Angela McNulty-Buell,  Director of Programs, Bridges for Women Society

The prevalence of trauma due to violence against women was what motivated the 5 founding mothers
of Bridges for Women Society. What they recognized was twofold. First, they saw that trauma was a
significant barrier to living an independent secure life. Also, they saw that because women were
financially dependent on others, they were more likely to stay in unhealthy relationships.
The Bridges Employment Program addresses both of those effects of trauma and abuse. During our 6-
month program, participants learn about the impacts of trauma on their lives and develop the skills to
move beyond their history. Many graduates speak about the confidence that they gained through the
program and the ability to see that they have lots to offer in the workforce. Parallel to their group
involvement, they are also offered one-to-one counselling; this has been particularly helpful during the
pandemic when clients were being re-activated by past trauma.

Joanne Linka, Manager, Communications & Fund Development, The Cridge Centre for the Family

Susan is honoured to work with the incredible team at Victoria Women’s Transition House (VWTH) in support of women and children fleeing intimate partner violence and abuse. Trained as a classical ballet dancer in the professional school at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Susan turned her passion for the arts to non-profit income development and has more than 20 years non-profit leadership experience with diverse organizations in communities across Canada in fund and community development, marketing, communications and board and executive management. A graduate of SFU with a degree in business and liberal studies, she has a particular interest in integrated fund development and communications programs. When not working, Susan enjoys yoga, fitness, reading, cooking and attending performances and concerts. In addition to her work with VWTH, Susan is President of the Board of Directors for Dance Victoria, and consults on a project basis for BC non-profit organizations.

Susan will provide an overview of the Victoria Women’s Transition House shelter, programs and services as well as some of the issues surrounding gender based violence.

Ndèye Sokhna Dieng is a doctoral candidate in environmental politics. Her thesis is co-supervised by the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) and the Alassane Ouattara University (in Côte d'Ivoire). Working at the crossroads of political science, political economy and socio-history, her research focuses on social and political issues related to public policies enacted in Côte d’Ivoire to regain forest cover. These policies emerge in a context of increased deforestation due to cocoa production in the country. 

An Insight into the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP)

Summer Okibe is a 2nd-year LLM student at the University of Victoria. Her research interests include Indigenous Law, Aboriginal Rights, Governance, and Indigenous Feminism. Her research, in a nutshell, is focused on the effect of the “Proof of Aboriginal Title in Court.”

Summer is the founder of Indigenous Law Advocacy Network, an initiative that advocates for the rights of Indigenous peoples in Africa and North America. She is also the co-founder of Spursome, a not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance to prospective graduate students.

Her presentation will focus on the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada; a discussion into the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP); Why UNDRIP came as a gift to Indigenous peoples; Specific Articles of UNDRIP that protect Indigenous peoples rights and affects the State and the caveat in UNDRIP.