Recognizing the
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. Across the country, hundreds of local activities are taking place that commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools. CEW joins the commemoration through several initiatives, as outlined below.
Registration discount to Indigenous attendees
We are pleased to offer a discount on conference registration to people identifying as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples). Please email us at ottawacew2023@gmail.com for further information.
Wear an orange shirt
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”.
We invite you to show your solidarity and contribute to Indigenous reconciliation efforts by purchasing and wearing your Orange Shirt at CEW. We are pleased to support the grassroots efforts of Healing Begins Now to offer beautiful shirts designed by Albert Dumont, “South Wind”, Anishnabee Elder, Poet, Storyteller and spiritual advisor.
All profits go to advance Indigenous reconciliation and promote awareness of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools. You can learn more and order here. Order by September 29th for pick up at the CEW registration desk (subject to availability). In your order, please indicate “For pick up at CEW”.
Workshops at CEW 2023
Learn emerging good practices in bringing together Indigenous and scientific ways of knowing
We are pleased to offer a workshop by The Resilience Institute to discuss emerging principles and practices in bringing together western trained and Indigenous experts. Laura S. Lynes, LLM and Dr. Henry (Harry) Penn will discuss weaving together different ways of knowing and doing based on values from different perspectives. Attendees are invited to bring an example of a good practice from their work, or an example of a not-so-good attempt at this work with their reflections for our collective learning. No experience is necessary, everyone is welcome to learn and participate.
The workshop is held in-person on Monday, October 2nd, from 13:00 - 15:00. There is no cost for participants, however, registration is required due to limited spots. Use our Pheedloop portal to register. Choose “short course ticket” for the most stream-lined process if you have already registered for the conference.
Participate in a Blanket Exercise
The Blanket Exercise is an experiential workshop that will help participants understand how the impact of colonization impacts ourselves, our families, our communities and both Indigenous and non-Indigenous nations. The workshop will include an introduction, the Blanket Exercise and a sharing circle.
We are welcoming highly experienced facilitators Elder Barbara Dumont-Hill and Larry Hill, who have led well over 100 Blanket Exercises. Barbara Dumont-Hill, a First Nation Algonquin, was born on the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Reserve and has resided in her traditional territory ever since. She is Turtle Clan and served as a grandmother with the 2015 Walking With Our Sisters memorial installation in Ottawa. She has worked with the RCMP, Carleton University and Algonquin College, and advised the Canadian Department of Justice legal team working with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
The workshop is held in-person on Monday, October 2nd, from 15:30 - 17:30. There is no cost for participants, however, registration is required due to limited spots. This is an interactive workshop with beautiful blankets. No regular footwear is to be worn while on the blankets and in the circle (please be prepared to remove shoes).