Chatim Thor
Chatim Thor is the third born of the nine children during the second Sudanese Civil War, to Thor Kurjock Thiep, a high rank soldier in the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), and Nyageng Machar Teny, a health care assistant. Chatim was born in Leer, Sudan, raised as Jakar.
In 2003, the war moved into Bentiu, Chatim and his family were separated and displaced. The UN and Peacekeepers moved Chatim to Kakuma Refugee Camp located in the North-western region of Kenya.
In 2010, Chatim moved to Canada with his elder brother Gatleak Thor. After the tragic and unexpected death of his brother in 2012, at 16 years old, Chatim became homeless. Children’s Services became involved in Chatim’s life and he was placed in foster care where he was able to go back to school and continue high school.
After graduating high school, Chatim enrolled himself in Mount Royal University where he studied Sociology. Throughout his studies, Chatim maintained employment, was a member of the Calgary Soccer Association, a leader and mentor for mental health and youth advocacy of Sudanese students. Additionally, through all of this, Chatim worked tirelessly with immigration Canada to try to get his family to Canada; something he is still working towards to this day.
Over the years, he has worked and volunteered in several facets of community: serving the most vulnerable populations of Calgary with Non-Profit organizations, as well as the private sectors, sports, and politics. Chatim currently serves in the department of Justice and Solicitor General for the Government of Alberta Canada. He is also a Community Advocate, and a Youth and Family Counselor in Calgary.
Chatim’s broad experience and wisdom personally and professionally influence his drive to serve the Sudanese community with courage, integrity, and perseverance. In 2022, Chatim founded Kurjock Foundation Community and Family Development Association. The Kurjock Foundation serves refugees, war survivors, former child soldiers, and families who have experienced hardships, loss, trauma, and incarceration. Kurjock is a Sudanese term which means healing and forgiveness. It was first used by the Sudanese prophet Kulang Ket during times of war and grief. Kurjock was said to bring well-being to the people and promise peace.
Part of Chatim’s healing and reconciliation journey is establishing the Kurjock Foundation and acknowledges his inherited position of privilege due to his father’s status within the SPLA. Chatim’s father was a high-ranking soldier in the Sudanese People’s Army. As such, Chatim acknowledges and takes responsibility for the hardships, harm and PTSD caused to all those affected by the SPLA. He extends his sincere apology to all former Child Soldiers and their families within and outside Canada.
Chatim is a strong and courageous voice within the Sudanese community, and within the city of Calgary. Chatim’s story was featured on the Crime Beat podcast “The Boy With The Heart of a Lion”. A story of one young man’s grit and determination despite a massive loss.
Since he was young, Chatim was comfortable dealing with multiple disciplines. Growing up in a household where pastoralism and revolution coexisted, he got the taste of the best of both the worlds. Where the foundation of revolution rested on freedom, self-determination, independence, and human rights.
His sociology background has helped him understand the importance of assisting one another and to empower young to reach their dreams. He often advises the youth to “look past what seems to be the abstract”.
Audrey
Audrey is a graduate of Mount Royal University’s Child & Youth Care Counselling Program, and she currently resides on Treaty 7 Territory in Mohkinstsis (Blackfoot name for Calgary). She has dedicated her career to working with vulnerable populations and is currently a Program Manager of Programs supporting to house vulnerable youth within the city.
Born in Athabasca on Treaty 6 Territory to a young Cree Metis woman, Audrey was adopted as an infant into a settler family. After experiencing an adoption breakdown, Audrey entered the foster care at age 11.
Calling on her ancestors and finding her way back home to her Indigenous roots, while also caring and holding space for others has been a theme through her life, and one that has fostered a passion for her career, as well as other ambitions along her decolonizing journey.
As part of this decolonizing journey, Audrey has developed a Mindful Movement Practice that combines the modalities of storytelling, breath, movement, drumming and Yogic Asanas to understand and embody the indigenous worldview and teachings of the Seven Sacred Teachings.
Audrey brings a passion for healing and social justice and change and, most importantly the spirit of community to the work she does.
When Audrey isn’t working her 9-5 job, you will find her with her son, or in the mountains hiking and backcountry camping, thrift store shopping, or sewing a new creation.
Bol Tap
Bol Tap is a South Sudanese Canadian. He moved to Canada in 1989 from his homeland, South Sudan. He started his education at the Canadian University College in Lacombe, Alberta. In 1995, moved to United States and continued his education, which he graduated with a Bachelor of Psychology degree in Des Moines, Iowa. In 2003, he moved back to Calgary and has since used his education to better help his community.
Tut Pad
Tut Padhal was born and raised during South- North Sudan’s war in the 1980s. He moved to Ethiopia with his older brother to seek protection and education in the early 1990s. In 1998, Tut moved to Canada as a young adult and furthered his education. He graduated from the University of Regina at Faculty of Social Work with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). Tut is an active member of the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). As a student, Tut volunteered at Regina Open Door Society as a mentor for two years, helping young immigrant children with their homework from grade 5-12. During his practicums, Tut worked as practicum work at Ranch Erlo Society and The Mustard Seed in Calgary. After graduation, he landed a full position at Hull Services as Child and Youth Counsellor. Tut has a current full-time position as a caseworker at Calgary Alpha House Society, Community Housing Program. During his free time, Tut likes to read and socialize with friends. He is also an active member in the South Sudanese community in Calgary.
April MacDougall
April is a registered psychologist with over 15 years of experience in various roles focused on supporting with individuals, children, youth and families in specialized treatment programs and community services.
Recognizing there are multiple pathways to wellness, April works to understand peoples’ unique circumstances and individual concerns to shift towards maximizing well-being.
Jesse
Jesse has a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Environmental Science and is presently a third year student at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law. He is passionate about human rights and has experience working in and founding non-profit social organizations. Jesse hopes to contribute to the goals of the Kurjock Foundation with his understanding of the legal environment for charities and non-profit organizations and by utilizing his experience working with at-risk community members.
Kher Mayen
Kher Mayen was born in Leer, Dok Sudan during the first Sudanese civil war. Kher moved to Khartoum and started his primary and high schooling when he became of age. Once he completed his high school Kher moved back to the Southern region of Sudan and helped the United Nations, UNICEF and the peacekeeping force. He delivered medication and food to rural communities in Africa and helped the Red Cross deliver basic human needs. Kher was trained and earned a certificate in Animal Health from Mankien, a town North of Leer. He facilitated many peaceful negotiations in rural areas in Africa and advocated for unity amongst the people. As war escalated in the second Sudanese civil war Kher was chased out of his native home and walked to Ethiopia. This was a journey that lasted three months before he reached his destination, the Pinyudo refugee camp. Kher was recruited by UNHCR to integrate newcomers from Sudan as he is influenced in three major languages English, Thok Naath and Arabic.
Kher settled in Canada in 2003 and attended Waterloo University to complete his veterinary program. Adjusting to his new life in Canada was not easy however he did complete his course in 2014 while working three jobs to provide for his family. Kher loves to volunteer his free time in the community as he is a great mentor. He has helped integrate newcomers to Canada and has given referrals to many agencies in Calgary. Kher is a great leader in the Sudanese community and a human rights activist. Kher always advocates for peace and healing in the community. He is a great asset to Calgary Kurjock foundation as he encourages and supports newcomers, former child soldiers and refugees and their families by utilizing a trauma informed and strength-based approach. He is an avid Calgary Flames fan and enjoys watching their games.