The Kawartha World Issues Centre Celebrates 35 Years
With Keynote Speech from Larissa Crawford
Peterborough, ON – The Kawartha World Issues Centre is excited to announce their
anniversary celebration and fundraiser Think Global, Act Local: 35 Years of KWIC. Taking
place at Market Hall on October 29, 2024 at 6PM this event will celebrate KWIC’s rich history
and look ahead to the future.
The event will feature a keynote speech from Larissa Crawford, Founder and Managing Director
of Future Ancestors Inc., addressing the importance of youth voices in the fight for social and
environmental justice. Larissa proudly passes on Métis and Jamaican ancestry to her daughter,
Zyra, and is a published Indigenous, anti-racism, and climate justice researcher, policy advisor,
and restorative circle keeper with over 15 years of experience. Larissa is also the Founder of
Future Ancestors Services, a social impact and sustainability consulting firm that advances
systemic barrier removal through anti-racism and ancestral accountability.
Dr Stephanie Rutherford, Chair of the 35th Anniversary Committee and Vice-Chair of the Board,
says of the event “this is an opportunity to celebrate KWIC’s amazing work in the
Peterborough community. Join us to reflect on the work of this remarkable organization
that’s been making positive change for the last 35 years.”
The Kawartha World Issues Centre has been creating change in Nogojiwanong and the
surrounding areas since 1989 and has engaged with causes such as the UN Sustainable
Development Goals, food justice, gender equality, and climate justice. Currently their work
focuses on empowering youth to become changemakers through skill development and
education opportunities such as mentorship programs, in-school workshops, and placements.
This event will also feature a performance by Mimi O’Bonsawin a contemporary roots
singer-songwriter born in Northeastern Ontario with mixed French Canadian & Abénaki heritage
and a member of Odanak First-Nation. Through her rhythm and story-driven songs, Mimi’s
music embraces the beauty of Land.
Attendees can also support KWIC’s ongoing fundraising efforts by participating in the silent
auction which boasts a great number of kindly donated prizes including personal training
sessions, a Yankee Candle gift hamper, and some exclusive vintage KWIC swag.
KWIC invites all community members to attend Think Global, Act Local and share in
conversation about the future of advocacy and the role of young people in creating change.
Tickets can be purchased through Market Hall (https://tickets.markethall.org/) or by contacting
KWIC (development@kwic.info).
