Traditional Knowledge Keepers Event
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has invited Elders, spiritual advisors and keepers of traditional Aboriginal knowledge from across Canada to share their perspectives on reconciliation at this two-day Traditional Knowledge Keepers Forum co-hosted by the University of Manitoba. Participants will discuss teachings on reconciliation, forgiveness and healing with each other and with TRC Commissioners Justice Murray Sinclair, Chief Wilton Littlechild and Dr. Marie Wilson.
There are about 14 or 15 participants — traditional knowledge keepers including elders and spiritual leaders. The mandate of the TRC is to guide and inspire the process of reconciliation in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. To inform the final report of the TRC, the Commission is gathering together traditional knowledge keepers in order to discuss reconciliation — asking them their understanding of reconciliation and what the traditional teachings on reconciliation and forgiveness: what they would like the commissioners to say in their final report, about reconciliation and healing.
The TRC website says:
For over 100 years, Aboriginal children were removed from their families and sent to institutions called residential schools. The government-funded, church-run schools were located across Canada and established with the purpose to eliminate parental involvement in the spiritual, cultural and intellectual development of Aboriginal children. The last residential schools closed in the mid-1990s.
During this chapter in Canadian history, more than 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were forced to attend these schools some of which were hundreds of miles from their home. The cumulative impact of residential schools is a legacy of unresolved trauma passed from generation to generation and has had a profound effect on the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and other Canadians.
Collective efforts from all peoples are necessary to revitalize the relationship between Aboriginal peoples and Canadian society – reconciliation is the goal. It is a goal that will take the commitment of multiple generations but when it is achieved, when we have reconciliation — it will make for a better, stronger Canada.
Traditional Knowledge Keepers Forum
JUNE 25-26, 2014
The event takes place at Marshall McLuhan Hall and is by invitation only.
Everyone is welcome to come and watch the live forum together on the big screen at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge on both June 25 and 26. Drop in anytime between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm to be part of the community that observes this dialogue on reconciliation.
TRC.CA
umanitoba.ca/indigenous/
AGENDA – DAY 1, JUNE 25, 2014
Emcee: Carl Stone, Advisor, Aboriginal Student Centre,
University of Manitoba
9:00 a.m. Welcoming Remarks
James Blatz, Associate Vice President (Partnerships),
Office of Vice-President (Research and International),
University of Manitoba
Opening Remarks
The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair
Marie Wilson, Commissioner
Wilton Littlechild, Commissioner
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Self-Introductions
Traditional Knowledge Keepers
Overview of Questions for Discussion
10:30 a.m. Health break – light snacks and refreshments
10:45 a.m. Dialogue
12:15 p.m. Lunch break
1:15 p.m. Dialogue
2:30 p.m. Health break – light snacks and refreshments
2:45 p.m. Dialogue
4:30 p.m. Closing
AGENDA – DAY 2, JUNE 26, 2014
Emcee Carl Stone, Advisor, Aboriginal Student Centre,
University of Manitoba
9:00 a.m. Opening Remarks
Dialogue
10:30 a.m. Health break – light snacks and refreshments
10:45 a.m. Dialogue
12:15 p.m. Lunch break
1:15 p.m. Closing – Traditional Knowledge Keepers
2:30 p.m. Health break – light snacks and refreshments
2:45 p.m. Closing – Commissioners
3:45 p.m. Thank you and Closing Prayer
Research at the University of Manitoba is partially supported by funding from the Government of Canada Research Support Fund.