Our Vision
Our vision is to create space for young Indigenous people who are doing grounded work in their communities to come together and share their experience and best practices. We invite young Indigenous leaders for a 4 day symposium, to cultivate common knowledge and ideas, empower each other and their communities and envision our futures together. We want to create a strong network of motivated and self-determining young leaders who can learn from one another and find common connections in their work.
We acknowledge the work that is going on around the province to revitalize Indigenous languages, cultural practices, laws, and governance systems and it is important to bring these people together to create a strong network and uplift the work happening in each of our communities to create strong, healthy and vibrant Indigenous futures.
The Symposium
Our Unique Initiative Aims To...
Create a network of young Indigenous leaders from across BC
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Share best practices, common experience and vision between young Indigenous leaders
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Uplift Indigenous Resurgence work happening around the province
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Celebrate the amazing work being done around language revitalization, Cultural practices, Food sovereignty, Indigenous education, and much more
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Have the opportunity to engage in cultural practices including weaving, plant harvesting, and other activities
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Share and celebrate with performances by Indigenous artists
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​Agenda
Friday, June 28, 2019
Location: Shq'apthut - Gathering Place, VIU
Check-In and Welcoming Dinner
Saturday, June 29, 2019
Location: Saysutshun
Morning
Project Reclaim with Beangka Elliott
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Afternoon
Discussions Circles - Topics determined by participants
Saturday IYILS Dinner Social
Location: Shq'apthut - Gathering Place, VIU
Time to socialize, unwind, eat, and enjoy a performance by Saltwater Hank!
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Location: Shq'apthut - Gathering Place, VIU
Morning
Revitalization of Indigenous Law with Maxine Matilpi
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Language Revitalization Panel
Confirmed Panelists include Pepakiye - Ashley Cooper and Jacqueline Jim
(more will be added once confirmed!)
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Breakout Discussion Circles
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Afternoon Workshops!
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Confirmed workshops include:
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Beading with Alli Matchett
Astrology with Tiffany Joseph
Self Care with Lindsay Delaronde
Traditional Tattooing with Stephanie Papik
Indigenous music and songwriting with Sister Says
Community-based research methodologies related to film making and curating with Eli Hirtle
(more will be added once confirmed!)
Sunday Dinner and Participant Performances
Location: Shq'apthut - Gathering Place, VIU
Dinner with participant performances, talent show style!
Monday, July 1, 2019
Location: Shq'apthut - Gathering Place, VIU
Reflections and Closing Circle
Getting There
When
Where
Vancouver Island
University
Nanaimo, BC
Friday, June 28 - Monday, July 1 2019
Accommodation will be covered for participants during the symposium, but unfortunately, we cannot support travel expenses this year. If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to get in touch!
Application Form
We are looking for 50 innovative young Indigenous leaders, age 19 to 30's, who are doing work within their communities to create strong, healthy and vibrant Indigenous futures.
Applications are open to Indigenous people living in BC.
We welcome applications from all areas of work, school, and practice.
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Deadline to Apply extended to June 5th, 2019!
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Please use the following Google Form to apply.
