Reconciling Existence of God & Human Suffering - Dawson City, Yukon

Speakers' Profiles:

Mr. Percy Henry - Representing Aboriginal

Percy Henry is a member of the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation in Dawson City, Yukon. He is a fluent speaker of both the Hän and Gwich'in languages. He was born on the Ogilvie River (Gwazhàl Njik) and grew up in the Blackstone River region as well as in the Dawson-Moosehide area. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Joe Henry of Dawson.Percy has worked on behalf of the Dawson native people in many capacities over the years, serving at one time as Chief of the Dawson Indian Band, and assisting in the early land claim negotiations and other self-government initiatives. He has also been employed by the Yukon Territorial Government (Highways Branch), and he currently serves as an Advisor to the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation. His efforts to enhance and support the traditional language of the Klondike have been recognized by the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in First Nation, the YTG's Aboriginal Language Services, and the Council for Yukon First Nations.

Lama Karma T. Lodro - Representing Buddhism

Lama Karma Tsundulp Lodro (Jefferson Alvin Olson) is a multidisciplinary meditation teacher who seeks to make esoteric information useful to a wide variety of people. Lama Lodro has received monastic ordinations as a Theravadin Buddhist Bhikkhu and Vajrayana Tantric training as a Meditation Lama in the Kargyu and Sakya lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. Born in North America of Viking descent, his spiritual education includes years of study and meditation at Buddhist monasteries in Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, India, Japan, and Sikkim. Lama Lodro's style of communication is seasoned by a sometimes irreverent sense of humour and a buoyantly practical attitude.

Mr. Jack Vogt - Representing Christianity

Jack Vogt's life has been a journey. He has lived in Dawson for twenty-three years together with his wife Lucy. They are members of Dawson Community Chapel and have been involved in a variety of roles in the church. Jack is involved in the business world, running a building construction business. Construction is seasonal work in Dawson, allowing time for other interests. One of his interests is the study of God’s Word and how it fits into our daily lives. He is a graduate of Peace River Bible Institute and has had three years of seminary at Providence Theological Seminary. Having time in the winter also allows Jack to go and serve in other places. The past winter was spent in Mexico working with a church. One of the delights in Jack's life has been to explore the Bible with other people.

Mr. Naseem Mahdi - Representing Islam

An inspiring presenter and scholar, Naseem is the Missionary In-charge and Senior Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Canada. Graduate of Islamic Studies, with keen interest in World religions, Naseem has served the Muslim Communities in Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Canada. Recipient of Gov. General's Award for Community service, Chief Editor of the Ahmadiyya Gazette, a strong proponent of interfaith dialogue, each year Naseem travels across Canada participating at multi-faith events.

Mr. Gian Singh Kotli - Representing Sikhism

Gian Singh Kotli is a dedicated multi-faith activist. He has a Masters degree in English and Political Science and a Law graduate. He is a prominent Punjabi poet and writer. His articles are published in Punjabi and English Newspapers. He has worked in India, Singapore and Vancouver as Editor, Principal and in various other positions. He is actively involve in interfaith and community programs.