Breaking Barriers

Are you curious about how to approach research on homelessness? Join this engaging event presented by Le Collectif Comm-Un and discover innovative ways to explore this complex issue.

Schedule:

3:00 - 4:00 PM: Indigenous Stone Art Making Activity | Art Market featuring works by unhoused Indigenous artists

4:00 - 4:45 PM: Presentation and Group Discussion
Jonathan Lebire, Director of Le Collectif Comm-Un, and Mohammad Abdalreza Zadeh, Concordia INDI PhD Candidate, will share the story of their action-research collaboration on the complex topic of homelessness.

4:45 - 6:00 PM: Workshop
Imminent experts in homelessness and community building, guest starring Chris Brown, Simiunin Nauya, Robbie Madsen, Chato Renerivas, Tennessee Salter, Madi Youngstein and Lucky Zé Santos, will lead group activities and share their knowledge and insights on the relationship between research and the reality of homelessness.

How can you participate? Join us in person or online by registering for the Zoom Meeting or watching live on YouTube.

Have questions? Send them to info.4@concordia.ca  

Jonathan Lebire is a creative director in the field of social services, with a specific focus on addressing homelessness in Montreal. As the founder of Comm-Un and Street University, he has developed innovative programs that emphasize empowerment, inclusion, and community-based support. Jonathan began his career as a street worker, offering direct assistance to unhoused individuals. His hands-on experience and deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations have informed his approach to developing sustainable solutions for social issues. Under his leadership, Comm-Un and Street University have become models for creating safe and supportive environments that promote healing, education, and social reintegration. Jonathan is also an active advocate for the rights of unhoused people and works with a variety of organizations and institutions to drive systemic change.

Moh Abdalreza Zadeh, Moh is a researcher and event organizer at Comm-un with a decade of experience in community-led research, architecture, and socially engaged art. As an Art Hive facilitator and Ph.D. candidate, he is currently researching homelessness at both policy and local levels, emphasizing grassroots change and the creation of socially just urban environments.

Chris Brown, born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1975, I've experienced homelessness and battled alcohol addiction. My long journey of resilience led me to overcome addiction and I advocate for homeless rights and housing justice. Through my own struggles, I've become a passionate advocate, working to break the cycle of homelessness and address systemic injustices. Today, working with Comm-un I am committed to supporting others on their journey to recovery while fighting for a more just and equitable society for all.

Simiunin Nauya is an accomplished Inuit artist carver based in Montreal, known for his intricate soapstone sculptures that depict Inuit culture and Northern wildlife. With a family background in carving and having honed his skills at the Native Friendship Centre of Montreal, Simiuni's work has been showcased in various galleries and sold through the Mikinak Co-op. In addition to his artistic talents, Simiuni is deeply committed to addressing homelessness and social issues affecting Indigenous communities, drawing on his personal experiences to advocate for and support homeless Inuit in Montreal. His contributions extend beyond art, using his work to raise awareness and foster understanding of Indigenous realities.

Robbie Madsen is a Two-Spirit Cree healing expert and author based in Montreal, originally from northern Alberta. With deep expertise in addressing the impacts of the Sixties Scoop and homelessness among Indigenous communities, Robbie's spiritual journey has endowed him with wisdom he actively shares through his work and teachings. Adopted into a non-Indigenous military family, his personal quest for healing and cultural reclamation is captured in his book "Insanity & Lies – Goodbye, Sixties Scoop." Robbie's contributions extend to the Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation, where he advocates for holistic wellness and supports cultural reunification and advocacy for Indigenous survivors

Chato René Rivas is an extraordinary artist whose journey from homelessness to becoming a prominent figure in the art community is nothing short of inspirational. Growing up in Salvador, Chato's experiences shaped his unique artistic perspective, allowing him to create powerful works that resonate deeply with themes of resilience and hope. With extensive experience in street intervention, he has not only transformed his own life but has also become a vital advocate for the unhoused community. Despite facing significant challenges, Chato's unwavering determination led him to establish the Comm-Un Art Coop, Tlachiuak, with minimal assistance. This cooperative has since become a vibrant hub for creativity and collaboration, providing a platform for marginalized voices and fostering cultural exchange. Chato's story is a testament to the power of art as a tool for social change and the indomitable spirit of those who rise above adversity.

Tennessee Salter is an Indigenous individual whose life story is a testament to resilience and transformation. Having spent many years struggling with systemic barriers and experiencing homelessness, Tennessee has emerged as a powerful advocate and community builder. Overcoming his traumas, he has dedicated himself to the mission of Comm-Un, playing a crucial role in its development. As a member of the street team, Spark it up, Tennessee actively engages with the community, offering support and fostering connections. His love for cooking traditional food and sharing it with others adds a unique and heartfelt dimension to his contributions. Tennessee's journey from hardship to hope embodies the spirit of perseverance and the importance of community, making him an invaluable asset to Comm-Un and a source of inspiration for all.

Madi Youngstein is a dedicated student in the Faculty of Education at McGill University, with a passion for emotional learning and inclusive education. Her academic journey is enriched by her participation in a field class with Indigenous elders, where she gained valuable insights into culturally responsive teaching methods. Madi is deeply committed to understanding the diverse needs of students and creating equitable educational opportunities. She has gained practical experience through various internships and teaching practicums, working with diverse student groups and implementing inclusive strategies. Known for her empathetic nature and innovative mindset, Madi is driven by a desire to positively impact the educational landscape, advocating for educational equity and supporting mental health awareness in schools.

Lucky Santos is a dedicated and compassionate individual currently studying at Laurentian University in Ontario. He has become an integral part of the Comm-Un family, contributing significantly to its mission and operations. Lucky brings extensive knowledge in Indigenous issues, drug use, harm reduction, and LGBTQ advocacy, which has been invaluable to the organization's efforts in building an inclusive and supportive community. His commitment to Comm-Un is evident in his daily handling of operations, where he consistently demonstrates dedication and generosity. Lucky’s approach to his work is driven by a deep sense of care and a desire to make a positive impact on those around him. Through his work, Lucky exemplifies the values of Comm-Un, fostering an environment of mutual support and understanding, and his contributions inspire others within the community.