The KA NA TA conversations… re-thinking embracing an Indigenous worldview

The KA NA TA Conversations seek to: • honour the past and respective rights and responsibilities fully and meaningfully; • commit to reconciliation in the present; and, • envision a future that achieves justice, mutuality and fairness and fulfills uniquely Canadian potential in the world.

The KA NA TA Conversations bring together leading Indigenous and Canadian thinkers to reflect, in a new way, upon Canadian identity and potential. The KA NA TA conversations are a series of lectures by

The KA NA TA Conversations recall the prominent Canadians that begin on original relationships (as between Jacques October 5th, 2011. Cartier and the Iroquois and Huron who explained, pointing that this land was 'ka na Designed to inspire and encourage ta' or the village) and explore the pressing new conversations among all need to correct misunderstandings and Canadians through embracing an injustices of the past as a key element of Indigenous worldview. constructing the Canadian identity of the All are encouraged to listen and to future. join in.

HONOUR COMMIT ENVISION

The goal of this work is to find a new language to OCTOBER 5, 2011 tell the story of Canada reflecting the Indigenous The University of Winnipeg worldview, the strength and reality of Treaty relationships, and the potential of Canadian society Join the conversation… to set a powerful example for the world.

Within Canada, the current story of Indigenous The purpose of this initiative has been described in peoples is one of poor socio-economic outcomes various ways including: and conflict. This story fails to inform and is an • increasing the rate and pace of positive inaccurate portrayal of history. There continues to change be very limited access to information that is • creating a new discourse and a new accurate, helpful and hopeful for Indigenous – language together Canada relations. • developing a new ‘story’ and supporting Together with National Chief Shawn Atleo, a group new ‘story tellers’ of prominent thinkers who are both Indigenous and • taking history into a contemporary medium non-Indigenous have had preliminary conversations. and grabbing the growing interest in

particular for younger audiences and

newcomers to Canada

• strengthening indigenous societies • All agree on the importance of coming together to engaging with Indigenous and other generate the ideas and information to change this cultures within Canada to form a new way story. A common value shared within this group is to embrace partnership and mutual benefit the importance of respect, reconciliation and the • reclaiming original notions of building a reality of Indigenous peoples as a central and critical different kind of society “where different element of Canadian identity. nations could dwell in peace”

There is an opportunity and an almost desperate need for this initiative given the political and social landscape within Canada and indigenous communities.

An early consensus emerged from the conversation that: Ralston Saul have also confirmed participation along with several other prominent thinkers and • The planning and implementation will be researchers from diverse political, economic and done in ways that model and catalyze the cultural perspectives reflecting the Canadian new discourse that is at the core of this landscape. concept;

• The planning process will be inclusive and National Chief Atleo is also hoping to confirm organic recognizing that answers will robust engagement of First Nation youth in every emerge as the initiative progresses; region, from First Nation communities as well as • Ensuring that everyone has the First Nation students attending universities and opportunity to enter into the colleges. conversation/new discourse with dignity;

• An initial technical group led by the A series of short multi-media Assembly of will undertake lectures/presentations will be prepared following the preliminary development work; th the October 5 Forum to inspire reflection and • The design of the initial FORUM will utilize direct contribution on a range of issues including video conferencing approaches as much as Canadian culture and identity, environmental possible; and responsibility, governance, and social • A clear outcome of the FORUM will be the responsibility from an Indigenous perspective. implementation of a network/think tank to These lectures will be available for down-load and undertake the work necessary to support make a critical contribution to several disciplines an ongoing dialogue. that currently do not include an Indigenous

perspective.

Next Steps A potential direct outcome of this FORUM will be consideration and development of a VIRTUAL think The initial FORUM will be held at the University of tank. The think-tank would host events, produce th, Winnipeg on October 5 2011. regular publications and prepare research and analysis on emerging matters. The think-tank Several prominent participants are already would be designed as a virtual entity minimizing confirmed for the first forum. The University of any overhead and administrative requirements Winnipeg under the leadership of Dr. Lloyd and maximizing access for First Nations, Axworthy has graciously agreed to host this first governments and the general public. forum. Current National Chief Shawn Atleo, Former National Chief and John

HONOUR COMMIT ENVISION

The KA NA TA conversations…

Overall these efforts are designed to create the foundation to build and to sustain a new conversation and the confirmation of a new story of Canada-Indigenous Relations. A story of mutual respect and partnership… a story of hope and opportunity.

Assembly of First Nations 473 Albert Street Ottawa ON K1R 5B4

Head Office: Unit 5 - 167 Akwesasne International Rd. Akwesasne, ON K6H 5R7 WWW.AFN.CA