Inaugural session: February 3 2015, 6:30-9:00 pm
* New dates for 2016: Feb 3, followed by the last Wednesday of each month *
The Series: Indigenize or Die
The ship of global imperialism and colonization has hit an iceberg. While the majority of the world's inhabitants suffer the consequences of runaway capitalism and globalized war-making, the very few on the upper decks continue their party with business as usual, blissfully ignoring the realities.
In this series, "Indigenize or Die," we deconstruct the myths of the dominant culture, explore a more truthful historical perspective and how that manifests today. Then, through the lens of decolonization and re-indigenization, we explore together possibilities for an ecologically sustainable and socially-just way forward. We ask, how can we ensure the survival of complex life on this land in accordance with its legitimate laws and the laws of Nature?
The intent of the series is to weave an understanding of history and current reality into developing a practical "go forward" plan for this land. We will be joined by other Indigenous people from both here and elsewhere around Mother Earth throughout the year.
In this series, "Indigenize or Die," we deconstruct the myths of the dominant culture, explore a more truthful historical perspective and how that manifests today. Then, through the lens of decolonization and re-indigenization, we explore together possibilities for an ecologically sustainable and socially-just way forward. We ask, how can we ensure the survival of complex life on this land in accordance with its legitimate laws and the laws of Nature?
The intent of the series is to weave an understanding of history and current reality into developing a practical "go forward" plan for this land. We will be joined by other Indigenous people from both here and elsewhere around Mother Earth throughout the year.
Inaugural Session: From There to Here and Back: Drawing on our Pre-Contact Past to Create a Living Future
In this session to launch the series, we will explore how the people of Turtle Island (North America) lived with each other and the land just prior to the arrival of the colonizers. This will inform a "visioning" of what a "decolonized/re-indigenized" future that is in harmony with the people, the land and all beings might look like.
Wednesday February 3rd. Doors open at 6:00. 6:30 (sharp) to 9:00
OISE-UT Peace Lounge, 7th floor, 252 Bloor St W. at St. George subway Station.
Regular tickets: $10 donation (all proceeds to our guest hosts)
Student/unwaged: free
OISE-UT Peace Lounge, 7th floor, 252 Bloor St W. at St. George subway Station.
Regular tickets: $10 donation (all proceeds to our guest hosts)
Student/unwaged: free
Your Guest Hosts for the Series:
Kevin Best
Kevin Best has focused on how to create a just and sustainable society through activism, innovative business and restoring Indigenous society for over four decades. Of mixed heritage, through adoption he self-identifies as Anishinabeg of the Martin Clan. He has worked with Indigenous people throughout Turtle Island, consulted to Greenpeace and pioneered green energy in Ontario. He is currently working on a start-up called Odenaansan (Village or “the little places where my heart is”), an integrated, culturally-based approach to restoring Minobimadzin (the good life) through sustainable food, energy, housing and water in Anishinabe communities. Passionate about decolonization and re-indigenization, he is committed to spreading understanding of these life-giving possibilities. He has recently joined Mayor Wilson as a Consulting Partner.
Ka'nenharíyo Lefort
Ka'nenharíyo Lefort is a Kanyenkehaka (Mohawk) man from the Tehana’karineh family of the Bear Clan and the Kanyenkehaka community of Kenteke (Tyendinaga). He is currently a Kanyenkeha (Mohawk language and culture) instructor at Queens University as well as Tsi Tsyonhet adult immersion program at Tyendinaga. Ka'nenharíyo also teaches and consults on Indigenous Permaculture. Recently he co-founded Real Peoples Media which is the media partner for Indigenize or Die. He was raised in a traditional manner, learning the culture of his people and built on this knowledge while obtaining an Honours Degree in Indigenous Studies at Trent University. He is constantly is seeking ways to support the resurgence not only of his own people and that of all Indigenous peoples globally.
Rehana Tejpar, M.Ed.
Rehana is an artist-facilitator and co-director at bloom consulting strengthening creative and collaborative capacity in organizations and communities. Rehana is a practitioner of Art of Hosting, an approach to leadership that harnesses the collective wisdom and self-organizing capacity of groups. As a dancer and theatre artist, she facilitates storytelling through creative movement and theatre, using InterPlay and Theatre of the Oppressed, inviting people to tell their own stories, tap into their body wisdom, and re-imagine their worlds.
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