Dear Members:
The OPSEU Indigenous Circle invites you to submit your application for the 2020 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 “The Métis: People of the Sash.” 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 citizens of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Participants will be equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively network with Métis members within and beyond OPSEU on various projects and campaigns. Banners are being created by Métis artist Christi Belcourt for this event.
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 final week of April. 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 [email protected] or fax to the Equity Unit no later than 5 pm, March 27, 2020. 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
“The Métis: People of the Sash”
Tentative Conference Agenda
Friday June 12, 2020
5:30 to 7:00 PM Registration (dinner on your own)
7:00 to 9:00 PM Opening Ceremony
Keynote by Margaret Froh, MNO President
Métis traditional Music and Dancing
Saturday June 13, 2020
7:30 to 9:00 AM Breakfast (provided)
9:00 to 10:30 AM Métis History and Stories by Ryan Shackleton, Q & A
10:30 to 10:45 AM Break
10:45 to 12:15 PM *Workshop I
12:15 to 1:30 PM Lunch (provided)
1:30 to 2:45 PM *Workshop II
2:45 to 3:00 PM Break
3:00 to 4:15 PM *Workshop III
4:15 to 5:00 PM Break (time to visit vendors)
5:00 to 7:00 PM Traditional Dinner (provided)
7:00 to 9:00 pm Fiddling, Jigging and Storytelling with Métis Strings
Sunday June 14, 2020
7:30 to 9:00 AM Breakfast (provided)
9:00 to 10:15 AM *Workshop IV
10:15 to 10:30 AM Break
10:30 to 11:30 AM Sharing Circles
11:30 to 12:00 noon Closing Ceremony and Music
12:00 noon Depart (box lunch provided)
*Workshops include Making pemmican, Michif language, Beading and Métis roots