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posted by Robert DeVet in on Feb 24, 2014 - View profile

Halifax

30th Anniversary of Debunk Debert - - Celebration - -


7:00pm
- 9:00pm
Saturday March 1 2014

Venue: Museum of Natural History
Address: 1747 Summer Street
 
The public is invited to attend an evening in celebration of the 30th Anniversary 
of “Debunk Debert” a women's day of peaceful protest held at Debert Military 
Base on Feb 29, 1984. This protest of a NATO drill at the Debert bunker was 
months in the making. The various actions mounted that day garnered, by 
design, national media attention. This 30th anniversary of this historical day of 
action and the women who made it happen are the cause of this celebration. 
 
The evening begins with a video screening followed by a presentation, a 
discussion, and a reception. 
 
Part 1 VIDEO SCREENING 
 
In the Theatre of the NS Museum of Natural History, lower floor, we will screen 
the documentary “Debert Bunker: By Invitation Only” directed by Liz 
MacDougall (30: min. c.1985). 
 
 
(See video description below.)  
Part 2 PRESENTATION 
 
As a fitting acknowledgement of the past 30 years of women in activism, four 
women will make presentations on the topic of collective activism for peace and 
social justice. Along with considering the role of collective action, we will explore 
from our experience, the elements of a successful campaign such as: research, 
analysis, working with the media, persistence, irony, satire, and utilizing social 
media among others. 
 
Presenters are: 
 
Donna Smyth, writer and environmental activist 
Kate Matheson, social worker and youth peace camp organizer 
Dr Nancy Covington, Physicians for Global Survival 
Allison Sparling, activist and new media strategist 
 
(bios below) 
 
Following the presentations, Liz MacDougall will facilitate a brief discussion 
between presenters and the audience. 
 
 
RECEPTION 
 
Reception to follow. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Presenters biographies: 
 
Appearing in the Debert video and presenting this evening is Donna 
Smyth, a writer and long-time environmental and peace activist who's 
worked with the Nova Scotia Voice of Women (NSVOW) and the Never 
Again Affinity Group ‘the NAAGS’, a street-theatre group. 
 
Also presenting Kate Matheson is a social worker in practice with 
women experiencing the criminal justice system. Kate is a new 
member of NSVOW and is on the planning committee for the NSVOW 
*PeacemakeHers* leadership camp for young women. 
 
Dr Nancy Covington is a member of Physicians for Global Survival, 
International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), 
and also NSVOW. Her work with these organizations is aimed at 
creating a more peaceful and secure world freed from the threat of 
nuclear annihilation.  
Allison Sparling, inspired by her Grandmother Mary Sparling, is active 
in the community on multiple issues with a focus on neighbourhoods 
and women's rights. Allison uses the internet for 'smart' campaigns 
that harness existing momentum using new communications 
technologies - social media, analytics, and crowdsourcing. 
 
Liz MacDougall is a Halifax artist working in video, audio, web design 
and interactive media. Liz makes media for non profits and activist 
groups. 
 
 
Video Description: 
In this documentary, set outside 
a military base in Debert, NS, 
five women's peace groups 
gathered to call attention to a 
secretive Emergency Measures 
Organization (EMO) practice-run. 
This drill sent chosen officials, 
329 men and 11 women, into a 
NATO operated underground 
bunker for protection during a 
hypothetical nuclear attack. 
These drills were happening in 
various bunkers internationally 
including Greenham Common, UK 
Each activist group points out, 
through street theatre or in 
ritualistic performances, the 
deadly irony of emergency drills 
that are no less than re- 
hearsals for nuclear war. 
 
This video takes its form through 
interviews with a representative 
from each group inter-cut with 
the scenes of the day made more 
comedic or intense with the interjection of news footage, TV, photographs, 
radio commentary and film clips about nuclear defense. 
 
Although the subject matter is most serious, satire, irony, and common 
sense, are the tools used to point out the ridiculous in a NATO strategy 
that has us planning for our survival after a nuclear attack. 
 
- 30 - 
 

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