Shannen Koostachin of Attawapiskat First Nation was a young activist just trying to get a school in her community. Despite the high standard of living enjoyed by many Canadians, indigenous children have been forced through toxic and subpar educational systems for decades. Koostachin spoke out and organized with other youth for "safe and comfy" schools. She started the largest movement by children for children in Canada.

Toxicity at school

Ashley X is a Seattle woman born in 1997 with severe developmental disabilities. Her disability means that she will never progress further than having the intellectual and physical abilities of an infant.

In 2004 Ashley began to show signs of puberty. Her parents were her only full time care givers and were concerned about the possible effects on their ability to care for Ashley. As she grew, it took more effort to provide effective care and increased the chance of bedsores.

Come on out on September 17th to hear Joel Bakan talk about how big business has contributed to the early sexualization of children through various media, children's exposure to violent images via gaming, over medication, environmental health, child labour, and the corruption of the education system.

Are we tweeting while Earth burns? Is climate collapse our new collective Titanic?

What do oil spills in the Amazon, landmines in Afghanistan, monks in Burma, and a Kenyan-born Nobel laureate have in common? They're all featured in films screening at the 2009 Amnesty International Film Festival, November 12-15 at Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver. This is the 14th year for the Festival, the flagship event for a series of Amnesty International film nights and festivals that take place across Canada.