Keynote: Bob Watts, Previous Interim Executive Director of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Storytelling by Waubgeshig Rice, author and journalist from Wasauksing First Nation
Presentations by:
* Tony Belcourt, former President of the Métis Nation of Ontario
* Ashley Wright, co-creator of Garnet’s Journey, a project exploring the life of Garnet Angeconeb
* And many more!
Friday, October 16 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 17 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
St. Paul’s University, 223 Main St, Ottawa
REGISTRATION:
Before October 7, 2015 – only $40 (regular fee – $50)
*Discount for students and non-wage earners available
*Includes entry for each day, lunch on Saturday
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
Inuit Experiences in Residential Schools
Peter Irniq will speak about an Inuit Experience of Residential School beginning with Turquetil Hall/Sir Joseph Bernier Residential School, run by the Roman Catholic Church. He will describe the loss of culture, language, Inuit Spirituality and parenting skills. Peter will also explain why “Talking about Pain is Healing,” and how Canadians have a right, duty, and responsibility to know what happened in regard to residential schools and their legacy. He will also share comments on truth, reconciliation and moving forward. This is not only an Indigenous history, it is also Canadian history.
The Métis Education Kit
This workshop will explore Métis culture and history through the Métis Education Kit, produced by the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO). MNO Education Kits are an excellent resource for students, teachers, educators and community members, and suitable for use in and out of the classroom. Each kit contains a variety of items including a sash, flashcards, fiddle music and a timeline of Métis history in Ontario. This is an exciting and inviting introduction to Métis history, culture and heritage.
Garnet’s Journey
This workshop will introduce you to the website www.garnetsjourney.com – a digital oral history that tells the life story of Garnet Angeconeb in his own words. Garnet is an Anishinaabe from Lac Seul First Nation, and a survivor of residential school. In about 30 short videos (and one 21-minute documentary) Garnet tells stories from his life – from the trap line, to residential school, to the healing journey he’s on today. Although Garnet can’t be at the event in person (and, just as many Canadians will never meet a residential school survivor), the website makes his experience accessible to anyone with internet access. It’s an effective and affordable educational tool for all educators, and relevant to all ages. This workshop will include a screening of the main documentary, as well as a discussion about the significance of first person, eyewitness accounts (i.e. oral history) in education.
Justice for Indigenous Women Jewelry-Making Workshop: A Fund-raiser!
More than 70,000 people have participated in Project of Heart (POH) across Canada, honouring the stolen lives of the children at the Indian Residential Schools (IRS) by decorating small wooden tiles. Learn how this directly relates to the stolen lives of Indigenous children, women, and men today. Make your own gesture of reconciliation, and create your POH “Witness Piece”. Participation in this workshop will enable you to make a contribution to the J4IW initiative and empower you to do this social justice action in your own faith or education community.
For $20.00 you can participate in making J4IW jewelry. This price covers the cost of the materials needed to make the jewelry. What is left over will be used to support justice initiatives for First Nation, Métis, and Inuit women and girls in Canada. You will be able to keep your Witness Piece! Men are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Living Out the TRC Calls to Action
In this interactive workshop, participants will have a chance to learn and discuss how they can work at implementing in their own lives the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action. Participants will hear ideas from across the country, become familiar with the recommendations addressed to different sectors of Canadian society, and explore how they can live out the Calls to Action in their various roles within a religious community, the education sector, and the public or private sectors.
For more information, contact:
Sara Anderson
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
sanderson@kairoscanada.org
http://www.kairoscanada.org