Convening of Indigenous Peoples for the Healing of Mother Earth: Chichen Itza 2008 – Call for First Nations and Inuit Youth Involvement

The “Convening of Indigenous Peoples for the Healing of Mother Earth: Chichen Itza 2008” will take place March 11th to 14th, 2008. The first day of the gathering will take place in Chichen Itza while the last three days will take place in nearby Merida. The gathering is by invitation only and consists of Indigenous delegates from Canada, the United States and Mexico. The Canadian Planning Committee is comprised of representatives from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN); Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK); Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC); First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) and Health Canada.

We are seeking First Nations (status and non-status Indians) and Inuit youth between the ages of 18 to 30 to accompany the Canadian delegation to Chichen Itza in March 2008. Because the event is by invitation only, space is limited! As part of the selection process for the youth delegates, we are asking for your submissions!Purpose: This gathering is led by Indigenous peoples for Indigenous peoples to discuss environmental health issues and solutions. The main themes are: Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Long-term Survival, Wellness and Security of Indigenous peoples in our traditional territories.

Mission: “We commit ourselves to sharing the collective wisdom of our peoples for the benefit of all, for the healing of Mother Earth and all her children and to provide guidance as to how we can accomplish the healing we seek”.

Delegates: Approximately 75 to 80 participants from each country will attend for a total of 240 people in attendance at the gathering in Chichen Itza. There will be a balance of Elders, youth, leaders, and spiritual leaders/healers.

Submissions: Interested First Nations and Inuit youth between the ages of 18 and 30 are invited to submit a project of their choice that will be displayed at the gathering in Chichen Itza. Some ideas include:

– Poster displays – Be creative! Send us pictures, drawings, depictions of environmental health issues in your community or surrounding communities and what solutions you see to the issues presented. What do you see as common themes between First Nations and Inuit people in Canada and Indigenous people from other countries?
– Essays, narratives or poems – Express yourself! Tell us, in your own way, how Mother Earth is being affected and how you see environmental issues affecting the health of your community. Think global! What do you see as common environmental health issues among Indigenous people around the world? Also share with us what you think needs to happen in order to reverse the effects you have outlined.
– Powerpoint presentations or videos – Go crazy with technology! Send us a short video clip or powerpoint presentation with pictures of the environmental hazards in your community and, even better, how your community is addressing these hazards! Don’t forget to think global! What do you see as common environmental health issues among Indigenous people around the world?

Selection Process: The Canadian Planning Committee will use your submissions as part of the selection criteria. In your submission, please tell us about yourself! What do you see as the important environmental health issues in your community? Are you a student? Are you employed? Why do you think you would make an excellent Youth Delegate at the gathering in Chichen Itza? In addition, the Canadian Planning Committee may showcase ALL submissions at the gathering, not only those who are selected to attend the gathering.

Role of Youth Delegates: Youth delegates will accompany the rest of the Canadian delegation to Chichen Itza and attend the four day gathering. The youth submissions will be displayed at the event and you will have a chance to showcase your work to international delegates. Your entire trip including airfare, accommodations and meals will be provided by the Canadian Delegation (subject to confirmed funding by the Canadian Planning Committee).

*Disclaimer: Please note that this is subject to funding and may be cancelled at the discretion of the Canadian Planning Committee.

Please send your submissions in by NOVEMBER 15th, 2007 to:

Carrie Bourassa
Department of Science
First Nations University of Canada
1 First Nations Way
Regina, Saskatchewan
CANADA
S4S 7K2

E-mail: cbourassa@firstnationsuniversity.ca or kmckay-mcnabb@firstnationsuniversity.ca
Fax: (306) 790-5993

Questions? Call:

Kim McKay McNabb
Department of Science
First Nations University of Canada
(306) 790-5950 ext. 3330
E-mail: kmckay-mcnabb@firstnationsuniversity.ca

Leanne Stricker
Department of Science
First Nations University of Canada
(306) 790-5950 ext. 3334
E-mail: lstricker@firstnationsuniversity.ca

Please fill out the following and send it along with your submission:
Name:
Community:
Address:
Phone Number:
E-mail:
Occupation (ie. currently working, full-time or part-time student, etc.):