- Enoch, Albertafirstnationcitizenship.afn.ca/uploads/files/national_forum_on_fn... · November 15...

November 15 &16, 2011 River Cree Resort - Enoch, Alberta

Welcome to the National Forum on First Nation Citizenship at the wonderful Enoch River Cree Resort in Treaty 6 Territory. We have come together to discuss the issues related to restoring First Nations’ own decision making and jurisdic-tion over citizenship in our Nations.

Over the past year, the Assembly has facilitated an inclusive national dialogue, bringing together diverse and varied voices through newer technologies and by incorporating traditional storytelling and the visions of indigenous artists. This National Forum is meant to continue expanding this dialogue, to bring our rich voices and experiences to create recommendations for further action.These conversations about identity, belonging and nationhood strike to the core of what First Nations have inherited – a history of imposition and threat and a present challenge and opportunity to think about and plan on a different future. First Nation leaders and citizens have clearly told us that the time to move forward is now.

1 Message from the National Chief

2 Travel & Directions to Enoch

3 Conference Location, Accommodations & Pre-Registration

4 Schedule: Day 1

6 Schedule: Day 2

8 Speaker List & Bios

14 Contact Information & Acknowledgments

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I encourage all of you to actively engage, to think of new ways of approaching this conversation, and to continue this work when you get home. The conversation will not – and cannot – stop here, but will continue at the Treaty, Nation and community level, to determine the path they will take. The Assembly of First Nations will walk with First Nations on the paths they choose, and collectively we can achieve the change we are all seeking.

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CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM NATIONAL CHIEF SHAWN A-IN-CHUT ATLEO


GETTING HERE...

Driving Directions

From South/Airport – Take Hwy. 2 North to EXIT Anthony Henday Drive North/Hwy. 216 West (17km). Take EXIT Whitemud Drive West. Turn left on Winterburn and right onto East Lapotec Blvd.

From North – Take Hwy. 63 South to Hwy. 663 then to Hwy. 2 South. Follow to 178th Street. Exit onto Whitemud Drive West and follow to Resort.

From East – Take Yellowhead Hwy. to Anthony Henday Drive South. Exit onto Whitemud Drive West and follow to Resort.

From West – Take Yellowhead Hwy. to Hwy. 60 South. Exit onto Hwy. 628 then follow 79th Ave. to Whitemud Drive West and follow to Resort.

Edmonton Bus Services

Edmonton public transit does not travel to River Cree Resort. However, you can reach the West Edmonton Mall from the Airport via Route 590 (Century Park). At Century Park Stn. transfer to LRT Train (Clareview). Ride to South


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Campus Stn. Then transfer to Route 4 or 106 (W. Edmonton Mall). Arrive at 172 St. / 87 Ave. (Mall). Approx: 1hr. Adult fare is $2.85 (Train transfer may require additional fare). Hold on to your transfer as proof of payment.

Shuttles

1) Edmonton Airport Sky Shuttle Conference participants may consider reserving a spot on the Airport Sky Shuttle at least 24 hours in

advance of travel through the Edmonton Sky Shuttle Company. The adult rate is $18 (or $30 round trip). Payment can be made on the shuttle with any major credit card or in cash. You should arrive at the pick-up location at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time. For bookings and shuttle schedules visit www.edmontonskyshuttle.com or call 1-780-465-8515.

2) West Edmonton Mall Shuttle Runs between the Resort and the Mall. Must have proof of booking at River Cree Resort to ride the shuttle (e.g. room key). Shuttle runs every half-hour. Departs from front of River Cree on the :15 and :45 marks. Departs from West Edmonton Mall (175th St. & 87th Ave.) on the :25 and :55 marks.

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ON LOCATION...

Marriott River Cree Resort & Casino

The Marriott River Cree Resort is a 4.5 star hotel located just outside of Edmonton in Enoch, Alberta. Resort rooms have high-speed internet access and a fitness centre and indoor pool is available for guests on-site. When booking a room use the code “ASIASIA” to get the AFN’s special conference rate ($149/night).

To book a room...

Phone: 780.484.2121 OR 1.800.960.4913 (Toll Free)Website: www.rivercreeresort.com/hotel Email: [email protected]

300 East Lapotac Blvd Box 179, Enoch, Alberta T7X 3Y3 (Corner of Whitemud Drive & Winterburn Road)

PRE-REGISTRATION

Online at www.firstnationcitizenship.afn.ca

On-site Monday, November 14, 2011 Time: 6-8 PMLocation: River Cree Resort Entrance Lobby

*Accepted methods of payment include cash, credit card, or organizational cheque. No personal cheques accepted.

November 15 &16, 2011 River Cree Resort - Enoch, AlbertaNovember 15 &16, 2011 River Cree Resort - Enoch, Alberta

Registration Rates:

Students (with valid ID) $60Elders ComplimentaryFirst Nation Representatives $250NGO Representatives $350Government Representatives $550(Federal, Provincial, Municipal)


DAY 1: M

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7:30 – 9:00 AM MAIN LOBBY

8:15 – 9:00 AM BANQUET FOYER / MAIN PLENARY

9:00 – 9:15 AM MAIN PLENARY

Regional Representatives & Facilitator Michèle Audette


Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould

One of the critical elements of Nationhood is determining who belongs to the Nation. First Nation governments and their citizens are embarking on journeys of reconnection and restoration of their inherent jurisdiction over citizenship to correct the interference from the Indian Act and varying entitlements and disentitlements to share the legal status of ‘Indian’. This panel will first explore the broad context, noting previous studies and advances in this area. Regional and Treaty representatives will participate in a roundtable sharing information, observations and priorities from their dialogues and activities on First Nation citizenship. Also, self-governing First Nations are invited to share direct experience from implementing their jurisdiction.

11:15 – 12:30 PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS

MAIN PLENARY

Waneek Horn Miller, Kahnawake | Jeanette Corbiere Lavell, President,

NWAC & Anishinabek National Commissioner on Citizenship

As part of reasserting jurisdiction, First Nations are taking different approaches to designing their citizenship laws and reconnecting their communities. This panel will discuss real experiences, from the perspective of Nations and from individual citizens.

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RIVER CREE 1 & 2 Kevin McKay, CEO, Nisga’a Lisims | Chief Robert Louie, Westbank First Nation | Yukon Regional Chief Eric

Morris

Panelists will share experiences and lessons learned in the development and ongoing administration of citizenship laws in the context of First Nations who have moved beyond the Indian Act, and are self-governing.

RIVER CREE 3 & 4

Keith Conn, Chief Executive Officer & Hannes Edinger, Economist First

Nations Statistical Institute | Dan Wilson, Independent Consultant

In order to fully implement First Nation jurisdiction over citizenship, communities require support for planning as well as a new foundation and approach to fiscal transfers. This panel will highlight new resources for community demographic projections and discuss principle and practical approaches for transforming fiscal relations.


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12:30 – 1:30 PM BANQUET FOYER / MAIN PLENARY


RIVER CREE 1 & 2

Dr. Leroy Littlebear, University of Lethbridge | Gwaans (Beverley Clifton

Percival) First Nation systems of citizenship are firmly grounded in traditions, embodying the reciprocal responsibilities of governments and citizens. Panellists will engage in dialogue on traditional models of governance and the roles of clans, houses and citizens.

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RIVER CREE 3 & 4

David C. Nahwegahbow, Nahwegahbow, Corbiere Barristers &

Solicitors A Citizenship Law codifies and embodies a Nation’s intention and responsibilities regarding its citizens. Mr. Nahwegahbow will focus on the practical aspects of law-making and outline key considerations in the drafting and implementation of legislation.

MAIN PLENARY

Deborah Hawken, Nelligan, O’Brien & Payne | Viola Robinson, Chief Lead

Negotiator, Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative | Grand Chief Mike Mitchell, Akwesasne Implementation of First Nation jurisdiction over citizenship requires negotiation and agreement with other orders of government, to ensure that the rights and mobility

3:00 – 3:45 PM MAIN PLENARY

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Representatives from the Assembly of First Nations Tri-Councils, representing Women, Elders and Youth will provide their varied perspectives on First Nation citizenship along with considerations for the paths forward. 3:45 – 5:00 PM MAIN PLENARY

– Réné Dussault, Heenan Blaikie

Viola Robinson, Chief Lead Negotiator, Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative

The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) produced a landmark report, following extensive engagement and research. 15 years after its report, RCAP’s 440 recommendations remain relevant and point to a path forward for fundamentally transforming the relationship between Canada and First Nations. This panel will include discussion from RCAP co-chair Réné Dussault and commissioner Viola Robinson on the Commission’s specific recommendations on citizenship.

5:00 – 6:00 PM

6:00 - 10:00 PM MAIN PLENARY

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See Arts Gala Programme

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8:15 – 9:00 AM BANQUET FOYER / MAIN PLENARY


Roberta Jamieson, CEO & President of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Dr. Lillian Dyck, Senator

Moving forward on First Nation jurisdiction will require support from many areas. This panel will discuss how Members of Parliament & Senators, as well as Parliamentary processes can support First Nation interests to achieve self-governance. 10:00 – 11:00 AM MAIN PLENARY

Waubgeshig Rice, Broadcast Journalist & Author | Anna Marie Sewell, Edmonton Poet Laureate | Drew Hayden-Taylor,

Author, Playwright & Humourist | Ryan McMahon, Actor & Comedian

Conversations on citizenship can be difficult. Traditionally it has been the role of indigenous artists to tell our stories and to reflect difficult topics in a way that is provocative but safe to look at. By seeing tough issues in new and creative ways, citizens, communities and nations can come to a new vision, together. Panellists will discuss the importance of identity to their own works and provide their thoughts on how traditional and modern First Nation artists can help further dialogue and decision-making on critical governance questions.


RIVER CREE 1 & 2 Christine Frederick | Waubgeshig Rice |

Kelvin Redvers

Furthering the panel discussion, this workshop provides practical and tangible activities for dialogue through the arts. Facilitators will guide participants through elements of different media and the results will be presented during the Action Planning session. Note: The workshop is targeted to youth, but all are welcome to participate and experience new tools for discussion. This workshop runs through lunch.

RIVER CREE 1 & 2 Gwaans (Beverley Clifton Percival)

| Dan Bellegarde, FSIN | Sharon Venne, Legal Consultant

First Nations need institutional support to implement laws as they have envisioned. This panel will discuss models of dispute resolution for internal governance matters and between First Nation governments and other orders of government.

RIVER CREE 3 & 4

David Nahwegahbow, Nahwegahbow, Corbiere Barristers & Solicitors | Yukon

Regional Chief Eric Morris | Deborah Hawken, Nelligan O’Brien Payne

In Canada, there is limited recognition of the jurisdiction of First Nation governments over their own decision-making, including citizenship. This panel will discuss current arrangements – such as Treaties and self-government agreements – as well as additional mechanisms to fully recognize, reconcile and implement First Nation jurisdiction.


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Kimberly TallBear, University of California (Berkley)

While histories and legislative contexts differ, First Nations have much in common with Tribal Nations of the United States. This panel will discuss historic practices, legislative and policy contexts and current trends in Tribal citizenship.


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The National Forum on First Nation Citizenship is an opportunity to share experiences, priorities and discuss priorities for further action to support First Nations on the paths they chose towards assuming their jurisdiction over citizenship. This session will focus on action-planning on ways to bring the conversation home, to facilitate dialogue at the Regional, Treaty, Nation and community level, and to develop specific recommendations for National processes to be considered by Chiefs-in-Assembly. It will feature a presentation from the Youth Arts Workshop to highlight innovative ways to reach all citizens, and spark a conversation for change. 4:30 PM MAIN PLENARY

National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo Regional Representatives


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DANIEL J. BELLEGARDE

Executive Director, FSIN Treaty Governance OfficeDaniel J. Bellegarde is a citizen of Little Black Bear’s Band of the Assiniboine-Cree in Treaty 4 Territory, southern Saskatch-ewan. He graduated from the University of Regina with a degree in Administration and has since held senior positions with numerous First Nation organizations, including Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN). As FSIN Vice-Chief, he held the portfolios of Treaty Land Entitlement and Specific Claims, Gaming, Justice, International Affairs and Self-Government. From 1992 to 2009, Mr. Bellegarde had been a Commissioner of the Indian Specific Claims Commission, also serving as Co-Chair from 1994 to 2000. He acted as the Senior Governance Coordinator at the Treaty 4 Governance Institute in Balcarres, SK as well as the General Manager of Wakayos Holdings, Inc. He is currently the Executive Director of the FSIN’s Treaty Governance Office in Saskatoon, SK.

BEVERLY CLIFTON-PERCIVAL (Gwaans)

Negotiator, Gitxsan First NationBeverley Clifton Percival is negotiator for the Gitxsan First Nation. She has taught as a college instructor at NWCC for 11 years, as well as teaching sessionally for UBC and UNBC in education, First Nations studies, sociology and anthropology. Clifton Percival has developed curriculum and cultural awareness training for Gitxsan and other First Nations of the Northwest Coast, and collaborated on various language and cultural projects. She has participated actively in the community on local boards and committees and is active in the Gitxsan lilligit in Gitsegukla and surrounding communi-ties to carry out her responsibilities as a Gitxsan. She holds a B.A. in sociology and anthropology from Simon Fraser University, Provincial Adult Instructor Diploma VCC, has completed work for M.A. First Nations Studies UNBC and done anthropology research on the Northwest Coast.

KEITH CONN

Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Statistical InstituteKeith Conn is the Chief Operating Officer for the First Nations Statistical Institute (FNSI). Prior to joining FNSI, Keith served as the Director General, Aboriginal Affairs, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. Keith has held several senior positions in program and policy development in the public and private sector including 5 years with the Assembly of First Nations in various roles. Keith is Cree and was born and raised in the First Nation community of Moose Factory, Ontario.

JEANETTE CORBIERE LAVELL

President, Native Women’s Association of Canada, & Anishinabek National Commissioner on CitizenshipMs. Corbiere Lavell is a strong Anishnaabe woman and a member of the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island in Ontario. Dedicated to the causes of Aboriginal women for more than a quarter of a century, she challenged the gender discrimination in the Indian Act, going to the Supreme Court of Canada to ensure equality for Aboriginal women. She is a Founding Member and Past President of several Aboriginal women’s organizations, including the Ontario Native Women’s Association and Interim President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada.

Dr. RENÉ DUSSAULT

Legal Counsel & Former Co-Chair, Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples The Honourable René Dussault is a counsel for Heenan Blaikie Law Firm and has had a distinguished legal career for some 45 years, including close to 20 years as Justice of the Court of Appeal of Québec. He acted as Co-Chair of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in Canada from 1991-1996 and was also actively involved in legal education teaching at the Université Laval Faculty of Law, the École nationale d’administration publique and Osgoode Hall Law School. In addition to speaking extensively on the subjects of administrative law, the administration of justice, and other topics, he served as associate editor of the Canadian Public Administration journal (1982-1989) and wrote and co-authored

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numerous articles and books. Mr. Dussault has been recognized for his achievements in the area of public administration and his outstanding contributions to the advancement of law, the legal profession and the promotion of equality with numerous awards and honourary degrees. Recently, he has been conferred the title of Officer of the Ordre de la Pléiade and was made Officer of the Ordre national du Québec (2010) and Officer of the Order of Canada (2010).

Hon. SENATOR LILLIAN DYCK Vice-Chair of the Aboriginal Peoples Committee, Senate of CanadaMember of the Gordon First Nation in Saskatchewan, and a first generation Chinese Canadian, the Honourable Dr. Lillian Eva Quan Dyck is well-known for advocating for equity in the education and employment of women, Chinese Canadians and Aboriginals. She is the first female First Nations senator and first Canadian-born Chinese senator. She graduated with a PhD in Biological Psychiatry in 1981 and has since been recognized with a number of honours including a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Science & Technology, A YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Science, Technology & the Environment, and two eagle feathers in 2005. Before being summoned to the Senate, Senator Dyck taught and acted as an Associate Dean at the University of Saskatchewan. She is currently Vice-Chair of the Aboriginal Peoples Committee.

HANNES EDINGER Economist, First Nations Statistical InstituteHannes Edinger is an Economist at the First Nations Statistical Institute (FNSI). Hannes’ educational background includes a bachelor of arts in economics, math and statistics from the University of British Columbia and a master of arts in econom-ics from Queen’s University. Prior to joining FNSI, Hannes worked for Alberta Sustainable Resource Development as a Division Supervisor in Wildfire Operations and a variety of private sector resource jobs in northern Alberta and British Columbia. Hannes grew up in northwestern Alberta.

CHRISTINE SOKAYMOH FREDERICK

Founder, Alberta Aboriginal Arts Company & Actor/PlaywrightChristine Sokaymoh Frederick is Métis/Cree from Saddle Lake and St. Paul de Métis, Alberta. She started dancing pow wow and acting as a child and into adulthood continued to develop into a multi-disciplined artist. Christine has acted in many plays including Flint & Feather: The Story of E. Pauline Johnson (also co-wrote), The Rez Sisters, Undiscovered Country, in television’s Mixed Blessings and the film The War Reporter. She has also written a children’s play called Minosis Gathers Hope. Christine served as President of Sound & Fury Theatre, Program Coordinator for the White Buffalo Dancers & Drummers Society, as Academic Research Coordinator for the University of Alberta’s Otepayemsuak Project about Métis Culture and was also consulted on the 2005 draft of Alberta’s Cultural Policy. She received the 2007 Esquao Award for Arts & Entertainment. Christine is currently the Oti Nikan Leadership Academy Coordinator for the Centre for Race & Culture, which provides programming to Aboriginal youth on leadership through the arts, and serves on the Edmonton Arts Council Board.

DEBORAH HAWKEN

Legal Counsel, Nelligan PayneO’BrienDeborah Hawken has always been involved in Aboriginal law, providing on-going advice and general legal services for a large number of First Nations and aboriginal organizations on a variety of issues including corporate and commercial, natural resource, construction, employment and governance matters. Her involvement with First Nation communities extends to both Ontario and Quebec. She has been involved with northern justice systems from a regional and interna-tional perspective and authored reports promoting a system more reflective of the aboriginal population it serves. Deborah also represents clients under the 2007 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and is recognized and trusted amongst many First Nation and aboriginal communities for her work.


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WANEEK HORN MILLER

AFN IndigenACTION Ambassador, Member of Kahnawake Mohawk TerritoryWaneek Horn-Miller, a Mohawk of Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, was Co-captain of the 2000 Olympic Women’s Waterpolo Team and a North American Games Participant. Through her work as a sports commentator for CBC and APTN, she has become a community advocate for sport, fitness and wellness. As one of Canada’s few Aboriginal Olympians, Ms. Horn-Miller has used her passion and experiences in sport to influence Aboriginal and non-aboriginal leadership towards making Sport and Wellness a community building priority. She is currently working with the AFN as their IndigenACTION Ambassador supporting their efforts to create a sport, fitness and wellness strategy.

Grand Chief MICHAEL MITCHELL

Grand Chief, Akwesasne Mohawk NationMichael Kanentakeron Mitchell is one of the most respected First Nation leaders in Canada. Born in Akwesasne and raised by a traditional family, Kanentakeron had the benefit of strong culture and spiritual upbringing. Fluent in the Mohawk language, Kanentakeron has applied traditional diplomacy skills in solving today’s challenges to First Nations. Kanentak-eron was first elected in 1982 as a District Chief to the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne representing Cornwall Island. In 1984 he became the Grand Chief of MCA, with a membership population of 9,000. He held the position until 2000 and then retired after 20 years in politics. In 2003 the community brought him out of retirement again to serve as district Chief of Cornwall Island. In 2009, he was brought out of retirement a second time to once again become the Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne until 2012. He represents his people alongside the twelve district Chiefs that make up the governing body of Northern Akwesasne. Prior to politics, Kanentakeron also worked as an Ironworker (Local 440), filmmaker (NFB) and Director of Cultural Education for the North American Indian Travelling College.

ROBERTA JAMIESON

President, National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Roberta Jamieson, a Mohawk from Six Nations Grand River Territory in Ontario, is currently CEO and President of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. In her six years leading NAAF, support for Aboriginal youth has dramati-cally increased with NAAF doubling its previous total in bursaries and scholarship funding. Ms. Jamieson was the first First Nations woman to earn a law degree, the first non-parliamentarian to be appointed an ex-officio member of a House of Commons Committee, and in 2001 she was the first woman to be elected Chief of Six Nations Grand River Territory. Ms. Jamieson was also Commissioner of the Indian Commission of Ontario and for ten years, Ombudsman of Ontario. She is a Member of the Order of Canada and has earned many awards and honourary degrees for her work in law and justice.

Chief ROBERT LOUIE

Chief of Westbank First NationChief Robert Louie is an Okanagan business owner/operator that has established several successful enterprises over the past 20 years. Chief Louie served the Westbank First Nation Council from 1986 through 1996. He returned to office in 2002 and was re-elected in 2004. After passing the bar in 1984, Louie entered the private practice of law until becoming involved in aboriginal governance. He was subsequently appointed as the Chairman of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board and was elected as a Task Group member of the First Nations Summit. His experience led to an invitation to become involved in B.C. treaty negotiations representing the Chiefs of British Columbia.

KEVIN McKAY

Executive Chairperson, Nisga′a Lisims GovernmentKevin McKay, a member of the Lax-sgiik (Eagle) tribe, has been the Executive Chairperson of Nisg-a’a Lisims Government since 2004. Kevin has served the Nisg-a’a Nation for almost three decades as a social worker, member of Lax-g-alts’ap Village Government and in a variety of national positions. He was the Lax-g-alts’ap representative to the Nisg-a’a Tribal Council in the late 1980s and was elected as Chair of the Nisg-a’a Tribal Council in 1990. Kevin was a member of the Nisg-a’a Tribal Council’s negotiating team serving as Chairman of the Economics/Finance Working Group and in 2000


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Kevin was elected as the first speaker of Wilp Si’ayuuk-hl Nisg-a’a. Kevin has a long-standing interest in social and economic development and has both held management positions and been a board member of local, provincial and national organizations and institutions addressing those issues.

RYAN McMAHON

Comedian, Actor & WriterRyan McMahon is a comedian/actor/writer that is making a name for himself as one of the most dynamic Aboriginal Comedians working in Canada and the USA today. One of the first ever Aboriginal graduates of the prestigious Second City Toronto Conservatory and armed with a degree in Theatre, McMahon steers clear of tired, cultural stereotypes onstage. Instead his live show combines stand-up, improvisation and sketch comedy to weave stories and characters together in an original style of comedy he calls – INDIAN VAUDEVILLE. In the last year McMahon has taped two national television shows: Welcome to Turtle Island Too and Hystereotypes. He also toured North America independently and garnered high praise from both Mainstream and Indian Country alike.

DAVID C. NAHWEGAHBOW

Attorney, Nahwegahbow Corbiere David C. Nahwegahbow, from the Anishinabek Whitefish River First Nation, is a founding partner in Nahwegahbow Corbiere Law Firm as well as a founding member and former President of the Indigenous Bar Association (IBA). Mr. Nahwegahbow completed his undergraduate studies at Carleton University and graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa to be called to the Bar in Ontario in 1982. In 2003 he received the “Indigenous People's Coun-sel” designation from the IBA in recognition for his advocacy work on behalf of Indigenous peoples. In 2008 he received both a National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Law and Justice and the Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award from the Union of Ontario Indians, which recognizes the dedication of individuals who serve their communities and the Anishinabek Nation. In 2010, Mr. Nahwegahbow was inducted into the Common Law Honour Society of the University of Ottawa–a prestigious distinction which pays tribute to the most accomplished Alumni– and this year he received the Law Society Medal, granted to select lawyers for making a significant contribution to the profession.

KELVIN REDVERS

Independent Filmmaker & Producer, Canadian Television Network (CTV)Kelvin Redvers is a young Dené filmmaker from the Akaitcho Nation who grew up in Hay River, Northwest Territories. At 15, Kelvin established Crosscurrent Productions Company and later obtained a Film Production degree from Simon Fraser University. He has produced many award-winning films including Firebear Called them Faith Healers, a recipient of the 2010 Canadian International Film Festival Rising Star Award. His work ranges from narratives, to creative storytelling, to documentaries and satires, always managing to capture the essence of the subject matter in an imaginative way. Kelvin currently works for CTV directing and producing First Story, which explores Aboriginal issues and current affairs. His episode “Black Blood–Tainted Land, Dying Caribou” recently received the Radio & Television News Directors’ Association’s Trina McQueen Award for the Best News Information Program in British Columbia and the Jack Webster Award for Science, Technology, Health & Environment. Kelvin is also working on a satirical short film entitled The Dancing Cop to be released early next year.

WAUBGESHIG RICE

Independent Broadcast Journalist & AuthorWaubgeshig Rice is a broadcast journalist and author who lives in Ottawa, Ontario. Born of an Anishinaabe dad and a Canadian mom, he grew up in a beautiful place called Wasauksing on the shores of Georgian Bay in Ontario. Waub-geshig is extremely proud of his background, although he actually speaks German better than Ojibway. Waubgeshig is an avid music and sports fan, and enjoys covering and writing about the Aboriginal experience in Canada. He has a deep affinity for his community and feels blessed to have so many loving friends and family in his circle. His debut work of fiction, Midnight Sweatlodge, is available through Theytus Books.


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VIOLA ROBINSON

Chief Lead Negotiator, Mi'kmaq Rights InitiativeViola Robinson is a Mi’kmaq woman who was born and raised in Nova Scotia. She attended the Indian Day School at Shubenacadie Reserve (Indian Brook), then went to the Sacred Heart Academy in Meteghan, and Maritime Business College in Halifax. She has spent her life as an advocate for the Mi’kmaq people and for the human rights of First Nations across the country. While she is best known as the founding and long-time president of the Native Council of Nova Scotia as well as the Native Council of Canada, her other achievements are numerous. She was awarded an Honourary doctorate of Law Degree from Dalhousie University in 1990. She served as a Commissioner with the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. She completed a law degree at Dalhousie Law School in May 1998. She is a current board member of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. She is the Mi’kmaq co/chair of the Justice tri-partite committee of Nova Scotia. She has been a Senior Mi’kmaq Advisor on the Negotiations Team with the Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative in Nova Scotia and most recently been appointed by the Chiefs of Nova Scotia as the Chief Lead Negotiator for this Negotiation team. She has worked as a legal consultant and advised on many issues with the Acadia Band of Nova Scotia for the past fifteen years. She successfully negotiated a specific land claims settlement for the Acadia First Nation. She received the Order of Nova Scotia in 2009, and has recently been appointed as Chair of the Selection Committee for the Order of Nova Scotia. She is a recipient of the Human Rights Award by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission in 2009. She will be a recipient as an Officer of the Order of Canada, on November 4, 2011.

ANNA MARIE SEWELL

Edmonton Poet LaureateAnna Marie Sewell is a first-generation Métis whose heritage includes Mi’gmaq, Anishnabe and Polish roots. Her first book of poetry, Fifth World Drum was nominated for a number of prestigious awards. Anna Marie has since transformed select pieces into engaging performances using live soundscapes, which she presented as part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. Anna Marie is a cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural artist with a well-rounded education rooted in performing arts, history, geography and language-study from the University of Alberta. She has earned her crust as a teacher, community animator, race horse groom, therapist, pasta maker, candy pusher, theatre worker and more. In 1998 she started an Aboriginal theatre company, Big Sky Theatre, which ran for three years. She currently oversees the Stroll of Poets Society, a successful collective she founded 20 years ago and is also working on a project entitled “Braidings” about ‘Land, Love and Language’.

Dr. KIMBERLY TALLBEAR

Assistant Professor, University of California, BerkeleyDr. TallBear is an enrolled member of Sissetoin-Wahpeton Oyate in South Dakota and is descended from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. She was raised on the Flandreau Santee Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, and is currently an assistant professor at the University of California, Berkeley. She received her Master of City Planning in Urban Studies and City Planning (Environmental Policy/Planning) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her Ph.D. in History of Consciousness from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Dr. TallBear focuses on research and teaching across the fields of Science and Technology Studies (STS), feminist science studies, anthropology of science, cultural studies, and Native American Studies (NAS). In her work, she critically integrates frameworks and methods from these disciplines and examines the politics of scientific knowledge production and its impacts on Native Americans and other peoples who have historically suffered from uneven power relations. Her current projects examine origins, race and governance in regards to Native Americans and genetics. In addition, Dr. TallBear has interests in Indigenous techno scientists and their role in knowledge production and governance.


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DREW HAYDEN TAYLOR

Playwright & AuthorDrew Hayden Taylor is a writer in many genres and is well known for his plays about Native people. He has written, directed, or worked on approximately 17 film and video documentaries about Native issues. Drew spent a year and a half with CBC Radio as a Native Affairs reporter and later dabbled with Macleans, The Globe and Mail, Now Magazine, Southam News and other periodicals. Drew also spent time in television, working on the Spirit Bay television series, Danger Bay and Liberty Street, and the made-for-TV movie Where the Spirit Lives and writing scripts for The Beachcomers, Street Legal and North of Sixty. Drew was Playwright-In-Residence for Native Earth Performing Arts in the late 1980s and from 1994 to 1997, Drew proudly served as Native Earth’s Artistic Director. More recently Drew has written short stories for various antholo-gies, not to mention satirical columns in the Peterborough Examiner, Windspeaker, and The Prairie Dog. Drew has also directed a documentary on Native humour titled “Redskins, Tricksters and Puppy Stew”, produced by the National Film Board.

Dr. SHARON VENNE

Independent Legal ConsultantSharon H. Venne is an Indigenous Treaty person (Cree) and by marriage a member of the Blood Tribe within Treaty 7, with one son. She has worked at the United Nations prior to the establishment of the Working Group on Indigenous Peoples in 1982. The background research to the many clauses on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is included in her book: Our Elders Understand Our Rights: Evolving International Law Regarding Indigenous Peoples. In addition, Sharon has written numerous articles and edited materials related to the rights of Indigenous Peoples. She has lectured on the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, France, Italy, Hawaii, United States and Canada. In addition to her work on the Declaration, she worked to secure a UN Study on Treaties. From the first introduc-tion of the resolution in 1983 until the report was finalized in 1999, Sharon worked to ensure that the report reflected Indigenous laws and norms. Sharon has written numerous articles on the Treaty Rights of Indigenous Peoples. All her work internationally and domestically relates to the promotion of the rights of Indigenous Peoples, especially rights related to lands, resources and treaties. Some of her works on laws of the Cree Peoples related to treaty making were published in Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in Canada (Michael Asch, ed.) and Natives and Settlers - Now & Then (Paul DePasquale, ed.).

DANIEL WILSON

Independent Consultant & WriterDaniel Wilson is an independent consultant and writer specializing in human rights and Indigenous rights. He holds degrees in philosophy and law, is a former diplomat and was Senior Director of Strategic Policy and Planning at the Assembly of First Nations. He is currently managing the Romeo Saganash campaign for leader of the New Democratic Party.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO...

Master of Ceremonies Michèle Audette

All of our panellists

Facilitators of the Opening Dialogue through the Arts Youth Workshop

Arts Gala performers

And our Technical Sponsor:

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Documents

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