By Red Deer College

Indigenous Perspectives conference returns to RDC

Jan 25, 2019 | 11:19 AM

Faculty, students and staff from the Red Deer College School of Education and the Education Undergraduate Society are busily preparing to welcome participants to the 3rd annual Indigenous Perspectives Conference.

The conference will focus on building understanding, appreciation, empathy and awareness of Indigenous cultures. 

The RDC School of Education Indigenous Perspectives Conference runs January 31 from 6:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Welikoklad Event Centre (4922 49 Street, Red Deer).

It will continue February 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Cenovus Energy Learning Common on RDC’s Main Campus.

Conference attendees will begin by watching acclaimed movie, Indian Horse, on Thursday evening (January 31).

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This movie focuses on Saul Indian Horse, a Canadian First Nations child and talented hockey player, who survives residential school and a series of other hardships in his life.

The film explores themes of overcoming adversity and the invincible spirit of Indigenous people.

The movie is adapted from the award-winning novel of the same name, written by Canadian Indigenous author Richard Wagamese.

Starting the day’s events on Friday, February 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. will be keynote speaker Beverly Keeshig-Soonias who will speak about “The Importance of Language and Culture”.

Keeshig-Soonias grew up in a First Nations community in Ontario, and now calls central Alberta home.

For more than 20 years as a registered psychologist, she has worked with youth and families in areas such as intergenerational trauma, addictions and abuse.

She is also a huge contributor to our communities through volunteering for organizations such as the Central Alberta Friendship Centre and Central Alberta Diversity Association. 

RDC School of Education students, and other attendees, will also have the opportunity to attend break-out sessions to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures through books, artwork, beadwork, games, cultural artifacts, language and storytelling.

Displays from the Central Alberta Friendship Centre will be set up during the lunch hour for participants to engage with and learn from.

The conference will conclude by examining the work ahead as recommended through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.