Canadore College
News Release
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Beginning this Thursday, Canadore College is hosting a series of panel discussions about the issues faced by Indigenous cultures.
The year 2013 marks the 250th anniversary of the Royal Proclamation of 1763, a document that established rules and protocols for future relations with Canada’s First Nations.
It has served as a basis of the treaty-making process throughout the nation and is referenced in the Canadian Constitution under Section 25.
Canadore is pleased to present The Royal Proclamation, the first in a series of community teach-in events.
A panel of experts will discuss the Proclamation, including highlighting interpretations on its history and significance, as well as the impact it has had on First Nations people and communities since its inception.
Guest panelists include Fred Bellefeuille, Director and Legal Counsel for the Union of Ontario Indians; Maurice Switzer, Editor of the Anishinabek Nation: Union of Ontario Indians; and Professor John S. Long of Nipissing University. William Farmer, a first-year Canadore student in the Pre-Health program, will act as the Master of Ceremonies.
Canadore’s First Peoples’ Centre hosted three community discussions early in 2013. Previous events covered The Impacts of Legislation on the Earth, Water, Economy and Canadians, We Are All Treaty People and Empowering the Voices of our Youth.
The panel sessions provide a safe and open forum for individuals to learn about issues relating to the current legislation before parliament, the reaction and movement of First Nations and Aboriginal peoples in response to legislations; past, present and future.
“We invite the community at large to join us as we explore these complex and intricate issues,” said Mary Wabano, Director of Canadore’s First Peoples’ Centre. “Understanding is key not only to our Indigenous people, but all Canadians. Our government is on the cusp of making some very important decisions that will impact each and every one of us. Let’s talk about how to make these changes with accountability and responsibility for the better of everyone.”
Date: Thursday, December 12, 2013
Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Weaver Auditorium (B200), Education Centre Campus, 100 College Drive, North Bay, Ont.
The Aboriginal community is the fastest-growing population in Canada which makes them susceptible to social, economic and political drivers.
The Community Teach In event is intended to provide a safe and open forum for individuals to learn about some of the current issues.
Nearly 20 percent of Canadore’s total student population is of Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Cree Algonquin, Mohawk, Inuit or Métis decent from Ontario, Québec and nation-wide, one of the highest representations in the provincial college system.
The next panel discussion will take place at Canadore College in January 2014.
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