A three-day conference November 7-10 organized by the Prairie Rivers Reconciliation Committee (PRRC) will be highlighting future directions for Indigenous youth, education and economic development.
The conference is free and can be accessed by links on the PRRC facebook page.
The ‘Walking Forward Together’ online conference begins Sunday evening with a drumming performance by Sky Boyz, a group of youth from Beardy’s Okemasis Cree Nation and Stobart Community School in Duck Lake. Two other youth groups, one a hand drum duo made up of an 11-year-old student and his grandmother; and the other a dance group of Indigenous children who travel and perform country-wide.
The opening day of the conference features the theme of ‘Youth’ , with sessions on the importance of sport, traditional Indigenous cultural teachings, and natural healing.
The second day focuses on ‘Education’ with emphasis on recognizing systemic racism in the education system, society and literature. A workshop session on traditional Indigenous beading is also scheduled.
The final day highlights economic and land development, with a panel discussion on creating partnerships featuring leaders from several First Nations across the province.
A session on ‘Nation Rebuilding and Economic Reconciliation’ includes a panel made up of Corman Park Reeve Judy Harwood, Aberdeen Mayor Ryan White, and Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Association representative Milton Tootoosis.
The final panel on the third day focuses on the future of economic development from an Indigenous youth perspective.
The PRRC is a group of more than 40 members from Warman, Martensville, One Arrow First Nation, Dalmeny, Osler, Mistawasis First Nation, Aberdeen, Corman Park and Duck Lake. The group formed to build strong relationships and a long-term commitment toward Reconciliation.