Sudbury to host youth reconciliation conference

Nearly 150 Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth from across the country will gather in Sudbury from March 17 - 19 for the Canadian Roots Exchange National Youth Reconciliation Conference: Niigaanzhaadaa, Moving Forward Together, Avançons ensemble.

Canadian Roots Exchange (CRE) is a group Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth who stand in solidarity to promote respect, understanding and reconciliation between all peoples in Canada.

Through exchange programs, workshops and gatherings, CRE strives to dispel stereotypes, create spaces for open dialogue and facilitate reconciliation through youth.

This past December 2015 saw the release of the Final Report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC).

Viewing reconciliation as an ongoing process, CRE believes that this is a crucial time to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth leaders to address important questions about what this reconciliation process will look like for our collective futures: How can youth voices contribute to reconciliation and a deepened understanding of the lands we live, work and play on? How can we move forward together in healthy, respectful and honourable ways?

By focusing on the positive contributions of diverse communities, CRE is excited to host their fourth national youth gathering in the vibrant city of Sudbury, located on traditional Anishinabek territory.

Turning to youth voices for ideas and solutions, CRE is bringing together dynamic presenters who will run sessions on diverse topics such as: examining the significance of treaties, hip-hop for social change, language as a tool for revitalization, allyship and solidarity, land-based reconciliation, challenging stigma around mental health, and the art of blending modern and traditional dance.

In addition to these workshops, the National Youth Reconciliation Conference will host young change-makers and community leaders such as Erica Lee (Idle No More Movement, Co-founder), Desmond Cole (Journalist and Black Lives Matter movement Supporter), TiCarra Paquet (Our Home and Native Land, Co-Founder) and Serena Koostachin (Shannen’s Dream) as keynote speakers.

At gatherings such as these, CRE does not shy away from difficult discussions. Emotionally charged topics are all tackled head-on and we provide youth with new ways of moving forward by celebrating the rich histories, traditions and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

Reconciliation begins with acknowledging diversity and creating spaces such as the Niigaanzhaadaa National Youth Reconciliation Conference where an open dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples can take place. CRE will be taking this opportunity to channel the energy of young people to forge a new path towards healing and reconciliation.