PERSIAN TRIBUNE Volume 1, Issue 8 by Persian Tribune

www.PersianTribune.ca â&#x20AC;˘ Volume 1, Issue 8

Iranian

YALDA Night Celebrating the Victory of Light Over Darkness

A week in Provence, France Bottles of Bubbly for the Holiday Season The Persian Princess of Flamenco Dance an exclusive interview with performer

A Helping Hand

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Blue the colour of 2014

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Delara Tiv From Refugee Status to Police Officer at YRP Th e C u lt o f

Laura Secord

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Volume 1, Issue 8

8 History

8 41

Iranian YALDA Night

10 Art

A Week In Provence, France

12 Art

Artists Have Found a Voice

14 Law

Estate Planning: ReducingYour Estate Administration Taxes

17 Politics

Corruption - A Threat to the Rule of Law

30 Life

I Changed Myself From Refugee to Constable with York Regional Police

33 Wine

Bottles of Bubbly for the Holiday Season

34 Food

Miniature Chocolate Mud Pies

35 Food

From the Persian Kitchen: Ashe Reshteh

36 Home Design The Colour for 2014 is BLUE

18 History

Creating the Cult of Laura Secord

20 Main Feature

12 33

Cover & inside photo of Delara Tiv by: Levent Erutku

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An exclusive interview with Flamenco Dance performer Delara Tiv

24 Real Estate

39 Style

The Resurgence of Custom Jewellery

41 World

Help for the Philippines

42 Environment

Ask Your Realtor to Put Their Commitment in Ink

Greenpeace Arrests Show Attempts to Silence Environmentalists Continue

26 Real Estate

45 Events

28 Education

46 People

Not All Agents Are Created Equal

4 Questions to Guide Parents when Selecting a Private School

Out and About with Persian Tribune

Person of the Month Mehrdad Ariannejad

Letter from editor As we put 2013 into the history books and look forward to our future in 2014, we cannot help but to evaluate our lives. What have we done to improve ourselves in order to become a better person, and how good of a person are we today? After all, life is a journey.., a journey of learning and every day is a page in the book of the life education. For us at Persian Tribune without any doubt 2013 was quite an experience and we have learned a lot from our readers around the globe. One of the most important lessons was the assurance from you all that our team is on the right path in producing this publication. We learned from you in Australia, Estonia, Germany, France, Nigeria, Italy, U.S., and certainly from many cities in Iran. We also heard from you in Canada and in our neighborhoods all over Ontario. We only can express our gratitude by saying “thank you” for your encouraging and supportive comments. In fact, very soon we will be having a “Letters to Editor” section. So if you have any comments about the magazine, please feel free to email us, we will be looking forward to receive them. It is my pleasure to announce that Mr. Jacques Reiss, the former President of Yves Saint Laurent Beaute of Canada and Australia has joined our team at the Persian Tribune magazine. His vast and valuable experience and also his great friendship are highly appreciated by all of us. I also would like to welcome Ms. Niloufar Manii to the Persian Tribune Family. We all read about this remarkable Iranian lady who lives in Paris in the last issue. Ms. Manii will be representing Persian Tribune magazine in Europe. Dear Nilofar and Jacques, it is a pleasure to have you with us. In this issue, among many interesting and original articles, we get to know, as we would like to call her “The Persian Princess of Flamenco Dance”, Ms. Delara Tiv. We read about her passion for life, more particularly her love of Flamenco dance. Our non Iranian readers learn about Yalda Night Ceremony, the colourful Persian celebration for the longest night of the year. David Suzuki tells how Greenpeace arrests attempt to silence environmentalists in Nigeria and we also learn about corruption in governments around the world from Bryon Wilfert. You will also learn why BLUE is the colour of 2014 and much more... I would like to take this opportunity to thank our outstanding team of writers, sponsors and advertisers along with everyone on our production team for their significant contributions and support in the production of this publication. Thank you all. In closing, on behalf of everyone at Persian Tribune magazine, I wish you a great New Year and may 2014 bring peace, health and happiness to all around the world. Happy New Year or “Saale No Shaad Baad”

Volume 1, Issue 8 Publisher: Persian Tribune Inc.

Editor-in-Chief: Kiumars Rezvanifar

Managing Editor: Courtney Boyden

Creative Director: Ramin Deravian

Associate Managing Editor: Teresa Tiano

Art Director: Courtney Boyden Graphic Designers: Hoda Gharaie Omid Jesmi Mark Kowalski Shadi Raoufi

Copy Editor: Arezou Amin Research: Artemiz Rezvanifar

Print Production Manager: Omid Jesmi

Senior VP Marketing Communications: Tina Rogers Sales & Marketing Director Sandra Peltier Director Business Development Nader Ansari Account Executives: Arman Hedayat Mehri Rahimian Special Projects Jacques Reiss Social Media Manager: Alexandra Tikhonova Director of Advertising and Promotion: Saba Sajadi Web Management: Ramin Emadi

Kiumars Rezvanifar Editor-In-Chief kiu@persiantribune.ca

Contributing Writers: David Akhlaghi Arezou Amin Marjaneh Amin Farhad Aryaie Robert Atkinson Sarvenaz Barghgir Bita Binesh Jay Chauhan Dr. Kevin Davis Dr. M. Elmpak Omid Jalili Dr. Davod Kafai Shiva Kalilnia Sandra Martin Costas Menegakis MP Mark Omidi Charles Pachter PC Andy Pattenden Pejman Par Doris Pontieri Rose Reisman Rocco Rossi Shamsi Shahrokhi David Suzuki Teresa Tiano Bryon Wilfert Dr. Glenn Zederayko Sahar Zomorodi

Persian Tribune magazine is published twelve times a year by Persian Tribune Inc. It is distributed free of charge in libraries, business and cultural centers in GTA. Persian Tribune magazine is an independent publication and its contents imply no endorsement of any product or service. Opinions expressed are those of the writers. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission from the publisher. Canadian Head Office (Toronto) Persian Tribune magazine 25 Valleywood Drive, Suite 12 Markham, ON L3R 5L9 Canada

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â&#x20AC;˘History

Iranian YALDA Night

By: Bita Binesh

he culture of Iran is a mix of ancient pre-Islamic and Islamic cultures. Iranian culture has long been predominant in the region, with Persian considered the language of intellectuals during much of the 2nd millennium, and the language of religion and of the populace before that. In Zoroastrian and ancient Iranian traditions, the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, was an auspicious day, and included customs intended to protect people from misfortune. Yalda is an Iranian festival originally celebrated on the northern hemisphere's longest night of the year, on the eve of the Winter Solstice. While many around the world get ready to celebrate Christmas on the eve of December 25th, Iranians hold another festival on the eve of December 21st , called Yalda night. Yalda has had an influence on other nations too. Origin Yalda is traced back to Syriac, meaning birth. Mithra worshipers used the term 'yalda' specifically with reference to the birth of Mithra. As the longest night of the year, the Eve of Yalda (Shab-e Yalda) is also a turning point, after which the days grow longer. In ancient times it symbolized the triumph of the Sun God over

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the powers of darkness. The Cult of the Mithra was first introduced to Iran thousands of years ago. Mithra, the Sun God remained a potent symbol of worship throughout the following centuries. Over the centuries Mithraism spread to Ancient Rome via Asia Minor, gaining popularity within the ranks of the Roman army. In Iran today, despite of the advent of Islamic rituals, Shab-e Yalda is still celebrated widely. It is a time when friends and family gather together to eat, drink and read poetry (especially Hafez) until well after midnight. Fruits and nuts are eaten and pomegranates and watermelons are particularly significant. The red color in these fruits symbolizes the crimson hues of dawn and glow of life, invoking the splendor of Mithra. Because Yalda is the longest and darkest night, it has come to symbolize many things in Persian poetry; separation from a loved one, loneliness and waiting. After Yalda, a transformation takes place - the waiting is over, light shines and goodness prevails. Yalda Traditions Families put fresh fruits and dried nuts on the table, and sit around with their guests eating and talking. The table is still present as a symbol full of ritual and

•History religious significance. Watermelon and pomegranate were and still are the two royal fruits that should be part of this night. They are signs of bounty, health, wealth and happiness. Some believe that if you eat watermelon at Yalda, you won't be hurt by the diseases and coldness of the coming winter. The table is reminiscient of ancient feasts to celebrate and pray to the gods and deities to save the winter crops. After dinner the older individuals entertain the others by telling them tales and anecdotes . People would read Dīvān of Hafez and conduct fortune telling based on his poems, which is called fale Hafez. His poems are very mysterious and complicated, so everybody can have their own interpretation. Some people also read Ferdowsi's epic poem Shahnameh on this night. A fire would be burnt all the

night to help defeat the forces of Ahriman. After the arrival of Islam, Yalda lost its religious importance and today it is more a national and social celebration. Today Yalda is celebrated in Iran and among Iranians all around the world. Of course the modern ceremony is somewhat different from what ancient people observed. Some rituals have faded away with the passage of time. People still stay up late, have fun, dance and do their best to find and buy watermelon and bring it to the Yalda night's table. "The sight of you each morning is a New Year Any night of your departure is the eve of Yalda" -Sa'di 

Michael Coteau, MPP Don Valley East

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Holiday Season and a prosperous New Year! You are invited to:

Office of Michael Coteau MPP Don Valley East 2062 Sheppard Ave East Toronto, ON, M2J 5B3 416.494.6856 http://www.michaelcoteau.onmpp.ca/ Mcoteau.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Twitter: @MPPCoteau

MPP Michael Coteau's Annual New Year’s Celebration in Don Valley East Sunday, January 12th, 2014 2 to 4 pm IBEW - 1377 Lawrence Ave East, Toronto This is a free event and all families are welcome for an afternoon of good food and friends.

窶｢art

A Week In Provence, France By: Doris Pontieri

his beautiful region and historic province of southeastern France extends from the left bank of the lower Rhone River on the west, to the Italian border on the east, and south to the Mediterranean Sea. Provence is known for its spectacular fields of lavender beginning in June, and cities like Cannes, Monaco, and along the coast, St. Tropez (where famous model and actress Brigitte Bardot makes her home).

Provence has inspired romance in poetry, novels, and of course, artwork. Vincent Van Gogh spent time near the end of his short life in Arles, where he painted many of his most famous pieces. He loved living in Arles, painting the beauty of Provence every day, but growing increasingly mentally ill, showing this volatile and uneasy side of himself until the people of the town circulated a petition to drive him out. 10

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Also found in Provence is Cﾃｩret, a Medieval village south of Perpignan, famous for its art and artists, including popular residents Picasso, Braque, Chagall, Duffy, and others between 1911-1916. The influence of these artists is still felt as you travel through the beautiful towns and villages throughout Provence. The granddaughter of Pablo Picasso, Marina Picasso, resides in Cannes, and is a prominent figure as the ambassador for "Artistes du Monde" an international art exhibit held for four days in September, 2013. I was fortunate enough to have had my paintings selected by Ms. Picasso to be displayed at this exhibition and I had the great honor of spending some time with her during the week. My daughter and I arrived in Cannes on September 9th and were immediately captivated by the beauty of this seaside city. We settled ourselves in at a charming little hotel close to the beach and immediately began to explore. We spent the next few days swimming in the Mediterranean Sea in the mornings, and traveling in the afternoons, taking the train to Monaco, a ferry to ﾃ四e Sainte-Marguerite, and a day trip along the coast of the French Riviera to St. Tropez. Having never travelled to the south of France, I was thrilled to finally see so many of the places I had only read about. I was not disappointed as we took the train to Monaco, and had an opportunity to see so much of the countryside and

•art the coastal towns and villages like Juan Les Pins with its crystal clear water and white beaches. When we arrived in Monaco, there was an international yacht show taking place and we walked along the marinas admiring the yachts that looked more like cruise ships than privately owned vessels. While there, we of course visited the Casino Monte Carlo, and felt completely out of place but still walked around as if we owned the place.

baked breads and sweets. We purchased olive tampanade, goat cheese, bread and freshly squeezed orange juice and sat on an old stone staircase overlooking the market, feasting on this culinary delight enjoying an ambiance I had never felt before. I will never forget our day in St. Tropez, or how inspired I was. But much of our time in Cannes was spent at the "Artistes du Monde" art show with so many international artists speaking with visitors to the show about our paintings and our countries. Marina Picasso was with us several times during the exhibit and I came to know her as a wonderful, charming philanthropist who has a deep caring for children and has devoted much of her time and resources to her causes. She loves art and

My favorite day trip was St. Tropez. Traveling along the coast by the water was breathtakingly beautiful and unspoiled, and has since been the inspiration for a few paintings. But it was while we were in the town itself that I found myself painting little scenes quickly to capture the light, or the textures of the old buildings, hopefully also infusing the charm and quiet elegance of the place. We were there on market day and wandered

was genuinely interested in speaking with all of us. I have been fortunate in my career to have exhibited in some wonderful venues, but this was very special, to be able to spend some time with the granddaughter of one of the greatest painters of our time, Pablo Picasso. 

through the dozens of tables set up outdoors with home made foods and jewelry and drank in all of the sights of the local people and the wonderful aromas of fresh

Doris Pontieri is an award winning artist and art teacher. Her work is featured in many galleries in Canada and U.S. Since being invited to exhibit at the Louvre in Paris, she has been awarded the medal for Outstanding Artwork by the Paris Society of Arts, Science and Letters, one of the oldest societies in France.

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 11

•Art

Artists Have Found a Voice T

he artists of the Middle East and North Africa have found a strong new voice in Canada: MENA Arts Foundation. Founded this summer by Tina Tehranchian, a senior financial planner at Assante Capital Management Ltd. in Richmond Hill, and Shahdad and Joobin Bekhrad, the founders of artclvb (the online platform for contemporary Middle Eastern art), and REORIENT (the online magazine celebrating contemporary Middle Eastern arts & culture), the MENA Arts Foundation is a new, Toronto-based nonprofit organization aiming to promote and support the art and artists of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in Canada, as well as foster unity between communities of Middle Eastern and North African origin in Canada through the arts. A non-political, non-religious, non-ideological, and non-commercial initiative made possible through the support of donors, volunteers, and its board members, the goals and mission of the MENA Arts Foundation are purely cultural. Working in close partnership with Canada’s leading post-secondary institutions, the MENA Arts Foundation aims to provide scholarships to young emerging artists living and working in the Middle East and North Africa, who are in need of financial assistance for postgraduate studies in art. In doing so, the Foundation not only enables and encourages deserving artists to further their careers in art, but also exposes them to how peoples of different origins, faiths, and ethnicities coexist and thrive together in harmony in Canada. Furthermore, a major ambition of the MENA Arts Foundation is to bring together artists of different backgrounds (e.g. racial, political, religious, social, etc.) from the MENA region, in an effort to promote understanding, exchange, and dialogue between them and their communities. In

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selecting artists for its scholarship program, as well as its benefit events, the MENA Arts Foundation makes no distinction between artists in the region, and strives to support as eclectic a range as possible. Whether the artists chosen are Iranian, Israeli, Palestinian, Saudi Arabian, Turkish, or Algerian, the sole focus of the MENA Arts Foundation is their art – not their beliefs or inclinations. On October 30, for the launch of the Foundation, a private benefit exhibition sponsored by artclvb, REORIENT, and Tina Tehranchian was held at Toronto’s members-only Spoke Club on King Street, at which

the works of Iranian, Syrian, Saudi Arabian, and Israeli artists were shown. Among the evening’s select audience were opinion leaders from Toronto’s art scene, key members of the Iranian, Arab, and Jewish communities, and members of the press and media. Also present at the event were two of the exhibiting artists, Saad bin Mohammed, visiting from Jeddah, and Nava Waxman, a local artist of Israeli origin. The launch was a major success and all profits from the works sold at this event were donated to MENA Arts Foundation. 

For more information about the MENA Arts Foundation, please visit www.menaaf.com.

•Art

The Azadi Tower (Freedom Tower) is the symbol of Tehran. It combines Sassanid and Islamic architecture and is built with eight thousand blocks of white marble stone from the Esfahan region. Designed by architect Hossein Amanat and built in 1971, the Azadi Tower is part of the Azadi complex and includes several fountains and a museum underneath the tower. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 13

•Law

Estate Planning: Reducing Your Estate Administration Taxes By: Sahar Zomorodi

hen we think about estate planning, we often think that creating a will is all there is to the distribution of our wealth. We seldom think about, or even have knowledge about, the estate administrative costs before the distribution can actually be made. In Ontario, Estate Administration Tax (EAT), formerly known as Probate fees are payable on the value of the deceased’s estate and is currently levied at 1.5%. In order to obtain a certificate of appointment of estate trustee, the trustee must pay $250 on the first $50,000 of the estate value and $15 per $1000 in excess of $50,000. To put this into real figures, let’s say you have a two million dollar property, with a mortgage of one million dollars. Under the Estate Administration Tax Act, the value of any encumbrance registered on real property will reduce the value of the estate for administrative tax purposes. Therefore, a property worth one million dollars will result in $14,500 in estate taxes alone. An estate worth five million dollars would have a liability of $74,500 in EAT. Given the potential for high administration fees, estate planning ought to include a consideration of what can be done to reduce exposure to estate administration tax. The first step is to understand what categories of property are excluded from the calculation. This includes real property located outside Ontario, jointly held ownership of real property where there is a right of survivorship, proceeds of life insurance policies designated to a named beneficiary, and other “plan” benefits payable to a designated beneficiary. Estate administration tax is payable on all other property governed by the will or on intestacy. Taking steps during one’s lifetime can greatly reduce the amount of tax payable after death, and will leave your loved ones with the inheritance you intended to leave for them. Here are some of the ways you can minimize estate taxes: 1. Dispose of property directly to the intended beneficiaries during your lifetime. 2. Transfer property to joint ownership. 14

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3. Ensure life insurance policies, RRSP’s, RRIF’s, or TFSA and other “plan” benefits are payable to a designated beneficiary. 4. Incorporate a private corporation to hold valuable assets pursuant to a trust declaration. 5. Use of multiple wills. Keep in mind that there are significant income tax and estate issues that arise when making gifts and transferring assets to joint tenancy. The estate planner and even estate trustees must be very careful when implementing tax saving strategies as there are several caveats to each of the techniques noted above. One cannot engage in meaningful planning without a good understanding of the special income tax rules that arise on or after death. For example, while a designated beneficiary is entitled to receive the gross benefits on a plan or fund, he or she will be jointly and severally liable with the estate for any income tax payable on the value of the benefit in the deceased’s year of death. Similarly, The Better Tomorrow for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2011 introduced changes to the Estate Administration Tax Act, which made the administration of an estate more onerous. The recent changes allow the EAT payable on an estate to be reassessed up to four years after it is due and also require estate trustees to keep books and accounting records relating to the assessment of EAT, with no stated time period mentioned. As such estate trustees may be exposed to personal liability if this is not done correctly. When undertaking any estate planning it is essential that you consult a lawyer who is capable of guiding you in the right direction. If estate planning is done carefully and correctly, there can be a significant reduction in estate taxes. Otherwise, the unintended income tax and estate implications can far outweigh the tax savings in the long run.  This information is not financial, legal, tax advice or a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a professional before taking any action. Sahar Zomorodi is a lawyer practicing civil litigation and real estate in Richmond Hill.

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•Law

By: The Honourable Bryon Wilfert P.C.

Corruption - A Threat to the Rule of Law

s a member of the organization Global Organizationof Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), I have had the opportunity to address Parliamentarians about the importance of dealing with corruption on a global scale. In January 2013, I spoke at the 5th Annual GOPAC Conference on Corruption in Manila, Philippines. More than 500 Parliamentarians attended this event. My focus was on the important role of oversight and its critical role in keeping governments accountable. Since then, the issue of corruption and the importance of transparency in government have dominated the news, not just in Canada but in places such as Kenya, Luxembourg and the Philippines to name a few. Corruption is like a cancer that, regardless of where it starts, can affect the economic prosperity of a nation and damage public trust. Financially, more than $1 billion dollars is paid in bribes each year, according to the World Bank Institute. It denies governments the ability to invest in important social programs, and undermines democratic values.

In a democracy, ensuring that there is appropriate oversight legislation is adopted to ensure transparency and accountability on government and public affairs is critical. Promoting the passage of Freedom of Information legislation that allows for the disclosure by government of information considered necessary for the conduct of parliamentary business, especially in investigating cases of corruption is essential. Promoting legislation that address areas which have a potential for corruption through adequate social security for every citizen, introducing public service pay structures which are not conducive to corruption, establishing speedy and transparent bureaucratic procedures, guaranteeing that all participate equitably in the decision-making process. Oversight is often done poorly in parliaments around the world.

It is an essential component of democratic governance. Budget processes are overly complex and Members of Parliament often lack the technical capacity to fully play their oversight role. In Canada, the recent budget bills have been contained in Omnibus Legislation which is 425 pages (normal budget bills have been 25 to 30 pages), and these Omnibus bills contained everything from changes to tariffs to environmental legislation to collective bargaining. Parliamentary Accounts Committees (PAC) can contribute to strengthen budget oversight skills, provided they are given appropriate technical, human and financial resources, as well as adequate powers and independence from the executive. Institutional factors, accounting for PAC include their power to investigate all past and present government expenses, the power to follow up on government responses to their recommendations as well as their relation with the Auditor General. In Canada, the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), was established which supports Parliamentarians throughout the budget process. Considering that the average MP in Canada has two staff in Ottawa, it is impossible for them to adequately review and understand what is contained in these massive budget bills. The PBO reports directly to Parliament. We have all read of the F-35 Fighter Jets and the costs which the government claimed were $9B for 65 aircraft and the PBO put the figure at over $30B. Clearly this would not have happened without the work of the PBO. In my next article I will examine the issue of MP oversight both at home and abroad. 

The Honourable Bryon Wilfert, P.C.,ICD.D is a former MP who was Liberal Party Critic for Foreign Affairs/Defence. Currently Senior Strategic Advisor at Tactix Government Relations/Public Affairs in Ottawa. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 17

•History

Creating the Cult of

Laura Secord Laura Secord painted by Charles Pachter

By: Sandra Martin

ore than 1000 enthusiasts, including Laureen Harper, the Prime Minister’s wife, and Rob Nicholson, the Minister of Justice, set out on a 20 mile (32 km) trek, along a specially marked “legacy” trail, on Saturday, June 22. These contemporary hikers were commemorating the 200th anniversary of Laura Secord’s desperate walk to warn British troops about an impending American attack during the War of 1812–14.

There is very little documentation in Mrs. Secord’s own hand––no diaries or letters have been discovered to help create a psychological portrait. (And speaking of portraits, there is only one known photograph of Mrs. Secord, depicting her as a grandmotherly figure in bonnet and voluminous black dress sitting in a rocking chair holding what appears to be a bible in her lap). However frustrating for historians and biographers, the lack of papers makes Mrs. Secord an “empty vessel” into which so much can be poured, says Prof. Morgan.

Laura

A solitary pioneer woman who risked her life for her country, Laura Secord walked into history and is now one of the most celebrated of Canadian heroines. She has been honoured with stamps, statues, and Heritage Minutes. She has even had a chocolate company named after her. The opposite was true, alas, during Mrs. Secord’s lifetime. That’s when she needed the recognition as the unheralded and impecunious wife of James Secord, a soldier badly wounded at the Battle of Queenston Heights, and the mother of his several, mainly female, children. She was an eighty-five-year-old widow when she finally received some financial recompense from no less a source than Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of Queen Victoria. He toured what is now Ontario in 1860 and awarded her £100 in recognition of her singular act of bravery and resourcefulness.

So why has she been such a posthumous laurel winner, finding a renewable set of supporters and fans as the decades have passed? What is it about her that appeals to disparate generations of Canadians? In some ways it is her “malleability,” says Cecilia Morgan, co-author with Colin M. Coates of Heroines & History: Representations of Madeleine de Verchères and Laura Secord. 18

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Consequently, Mrs. Secord’s character and appearance have been adapted in plays, poems, and text books to nurture the cultural and social values of any number of groups and causes: symbolizing Imperial ties with Britain; idealizing pioneer resourcefulness; exemplifying women’s duties and respons-ibilities to family and country; personifying the goals of the suffrage movement; invoking patriotic zeal in the First World War. No less a talent than Fred Varley, later an official war artist and member of the Group of Seven, depicted Mrs. Secord as young and apprehensive but nonetheless intrepid, in a 1917 newspaper campaign to induce women to buy Victory Bonds. And then, of course, there is the candy company. Founded in 1913, Laura Secord Candy Shops used her as a symbol of domesticity and femininity. When the company reinvented itself with a slick marketing campaign after the Second World War, the dour pioneer image of Ms. Secord also underwent a makeover, losing fifty years and as many pounds to become a younger, more attractive, more upscale version of herself.

•History

Valerie Pringle (l.) and Laureen Harper (r.) stop briefly at DeCew’s Field near the end of the Walk on June 22. It was here Laura Secord came upon a force of encamped Native warriors who took her to Lieut. James FitzGibbon’s headquarters in the DeCew House to warn him of the impending American attack. Staff Photo

In November 1917, while war raged in Europe, sixteen companies in the financial industry joined to ask Canadian women to lend their money to buy Victory Bonds. The invitation appeared in several newspapers under the heading, “Laura Secord Risked Her Life For Her Country,” illustrated with a sketch by Frederick Horsman Varley who would soon leave for the Front as one of Canada’s war artists. Credit: The Globe [Toronto], 27 Nov. 1917, p. 7

One of the reasons Ms. Secord endures as a heroine, is that she “serves as an example of how women can be part of history without transgressing boundaries,” says Prof. Morgan. “There is never any suggestion that she took up arms, she didn’t cross dress… she is a very respectable figure.”

make the journey, Mrs. Secord herself set out early on the morning of 22 June 1813 to warn Lieutenant FitzGibbon of the danger. En route, she tramped through bush, swampy ground, forded Twelve Mile Creek and stumbled into the camp of some Iroquois warriors who escorted her to Lt. FitzGibbon’s headquarters at the DeCew House in Thorold. Thus forewarned, the Iroquois and their British allies repulsed the American attack at the decisive Battle of Beaver Dams on June 24.

Secord The historical Laura Secord (née Ingersoll) was born in Massachusetts on 13 September 1775, the year before the American Declaration of Independence was signed. Her father changed sides during the Revolutionary War and moved to the Niagara region of Upper Canada in 1795 to take up a land grant from the British crown. That’s where his daughter Laura met and married another loyalist, James Secord. He served in the militia under Major General Isaac Brock and was badly wounded in October 1812 at Queenston Heights, the same battle that saw his leader felled by enemy fire.

In Mrs. Secord’s first registered act of bravery, she rushed to the battlefield where she found her badly wounded husband, and ignoring enemy soldiers, brought him home where she nursed him through a lengthy convalescence. After the Americans captured Fort George and occupied Queenston and much of the Niagara area in the spring of 1813, they rounded up men of military age and sent them as prisoners back across the Niagara River to the United States and billeted their own soldiers with local settlers, including in the home of the invalid James Secord and his family. That’s presumably how Mrs. Secord heard about the American plan to attack the British forces under Lieutenant James FitzGibbon. With her husband unable to

Given all of the ways that Mrs. Secord has been represented over the last century, it seems only fitting in an athletic, environmentalist age that she is being honoured with a walk. “We are tracing the footsteps of one of the most famous women in Canadian history,” says Caroline McCormick, the great-great-great granddaughter of Mrs. Secord, and the organizer behind the legacy trail, the commemorative hike, and The Friends of Laura Secord association. “Her story still resonates so strongly, because she represents courage and going the extra mile,” according to Ms. McCormick. “She was an ordinary person who did something extraordinary.” And that perhaps is the best explanation of Mrs. Secord’s enduring appeal: she provides a lesson in heroism that transcends class, gender, and ethnicity. Any of us ordinary folk can achieve immortality if we rise to the challenge—no matter the era. 

Sandra Martin is the author of Working the Dead Beat: 50 Lives that Changed Canada (House of Anansi Press) This article reprinted from The Five and Drum v. 17 No. 2 June 2013. To find out more about Fort York go to www.fortyork.ca PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 19

•Feature

The Persian Princess of Flamenco Dance

an exclusive interview with performer

Delara Tiv By: Arezou Amin

Watching Delara Tiv dance Flamenco, you would think she had been doing it her whole life. In fact, she didn’t even begin to learn until the age of 18, which for many athletic endeavors, is far too late to make it a career. Yet through hard, relentless work, Delara has risen to become a fantastic dancer, receiving invitations to dance and teach seminars all over the world. This past summer, she performed at the Toronto Tirgan Festival at Harbourfront Centre, mixing the dance style she loves so much with her Iranian roots. Though she lives in Madrid, Spain, Delara recently spoke with Persian Tribune, from her parent’s home in Vancouver, about how she got started, her hopes for the future, and about her favourite Persian food! - All Photos by Levent Erutku except b&w portrait (top left) and next page image (top right) by Marino Scandurra 20

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

Tell me a little bit about yourself. When did you come to Vancouver?

•Feature

I was about 14 when we moved to Vancouver. I did my Bachelor’s degree at UBC in Human Geography, and Spanish Literature and then started my Masters at McGill in Montreal. A few months into the program, I decided I wanted to go to Spain to pursue dance.

How did you get into arts? Many Iranian parents are all about their children pursuing science. My family has huge respect for the arts. My dad is an engineer and a business man, but still plays Persian instruments, and my mother sings. At age 6, I started studying music, and played the flute until I was 18. That’s when I got into dance.

Coming from Iran, how did you get into Flamenco? First it was the music, then I saw the dance and fell in love with it as a child. It remained a mystery, a dream, something I couldn’t reach. I saw a Flamenco performance when I was 18 and found out there was a school here in Vancouver. I got a student loan and paid for classes with that money.

Tell me more about Flamenco. What do people need to know? Flamenco is a form of Spanish Folk music and dance from Andalusia Spain. It is a conversation between the

guitarist, the singer, and the dancer. Most of the time, the three have to be there, then you have percussionists. The dancer can even dance with singing alone. Flamenco is being in the moment and responding to what you hear, the beat that is moving you and improvising. You can’t have choreography because the dance will never be the same. It depends on how the singer sings, if they pause and breathe, their mood, and the variations that the guitarist plays.

How would you rehearse for that? Classes focus on footwork, upper body or turning techniques or focus more on choreography and improvisation. Technique classes can be hours of just feeling and hitting the sole or the heel of your feet to the floor, to produce the right sound, to gain velocity and musicality in the feet. Or it could be hours of just moving and separating the fingers and rotating the wrist properly until the whole arm is burning. The training is to train dancers who are also musicians. We have to learn all Flamenco modes which have different ways of singing and

tonality and beat. There’s a lot of things to learn, a student has to spend a lot of time alone practicing, as well as stay in shape, meaning doing Ballet, Pilates and lots of stretching.

What has been your biggest challenge in Flamenco? Besides overcoming injuries and physical and emotional hardship, dominating the “ Compas” Flamenco music was a big challenge for me. I wasn’t born into a Flamenco family, so I wasn’t familiar with the singing. I was brought up in a family, where my mom went to Avaz classes [Persian classical singing], so I’m sensitive to tones. But Flamenco is complicated and takes a lot of training in music and listening to it day and night. To dance, we have to understand the music or it’s impossible to move to it, improvise, interpret, and to express freely.

How many years have you been training? Are there levels to achieve? I started dancing when I was in university, and it wasn’t really constant. Then I had injuries where I couldn’t dance for a few months. I had 1 year of constant training in Barcelona when I was 20, and I’ve been in Madrid for 4 years with constant training. The rest has been on and off. There are beginner, intermediate, advanced and superior levels. With age and experience, the way you PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 21

•Feature be able to participate in society, because being soft and feminine is stepped on and viewed as weak especially if you want your voice heard. Women have to become bold, and act like a man in many ways. At the end of the dance, I showed that the woman didn’t fit into the male skin and was tired of role playing.

Speaking of Tirgan, what was the reaction of the people seeing an Iranian woman dancing Flamenco, which is something they may not be exposed to? After the performance, I came out and there were a lot of kind people who had stayed to meet me and give their feedback, and some people later emailed me. Many of the women were touched, and some had cried. Some men said they related to it too, because it was showing oppression in our society in general. The music was Spanish so they didn’t understand, but it really touched them. I felt I had accomplished something. I didn’t need them to understand absolutely everything, as long as they felt it. dance becomes more mature. Nowadays, because it’s a business, there are schools focused on foreign students. The schools are expensive and they give a paper at the end of the year saying you have a Flamenco diploma. But at the end of the day, the diploma doesn’t mean anything, because when you have to get up and dance and improvise, that’s where you have to show if you know something. It’s a non-stop learning experience.

Is Flamenco danced in pairs, with a man and a woman, or separate? There’s one folkloric dance from Seville called “Sevillanas” and that is done in a pair, But Flamenco itself is solo, dancer with musician.

You’ve danced as a man and woman onstage, dressed as both. Do the styles differ at all? Yes, certainly. Women work with castanets, a skirt, fan, shawl and bata de cola (the long skirt). Men just have the pants and shirt. Women have to move their hips, waist, shoulders, and learn how to dance with the shawl, fan and the long skirt so it’s more complicated for them. With men, the movements are linear and they don’t worry about curves and arms so much. That’s why men focus on fast and complicated footwork, and women don’t need to, they have a long skirt, and focus more on the visual. I have had male masters and female masters. With men I learned about rhythm and really strong footwork. With women, I learned about how to move as a whole. When I dance as a man, it’s more rigid, not curving my body as much.

Why did you decide to perform in the male style? I enjoy it. There’s a mode from northern Spain called Farruca, and this mode was initially only danced by men. But in the last 50 years, women have danced it too. In the piece I did for Tirgan [Huri], I chose to dance in the masculine style because I wanted to show that women in Iran have to take on masculine properties to 22

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

Are there any similarities between Iranian folk dance and Flamenco? Interestingly enough, there are a lot of similarities. Our dance is similar to Flamenco, because the gypsies came from India, and travelled from there to Iran, Turkey, Romania, Eastern Europe, and then came to Spain and stayed, and their culture evolved and Flamenco was born from the mix of cultures in Southern Spain. They took a lot of characteristics from the East, how we move our arms, our hands, how we turn.

What’s your ultimate goal? I just want to be healthy and have a lifestyle where I can dance. I’m happy on this path, growing and constantly

•Feature free time and I would like to spend it in silence, because I have footwork, clapping, music in my head all day, and then the kids are loud and we all talk a lot. So when not training and working, I like to be in silence, alone, resting (laughs). I’m never home. I leave at 8am and come home at 9:30pm. I have that 5 days a week, and the weekend I perform and practice, I meditate, rest, and obviously see friends!

Do you support any causes? I fundraise for an organization called the Nur Foundation. They prepare food for the homeless on Sundays. I help prepare the food, I do events once a month where we give the money from the event to the organization.

What’s your favourite Persian food? Oh my gosh. I don’t have one favourite, I love Persian food. There’s nothing I dislike. I have to say tahdig [the crunchy rice from the bottom of the pot] for sure! Doesn’t matter what kind of sauce, but it has to be there. If I have to say one, khoreshteh ghaymeh. But honestly I love them all!

What would your message to readers be, maybe someone looking to get into dance? learning. I gain experience and knowledge with every performance. I look for masters who can teach me more. I have no ultimate goal. I want to be the best dancer and above all a good person and enjoy the process.

Where have you not performed yet that you would love to perform?

With arts in general or any kind of profession, it’s important to love what you do. If you really love it, you will be successful no matter what because you will be persistent and dedicated. With dance, and arts, be humble. Don’t dance or do art to impress anyone, because it will be a disaster. Have patience, full dedication, and love what you do.  www.delarativ.com

I think it would be very interesting if one day I could perform in Iran. That would be unbelievable. I also want dance to take me to different countries, places I haven’t been, work with amazing musicians, and I believe all that will come with time. But I don’t dance so that I can get somewhere. I dance because I enjoy it. I love what I do and the way I do it.

Who do you look up to in dance? There have been very important figures in Flamenco dance like Carmen Amaya and Antonio Gades, but I would like to tell you about one of my masters who I’m fortunate to have daily contact with. Her name is Merche Esmeralda. She is a real master to me. She is a woman in her 60’s, and is one of the best in the history of Flamenco who is still teaching. She is great, technique-wise and with the way she expresses herself. She has survived this world of ego and competition, and she is sane after all these years of pressure and hard work. She has changed her student’s lives, touched their hearts, and they leave her class carrying something valuable each day. She is my idol for being the best I can be, and being a good person beyond your profession.

When not dancing, what are your interests? When not training, I teach children. I have very little PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•Real Estate

Ask your realtor to put their commitment in ink. By: Sarvenaz Barghgir

ou probably have heard this phrase many times on TV.

The Toronto Real Estate Board is running this advertisement to raise public awareness. These advertisements are usually created as a result of many inquiries or complaints from the public to MLS Board. Let me explain this plainly. When it comes to almost any kind of contract, signing on the dotted line makes us all a little nervous. Most people are aware that they sign a Listing Agreement when selling a home. There is also an agreement for buyers that real estate agents ask their home buying clients to sign. This is an agreement that works in favour of the buyer, guaranteeing the very best in real estate service. The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), a public agency formed to protect the consumer and regulate the industry, introduced guiding principles mandating that realtors ask their clients to sign a Written Representation Agreement at the earliest possible time. When choosing representation, home buyers have the option to sign either a Buyer Representation Agreement (BRA) or a Buyer Customer Service Agreement (BCSA). So if you are in the market for a new home, your first step should be to sign a representation agreement with someone with whom you have built a trust.

Better known as The Buyer Representation Agreement( BRA). It insures that the relationship with your realtor and the transition into your dream home will meet all your expectations. What are the exact benefits of signing a BRA? First it insures your realtor is dedicated to finding the right property, and negotiating the best deal for you. Your home buying must haves can be registered on the buyer registry service, so that the selling realtors can find them easily, while also putting you on the front line of home buyers in search of properties, as they come into the market. Secondly, as a home buyer you will have the reassurance of expert professional advice from your realtor, as well as secure access to the realtors knowledge base of properties, neighbourhoods, and the market. Signing a BRA provides you a solid contractual basis to receive services from your realtor, insuring a confident and trustworthy relationship. Your realtor will be accountable to you, with an obligation to have your interest as top priority. By having a clearly defined relationship between you and your realtor, they are able to customize the services and tools used, to meet your specific home buying needs. So when you are in the market for a new home, use your best resource by signing a BRA. 

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• PERSIANTRIBUNE

Prestige World Realty Inc., Brokerage 55 Misty Cres., Toronto, ON M3B1T2 TEL: 416.331.8987 DIR: 416.908.8692 FAX: 416.331.8503 barghgir@gmail.com www.prestigeworldrealty.com

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* As measured by assets and capitalization. 1 Provided you meet all of Royal Bank of Canada’s eligibility and credit criteria, you may be eligible for an unsecured RBC Royal Bank® credit card even if you have no Canadian credit history. If you don’t qualify for an unsecured RBC Royal Bank credit card, you may still be eligible for a credit card provided you give us a security deposit and meet Royal Bank of Canada’s eligibility criteria. For secured credit cards, a credit history may be required. 2 Monthly fee will be waived for the first 6 months upon account opening. Monthly fee is $14.95. Other account transaction fees may apply. Applies to RBC Signature No Limit Banking® account only. Available only to newcomers to Canada who have arrived in Canada within the last year and who show proof of permanent resident status. Also available to newcomers to Canada that have arrived between 1 – 3 years when clients switch their account from another financial institution using CustomSwitch®. Other conditions apply. See branch for details. This offer may be withdrawn at any time and is subject to change without notice. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ‡ All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner(s). 102882 (03/2013)

•Real Estate

Not all Agents

Are Created

Equal By: Robert Atkinson

he GTA (Greater Toronto Area) covers a wide area: North to Newmarket, east to Oshawa, West to Mississauga and down to Lake Ontario. Every year the GTA welcomes about 90,000 new immigrants who arrive looking for a friendly face to help them find a job, learn the customs, and find a place to call home. Sadly it’s this lack of understanding about how our systems work here that allows them to be taken advantage of many times by people who are more interested in helping themselves than helping others. In many parts of the world, real estate is purchased without realtors and often it’s as simple as trading money for keys, no paperwork required. In Ontario it’s quite different. A recent immigrant shared their story with me: They were looking to buy their first home here but really didn’t know where to start. They opened the local newspaper aimed at folks from their part of the world, and picked a name from the list of realtors advertising to help them find a home. The agent quickly found them a home and told them that if they liked it they needed to deliver a $10,000 cash ‘deposit’ to him. At his instruction, they put the money in an envelope and pushed it through the mail slot of the agents’ front door. No receipt, no paper trail. The agent then sold them the house for more than asking price with no mention of the $10,000 (which he kept for himself). The clients did not know this was wrong, and they ended up over paying for the house as well as losing the ‘deposit’. Only later did they discover the agent tricked them, but by then it was too late, they had been robbed. When I described how it is supposed to happen they appreciated my explanation and saw how the system here is designed to protect them. Here’s a list of key questions to ask an agent before agreeing to work with them, make sure they give you the right answers. If you’re not sure, talk to a few agents who understand the systems here, and keep asking until you’re satisfied with the answers. 1. How do you get paid? Licensed agents can ONLY get paid by their broker, and must tell you if they will receive payment for a referral they give you (ie. Mortgage broker, renovator, home inspector)

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

2. What’s your opinion on Dual Agency? Agents who represent the buyer and the seller cannot provide advice on negotiation, but do collect both commissions. They also open themselves up to costly complaints if one side feels they were not treated fairly. 3. How do I know if the price I pay for a house is fair? Agents should always provide you with information on similar homes that have been on the market in the area, and should be able to educate you on what a home is worth and, most importantly, why it’s worth that amount. 4. How do I know the house I may buy is in good condition and nothing is hidden? A home inspection is one way to have an impartial expert investigate and explain the condition of the house. It’s like taking a used car to a mechanic to check it out. 5. Where does my money go when I make a deposit? You should never give a cash payment, and any payments should be made to the name of the company selling the home, who holds it in trust. Always collect a receipt. 6. Can you give me 3 past clients I can contact? Past clients can tell you about their experience. Try to talk to a past client who has used the agent more than once to get an idea of how the agent operates. 7. Do you work alone or do you have a team? It’s not uncommon for a successful agent to have a team of people behind them to give them the freedom to spend more time with you, personally. Other agents take on fewer clients but manage all the behind the scenes work themselves. An experienced real estate salesperson will be able to answer these questions, as well as several other key questions, to your satisfaction. If you’re unsure don’t hesitate to ask for help, the more questions you ask the better your experience will be. Find an agent who is looking out for your best interests , not theirs!  Robert Atkinson is a Real Estate Sales Rep serving the GTA and works for Century 21 Leading Edge Realty Brokerage. For more information visit his website at www.RobertAtkinson.ca

•Education

4 Questions to Guide Parents When Selecting a Private School

By: Dr. Glenn Zederayko

here are many private schools in Ontario that provide specialized programs and environments that may be a great alternative to public school for allowing some students to achieve their full potential. Having worked in private schools for over 26 years, many friends and relatives ask me what I think they should look for when they are doing their research. I always suggest that parents considering paying tuition for their child’s education may find it useful to ask the following four questions as they consider their various options. 1. Is the school a not-for-profit institution? Not-for-profit schools budget to put all of their revenue back into the school in some manner. One prominent example of this is providing the best possible resources for students to use. Another important consideration is ensuring the school has an attractive compensation package that allows it to attract and retain the best possible teachers. Not-forprofit schools tend to have charitable status and are therefore able to provide tax receipts for donations that allow the school to enhance their educational program or facilities. They generally publish annual reports that assist parents to understand how tuition fees are being spent. 28

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

2. Who accredits the school? The Ontario Ministry of Education only inspects schools that grant high school credits to ensure the Ministry’s standard for credit granting is met. The Ministry does not regulate, licence, accredit or otherwise oversee the operation of private schools (http:// www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/privsch/). To enhance their accountability, many schools work with outside accreditation bodies such as the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators (CCMA), or the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to assist them in demonstrating to parents that they deliver on their promises. 3. Who runs the school? In general, not-for-profit schools are run by an armslength board which provides strategic direction and oversight to the principal, or head of school. In general, the principal in these schools is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school in accordance with the policies set. The Board members are generally volunteers, including parents, alumni, and interested people from the community. They focus on the development and implementation of institutional policies, and long-range strategic plans for the school that ensures

•Education the school does its best for students today and in the decades to come. 4. What is the school’s mission and philosophy? There are many approaches to private education. Each private school has a specific mission and philosophy which determines the type of education they deliver. When you select a private school, be certain that the school demonstrates how its mission and philosophy meet your expectations and your child’s needs. It is very important to be clear that the school you choose is offering an education that is a great fit for your child and you. It is best to talk with current parents, and visit the school during class time to get a good sense of the school and ensure it is a fit. Finally, in my experience, the success of a student in a particular school always comes down to the parents being well informed so they can be an effective part of the home-school partnership. With the answers to these four questions, parents will be better able to make a more informed school choice for their child and family.  Dr. Glenn Zederayko is Head of School at the internationally recognized TMS School. TMS School (TMS) is a not-for-profit independent school located in Richmond

Hill that seamlessly combines a flagship Montessori and welcoming International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. With students ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years, TMS delivers a seamless, educational experience designed to inspire and challenge students to discover the best of which they are and to achieve their full potential. The program focuses on much more than simply mastering basic skills and knowledge. Students develop fully in academics, arts, athletics and citizenship. Starting at 18 months of age, TMS helps students to help themselves. TMS students develop the confidence and higher level thinking skills necessary to make the most of whatever challenge they encounter. They practise addressing difficult, real-life issues for which no single correct answer exists. In high school, each student’s learning is globally benchmarked against others in our IB program. TMS students learn to take action to make positive differences in the school, the community and the world. TMS has excellent Lower and Upper School facilities. TMS is an integral lab school for the world leading teacher training facility, Toronto Montessori Institute (TMI).

To learn more visit TMS at www.tmsschool.ca. Seeing is believing, call 905.889.6882 Ext. 245 to arrange for a tour. The Bayview Campus and Elgin Mills Campus are located in Richmond Hill, ON. TMS School is a member of CIS and accredited by IB, CAIS and CCMA.

Hire Robert, an agent who puts your needs above all others. Buyers and Sellers need an agent they can TRUST when they want to make a move, I’m that agent.

Robert Atkinson | Sales Rep Century 21 Leading Edge Realty Inc. www.RobertAtkinson.ca

•Life

Constable Kambiz Salami By: PC Andy Pattenden

I Changed Myself From Refugee to Constable with York Regional Police

onstable Kambiz Salami is a six-year veteran with the York Regional Police, working at #5 District in the City of Markham. Kam, as he is known to his friends and fellow officers, brings a passion to police work that comes from his personal history and life-long dedication to becoming a police officer. Kam’s story began in Tehran. Born in 1986 amid the Iran – Iraq War, Kam spent the first few years of his life with his hard-working parents who were raising a child amidst military conflict. Hoping for a better life, Kam’s parents chose to flee Iran in 1988 and develop new roots in Germany. The Salami family were granted refugee status by the German government, and given the chance to build a new life, in a new country. However, they did not speak the language, and employment opportunities were limited. Amongst the many challenges the family faced, Kam discovered what would in time become his passion to be a police officer. “I clearly remember this girl that was in my kindergarten class,” Kam described. “Her father was a police officer, or as we knew them, the Polizei. Every day her father would park his police car by the school. He would step out, put his hat on his head and walk over to his 30

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

daughter and give her a kiss. To me, he was a hero.” What this German officer likely never knew, is that he helped build a dream for young Kambiz, the dream to one day be a police officer. In 1994, Kam’s family once again packed up and made the move to Canada. On arrival into the Toronto area, Kam’s family was assisted by the Canadian government, and given the opportunity to live in subsidized community housing. “It wasn’t easy growing up in the community we lived in,” Kam recalls. “All I had as a toy was a little police car. I had to hide it in my shoe every day so that other kids, who had nothing, wouldn’t take it.” In high school, peer pressure was a daily battle for Kam. He was encouraged to join gangs and enter into a life of crime. But he chose a different path than his friends. On the day that Kam turned 16 years old, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces. The lessons he learned in the military were instrumental in shaping Kam’s future successes. “The military taught me that wherever you are now, there is always more that you can achieve,” said Kam.

•Life

“

I wish there were more Persian officers... I encourage all Persians to believe that being a police officer is a rewarding occupation that anyone can achieve if they put their mind to it.

”

After his time in the military, Kam returned to school and his grades went from the 50s to graduating high school with honours. Following high school, Kam enrolled in York University and successfully completed a degree in psychology. Having never lost sight of his dream, Kam set his sights

on becoming a police officer. He first applied and successfully became an Auxiliary Constable with the Toronto Police Service, where he volunteered his time to helping the community. From Toronto Police, Kam made the move north, to York Regional Police Auxiliary Unit where he eventually achieved his goal and was hired full time as a Constable with York Regional Police. Kam is an invaluable member of the police service and brings a unique set of skills that helps the communities that they serve. Kam is fluent in Farsi and has a clear understanding of Dari and German. He also understands the heritage and values of the Persian community, which he says helps when attending calls to the homes of Persian families. “I wish there were more Persian officers,” said Kam. “I encourage all Persians to believe that being a police officer is a rewarding occupation that anyone can achieve if they put their mind to it.” 

York Regional Police proudly welcomes applications for available positions from members of any community. It is committed to ensuring police officers are reflective of the communities they serve. For more information contact the York Regional Police Uniform Recruiting Unit by telephone at 1-866-876-5423 ext. 6720 or by e-mail at recruiting@yrp.ca

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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Authentic Persian Cuisine

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•Wine

David’s

Wine Pick of the month By: David Akhlagi

Executive Director at The Wine Cave

ince we’ve touched on wines other than the Blancs, let’s take a moment to consider the most festive of sparkling wines: rosés. I love a good rosé. I love the flavor profile, the texture, which is a bit creamier and richer than your typical Blanc, and I love the look. Nothing is more festive than a flute of something pink, fine beads rising from the bottom of the glass, delicate foam gracing the rim. It’s a holiday in a glass. Since we just left Italy, let’s just continue with one more fabulous Italian value sparkler the Fantinel Rosé Spumante. Just a lovely wine based on a blend of 90% Pinot Noir with 10% Chardonnay and on the dry side. There’s enough sweetness here to accentuate the berry flavors, but the fine acids keeps this focused and refreshingly crisp. A superb aperitif wine for any party.

mouthful of slightly sweet strawberry fruit coming from the 75% Grenache used in the blend here, the remainder being Pinot Noir and Trepat. If you’re serving spicy food at your party this is the sparkler that can handle anything you throw at it. And then there is Korbel, whose sparkling wine portfolio is broader than any other producer I know about. While tasting my way through their near endless array of sparklers, I am always struck by the standout quality of their California Champagne Brut Rosé. It’s not fancy, or elegant for that matter, but it is packed with strawberry and cherry fruit in a slightly sweet style, with just enough yeasty influence to add some complexity. It always proves very popular at parties. Cheers!!

If you want something more powerful consider the Castillo Perelada Cava Brut Rosado which delivers a

Happy Holidays from all of us at the wine cave. 

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•Food

Rose Reisman’s Family Favourites

Miniature Chocolate

Mud Pies By: Rose Reisman

Directions: {serves 12} Miniature Chocolate Mud Pies Ingredients: 1 cup chocolate wafer crumbs 1 Tbsp water 2 tsp vegetable oil 2 Tbsp semisweet chocolate chips 2 Tbsp hot water 1 tsp instant coffee 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup cocoa powder 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp light cream cheese (about 2.5 oz), softened 2 large eggs 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream 3 Tbsp corn syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract icing sugar (to decorate) These are the best-selling desserts at Rose Reisman Catering.They are so dense, they will put you into chocolate heaven. You will never believe they are lower fat. Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra special touch.

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. 2. In a small bowl, combine the crumbs, 1 Tbsp water and oil until mixed. Divide and pat into the bottom of the muffin tins. 3. In a small bowl, combine the chocolate chips, 2 Tbsp hot water and coffee. Microwave for 40 seconds on High or just until the chocolate begins to melt. Stir until smooth. 4. In the bowl of a food processor, add the sugar, cocoa powder, flour, cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, corn syrup and vanilla. Purée until smooth. Add the chocolate mixture and purée until smooth. Divide among the muffin cups and bake for 12 to 14 minutes or just until the centers are still slightly loose. Cool and chill at least 2 hours before serving. Carefully remove from the tin with a knife. Decorate with icing sugar.

••

per serving Calories 220 • Protein 3.6 g • Carbohydrates 30 g • Fiber 1.5 g • Total fat 5.8 g • Saturated fat 2.1 g • Cholesterol 23 mg • Sodium 62 mg • prep time 15 minutes • bake time 12 minutes • make ahead Can be baked 2 days in advance and refrigerated. • nutrition watch There is increasing evidence that compounds in chocolate (dark chocolate) may beneficially affect cardiovascular health. 

From the Persian Kitchen...

•Food

Ashe Reshteh

(Persian Vegetable Noodle Soup)

she Reshteh (Osh-e–Resh-te) is a tasty hearty soup that will help keep you warm and healthy in the colder months. Reshteh in Farsi means noodles. Just like many other Persian soups and stews, it is best when this soup is allowed to rest before it is eaten. You can make it the day before or let it rest a few hours before it is served so that the flavors can combine together, making it a more delicious soup. Asheh Reshteh is also a wonderful vegetarian dish and a very healthy alternative that the whole family is sure to enjoy. This recipe makes a very large pot of soup, you can freeze it and it will taste even more delicious the next time you warm it up. Enjoy! (Serves 8 people plus) Ingredients: 3 medium onions, sliced thin length-wise 5-7 cloves of minced garlic 1/2 cup chickpeas 1/3 cup kidney beans 2/3 cup lentils 3 tsp turmeric 1 1/2 cups fresh parsley - chopped (approx. 1 bunch) 1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro -chopped (approx. 1 bunch) 1 1/2 cups fresh mint – chopped (approx.1 bunch) 3 bunches of fresh chives or scallions (green part of scallions only) 1 lb baby spinach ½ lb of linguine noodles (or Persian reshteh noodles if you can get them) 3 tablespoons of butter 1 tbsp. Flour 2 tsp dried mint (to add to garnish) 1 cup of plain yogurt (or kashk (Persian whey) if you can get it) Salt and pepper to season

Directions: --In an extra-large cooking pot, sauté ½ of the onions and all of the garlic until translucent. --Add chickpeas, kidney beans, and turmeric. Sauté for a few minutes. --Add 8 ½ cups of water. Season with salt and pepper, cover and cook for 1 hour --Meanwhile- roughly chop all the herbs together. --Add lentils and herbs to pot. Cover and cook for another ¾ of an hour on low. Stir the pot every 15-20 minutes. --Break noodles in half and add to the pot. --Next, add spinach in two batches- add half, once it wilts in pot, add remaining spinach. Cook covered for another ¾ hour. Be sure to stir the pot often. --Put flour in a small bowl. Put 3-4 tablespoons of the liquid from the soup and add to the flour. Wisk together until smooth, no lumps. --Add flour/soup mixture to the pot of soup (should be thickening) --Adjust seasoning by adding salt. --Cook for another 1/2 hr. on low. The soup is very thick and chances are the bottom will stick. So ensure that you stir the pot frequently. GARNISH: --Fry remaining onions in butter until they turn translucent, lower the heat and allow for the onions to slowly caramelize. --Once they have tuned into a golden color add dry mint and allow for the onions to crisp up. --Place soup in a bowl, add a pinch of fried onion to the center along with a spoon of yogurt or Kashk.  PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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â&#x20AC;˘Home Design

The Colour for 2014 is BLUE By: Shiva Khalilnia

s designers and owners of a furniture store we travel the world in search of what is beautiful, and also what is to be the next trend in home design. The most dramatic trend we have witnessed was less about style and shape, but all about colour! And the "it" colour of 2013, which will continue its dominance into 2014, is blue. Yes, there are many different variations of blue, but the blue that we saw a lot of was a mix between navy blue and royal blue. It's a "true" blue that has no cast of green in it. Whether it was in upholstery, accessories, pillows, or bedding, blue was everywhere. Possible reasons for blue's dominance? It is the colour of trust and comfort, which during times of economic and social unrest, make it an especially attractive hue.

merald green (recently named colour of the year by Pantone), Dior grey, salmon pink, purple, yellow, and red were also well represented colours throughout many of the design showrooms. The new trend on skins and hides is faux shagreen (faux skin of sharks and rays). It has an organic, somewhat uniform textured look. Shagreen always looks best in natural colours such as greys, taupes, and creams, and when placed correctly it creates glamour and sophistication in any room.

â&#x20AC;˘ PERSIANTRIBUNE

•Home Design

or many years, silver dominated the landscape, but this year gold was ushered back to the head of the class. What’s old is new, and gold is the new metal accent of the year. With its rich gleam and sculptural weight, this metal is experiencing a resurgence. With so many designers looking to the '70s, it's inevitable that the classic colours of brass and bronze will show up more in accessories, lighting, and cocktail tables. Brass may be the metal of the moment, and gold may be mounting a comeback, but pair either colour with silver, and you've got a combination that pops!

" The home is a reflection of its owners, and should be a place to retreat and relax. It should feel comfortable, almost as an extension of your personality. "

ow, what do we tell our clients who aren't comfortable with these vibrant, expressive colours and combinations? We remind them that they have to stay true to what they love. And if that means neutral colours, not to worry! Neutral is, and always will be, a main stay in home decor. The home is a reflection of its owners, and should be a place to retreat and relax. It should feel comfortable, almost as an extension of your personality. We see many people who follow trends, and then are disappointed by the decor of their home, because it is not really what they like. Updating the style of your home furnishings can be a very exciting and satisfying process, just be true to yourself, and enjoy the outcome. 

Shiva Khalilnia can be reached through www.import-temptations.com PERSIAN TRIBUNE

• 37

•Style

The Resurgence of Custom Jewellery By: Marjaneh Amin

any of us nowadays can say that we own at least one piece of fine jewellery, be it a wedding ring, a necklace bought on impulse or a baby girl’s first pair of earrings. However, before the 20th century, this was seen as a luxury, a privilege available only to the wealthy, who had money to spare on such things. Then, in the 20th century, things began to change. Though custom pieces were still available, as they always have been, the world saw the rise of jewellery retailers selling what are known as “ready to wear” pieces.

e are all familiar with these ready to wear pieces. They are the items available at any jewellery store, be they the must have charm bracelet, or the simple necklace bought for the brand name alone. This is not to say that these are in any way inferior to custom. Many of them are absolutely lovely, and there has always been a trend among people of certain age groups to have certain ready to wear pieces to validate themselves among their social set. But lately, jewellers have seen a rise in the demand for custom pieces.

he wonderful thing about custom jewellery is that there is always a story behind it. It could be that the couple ordering an engagement ring want the piece to somehow reflect the night they met, or it could be a grandchild redesigning a piece given to them by a beloved grandparent. The role of the designer is to sit with the client, hear their story, find out exactly what the person is looking for, and have it done for them. That way, the client knows that their piece is one of a kind. The designer will work with the client's budget, and having a custom piece can be just as affordable as ready to wear jewellery. The client has had a hand in creating their piece of jewellery, and it means that much more to them because of that. 

To see Marjaneh Amin’s work visit: www.marjanehamin.com or search “Marjaneh Amin Jewellery” on Facebook

PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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407

400

Bayview

Yonge

Bathurst

Upland

Royal Orchard

Clark

Clark Steeles

•World

Photos by Bruce Reyes-Chow

Help for the Philippines By: Costas Menegakis, MP of Richmond Hill

ur hearts and prayers go out to all those in the Philippines affected by Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms ever recorded, as well as to the Filipino-Canadians who have felt the impact of this devastating event. Prime Minister Harper has spoken with Benigno Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines, to extend his heartfelt condolences to the people of the Philippines, and to offer support in the aftermath of the natural disaster.

Two of our world-renowned Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) were quickly deployed to the provinces of Capiz and Iloilo, among some of the hardest hit areas of the Philippines, to provide clean water, emergency medical aid, and logistical support. Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander announced on November 14 that Citizenship and Immigration Canada will prioritize the processing of applications from people who self-identify as being significantly affected by the typhoon. Applicants who

Canada has joined international efforts to provide support and assistance to humanitarian relief and stabilization efforts in the area, which has seen an estimated 11.3 million people affected, including 2 million displaced and thousands of lives feared to have been lost. In anticipation of the devastation, Canada committed $30,000 ahead of the typhoon to aid the Philippines in preparations. The day it made landfall on November 9, Canada announced an initial contribution of $5 million can demonstrate that they are significantly and personally affected by the typhoon and wish to declare their cases a priority can contact the visa office in Manila directly at manila-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca. Those in the affected areas will be treated as a priority.

to aid those impacted. Prime Minister Stephen Harper later announced another $15 million towards emergency relief activities, bringing Canada’s total commitment to $20 million. As well, the Government of Canada has launched the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund which matched, dollar-for dollar, eligible donations until December 9, eligible donations made by individual Canadians to registered charities in support of the Filipino people.

Our government will continue to take action to support those impacted by the storm and we will work with our partners to ensure that urgent support is provided to those who are significantly affected by this tragic event. 

Costas Menegakis is the Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. He can be reached by phone at 905-770-4440 or through his website at www.costasmenegakis.ca. PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•Environment

Greenpeace arrests show attempts to silence environmentalists continue dam proposed for Altamira, Brazil. My wife, Tara, and I helped raise $70,000 for a demonstration, and the World Bank was persuaded to withdraw its project loan. Paiakan was then subjected to death threats. We brought him and his family to Vancouver until the danger subsided.

Arctic 30 Greenpeace International activist Ana Paula Alminhana Maciel (from Brazil) at a detention hearing at Primorskiy Court in St. Petersburg. (Photo courtesy of Greenpeace)

By David Suzuki with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Ontario and Northern Canada Director-General Faisal Moola

arly November marked the 18th anniversary of the tragic murder of outspoken writer and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight colleagues by the Nigerian government. Saro-Wiwa and the others had waged a long campaign to stop multinational oil company Royal Dutch Shell from drilling in the lands of the Ogoni people in the Niger delta. Nigerian military harassed and intimidated members of the Ogoni community for years because they opposed Shell's drilling program. Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues defended their communities and local environment from a notoriously toxic industry. In November 1995, a special court established by the military government illegally detained and tried them on spurious charges. Convicted without due process, they were executed 10 days later, despite enormous international outcry. Sadly, this is not an isolated occurrence. A recent report by human rights organization Global Witness documents the murders of more than 700 environmental and indigenous-rights activists over the past decade — more than one killing a week, on average. They reviewed databases, academic studies and news reports, and consulted with the United Nations and other international agencies. They found citizens are often harassed, intimidated, beaten up, sexually assaulted and sometimes killed for opposing endangered wildlife poaching, illegal logging, dams and activities of foreign mining companies — including some Canadian firms. I experienced this reality in 1988 when we interviewed rubber tapper Chico Mendes about his battle to save the Amazon rainforest in Brazil for The Nature of Things. He was assassinated two weeks later. The following year, Kaiapo Chief Paiakan asked me to help stop a 42

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

Many instances of persecution and killing have occurred in countries with atrocious human rights records, such as Sri Lanka, Guatemala and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Yet surprisingly, most attacks on environmentalists have been in countries such as Brazil, Mexico and the Philippines, with democratically elected governments, independent judiciaries and other institutions intended to protect their citizens' rights to voice concerns about the environment without facing harassment, intimidation and violence. These countries have also signed international agreements to protect human rights, like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As the recent incarceration of 28 Greenpeace activists and two freelance journalists by Russian authorities clearly demonstrates, human rights are vulnerable at a time when governments aggressively promote the interests of corporations over a healthy environment, and are willing to use heavy-handed tactics to ensure people who disagree don't stand in the way.

•Environment so far been silent. You can sign letters at Greenpeace. ca asking Baird to bring the Canadians home and Greenpeace.org asking Russian embassies to urge their government to drop the charges. Too often, governments are quick to use excessive force and even pervert the course of justice to keep oil and gas flowing, forests logged, wild rivers dammed and minerals extracted. As the Global Witness study reveals, citizens are often killed, too — especially if they're poor and indigenous.

In this latest case, Russian special operations forces arrested the Greenpeace International activists, including two Canadians, Alexandre Paul and Paul Ruzycki, for attempting to hang a banner off the side of an oil rig in Arctic waters. They were peacefully protesting Russian company Gazprom's plans to drill for oil in one of the most ecologically sensitive regions of the planet, and raising awareness of the consequences of climate change. For speaking out in defence of the Arctic, they were imprisoned for two months under difficult conditions and all but one were only recently released on bail. They now face the possibility of long, harsh jail sentences if found guilty on trumped-up charges of piracy and hooliganism.

We must remember the sacrifices of Ken Saro-Wiwa, Chico Mendes and hundreds of other advocates and defend people's rights to peacefully speak out for the environment, without fear of intimidation, arrest and violence. 

Photo: Kent Kallberg

Although leaders of the Netherlands, Brazil and Germany called for release of their nationals and other members of the 'Arctic 30', Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird have

Dr. David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author, and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. He is Companion to the Order of Canada and a recipient of UNESCO's Kalinga Prize for science, the United Nations Environment Program medal, the 2009 Right Livelihood Award, and Global 500. Dr. Suzuki is Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and holds 27 honorary degrees from universities around the world. He is familiar to television audiences as host of the long-running CBC television program The Nature of Things, and to radio audiences as the original host of CBC Radio's Quirks and Quarks, as well as the acclaimed series It's a Matter of Survival and From Naked Ape to Superspecies. His written work includes more than 52 books, 19 of them for children. Dr. Suzuki lives with his wife, Dr. Tara Cullis, and family in Vancouver, B.C. Learn more at www.davidsuzuki.org PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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Become. Go beyond.

BECOME. BEYOND. TMS School goes far beyond the

ordinary to help prepare our students to realize their potential as happy and

fulfilled individuals in university, career and life.

Our educational experience integrates challenge and inspiration, seamlessly combining a flagship Montessori program (18 months to grade 6)

and our welcoming International

Baccalaureate program (grade 7 to 12).

Phone 905 889 6882 ext. 254 â&#x20AC;˘ www.tmsschool.ca

•Events

Out and About with Events Events Events Events Persian Tribune Events Events

Joy of Aging Photo by eventphotographers.com

MENA Arts Foundation Event Photo by Sara Kardooni

MENA Arts Foundation Event

Liberal Media Reception Photo by Alexander Gershtein

MENA Arts Foundation Event Photo by Sara Kardooni

Joy of Aging 2013 Volunteer Committee

CEMA Dinner Event Photo by Alexander Gershtein

MENA Arts Foundation Event Photo by Sara Kardooni PERSIAN TRIBUNE

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•people

Persian Tribune

Person of The Month Mehrdad Ariannejad

CEO, Tirgan Festival

Although Mehrdad Ariannejad holds a a Masters degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Toronto, and has been a full time employee of IBM Canada since he settled down in Toronto over 15 years ago, his passion lies elsewhere in culture and history, particularly that of his beloved Iran.

today’s renowned Tirgan Festival, an annual 4-day multidisciplinary art festival in Toronto.

He got involved with several cultural groups, including the Iranian Association at the University of Toronto, IAUT, which held literary, historical, social, and cultural events. The landmark event for him was the large-scale celebration of Nowruz (Iranian NewYear) for the first time in the history of the university, it was widely attended by students and professors, many of whom were non-Iranians.

One of the secrets to Tirgan’s success lies is its volunteers, and their dedication and passion which stems from their love for Iran. Over 300 volunteers (including Mehrdad) and the organizing committee make Tirgan happen.

The first Tirgan in 2008 boasted 155 literary and artistic programs, and drew over 60,000 visitors, which then grew into 130,000, some traveling from other Canadian cities, USA and Europe.

Shortly after, following the catastrophic earthquake of Bam he initiated a more ambitious event, this time to help the earthquake victims, and raised close to fifteen thousand dollars.

Mehrdad is also a co-founder of the first Toronto book club focusing on the Iranian contemporary history, he is a co-founder of the Iranian-Canadian Congress, has served as a board member and Chair of the Art Committee of Parya Trillium Foundation, and had a hand in founding the annual North York Fire Festival, Chaharshanbeh Suri.

Mehrdad and a group of likeminded friends then found themselves organizing an event to celebrate Nowruz 2006 in collaboration with Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre. “Under the Azure Dome” (Zir-e Gonbad-e Kabood), a two-day festival with 25,000 visitors, eventually this evolved into

In the summer of 2009 when people of Iran were protesting the presidential election results, and being brutally suppressed by the Iranian regime, Mehrdad along with other activists, was an organizer of a series of rallies and events in Toronto to echo the voice of the Iranian people to the world.

• PERSIANTRIBUNE

Mehrdad strongly believes that the Iranian culture has its roots in ancient Iranian civilization, which belongs to the whole of humanity and not just to modern day Iranians. This rich, cultural, and humanitarian treasure has so much to offer, and especially in a world suffering from social, economic, and political challenges, it can be a great tool to bring people closer and help promote human values. He also believes that Iranian-Canadians should contribute and make their mark in the society that has become their second home. The future looks bright in light of Iran’s growing population of highly educated youth, the integration and mobility of second and third-generation Iranian immigrant youths within their host societies as well as their organic ties with Iran. Mehrdad is the recipient of many awards for humanitarian and community service and promoting culture and social justice, including the National Ethnic Press and the Media Council of Canada award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal. 

EVERY PIECE, A WORK OF ART

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