'COLONIZER REHAB'

m'COLONIZER' REHAB is a safe space incorporating respectful, constructive dialogue, engaging Indigenous and non-Indigenous critical thinkers keen on dispelling common misperceptions and the most compelling Indigenous engagement topics in Canada. Colonizer Rehab also explores contemporary impacts and implications of Canada's colonization/assimilation policies in First Nation communities.

Topics covered are driven by participants, and could include: reconciliation; Canada's 'land question' (i.e., treaty negotiations, Aboriginal rights/title); white privilege, systemic racism; leadership principles; what a decolonization process may look like for non-Indigenous and Indigenous people.

December 1, 2023 (9:00 am to 12:00 pm PT) Colonizer Rehab session confirmed participants include:

1. Stewart Alsgard (or 'Qoqoq'), former Mayor, City of Powell River
2. Garry Bentham, Building Engineer, Village Design & Drafting
3. Sharmila Biswas-Mistry, Senior Outreach Officer, Elections Canada
4. Katie Butson, Student, MacEwan University
5. Alexandra De Pape, Elections Canada
6. Chris Dubois, Indigenous Youth Urgent Needs Coordinator,  Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association
7. KWAST-en-ayu (or Maynard), Lead Facilitator / Founder, Indigenous Insight
8. Lina Gasser, CAO, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
9. Paul Jorgenson, Outreach Officer, Elections Canada
10. Maurice LaBorde, National Director of Publishing, MediaEdge
11. Shallon  Mitchell, Engineering, Sacré-Davey
12. PJ Paterson
13. Jamie Podmorow, Business Development Manager, CanScribe Career College
14. Brynn Stephanson, Outreach Officer, Elections Canada
15. Sophie Vydykhan, Manager, Indigenous Electors Portfolio, Elections Canada
16. Andrea Wickham-Foxwell, Communications Manager, Sunshine Coast Tourism

THIS SESSION IS FULL. 

Please e-mail Maynard for more information.

Topic materials include:

• Historical impacts of Canada's Indian Act, Indian Reserve System and Indian Residential School System in First nation communities and why Indians 'can’t just get over it’. 
• Proper use of the term ‘reconciliation’?
• Distinction between traditional hereditary leadership v. colonized leadership?
• Unearthing of unmarked graves located at the sites of many former Indian Residential Schools across Canada?
• Canada's 'land question' and why Canada simply cannot rescind the Indian Act and Indian Reserve System?
• Aboriginal rights and title and impacts to future major projects in Canada?
• Distinction between white privilege, racism, systemic racism?

If you are interested in participating, fill out this ONLINE SURVEY. 

Colonizer Rehab participants will leave with:

• New perspectives that reduce racism toward Indigenous peoples in Canada.
• Confidence in having conversations about Indigenous issues with friends and colleagues. 
• Greater understanding of what reconciliation means and how to take action toward it. 
• Ideas to support and create economic opportunities with Indigenous communities. 
• Experience working through difficult conversations required for diversity, inclusion and reconciliation. 
• Deeper connection with Indigenous culture and the people in your organization. 
• Sessions are a mix of small group break-outs, group sharing and learning. 
• Please contact Maynard if you are interested in becoming part of this community.

Colonizer Rehab content aligns with Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training Backgrounder (ICATB).

Next scheduled session for Colonizer Rehab: February 2, 2024. 

E-mail Maynard at maynard (@) indigenousinsight.ca to schedule a customized Colonizer Rehab virtual (or in-person) session for your organization.