I have put up several pages of information to help people get involved in the activist scene in Edmonton. Check out the main page to see a list of resources and information (it is a work in progress).
The idea of the Activist Agenda is to be a central hub of information to help people access that information so that they can become involved. Activism is a person that moves from becoming aware of some issue and acting on that information/awareness. We are all activists!
Why are some festivals and events listed here like the Filipino and African festivals? Because it is about diversity, inclusion, and building cross-ethnic communities.

May 28th, Sunday No Period Without Fundraiser from 3 pm to 7:30 pm – To raise funds for menstrual products for people in need. Location: SOHO 11454 Jasper Avenue
Obtain tickets at this Eventbrite Link.

May 29th, Monday, All Day – Alberta Election Day – be sure to vote. Our friends over at Edmonton Climate Justice have created a great resource to help you when you talk with the candidates when they come to your door about Climate Change. You ‘should’ be able to access it through this link. Candidates need to hear that the Climate Crisis is an important issue for them. Check out the excellent information that Dave Cournoyer puts up on his website about Alberta politics.

May 30th, Tuesday Indigenous Peoples Experience starting at 8:30 am and until noon – “EBDN is pleased to host members at the Indigenous Peoples Experience to learn more about the history of Indigenous Peoples and the truth as it relates to the Residential School system in Canada. During our time, we’ll discuss what actions can be taken by Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to step up to Truth and Reconciliation.”
Location: Fort Edmonton Park 7000 143 Street Northwest
Tickets: 17.31$ at Eventbrite

June 2023 is Bike Month in Edmonton – Bike Edmonton is hosting several events throughout the city. Stay tuned for some great events.

• June 1-30: In celebration of Bike Month, the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues is hosting a friendly competition between community leagues. They will record the number of kilometres each community member cycles and there are rewards. Find out how to register at their website.
• June 4: Ashley Salvador | Bike Highlands
• June 7: Keren Tang | Bike Mill Woods
• June 11: Vixens Trailblazers    
• June 17: #arthuntyeg Slavo Cech Clue drop 10am
• June 17-18: Edmonton BMX | Edmonton Provincial 1 & 2
• June 23-26: Canadian Road Cycling Championships
• June 25: Do North Events | Edmonton Urban Fondo

June is Pride Month in Edmonton. It seems that there is still problems facing Pride Edmonton and there won’t be a parade this year. There is going to be a festival on August 18-26th – see Edmonton Pride Festival. That being said there are going to be some events throughout the month. See below.

June 1st, Thursday EQHP Walking Tour – Creating a Welcoming City (Edmonton Queer History Project) at 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM – “On this walking tour, we explore and celebrate the triumphs and recount the challenges of creating a more welcoming and inclusive city for the 2SLGBTQ+ community over the past 50 years. This tour highlights the battles over pride and prejudice at city hall and within our city’s major institutions. Learn about how groups like GATE, GALA, and others fought for our community to be recognized and celebrated as part of city life. This tour is hosted by Michael Phair and special guest.”
Location: Edmonton City Hall 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Tickets: Free – you can reserve a spot at this Eventbrite page

June 1st, Thursday ENDING VIOLENT CRIME at 7:00 PM at the Telus Centre (University of Alberta Campus) – This event is a partnership talk hosted by REACH Edmonton and a number of other community partners. His book sets out the compelling case for change from accepting current rates of crime and escalating costs of police response to saving lives, stopping trauma and injuries, and protecting women and children. RSVP: https://www.michaeljanz.ca/endviolentcrimetalkjune1st

June 2nd, Friday Walk, talk & tea from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM: “Join us as we unpack settler responsibility to Indigenous communities and learn more about Edmonton’s river valley. Includes a walk & talk through Edmonton’s River Valley, a complimentary meal, a beading workshop and a gift bag as thanks for attending! Bring your own umbrella in case of rain.”
This kind of sounds nice and relaxing. Since they are offering tea and such, perhaps lug your own reusable mug just in case they don’t offer reusables.
Location: 9100 Walterdale Hill Edmonton, AB T6E 2V3
Tickets/Registration: Free at this Eventbrite site

June 3rd, Saturday – “Cargo Bike Show and Tell” and Screening of MOTHERLOAD from 2 pm to 6 pm.
As part of Bike Edmonton’s Bike Month and Councillor Michael Janz’s efforts to highlight active transportation, you are invited to come and talk with owners and users of carbo bikes and get users insight on how these vehicles integrate into people’s lives and what some of their shortcomings might be. These are average people that use cargo bikes as part of their lifestyle – commuting, family outings, recreation, work, etc.
All proceeds to Bike Edmonton to support community programming. Suggested donation ($20 grown, $7 trikes)
Where: Metro Cinema, 8712 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB
Register so they know how many people are planning to show up because space is limited.

June 3rd, Saturday AFRICANIVAL starting at 10 am – “An outdoor festival that highlights the beauty and uniqueness of Africa.  FREE ENTRY to all. Enjoy the party with an exciting Kids Corner, Film Tent, fantastic cultural performances, magnificent fashion designs at the Fashion Village, Gospel Hour, delicious cultural dishes, fantastic Arts Tent, a busy African Market, and a relaxing Beer Garden.” They will be back on Sunday as well.
I hope that they incorporate some activism in their event – like the EACOP, Sudan, the famine in the Horn of Africa, the exploitation of fossil fuel companies in Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, and other countries, the mining in the Congo, etc.
Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square9918 102 Ave NW
Tickets: Free
Website: http://africanival.org/

June 3rd, Saturday PRIDE Block Party (it is in part being sponsored by a bank that funds the fossil fuel industry so I am not going to list them on this posting). Fruit Loop is excited to be kicking off Edmonton’s Pride month and bring you some incredible 2SLGBTQ+ programming this June in support of our friends at Rainbow Refuge!!!
See their website for all the events throughout the day. 

June 4th, Sunday PRIDE Block Party (it is in part being sponsored by a bank that funds the fossil fuel industry so I am not going to list them on this posting). Fruit Loop is excited to be kicking off Edmonton’s Pride month and bring you some incredible 2SLGBTQ+ programming this June in support of our friends at Rainbow Refuge!!!
See their website for all the events throughout the day.

June 5th to June 26th UNIST’OT’EN SPRING WORK CAMP 2023 – Support the directly by joining their Spring Work Camp. See the following from their website:
Spring is Beautiful on the Yintah! The Unist’ot’en clan invite hard-working souls to join them from June 5th to 26th for the annual Spring Work Camp!
Come for a minimum of 1 week, and help build new infrastructure for the healing programs! This year we’re working on the new solar array which will be powering the entire camp by winter, and if we get the right people, we’ll be finishing a major greenhouse project that will allow the Unist’ot’en to grow plants throughout the harsh northern winters. The Unist’ot’en Healing Centre has been operating at a steady pace with regular and essential programming for Wet’suwet’en people seeking healing from substance abuse and the effects of colonization. 
Builders, cooks, dishwashers, chainsaw operators, skilled trades folk and others just willing to get their hands dirty and work in solidarity with the Unist’ot’en on their sovereign territory are welcome.  Not sure if you have the right skill set? You might be surprised!  
Enjoy three hearty meals a day, make new friends, camp under the stars or in the cozy bunkhouse, embrace the feeling of a job well done, drink straight from the Wedzin Kwa, and jump in her cold flowing water to escape the midday heat. Resist the ongoing incursion of CGL and industry by keeping the Healing Centre going and giving the Unist’ot’en some support.
Before applying to come to camp, the Unist’ot’en ask you to read the preparing for your visit page on their website and pay particular attention to the consent guidelines and guidelines for behaviour. Behaviour going against the guidelines will not be tolerated. 
After reading the above page we welcome you to register here!” 

June 9th, Friday – Plant and Pull Volunteering – This is a regular Friday event. See the website for dates, times, and locations (it moves around the city).
Invasive species are the second biggest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss. Join hundreds of volunteers to help stop the spread of invasive plants in Edmonton and to preserve the biodiversity in our beautiful river valley. Join us for a safe, fun, and hands-on volunteer experience this summer with your families and friends.
Of course, what the city and the Alberta government decide on what are noxious weeds are not always in the best interest of nature since some of those decisions are based on protecting monocultures in our agriculture industry.

June 9th, Friday Movie Premiere – INSANITY – The Mental Health Crisis from 6:30 pm tp 9:30 pm: “This personal documentary is about how we treat people who are dealing with mental illness – it’s insane. Insanity is a plea to do better as a society – to treat those with a mental illness as human beings and provide appropriate services. An intimate story of the family’s perspective, told by director Wendy Hill-Tout, whose brother had schizophrenia and disappeared 25 years ago. It is also about a North American crisis for those with a mental illness as more and more end up in the streets and in jails.”
Location: Metro Cinema, 8712 109 Street Northwest Edmonton, AB T6G 1E9
Tickets: Through the Metro Cinema site or at the door. 16$

June 10th, Saturday Post-Election Townhall from noon to 2 pm – Monday’s election was a big disappointment for everyone who believes that we could have a better society, or that time is running out to take meaningful action on climate change, harm reduction, and economic transition.
This is an Emergency Town Hall to commiserate and conspire. We’ll be discussing our strategy for the upcoming provincial regime, how we can resist, and how we win a better future.
Location: Queen Alexandra Community League Hall (10425 University Ave
Registration: Please register here, so that they have a sense of how many people are attending.

June 10th, Saturday, 18th Annual Mayor’s Pride Brunch – The Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity at the University of Alberta is organizing its 18th annual Mayor’s Pride Brunch! Each year, we coordinate the Mayor’s Pride Brunch to raise funds to support our 2SLGBTQ+ programs: Camp fYrefly, the AB GSA Conference, Fyrefly in Schools, Where the Rivers Meet, the Family Resilience Project, and CHEW Project YEG. These programs all share the primary goal of supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth so that they can grow into healthy, happy, and resilient adults. Proceeds from the Brunch will ensure that we can continue doing what we love: supporting 2SLGBTQ+ folks so that we can create a future where they thrive and are free from discrimination!
The brunch will be MC’d by Mike Chalut, will include remarks by our Executive Director, Dr. Glynnis Lieb, UAlberta’s President Bill Flanagan, an appearance by Edmonton’s Mayor, the Honorable Amarjeet Sohi, and an extravagant drag performance by our talented CHEW Youth: Etherea, Gurlquisha, and Desire Devine. There will also be music by Girls Club DJ, Bev! Engage in community connection and enjoy some delicious brunch goodies!
Location:  Hall C in the Edmonton Convention Centre 9797 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 1N9
Tickets: Available at this Eventbrite page. From19.96$

June 10th, Saturday King Edward Park Reuse Fair from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: The event runs rain or shine. Bring in your extra art and craft supplies, and your recyclables to use to augment artisans and daycare and school programs. Includes a book exchange. The list of acceptable items is on our website Kingedwardpark.org (It doesn’t look like the list is up on their site yet – or I could not find it yet).
Location: 7708 85 Street Northwest Edmonton, AB T6C 4K9

June 12th, Monday Sustainability Social & Repair Cafe from 5 pm to 8:30 pm – Waste Free Edmonton is putting on a great evening for you.
You can learn more about the evening, register, and get tickets (27.96$) at this Eventbrite page.

June 17th, Saturday Edmonton Drag Fest from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM “Edmonton Drag Festival is about celebrating the art of drag performance and providing a platform for drag artists to showcase their talents.
Edmonton Drag Fest offers an opportunity for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and allies to come together and celebrate diversity and inclusion.”
Location: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, 9999 Grierson Hill Northwest. Wheelchair accessible
Tickets: 36.46$ through this Eventbrite page

June 17th, Saturday Edmonton Filipino Fiesta 2023 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – “The event features the best of Philippine culture – a weekend of entertainment, arts, crafts, and food!
Filipino Fiestas are meant to be celebrated with lots of family and friends so we look forward to sharing with everyone the culture and traditions of the Philippines!” They will repeat their fiesta on Sunday fro Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Borden Park, 7507 Borden Park Rd NW
Tickets: Free

June 19th, Monday Vigil for Regan Russell – Join us for this all-day Vigil for Regan Russell and the animals that are being murdered inside Lilydale. There will be a food giveaway, outreach, and music and we will be handing out flyers to workers as well. Come and pay your respects.
Event Page: Facebook
Location: 7727 127th avenue

June 24th, Saturday – VegFest Edmonton from 11 am-7 pm, Borden Park
VegFest Edmonton is excited to finally bring back your favorite all-plant-based and family-friendly event to Edmonton!
You can look forward to mouth-watering plant-based food, dazzling merch, environmentally friendly vendors, our beloved vegan DJ Johnny Infamous, a Beer Garden, Veggie Kid Zone and so much more at this year’s new location!
 And you betcha… as it’s in a public park, this year’s event is dog friendly! 
They are looking for volunteers to help out with the events so if you are able to help sign up for a volunteer shift.
You are likely going to eat something when you are there – it is all about food. Please consider taking your own plate/container, utensils, water bottle, and mug. Being vegan/plant-based is one of the best things you can do for the planet but reducing your waste stream is also a good goal.

June 24th, Saturday PRIDE – All Ages Drag Show from 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM – This is a fundraiser for DYS and Cinderella’s Drag Closet.
Location: Held at the Unitarian Church of Edmonton 10804-119st (side blue doors)
Tickets: at Eventbrite

July 8th, Saturday What’s Next: Post-Election Community Summit from 10:00 am to 5 pm – Public Interest Alberta is putting on this event. “Whether you were working on a local election, put your name forward as a candidate or cast a ballot, I know it’s been an intense election for everyone. Thank you for everything you did over the past weeks and months to make sure the public interest was on the radar in the election.
It’s clear this is not the outcome many of us were hoping for. Yet again, we’re facing a government whose regressive agenda of cuts, privatization, and chaos has made our lives worse.”
So, what’s next? What do we do now? 
Location: McDougall United Church, 10086 MacDonald Drive NW
Register: at this Public Interest Alberta website

Information and Suggestions

If you are interested in municipal politics then I suggest checking out the “Speaking Municipally” podcast made by Mack Male and Troy Pavlek. They really keep an eye on our city council. Mack Male is also part of the team that produces Taproot which is a great source for what is happening municipally.

Please share information with me so that I can populate this with more details and information. I intend to eventually get it so that it is emailed out to people and have a better site but for now, this is what I have to offer you.

Edmonton Tool Library – a great resource for sharing tools and resources within our community. Check them out.

Investing in Solar?
Solar Power Investment Cooperative of Edmonton (SPICE) makes this easy at the grassroots and organic levels. Check out how you can invest in solar installations. Solar is a climate solution and when combined with demand-side management can have a significant impact.

Petitions – petitions can be an effective way to raise awareness of an issue and sometimes they even work. Here is a list of present ongoing petitions in Canada that I wish to highlight:

• Let’s Get Indigenous Communities Safe, Clean Drinking Water Now. FFS.
• Designate Rapid Support Forces (Janjaweed) in Sudan as a Terrorist Organization – you might remember the documentary “The Devil Came on Horseback” (this is only a short video but you can see more on the internet. Last week I stood with a group of Sudanese calling for an end to the conflict in Darfur.
• Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty – Federal petition open until July 14th, 2023
•  End all fossil fuel subsidies – Federal petition open until July 27th, 2023
• stop open-pit gold mining in Nova Scotia and across Canada – Federal petition open until August 3rd, 2023
• Drug use and Harm Reduction – Federal Petition open until July 14th, 2023
• Nuclear weapons and disarmanent – Federal Petition open until June 14th, 2023
• Old Growth – Federal Petition open until June 27th, 2023
• Make Mental Health Accessible To All Candian’s Through Our Universal Health Care System
• Call Upon John Horgan to Check Every Indian Residential School in British Columbia – I think this should be a Federal petition since this jurisdiction falls under their mandate but it is a good start.
• No raises for public servants until minimum wage is a living wage! – every segment of a workforce will tend to stand up for what they will benefit from taking action. We need a living wage/universal basic income right across our country.
• STOP BIG OIL FROM POLLUTING OUR CLIMATE –
• WORKERS NEED A FAIR DEAL AS THEY BUILD OUR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – TELL THE GOVERNMENT NOW
• Sink the fossil fuel industry’s plan!
• Email Trans Mountain’s insurers: Drop the pipeline now!
• Reject forest biomass as a false climate solution
• Stop toxic tailings pollution
• Stop Executions of Activist in Iran
• RESPECT INDIGENOUS RIGHTS ON WET’SUWET’EN TERRITORY

Please send things that should be on this list to michael.kalmanovitch@gmail.com

Disclaimer – the Activist Agenda tries to ensure that the information contained within it is accurate but mistakes do happen. Please double-check events and information that are relevant to you to make sure you have the correct date, time, location, and any other relevant information.

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