required, and
contact information
* Submission deadline is October 31st, 2008
* Only submissions by email are accepted

2008 Saskatoon Anarchist Bookfair
November 7th - social evening (specific events TBA)
November 8th-9th - Book Fair
November 8th EVENING - Glamarchy! Party

Cosmo Senior Centre, 614 11th Street East, Saskatoon SK

TABLE REQUEST FORM
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: October 31st 2008
Name:
Affiliation (if any):
Address:
City: Prov or State: Postal Code:
Telephone: Fax:
Email (required):
Date of submission:
How many tables will you require?
Brief description of what your table(s) will offer the public:

Travel Information:
1. Where will you (and your co-presenters) be traveling from, and by what
method?

2. If you will be driving, can you drive other people that need rides in
your area? If so, how many spaces can you provide?

3. If you are not driving, can you ride with other people? How many
spaces will you need?

4. Do you require a travel subsidy? If so, how much?

Billeting:
1. Will you need a place to stay while you are in Saskatoon? If so, for
how many, and for how long? Please provide dates.

2. Other concerns or considerations, including smoke or pet allergies?

Childcare:
Will you require childcare? For how many children?

WAM, punk shows and beer night!

2008-08-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

This Friday and Saturday we went to the We Are Many Festival to pass out information and promote this year's Anarchist Bookfair. We gave away two cases of plums, and 250 leaflets. We did our best to bring some anarchist energy to an otherwise laid back festival. In fact, the one workshop attended by us was said to be the best discussion of the weekend by one of the organizers!

It was a kickoff to a more heavily promoted bookfair than years before. This September we will be having a beer night to fundraise for this years bookfair. Nestled between two amazing punk shows (Against Me! on the 11th, and Bad Religion on the 19th), join us in the basement of Winstons on September 13th. Look for us handing out information after both shows. Expect more updates in the coming days with details on this event.

2008 Book Fair

2008-01-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

We're currently looking for people interested in organizing the Saskatoon Anarchist Book Fair for 2008 (most likely the fall). If you have some time, energy, and interest in helping out, contact us at saskatoonanarchy@gmail.com.

Don't worry if you don't have a lot of experience in putting on events. This is a great project to work on -- we'd love your ideas!

The book fair needs you! Anarchy needs you!

Mad love,
meaganarchy

Welcome!

2007-09-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

The 2nd Annual Saskatoon Anarchist Book-fair is taking place Saturday, September 29th at the Cosmo Senior Citizens Centre from 10 am to 9 pm, with a kick-off party the night before at 7. All are welcome - you don't have to be an anarchist to enjoy the book-fair or the party!
For more info:

Click on the posters to see bigger versions and read the details.

Scroll down for the schedule of workshops, list of vendors, and descriptions of the entertainment at the party.

Post comments on our new forum for carpooling hook-ups, networking, and book-fair discussion: http://saskatoonanarchy.forumsdot.com/

Read the FAQ by clicking the link in the navigation bar.

Contact us: saskatoonanarchy@gmail.com

BLACK CARPET PARTY!

2007-09-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

This is a reminder that the BLACK CARPET Anarchist Book Fair kick-off party is happening THIS FRIDAY at Cosmo Senior's Centre. The party STARTS at 7pm, so don't be late!

Dress snazzy, sip cocktails, and go wild to:

*DJ Swizzlestix (Saskatoon): lounge, exotica, abstract beats, crooning, limbo contests!
DJ Swizzlestix brings the diamond shaped sparkly back to sweet anarchy with her ultra-neo-fromage, all-vinyl blend of exotica and lounge classics, alongside some sweet instrumental hip-hop beats, live crooning, and perhaps the odd limbo contest or two.

*Ze and the Boyfriends (Saskatoon):
This super cute group's infectious indie/pop/new wave/dance/hardcore/electro sound is sure to move your bodies and dampen your undies!
Drawing influence from wonderfully puke-worthy trends such as spandex, Anna Nicole Smith, the Olsen Twins, plastic surgery and Barbie, Ze takes all that is shoved in our faces since day one and pukes it back into the media using modern media's tools: music, sex, image, propaganda and the internet.

*Red Medicine (Edmonton): Experimental/Indie/Mayhem!?
"For McGrath, and drummer Taylor Schaerer, punk rock doesn't necessarily equate spiky hair and studded leather. It’s rather an understanding of "punk" as a state of mind, a rebellious and constant quest for change. Red Medicine create harsh, furious noise extravaganzas which have taken root in the members’ punk origins, and then evolve them into huge sonic build-ups closer to free-form jazz and experimental music. Think Wolf Eyes meets Mogwai and you get the picture."
- Francois Marchand, SEE Magazine

*Trancer (Saskatoon):
Trancer, holy lord of the deepest of underground EDM culture, will emerge from his dark meditative domain equipted with weapons of mass excitation fully prepared to blisteringlly rock the hellshit out of the Anarchist Bookfair Pre-Party Black Carpet Event. Loading ballistic and explosive bombastic four on the floor scorchers into his digital decks, he will move the most rigid of the repressed, exorcize the most wild and untamed of inner demons, and make every boy and girl sacrifice themselves to the glory of his eurphoric golden grooves!!!

*The New Electric (Calgary): Anarchist New Wave!
What would you say would happen if a two-piece New Wave band with a drum machine shared a bill with punk and hardcore bands? Well, if that band is the New Electric, what happens is kids dance and get enthusiastic and, believe it or not, the band doesn't get beat up. The New Electric fuses a DIY Punk Ethic with a New Wave Style. Are you ready for the information age?

*Holzkopf (Saskatoon/Edmonton): a plethora of sounds by Jake...
"Hey Meagan,
I was hoping actually to do a live set of my super dancey stuff. Is a live set ok? Trust me when I say its ultra phat!
-Jake"

*Tapenga (Saskatoon)
Tapenga aka Dj Topenga throws together an elegant/sophisticated mix of chilled soundz from only the most refrigerated heavens.

*7=5 (Saskatoon): Queer-core Hip-hop magic

Workshop Schedule and List of Vendors- Book Fair 2007

2007-09-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

Workshop Schedule for Saturday, Sept. 29th
11:00 - Yoga
12:00 - Bike maintenance
1:00 - Networking
1:30 - Men and Feminism
2:30 - Gender and the Queer Community
3:30 - Post-NDP Saskatchewan
4:30 - Aboriginal issues in Canada and the globe
5:30 - Armed resistance / Self-defense

11-12: Vinyasa Yoga -- Cultivating Awareness of Self: Multi-level practice with Georgina Ng

We will practice a vigorous and stimulating asana-vinyasa designed to remove blockages from the casual, subtle, and physical bodies. This yoga is a form of moving meditation, drawing awareness into the current moment and into understanding the true nature of the self. We will also utilize pranayama (breathing) techniques to steady the mind by focusing on the energy behind the breath. Remember that you are not your body, you are not your mind, you are the soul, atman, eternal and undying! Connect to this and find experience bliss.

Georgina Ng is a young spiritual artist originally from Saskatoon, SK where the wheat grows thick and the canola grows high, just returned to our fair city after two years of travel and practice through Europe, India, and China. I'm dedicated to sharing what I've learned on the yogic path with as many receptive beings as possible...teaching yoga wherever it's needed, and working on breaking down those cultural barriers and letting the love flow through!

Come with an empty stomach and a yoga mat if you've got one, if not I've some to share!

LUNCH 12:00 (and beyond - we'll eat in shifts to spread out the dish-washing workload)

12:00 - 1:00 Fraser Baalim facilitates Bike Maintenance

An experienced DIY bike mechanic, Fraser will demonstrate a step-by-step approach to common repairs: fixing tires, chains, and brakes. He will also run through the essentials in maintaining a healthy, happy bike to keep you on 2 wheels all year round. Bring your bike if you want! Tools provided.

1:00: Ali Lake facilitates Networking and Collaborating

This will be a facilitated get-to-know-you session for anyone who wants to take advantage of the huge collective knowledge base of book-fair attendees, make new friends and valuable contacts. The process will continue more casually throughout the day with the aid of (optional) nametags and an on-going networking wall.

Ali Lake is one of the organizers of the Anarchist Book Fair. She is a student of biology, a comics artist, and the inventer of fabulous foods.

1:30: Farzad Bawani - Feminism: History and Experience

The talk focuses on the history of feminist thought and movement from the point of view of its impact on male self-consciousness and social activism. It presents an overview of the critical vision and the social scope of the three waves of feminism, in order to highlight the changing character of women social movement. The presentation places greater emphasis on the rupture and continuity created by the third wave and expounds its impact on identity and popular culture. Finally, the talk concludes by reflecting on the changing nature of private and public spheres and opens the floor for questions.

Farzad Bawani has Ph.D. in psychology from Montreal. He works as mental health professional and educational consultant. He relocated to Saskatoon in 2001. Farzad comes from a background of social activism, depth psychology, cultural studies, community work, and service development. His primary focus and preoccupation has been issues of social justice involving the struggle against disenfranchisement, social exclusion, and race and gender inequalities. His passion is to work with and to learn from all those who promote equality, youth-family wellbeing, and public health and education. In his spare time, Farzad paints, plays guitar, reads, writes, and celebrates life with friends.

2:30: Garnet Woloschuk - Gender Roles and the Queer Community

This workshop will confront the ways in which the GLBT community affects gender roles, how homophobia supports the status quo of gender roles, how drag and transgendered people effect gender norms and how the gendered privileged affects the queer community.

Garnet Woloschuk is the Director of Educational Programming at the Avenue Community Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity in Saskatoon.

3:30: Christine Regnier - Life in Saskatchewan Post-NDP

Worried about what will be going on in Saskatchewan if/after the Sask Party gets elected? Come join this important discussion about Saskatchewan's (and its neighbours') future.

Christine Regnier is a social and political activist in Saskatoon. She is an educator, social worker, researcher, and mother with experience and extensive knowledge in community organizing, government processes, the legal system, and citizen's rights.

4:30: Eriel and Sue Deranger - Aboriginal Issues in Canada: “Where do we fit in on a global scale?”

Aboriginal peoples of Canada are in a very precarious position that is both privileged and detrimental. On the one hand the Aboriginal peoples of Canada are privileged enough to live within a country that is both “developed” and “democratic”. This allows some advantages to pursue and pressure the governments to uphold certain fundamental human rights and intrinsic treaty rights that are the basis of our country. However, it’s unfortunate that it is the same governments that developed and built systems to subjugate the Aboriginal peoples of this country. In fact, the Canadian government and the Crown did such a good job of creating tactics of control and subjugation they have been used to model some of the world’s most appalling genocide systems, such as Apartheid.

This workshop will be an interactive discussion, learning and forward planning session that will focus on Aboriginal issues nationally and internationally. In addition, we will look at how the onset of globalization and ICT’s are bringing Indigenous people together, contribute to building international partnerships, and how they are bringing grassroots struggles into the forefronts of politics and the media.

Susana Deranger is a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation who resides in Regina, Saskatchewan. She is an educator and a researcher with a BA, BEd, and MEd in Curriculum and Instruction. She is the International Partnership and Special Projects Coordinator for the National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation. She also was part of a team that developed a Masters of Indigenous Education Program at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Chiapas (UNACH) in Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico and a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Development and Management at UNACH in San Cristobal, Chiapas, Mexico.

Eriel Deranger is a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation who resides in Regina, Saskatchewan. Eriel is currently the National Aboriginal Youth Engagement Coordinator for Creating Local Connections Canada, a project of TakingITGlobal. In this position her goal is to inspire, inform and involve Aboriginal youth in becoming active, engaged members of their communities. Her work contributes to the construct of a cohesive network of youth working for and with Aboriginal organizations in Canada.

Eriel was recently chosen as one of three Aboriginal youth from Canada to attend the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) in New York City, where she contributed to the development of the United Nations International Indigenous Youth Caucus. This youth caucus successfully wrote and submitted two statements and set of recommendations to the Forum. From these recommendations the UNPFII has accepted Indigenous Child and Youth Issues as a permanent agenda item for future forums.

5:30: Silas Kallikoph - Armed Resistance/Self-Defense

An exchange of information and ideas on the role of armed resistance in socio-political movements, including the ethics behind armed resistance. The topics of insurrectional activities, armed self defence, some information on tactics, improvised weapons, firearms, knife fighting, organization, etc. will be touched upon. This is a space for discussion, so please come with an open mind!

6:30 and on: Supper

Vendors

Haymarket Worker Owned Cooperative Book store and Cafe, Calgary
Capitalist Hate Us Distro, Edmonton
Food Not Bombs Calgary
International Workers of the World, Edmonton
Black Books, Edmonton
Thoughtcrime Ink, Edmonton
Kudzu Press, Saskatoon
JackPine Press, Saskatoon
Turning the Tide [R]evolutionary Media, Saskatoon
Seeds of Change (used books), Saskatoon
Briarpatch Magazine, Regina
Wasase Speakers Forum
Anti-Racist Action, Calgary
FarOut! distro, Calgary
+ artists/musicians/labels:

Pop Quiz net-label, Saskatoon
Carrie Gate s, Saskatoon
nOncapable Recordings, Saskatoon
and many more!

Frequently Asked Questions

2007-09-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

1. What is anarchism?
Answer: For a pretty comprehensive discussion of anarchist thought, see the Wikipedia article on anarchism. Short Answer: Anarchism is the belief that hierarchy (one party exerting power OVER another party) is harmful and should be replaced by non-hierarchical forms of organization. Many anarchists use consensus decision-making methods. Many anarchists also work against various forms of oppression, allying them with social justice activists. However, like any political belief, anarchism is an umbrella term encompassing a diversity of perspectives. The bookfair will be a great place to debate this definition!

2. How can you have a bookfair? Don't you want to destroy everything?
Answer: See number one. Also look up "nihilism" and "fatalism" in wikipedia while you're at it.

3. Why have a bookfair?
Answer: A bookfair can be a way to share information, spark discussion, provide free skill-building workshops to the public, allow anarchists and activists to network, spread alternative & radical media that is widely unavailable, and catalyze societal change. Plus it will be fun and relaxed, and you don't have to be an anarchist to come hang out.

4. Is it free? What costs money? Where does the money go?
FREE: Admission to the bookfair is free, and this includes vegan food, childcare, and all workshops. Donations will be accepted at the door.

$$: Vendors will be selling books and other media at the bookfair, usually at very low prices. The party on Saturday night has a sliding-scale admission of $3 - $10, which means that you can pay whatever you can afford in that range to get in. Drinks will be sold at the party.

Any money raised through donations at the bookfair or at the party will go directly to recoup expenses (eg. venue rental, food, printing, etc.) OR possibly to next year's event. The book-fair is entirely volunteer-run.

5. Are children welcome?
Answer: Absolutely! At all times during the book-fair on Saturday there will be a responsible, friendly someone designated to childcare so that parents can feel free to attend workshops. There will be fun activities set up for all ages.

6. Who's putting this on?
Answer: A few independent Saskatoon-based activists formed a committee. If you'd like to be on it to help plan for next year, let us know!

7. How can I help?
Answer: Show up and ask the organizers how to help in the kitchen, with child-care, or with set-up, take-down, and clean-up. We rely on casual volunteers to keep things running smoothly - please consider pitching in for a few minutes! But most of all, come to the bookfair and have a good time, bring your friends, and make some new connections. Afterward, please give us feedback on how you think the bookfair went.

More questions? E-mail us at saskatoonanarchy@gmail.com

It's coming soon!

2007-07-28T17:11:00.001-07:00

Hello friend,

The 2nd Annual Saskatoon Anarchist Book-Fair is coming, and we need vendors, workshop facilitators, and volunteers!

The dates have been set as September 28th and 29th, 2007 at the Cosmo Senior Citizen's Centre off Broadway, with a potluck supper on Friday the 28th to welcome out-of-towners followed by a party with live music, and a jam-packed day of book-fair from 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday the 29th. (No fair on Sunday)

The event will be wheel-chair accessible and all ages, with free admission, free vegan food, free workshops, and free child-care. Donations will be accepted at the door to recoup expenses.

If you run a distro, store, collective, or other organization and would like to register a table to distribute your anarchy-related wares, please try to confirm with us before September 10th. Tables are free; however we encourage donations from vendors that profit from the fair to help pay the bills. If you are traveling from afar, let us know ASAP if you need a billet (how many people, any allergies, any lifestyle or bedding preferences) and feel free to ask us about travel subsidies. Also, please let us know approximately how much table space (square metres) you would like. Interested parties ask us about adding a non-compulsory $1 Tree Tax to prices of print materials that we will donate to an appropriate conservation or reforestation organization (to be determined – any suggestions?) after the fair.
If you want to lead a free workshop, please get in touch! We are especially looking for creative and unusual workshop ideas that build community, share useful skills, are inclusive, and that deal with any of the following or something else entirely: aboriginal justice, food, community organizing, consensus facilitation, queer/LGBT issues, feminism, age-ism, social justice, class struggle, pacifism, armed resistance, permaculture, alternative energy, reducing consumption, green technology, mental health, science, spirituality, history/herstory, anarchy in practice/anarchy defined, political theory, media, language, etc. We can supply electrical outlets, white-boards/flip-charts, chairs, tables, pens/paper, and quiet space – let us know what you need. The workshop schedule will be finalized in September, but let us know right away about any scheduling constraints on the 29th. Optimistic deadline for workshop submissions: September 10th.
If you want to volunteer a couple hours to help out before or during this fun and busy day, we need you! Let us know before-hand what you enjoy most: childcare, cooking, cleaning, set-up, take-down, transporting items by bike or car, planning, or promotion, OR just show up on the day and ask someone what needs to be done. All contributing efforts are highly valued, and we encourage drop-in visitors to take a shift washing dishes, sweeping, or moving tables to lighten the workload for everyone.

More info, including a car-pool registry, coming soon at saskatoonanarchy.blogspot.com.

Love and solidarity,
The bookfair team

E-mail us: saskatoonanarchy (at) gmail (dot) com

Hooray! (last year)

2006-11-13T12:20:00.000-08:00

The bookfair was a success! Thanks to everyone who came out, and many thanks to everyone who helped out.

If you have feedback about the event, including suggestions for next year, please write to ali_lake (at) yahoo.ca.

All the best to everyone,
-the bookfair crew

Welcome! (General Info from 2006)

2006-10-30T20:08:00.000-08:00

You are invited to the first ever Saskatoon Anarchist Book-fair happening November 11th-12th (yes, this November!) at Le Relais Community Centre, located at 308 4th Avenue North.

Saturday: all day book-fair, from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm. FREE!

Saturday night: Pirate-themed dance party from 7:00 pm - 12:30 am. (Licensed, sliding scale admission: $4 - $10)

Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm bookfair. FREE!

Free vegan food, childcare, and workshops during the bookfair.

To learn more, please scroll down or click on the links in the navigation bar on the right.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS! We will need people to help out with:

-Kitchen: help with washing dishes during the bookfair, assist meal prep
-Child-care: to give the parent/guardian a chance to experience the bookfair
-Billeting: keep an anarchist at your house!
-Set-up, Take-down, Clean-up: tables, sweeping, bathrooms, etc.
-Postering and distributing flyers

Hope to see you all there!!

Mad love,

The Saskatoon Crew

Saturday Night Pirate Dance Party information (last year)

2006-10-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday November 11 7pm (sharp!) @ Le Relais - 308 4th Avenue North
Saskatoon Anarchist Bookfair Dance Pirate Party ! ! !!
All Ages, Licensed Bar, Sliding Scale Admission $4-$10

Performances by:
Freud - Live Getting-the-Party-Started
Friendly Neighbourhood House & Breaks from Mehta Youngs!
Debit Card - Live Elektro & Crunk
deconstructed for your pleasure by Nem Gostimirovic!
Merry Jollies - Jon Vaughn mixes up
Delirious Elektro Jams and the Happiest of House Songs!
Holzkopf - Jake Hardy mixes up the
Beats and Grooves according to the Non-Capable Philosophy!

COme EArly!!! and REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR PIRATE GARB ON YOUR BODY! it is very important that you do so. :D

Put the ARRR in Anarchy!!

2006's List of Vendors + Workshop Schedule

2006-10-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Confirmed vendors:

- Haymarket Collective, Calgary
- Food Not Bombs, Calgary
- Black Books, Edmonton
- Edmonton Small Press Association
- Thoughtcrimeink, Edmonton
- Mondragon Bookstore, Winnipeg
- Junto Local Ninety-One anarchist-run lending library, Winnipeg
- Turning the Tide [R]evolutionary Media, Saskatoon
- Seeds of Change Community Centre, Saskatoon
- Kudzu Press and Distro, Saskatoon
- Pop Quiz music label, Saskatoon
- noncapable recordings, Saskatoon
- Creating Local Connections Canada
+ more!

"wowza!"

If you haven't let us know that you want to come yet, or how many people are coming from your organization, please do so that we can set you up with a home!

Workshop Schedule:
SATURDAY
9-9:30: Set up of tables, etc. Come help out!
9-12: Drop-in breadmaking from scratch in the kitchen! Make bread, buns, and cinnamon rolls for all the bookfair-goers.
10-11:Fuel alternatives

Kirk will discuss the conversion of diesel vehicles to run on waste veggie oil, hunting for grease in the city, and ask what kind of vehicles our grandchildren might transport their food in.

11-12: Talk - As a community of people fighting for certain social and political issues, where we are coming from? What is our outlook, and where are we headed? Relocated to Saskatoon from Montreal, speaker Farzad Bawani works at a regional psychiatric centre, and is a PhD candidate in clinical psychology.

12: Free vegan lunch
1-3: bikes & anarchism

what barriers come up in practice against organizing non-hierarchically and practicing anti-oppression politics around gender, race, and class? We'll talk about some that came up at the bike dump community bicycle space in winnipeg and (if you want) in your own projects. we'll also touch on gentrification and the politics of cycling, and get your hands dirty with a hands-on bike repair segment, too! for more on the bike dump, see http://bike-dump.ca

3-5: Guide to Action- getting inspired, informed and involved

You have an issue that you’re concerned/ passionate/pissed about…now how to make that into something tangible? In this workshop we will look at strategies to get involved and get active on issues you are passionate about. We will also have a discussion about blockades to activism and talk about how to overcome them. Come prepared to share, discuss and debate!

5-6: Film screening & Supper
Film: ORWELL ROLLS IN HIS GRAVE
http://www.orwellrollsinhisgrave.com - introduced by R Room's video short
CCNN (Corporate Controlled News Network)
Directed by: Robert Kane Pappas
USA (2004) 108 min.
Mind being controlled? Orwell Rolls in his Grave is the consummate critical examination of the Fourth Estate, once the bastion of American democracy. Asking whether America has entered an Orwellian world of doublespeak where outright lies can pass for the truth, Pappas explores what the media doesn't talk about: ITSELF. This fascinating documentary reminds us that 1984 is no longer a date in the future.

6-6:30: Take down of the bookfair, party set-up! Come help out!

SUNDAY
10-10:30: Set-up. Helpers needed!
10:30-12: Sewing workshop - learn to make underwear out of old t-shirts! Underwear is one of the most expensive and hard-to-find items to buy without supporting sweat-shop labour. In this hands-on workshop, Steph will lead you through the steps of adapting and drafting a pattern, then using a sewing machine and a serger to complete a professional-looking pair of undies! All materials will be supplied, but if you have a special t-shirt that you'd like to use, feel free to bring it. Get excited about your first pair of home-made, personalized underwear, and learn skills that can be applied to any sewing project!
PLUS Blockprinting workshop - Learn to cut linoleum or use pre-cut pieces, such as the ones used to make the images on the bookfair poster, to print onto paper or fabric. If your underwear need decoration, block print an image on them! All materials will be supplied.

12: Free vegan lunch
1-2: Zine-making time! Get creative and make a short booklet about whatever you want!
2-4: Group Transition & Cohesiveness -
Christine will lead a dicussion of effective processes for grassroots and/or consensus-run organizations to work through changes without losing group cohesiveness. This includes a discussion on how realistic goal-setting can ensure success, and a hands-on activity where teams will work together to apply these ideas to realistic situations.

4-5: Film screening & Clean-up
FILM: MOVE
http://www.movefilm.org
Directors: Benjamin Garry & Ryan McKenna
USA (2003) 53 min
This simultaneously fascinating and incendiary documentary covers the full controversial history of the radical movement, MOVE, created by John Africa in the 1970s Philadelphia, and up to the present day. The story is analyzed by its neighbors, Philadelphia journalists and other outside opinions, and told through interviews with actual MOVE members, supporters, and the MOVE 9 - political prisoners who are currently serving 100 years each despite a clear lack of evidence. Racism runs rampant in this heartbreaking contemporary account of state violence. Narrated by Howard Zinn.

If you see a change that needs to be made or info that should be added, please e-mail ali_lake@yahoo.ca .

News

2006-10-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

Edit 10/30/06:
Well, the beernight fundraiser was a great success (not to mention a crazy party!). We managed to clear ~$250 dollars off TWO KEGS, which means a)there was a beautiful amount of support and b) some experienced beer drinkers in the house!

Thanks so much to everyone who came out, helped out, and is continuting to put out (energy...). You are unbelievable!

Big love,

The Crew