National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Understanding the Truth and Reconciliation Report – What Is It All About?
Date: Thursday, September 28 at 7 p.m.
The Truth and Reconciliation Report was released in 2015. It was a comprehensive report completed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and led by Dr. Murray Sinclair. The report included significant and important recommendations intended to address the devastating legacy of the residential school system on generations of indigenous children, their families, and communities. This presentation is intended to provide a greater understanding of the report and developments in the years since its release toward Honoring the Truth and Reconciling for the Future.
About Dr. Williamson:
Dr. Pamela Williamson is a member of the Moose Deer Point First Nation and from the Sturgeon Clan. After a lengthy time working in both health and post-secondary education sectors and from her personal experience, Dr. Williamson is able to offer keen insights into understanding the realities of living experienced by First Nations people. Dr. Williamson is a strong advocate of the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations as a means to increase understanding and positive and productive relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous people of Canada.
Is Indigenous Nationhood Still Possible?
Date: Friday, September 29 at 3 p.m.
Reflections on Indigenous Law, Treaties and Nationhood in response to the Universal Declaration of Indigenous Rights, Government Policies and Haudenosaunee Tenacity. The Haudenosaunee are attempting to be the first Indigenous nation to be part of the Olympic family. As the game of lacrosse is being considered for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the Haudenosaunee are seeking recognition of their nationhood on the international stage in order to play a game they invented. Win, lose or draw, it will be a great test about the survivability of Haudenosaunee nationhood.
About Richard Hill:
Richard Hill is a Tuscarora Citizen of the Haudenosaunee, a Confederation of the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk and Tuscarora Nations. He has been responsible for recovery of wampum belts from museums and historical societies, uncovering the history they carry, and sharing these teachings so that the lessons of history are not forgotten. Hill has worked for the National Museum of the American Indian, the State University of New York at Buffalo, Six Nations Polytechnic and now is the Indigenous Innovations Specialist at Mohawk College, Hamilton, ON.