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Dana Filek-Gibson

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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About Dana
Dana Filek-Gibson is a journalist based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She writes primarily about travel, lifestyle, arts and culture. Previous work includes a full-length travel guidebook for Moon Travel Guides as well as features for publications such as Jetstar Australia, Silkwinds, and Saigoneer. She is fluent in both English and Vietnamese.
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English Vietnamese
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Feature Stories Content Writing Corporate Content
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Financing Highway 101

01 Oct 2023  |  Rock to Road
The City of Timmins is advancing its Highway 101 reconstruction project with new provincial funding, though financial challenges persist. The project, initially estimated at $95.5 million, now requires $120 million to address deteriorated infrastructure. The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario has allocated $3 million through the Connecting Links program, but the funding cap limits progress. Mayor Steve Black is seeking additional funds from other government programs, including the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and a recent federal-provincial bilateral agreement, to expedite the project.

What lies beneath

09 Sep 2022  |  Canada's National Observer
Newfoundland and Labrador is focusing on offshore oil exploration to improve its financial situation, aiming to double production by 2030. The federal government has approved the Bay du Nord project with conditions for net-zero emissions by 2050, despite concerns about the environmental impact and alignment with climate goals. The province's economic strategy relies heavily on oil, with potential risks if global climate objectives are met. The article highlights the tension between economic benefits and environmental responsibilities, with various stakeholders involved in the discussion.

Canada’s takeover of First Nations finances

19 Aug 2022  |  Canada's National Observer
The Canadian government's involvement in First Nations' financial affairs, through the Default Prevention and Management Policy (DPMP), has often worsened conditions in these communities. An investigation by National Observer reveals that the policy, which allows the government to control or co-manage First Nations' finances, has led to deteriorating housing and water quality in many cases. Despite plans to phase out the policy, First Nations leaders argue that reparations are necessary. The investigation underscores the systemic issues and calls for a more tailored approach to governance and financial management for the diverse First Nations communities.

A whole Everest to climb

29 Jul 2022  |  nationalobserver.com
The Pope's recent visit to Canada and formal apology to Indigenous Peoples for the Catholic Church's role in the residential school system marks a significant moment in the path to reconciliation. The apology, which came after years of pressure and a direct request from an Indigenous delegation to the Vatican, addresses the cultural destruction and forced assimilation experienced by over 150,000 Indigenous children. While the apology fulfills one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action, reactions among Indigenous communities vary, with some welcoming the gesture and others feeling it falls short, particularly in acknowledging sexual abuse and the Church's institutional responsibility. The visit is seen as a first step, with further actions such as repatriating artifacts, releasing records, and rescinding the Doctrine of Discovery being called for by Indigenous Peoples. The Pope's visit is part of a larger journey towards healing, with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission outlining steps for the Church to take, emphasizing that the responsibility for reconciliation extends beyond Indigenous communities to all Canadians.

Get up to speed on what's happening at COP26

08 Nov 2021  |  Canada's National Observer
The United Nations climate summit COP26 is nearing its conclusion, but negotiations are expected to extend into the weekend due to unresolved issues in the final cover decision. Key topics include the role of cities and regions in addressing the climate crisis and the contentious issue of loss and damage, with developing countries demanding compensation from richer nations for climate-induced harm. The draft text's language on fossil fuels has been softened, now calling for the phaseout of 'unabated coal power' and 'inefficient subsidies for fossil fuels,' reflecting ongoing debates and compromises.

Glasgow climate strike snubs COP26 youth day, seeks radical shift

05 Nov 2021  |  Canada's National Observer
Young climate activists, led by Greta Thunberg, protested in Glasgow against the perceived inaction of global leaders at COP26. The demonstration highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on Indigenous communities and criticized the UN event as a 'Global North greenwash festival.' The protest included diverse voices from Indigenous activists, labor groups, socialists, and medical students, all calling for urgent and radical action to address the climate crisis.

A guide to Canada's National Observer's on-the-ground coverage of COP26 and the climate emergency

23 Oct 2021  |  nationalobserver.com
Canada's National Observer will provide on-the-ground coverage of the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, focusing on Canada's role in negotiations, climate finance, biodiversity, Indigenous rights, oceans, civil society, plastics, food systems, and the youth movement. The team acknowledges the carbon footprint of travel to the conference but emphasizes the importance of reporting on climate change and its implications for Canadians. The coverage will include insights from various reporters and multimedia content.

Time to stop playing nice with fossil fuel companies blocking climate action

14 May 2021  |  nationalobserver.com
Seth Klein, a columnist for Canada's National Observer, discusses the obstruction of climate action by fossil fuel companies and suggests that the government should take a firmer stance against these delays.

Seeds of opportunity: Okra

26 Feb 2021  |  Fruit & Vegetable Magazine
Changing consumer tastes and rising demand present a valuable opportunity for Canadian growers in the okra market, though supply infrastructure challenges remain. Okra, a versatile crop used in various cuisines, has seen increased demand due to shifting immigration patterns. Experts like Evan Elford from OMAFRA highlight the time needed for domestic production to replace imports. Currently, most okra in Canada is imported, but domestic production is expected to rise significantly by 2030. Growers face challenges such as labor-intensive harvesting and market access, but opportunities exist, especially near urban centers. Despite hurdles, demand for okra is expected to continue growing.

Justice Graeme Mitchell gifted a Métis sash at closing ceremony

18 Sep 2020  |  Canada's National Observer
Justice Graeme Mitchell unexpectedly attended the closing ceremony for Tristen Durocher's suicide prevention advocacy at Wascana Park in Regina on September 13, where he was presented with a Métis sash.

Tristen Durocher bagpipe procession to the Saskatchewan legislature

18 Sep 2020  |  Canada's National Observer
Métis suicide prevention advocate Tristen Durocher concluded his 44-day fast with a bagpipe procession to the Saskatchewan legislature in Regina, emphasizing the importance of suicide prevention. The event was documented by Michael Bramadat-Willcock, a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Canada's National Observer.

Sandy Garossino and Bruce Livesey on Canada’s Conservative Party

05 Jul 2020  |  www.nationalobserver.com
Linda Solomon Wood interviews Sandy Garossino and Bruce Livesey about the future of Canada's Conservative Party, the Meng trial, and current events in Trump's America.

Industry Outlook: Forging ahead in 2019

01 Jan 2019  |  Rock to Road
Canada's roadbuilding and aggregate sectors face a mixed outlook in 2019, with steady growth in some regions and volatility in others. Federal infrastructure funding continues to experience delays, and the Canada Infrastructure Bank has been slow to invest. British Columbia expects steady business, though regulatory challenges and labor shortages are concerns. Alberta faces economic headwinds due to slumping oil prices and uncertain infrastructure spending. Saskatchewan and Manitoba anticipate reduced work and funding challenges. Ontario is optimistic about policy changes and infrastructure spending, while Quebec looks forward to continued growth but is wary of labor shortages. Atlantic Canada expects steady investment, though New Brunswick faces uncertainty due to budget cuts.

New CBA aims to provide long-term gains for B.C.’s construction, roadbuilding industries

16 Jul 2018  |  Rock to Road
British Columbia's new Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) aims to provide fair wages, job opportunities, and training for construction and roadbuilding workers. Announced by Premier John Horgan, the CBA prioritizes hiring Indigenous people, women, and local workers. The agreement addresses skills gaps and labor shortages, with a goal of 25% apprenticeship hours per project. The new Crown corporation, BC Infrastructure Benefits, Inc., will manage employment logistics. While the B.C. Building Trades unions support the CBA, some business associations and non-affiliated unions criticize it for favoring certain unions and potentially increasing project costs. The CBA will be applied to upcoming projects like the Pattullo Bridge replacement and Trans Canada Highway expansion.

Old Saigon feature on pp68-72

Moon Vietnam, published 2015, a full-length travel guidebook

"The Men Who Love Chickens", May 2013

"Life-Altering Bánh Mì in Vinh Long", March 2015

Completed copy for southern Vietnam section of Vietnam's national tourism website, 2016

[Photos] The Last Days of Saigon’s Pigeon Coop

16 Mar 2017  |  saigoneer.com
The article explores the history and current state of the Pasteur pigeon coop in Saigon, Vietnam. Le Van Au, a local furniture restorer, discusses the coop's past, dating back to the late 1910s or early 1920s, when it was built by the Hindu community and served as a place for people to feed pigeons. The coop, which is located near the Sri Thendayuttaphani Temple, has been unused for years, and the pigeons have long since disappeared. Despite the rapid urban development and the construction of a new skyscraper nearby, Au reflects philosophically on the inevitability of change and the importance of memory. The article captures the tension between Saigon's historical past and its modernizing present, as symbolized by the pigeon coop's survival amidst the city's transformation.

Vietnamese Athletes Head to the Start Line in First-Ever Asian Winter Games

16 Mar 2017  |  saigoneer.com
Vietnam's winter sports team is making its debut at the eighth annual Asian Winter Games in Japan's Hokkaido Prefecture. Six athletes from Saigon and Phan Thiet will compete in alpine and cross-country skiing, as well as snowboarding events. Despite the lack of snow in their tropical country, the athletes have trained on unconventional terrain, including Vietnam's streets and sand dunes. Team captain Nguyen Duc Manh and alpine skier Pham Tien Dat have some experience with snow from South Korea's Dream Program. The team is excited but nervous, and they aim to showcase their determination and the potential for winter sports development in Vietnam. Although the snowboarders had a challenging start, with Trinh Dinh Thoi finishing 18th and Nguyen Thai Binh not finishing, the team remains optimistic about the upcoming events.
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