BANFF, AB, August 29, 2016 – Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is setting the stage for a community conversation about Truth and Reconciliation in one of the country’s first summits dedicated to developing a community-wide approach for repairing Canada's relationship with Aboriginal peoples. On October 29, 2016, the Truth and Reconciliation Summit will bring together 340 participants – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous – from the Bow Valley and beyond to learn about and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
“For years, Banff Centre’s home on Sleeping Buffalo Mountain in Treaty 7 Territory has been a sacred gathering place for trade, sharing, visions, ceremony, and celebration,” Brian Calliou, Program Director, Indigenous Leadership programs, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. “It is with great pride and honour we continue that tradition by hosting an open and honest dialogue with our community partners about moving forward together.”
The full day event features keynote talks from TRC Commissioners and other notable speakers including: Phil Fontaine, Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN); Kathleen Mahoney, Chief Negotiator for the AFN settlement agreement with Canada for reparations and Truth and Reconciliation Process; and, Marie Wilson, Commissioner, Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Participants will also take part in breakout sessions, workshops, open dialogue, and facilitated discussion led by Banff Centre faculty. In the end, they’ll be equipped with new knowledge and tools to take action and incorporate reconciliation into their own lives, families, organizations, and communities.
“This is a significant moment,” added Calliou. “Not only for the participants who will share their truths as they explore their role in the reconciliation process; but also for Banff Centre and institutions like it across the country that want to create a shared future and a better tomorrow.”
Findings from the summit will be used to determine Banff Centre’s own approach to reconciliation and shared in a report for others looking to take the first step towards reconciliation. Summit speakers will be live-streamed at banffcentre.ca so that those unable to attend can follow along with the conversation.
Registration for the Truth and Reconciliation Summit closes September 30, 2016. For more information, visit banffcentre.ca or contact reconciliation@banffcentre.ca or +1.888.255.6327.
The Truth and Reconciliation Summit is made possible by the following supporters: Government of Alberta, Suncor Energy Foundation, Calgary Foundation, and Nexen. The program was developed with support from the Peter Lougheed Leadership Initiative at Banff Centre.
About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity: Founded in 1933, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a learning organization built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become the global organization leading in arts, culture, and creativity across dozens of disciplines. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential and realize their unique contribution to society through cross-disciplinary learning opportunities, world-class performances, and public outreach. www.banffcentre.ca