FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2003
Antigonish, NS - The Coady International Institute hosted a global community event in Antigonish on May 31 as part of St. Francis Xavier University's sesquicentennial celebrations. WordFest marked the 150 years that StFX has been contributing to social change through innovative writing and thinking. The public event brought together writers from across Atlantic Canada with community leaders from around the world.
Over 20 accomplished Atlantic Canadian authors, poets and storytellers - such as Sheldon Currie, Donna Morrissey, Rita Joe, Lindsay Marshall and Marie-Colombe Robichaud - gave public readings to hundreds of attendees. International stories and poems were read by community leaders from around the globe attending the Coady International Institute's educational programs in community-based development.
Donna Morrissey, international award winning author with two national best selling novels, said that word plays a vital role in promoting social justice.
"As long as the written and spoken word has existed it has been used as a tool for social change," said Morrissey. "Gathering to celebrate and promote word as a catalyst for change is something that we can and should do as members of our communities. We can share our thoughts, fears, hopes and dreams - and inspire one another to create the kind of change that helps to build better communities."
The public event, which was held at the StFX Crystal Cliffs historical site overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offered something for people of all ages, said event organizer, Nanci Lee.
"There was something for everyone," said Lee, a Senior Program Staff member at the Coady Institute. "Guest readers shared their Mi'kmaq poetry, Acadian stories, Gaelic folklore and children's literature. Coady participants from the Philippines, Israel, Fiji and Nigeria shared their writings and stories from their oral traditions. Of course the children enjoyed the Kid's Korner - playing games and spending time with their favorite special guest, Clifford the Big Red Dog."
WordFest, explained Lee, celebrated word and the important role StFX has played in using word to promote social justice. "Some of Canada's finest writers, such as Sheldon Currie, have called StFX home for many years," said Lee. "Since its inception, the university has been a congregating point for people who use words and thoughts to not only reflect life in their communities - but to celebrate its diversity and contribute to its well-being."
What made this event unique, said Lee, was that these accomplished authors shared the stage with development professionals from around the globe. "WordFest brought together the local community with people from all corners of the world to share in the diversity of culture, experiences and words which contribute to social change."
Over 45 international community leaders were in attendance. They are currently studying at the Coady Institute - having travelled to Antigonish from across Canada and from such countries as Botswana, Belize, Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, the Philippines and Uganda.
The Coady International Institute represents the most significant and tangible example of StFX's commitment to social justice. Unique in the world, the Coady Institute has been educating community leaders from around the globe since 1959. Over 4,400 graduates and partners in more than 130 countries are helping millions of women, men and children to build stronger communities and brighter futures.
For more information, contact:
| Breton Murphy | Phone: | 902.867.3648 |
| Communications Officer | Fax:; | 902.867.3907 |
| Coady International Institute | E-mail: | btmurphy@stfx.ca |
| St. Francis Xavier University |