Dear Members:
The OPSEU Indigenous Circle invites you to submit your application for the 2018 Indigenous Conference! We welcome all members who desire to bear witness to the essential role of culture in the survival and thriving of Indigenous communities.
The Conference theme is “Cultural Reclamation and Restoration: Weaving Culture Back Into Our Blanket.” The goal is to inspire and equip OPSEU members to partner and work with Indigenous communities during this time of reconciliation. The Conference is being planned with elders and community members of Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation. Participants will be equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively network with Indigenous members within and beyond OPSEU on various projects and campaigns. We will be joined by Maya K’iche’ guests who will lead a workshop on reviving cultural midwifing practices in Guatemala.
Event participants will be selected by the Indigenous Circle with assistance from the Equity Unit. The selection process seeks to achieve a diverse group of attendees, representative of Indigenous and other equity groups within our membership. Confirmation will be issued to the selected participants the first week of May. Expenses will be reimbursed as per OPSEU policy.
Do not miss this opportunity to network, learn, share experiences and have some fun. Please submit your completed application by e-mail to indigenousconference@opseu.org or fax to the Equity Unit no later than 5 pm, April 6, 2018. Please note that we will be applying the criteria as set out on pages 4 and 5 of this application for selection. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
In solidarity,
OPSEU Indigenous Circle
Authorized for distribution by:
Warren (Smokey) Thomas – President
“Cultural Reclamation and Restoration: Weaving Culture Back Into Our Blanket”
Tentative Conference Agenda
Friday June 22, 2018
6:00 to 7:00 PM Registration (dinner on your own)
7:00 to 9:00 PM Traditional Anishinabek Opening
Blanket Exercise – Part I
Saturday June 23, 2018
8:00 to 9:00 AM Breakfast (provided)
9:00 to 10:30 AM Keynote by Elder Phyllis Williams, followed by Q & A
10:30 to 10:45 AM Break
10:45 to 12:15 PM *Workshop I and II
12:15 to 1:30 PM Lunch (provided)
1:30 to 3:00 PM *Workshop I and II
3:00 to 3:15 PM Break
3:15 to 5:15 PM Sharing Circles with Elders from Wikwemikong
5:15 to 5:30 PM Break
5:30 to 7:00 PM Dinner (provided)
7:00 to 7:15 PM Presentation by Autumn Peltier, young water protector
7:15 to 9:00 pm Social and Entertainment with local musicians
Sunday June 24, 2018
8:00 to 9:00 AM Breakfast (provided)
9:00 to 11:00 AM Blanket Exercise – Part II and Closing Ceremony
11:00 to 11:15 AM Break
11:15 to 12:00 PM Debriefing/Evaluation
(lunch on your own)