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Gem is a powerful speaker on peacebuilding, human rights, education, and international development. Whether addressing groups of a dozen or several thousand, Gem’s speeches have touched hearts with their evocative imagery, humour, and insight, echoing his passion for humanity.
Tanyss and Gem met in Toronto, whereupon they fell for each other hard. Soon, they departed together on an odyssey they couldn’t possibly have anticipated. They took jobs teaching in an isolated First Nation reserve in northern Alberta; the conditions they observed there, of poverty, disadvantage and despair, changed their lives forever. They became convinced that denial of normal educational opportunities was fundamental to the structure of disadvantage, and they resolved to commit themselves to readjusting and raising standards for aboriginal children. The pursuit of this objective carried them into residence in very unfortunate communities and neighbourhoods across most of Canada, before carrying them into the corridors of government and overseas.
In recognition of their work, Tanyss and Gem were awarded Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals.
Their four children: Alastair, Azien, Gabriel & Grace were born in Saskatoon, SK, Fort Good Hope, NWT, Bella Coola, BC and Kamloops, BC respectively. The children absorbed principles of social responsibility by breathing them in and are active participants in, and contributors to, Amarok Society projects.