The Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association and Algoma University, organizers of the 'Shingwauk 2012 Gathering & Conference,' invite all members of the Sault Ste. Marie-area community, as well as all other Ontarians, Canadians, and visitors to north-eastern Ontario to attend this free, three-day event.
The program officially kicks off the afternoon and evening of Friday, August 3, with a commemoration ceremony, scheduled for 4:00-5:30 PM, where the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association, the Shingwauk Education Trust, Algoma University, and other partners will name the Shingwauk site, which includes Shingwauk Hall and the Shingwauk/Fauquier Chapel and Cemetery, as a national memorial to all Residential School Survivors, with a special acknowledgment of those former students who never returned home. Commissioner Marie Wilson from the Truth and reconciliation Commission of Canada will deliver an address, along with local dignitaries. A commemoration feast on campus will follow.
The 'Gathering & Conference' begins at 8:30 AM Saturday, August 4. There are three streams within this event: 1) a gathering for Residential School Survivors, family, and friends; 2) the Healing and Reconciliation through Education conference; and 3) an arts and culture program. See www.Shingwauk.org for more information. Running alongside the 'Gathering & Conference' program will be the Echoes of the World Drum Festival (www.echoesdrumfestival.com). All programming will take place at Algoma University. Lunch and dinner will be provided for 'Gathering & Conference' registrants.
Conference highlights include:
Saturday, Aug. 4, 11:00 AM: A local launch of the book "Speaking My Truth: Reflections on Reconciliation and Residential School" (see www.speakingmytruth.ca). Join author Garnet Angeconeb and editors Shelagh Rogers and Mike DeGagné for a book talk and Q&A. Copies of the book will be available for free onsite.
Saturday, Aug. 4, 1:30 PM: "Where Are the Children? Healing the Legacy of Residential Schools" exhibit opening. Join Richard Kistabish and Trina Bolam from the Legacy of Hope/Aboriginal Healing Foundation for a detailed overview of the development of the exhibit as well as a launch of new interpretive components.
Saturday, Aug. 4, 3:30 PM: An oral history presentation with Rosalee Tizya.
Sunday, Aug. 5, 11:00 AM and Monday, Aug. 6, 11:00 AM: Two related presentations on the Legacy of Hope/Aboriginal Healing Foundation's "100 Years of Loss" exhibit and curriculum tool, the "100 Years of Loss" Edu-Kit. The Sunday session is particularly geared toward middle and secondary school teachers and is an outstanding professional development opportunity.
Sunday, Aug. 5, 2:30 PM: "Project of Heart" workshop with Sylvia Smith.
Sunday, Aug. 5, 4:00 PM: "The Future of Reconciliation" Youth Panel.
Monday, Aug. 6, 9:45 AM: ""Reconciliation in Education through the Shingwauk Covenant," delivered by Prof. Dawnis Kennedy.
