OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm

Captain Alfred Haynes

Teamwork in a crisis situation: The story of Flight 232

On July 19, 1989 United Airlines flight 232 departed Denver at 2:09 p.m. and climbed to 37,000 feet. At 3:16 p.m. the flight notified Minneapolis Air Traffic Control that the number 2 engine had failed and the aircraft was marginally controllable.

Al Haynes was the captain on that flight. Quick and total response by air traffic control, cockpit and cabin crew training, proper inter-communications training among ground units, and proper use of available facilities all contributed to the outcome. Everyone responded as his or her training dictated and the only chance of success required a total team effort coupled with complete cooperation from every agency involved. These factors turned what appeared to be a non-survivable accident into one in which a large percentage of those aboard survived.

Capt. Haynes will talk about the importance of teamwork and collaboration in a stressful situation.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER #2 – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3RD AT 8:30 AM
School Violence Threat Management

Schools, traditionally thought of as sanctuaries within our communities, have become an extension and forum for the violent behaviour that occurs in society at large. There is increased concern about violence perpetuated by and among youth. When a student has shown signs of potentially violent behaviour, families, schools, communities, mental health and law enforcement professionals all share the responsibility to keep that potential from turning real.

Dr. Mohandie will discuss how to recognize warning signs, risk factors and threat assessment of school violence. His book “School Violence Threat Management: A Practical Guide for Educators, Law Enforcement & Mental Health Professionals” is now in its second printing.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS #3 – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3RD AT 12:10 PM
Hobbema Cadet Corps: A positive alternative to youth gangs

Today, many youth are susceptible to the gang and drug lifestyle due to their desire for an identity that they can be recognized with - whether positive or negative. The increase in gang and drug activity is an expected phenomenon when culture, language and a sense of pride in the family, school and community begin to erode. 

In June 2005 Hobbema RCMP commenced a comprehensive crime reduction initiative to disrupt gang activity, drug abuse and associated violence in the Cree First Nations community of Hobbema, Alberta.

The Program is closely associated with schools and supported by community leaders, Band chiefs and Elders. The activities are specifically tailored to the needs and concerns of native reserve youth and there is a strong emphasis on native culture, sports and a healthy lifestyle.

This incentive-based program has proven to be an effective crime prevention initiative that draws from the same age group targeted by the gangs. Today, with almost 1000 cadets in the program, school attendance is up and there are fewer bullying issues, fights, or other complaints.

Community Cadet Corps program coordinators Cst. Richard Huculiak and Sgt. Mark Linnell, along with some of the cadets, will talk about the phenomenal growth and success of the program and why it is an important step in engaging young people in a positive, life enhancing experience that will help them make the right choices for their future.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER #4 – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4th AT 8:30 AM
Reena’s Story: When the System Fails

In November 1997, Canadians were shocked by the bullying, torture and murder of Reena Virk by a group of her teenage peers; seven girls and one boy. After being beaten and tortured by the group which then left the scene, Kelly Ellard and Warren Glowatski returned, beat her a second time and then drowned her. Reena was 14 years old at the time of her death.

Reena was a troubled girl, desperate for acceptance amongst her peers but was teased and ostracized by these girls, whose subculture was influenced by Los Angeles street gangs. She rebelled against her family, began to smoke and disobeyed family rules, and spent some time in a group foster home where she came into contact with the local youth gang culture to which she became attracted.

Reena’s parents remain convinced that their daughter, victimized repeatedly by her schoolmates and her gang-copy friends, was victimized again by a system designed to protect her, which exposed her instead to the worst elements of teenage violence and delinquency.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER #5 – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4th AT 3:15PM
Connecting the Community to Vancouver’s New Downtown Community Court