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 Trent University Hosting “Re-Envisioning Relationships” Conference from November 2 - 5, 2006FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Historic Gathering, including Sam George (brother of slain Aboriginal activist Dudley George), focuses on Aboriginal/non-Aboriginal alliances and coalitions for social and environmental justice October 25, 2006, Peterborough Trent University is pleased to invite the community to attend the “Re-Envisioning Relationships” Conference, taking place in Enweying, Peter Gzowski College from November 2 to 5, 2006. Prominent Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal leaders, activists, and academics will meet at Trent to discuss how they can work effectively in alliances and coalitions to pursue their goals of Indigenous rights, social and environmental justice. The conference will attract well-known keynote speakers, including Sam George (brother of slain Aboriginal activist Dudley George); Beverly Jacobs (President, Native Women’s Association of Canada); Judy Da Silva (community leader, Grassy Narrows); Jake Swamp (Mohawk Elder, Founder of Tree of Peace Society); Kenneth Deer and Jennifer Preston from the Coalition on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. All keynote addresses are open to the public at no charge. Over 55 local, national and international speakers will address topics from community arts to the current conflict in Caledonia. “We received an overwhelming response from both activists and academics to the idea of exploring how Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples can work together in respectful ways,” says Dr. Lynne Davis, Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies and lead conference organizer. The program features a blend of panel presentations and discussion sessions, culminating in a Sunday morning workshop where participants will discuss both the opportunities and challenges of collaborating in solidarity. The conference is expected to draw a wide range of activists and academics alike. “We wanted to host it in the First Peoples House of Learning at Trent University, a place designed to nurture the kind of open dialogue among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people we are seeking to cultivate during this conference,” says Professor Davis. For keynote schedules and for conference registration, please visit the conference website: http://www.trentu.ca/alliances. Special rates are available for students and unwaged delegates. -30- For further information, please contact: Lynne Davis, Associate Professor |
