Indigenous Resurgence & Radical Imagination
Workshop
Embodying Indigenous Resurgence
In order to realize true freedom from colonization, as both Indigenous and Settler peoples, we must reject the idea of “reconciliation,” move beyond acts of resistance, and instead focus on reconstituting ourselves, as people and as nations, guided by ancient knowledge and organic principles from within Indigenous cultures and a radically re-imagined notion of what it means to be Canadian. This is Indigenous resurgence. In this workshop, we will relate our personal understandings and insights to the systems that govern the land and our lives, bring our understanding to a higher level, and make it more holistic and complete. Within this vision of justice, we can frame practical decolonization practices to use on both the personal and collective levels.
[Bring your own brown bag lunch for the workshop. Coffee, tea & treats will be provided.]
Lecture
What is Radical Imagination?
Indigenous Peoples, Settlers and the Struggle to Decolonize Canada
For Settler Canadians, Radical Imagination is re-envisioning your existence as a Settler on this land without the inherited race-based privileges of conquest and the legal, financial and social legacies of empire. It is accepting the fact of a meaningful prior Indigenous presence, reflected in the governance, land rights, languages, and cultural practices of the Original People of this land. It also means taking action to support Indigenous Nationhood and the Resurgence of Indigenous peoples in their homelands as allies, to support struggles not only of social and economic justice, but political justice for Indigenous nations and the re-presencing of Indigenous peoples on their lands.
Gerald Taiaiake Alfred is from Kahnawá:ke in the Mohawk Nation. He is a Professor of Indigenous Governance and Political Science at the University of Victoria. He is the recipient of a Canada Research Chair, an award for best column writing by the Native American Journalists Association, and a National Aboriginal Achievement Award. Taiaiake has served as an advisor on land and governance issues to his own and other First Nations’ governments since 1987, and before this he was an infantryman in the US Marine Corps. He is the author of three books: Heeding the Voices of Our Ancestors; Peace Power, Righteousness; and Wasáse: Indigenous Pathways of Action and Freedom.
From Truth to Reconciliation Speakers Series
Workshop: September 30, 2017 | 10 am to 3 pm | NET LOFT on Murray Rd | registration: $65.00
Lecture: September 30, 2017 | 7 pm to 9 pm | Gabriola Arts & Heritage Centre | registration: $20.00
For more information, contact Gloria at gfilax@shaw.ca
Advance registration required in person at North Road Sports. Space is limited.
