Activity:

Summer Program for Intercultural Learning

INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVE : CULTURE, IDENTITY AND GOVERNANCE

June 28th to July 3th, 2007

Program Director: Kalpana Das

Introduction

The Intercultural Institute of Montreal (IIM), a non-profit and community based research and social-action organization, has been in existence since 1963. It is committed to promoting an ever-deepening understanding of cultural pluralism, intercultural relations and social change. Its scope is at once local, national and international.

One of the main guidelines for our action, is the advocacy for people’s rights to their cultural identity and act against any form of cultural genocide. Assuming our responsibility towards indigenous peoples throughout the world, is a priority for our intercultural action. In this respect, our goal is to collaborate with aboriginal peoples and nations, in their struggle and support their rights to follow their ancestral lifestyle in their contemporary dynamics.

This Summer School program is offered as a part of IIM’s Program Module of Intercultural Teaching and Training. It is addressed to an international and local group of participants from different cultural backgrounds, with personal and professional interests.

Program Overview

June 28- 29

A. Introductory Session:

• Opening ceremony: “Words that come before all words”: Mohawk Thanks Giving
• Introduction to Indigenous Nations:
  - Haudenosaunee (Iroquois/Mohawk) spiritual, cultural and spiritual traditions
  - Cree and Innu Nations in Quebec

B. Culture, Identity and Governance: part one:

• Presentation of the Memoire presented to the Royal Commission on Indigenous Peoples in Canada, 1996
• Political Self-determination of Indigenous Nations: framing the issues interculturally
• Intercultural relations and dialogue with indigenous peoples: intercultural disposition and preparedness

June 30

Departure for Kanatsiohareke – Mohawk community in Fonda New York

June 30 and July 1-2

Immersion and Discovery of Indigenous World, Iroquois – Mohawk Nation:

• Immersion in Mohawk culture and communities:
  - Story telling, lectures and conversation with the leaders and the elders of the communities: Kahnahwake, Kanasatake, Kanatsiohareke (Fonda New York)
  - Participation in Longhouse ceremony
  - Participation in everyday activities of the communities: education, crafts etc.
  - An overview of the present day situation of Mohawk Nation and its communities: most recent struggles for reviving and revitalizing of their communitties
  - Discussion: Is intercultural dialogue with the dominant society possible?

July 3

Morning: Closing Session:

• Participants’ reflections on their experience of the encounter with the indigenous culture
• Assessment of the program
• Mohawk Thanks Giving Prayer

July 3

Afternoon: Return to Montreal

Resource Team at the IIM :

Robert Vachon

Kalpana Das

Frederique Appfel-Marglin

Mohawk Resource Team:

Tom Porter

Charly Patten

Kevin Deer

Darryl Thompson

Michael Rice