6th Annual Indigenous Engagement Conference Explores Indigenous Worldviews

Close to 1,000 people from across Canada and around the world are coming together virtually for the first-ever online, land-based Wîcihitowin (wee-chee-HEE’-toe-win) Indigenous Engagement Conference. Today marks day one of the two-day conference.

“Like fire through a forest, COVID-19 is causing havoc on communities far and wide. It has made us rethink how we interact while continuing to support those in our communities who want to listen, learn, grow and support reconciliation efforts,” says Neal Kewistep, conference co-emcee and member of the organizing committee. “This year’s virtual conference provides us with an opportunity to share the teachings of Indigenous peoples across our nation and further to continue building an inclusive community.”

Under Indigenous teachings of natural law, fire is believed to be the giver of new life where balance of Mother Earth is restored. From destruction comes rejuvenation and replenishment.

This year’s virtual conference theme—Through the Fire—will explore Indigenous worldviews and natural law, such as the Cree word wahkohtowin, which refers to kinship or the interconnectedness nature of relationships, communities, and natural systems. Within the context of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, wahkohtowin is also about working together towards respectful Indigenous engagement and inclusion.

The new format features a condensed lineup of five keynote presentations that will challenge the audience’s ways of knowing, thinking and acting to get “through the fire” of COVID-19 and guide them on their journey of reconciliation. Speakers include:

• Niigaanwewidam (Niigaan) James Sinclair, Associate Professor, University of Manitoba & Columnist, The Winnipeg Free Press;  
• Ira Horse, Knowledge Keeper and Cree Language Advocate;  
• Davis Swindler, Cree Language Advocate;  
• Shayla Stonechild, TV Host, Yoga Instructor, Founder of Matriarch Movement;  
• Marilyn Poitras, Director, Native Law Centre, University of Saskatchewan; and  
• members and children of the Saskatoon Survivors Circle, including Eugene Arcand, Maria Linklater, A.J. Felix, Patsy Felix, Rick Daniels, Donna Pelly, and Elsie Ballantyne. 

This Wîcihitowin Indigenous Engagement Conference is possible because of the financial support of community investors such as Nutrien and the Saskatoon Community Foundation.   

“Nutrien is tied to the land and the interconnected natural systems, relying on ancient mineral deposits in order for farmers to grow enough food to feed the world in a sustainable manner.  Part of feeding the world in a sustainable manner includes our relationships with Indigenous communities.  Our partnerships with Indigenous communities are mutually beneficial based on trust and respect,” says Lisa Mooney, Global Lead, Sustainability and Strategic Inclusion at Nutrien. “For Nutrien investing in the Wîcihitowin conference results in exponential impact by developing a shared understanding and building capacity for us to create a future where we are all included and valued.”

The Wîcihitowin Organizing Committee is already looking ahead to next year’s conference, which will held on October 5 - 7, 2021. 

For more information on the speakers and performers, visit wichitowin.ca.