Gabor Maté M.D. Keynote Speaker

Gabor Maté M.D. is a physician, author, seminar leader and public speaker.

His most recent book, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction, deals with addiction and has been a #1 national bestseller.

www.drgabormate.com

Secwepemc people are facing a crisis within their traditional territory where children and families are increasingly being separated as a result of legislative policy perpetrated by the provincial government.

The Secwepemc Chief’s Working Group is hosting a three-day forum that seeks to develop a political strategy that will facilitate social responsibility, strengthen nationhood and formulate a co-ordinated effort to reunite Aboriginal families in the traditional Secwepemc territory.

The Sewepemc Chiefs Special Forum is scheduled from March 24 to 26, 2009 in Kamloops, B.C. at the Forster’s Convention Centre.

If you have any questions please contact Chrystie Stewart, forum co-ordinator at 250.551.5406 or by email at cstewart@jeffersonint.com.

Gerry Barrett, The Big Bear, is one of Canada’s favorite Aboriginal stand-up comedians and will be performing at the Honoring Our Children Feast on March 25, 2009 at the Forster’s Convention Centre in Kamloops, B.C.

Tickets are $50 and must be purchased in advance *Complementary for Forum Delegates

Tuesday, March 24th Subject to change; some speakers/dignitaries still to be confirmed.

7:30am
Registration Opens Registration will open and remain open for the remainder of the day for those delegates
only attending some of the sessions. For budget and reporting purposes, no delegate will be
admitted to the forum events without a name badge.
8:30am
Welcome to the Territory Chief Wayne Christian and Chief Shane Gottfriedson make brief opening comments to the plenary as well as offer a welcome to the traditional territory.
8:45am
Opening Remarks Elder Muriel Saskamoose offers an opening prayer as well as a presentation to the plenary on her experience.
9:15am
Experiences in the Care System Youth member Nicole Duncan will be introduced and invited to offer a presentation on her real-life experience in the care system in the traditional territory.
9:45am
Nutrition Break
10:00am
Keynote Address by Dr. Gabor Mate
12:00pm
Lunch Continued individual discussion with Dr. Mate
1:00pm
Opening Comments Opening Comments by Chief Mike Archie (Canim Lake Indian Band) & Chief Felix Arnouse (Little Shuswap Indian Band)

Service Agency Panel Discussion Opens Emcees will facilitate question and answer period
2:45pm
Nutrition Break
3:00pm
MCFD/INAC Panel Discussion Opens Emcees will facilitate question and answer period
4:30pm
Closing Remarks Chief Charlene Belleau (Esketemc First Nation) & Chief Nelson Leon (Adams Lake Indian Band)
7:00pm
Residential School Film

Wednesday, March 25th Subject to change; some speakers/dignitaries still to be confirmed.

7:30am
Registration Opens
8:30am
Opening Remarks Opening Remarks by Chief Marilyn Camille (Canoe Creek Band) & Chief Mike Retasket
(Bonaparte Indian Band)
8:45am
Introduction of Proposed Political Process Overview of political strategy process.
9:00am
Break-Out I
9:45am
Transition Break
10:00am
Break-Out II
10:45am
Transition Break
12:00pm
Lunch Showing of Steven Lewis Foundation Grandmothers helping Grandmothers film.
1:00pm
Opening Comments Chief Leonara Fletcher (High Bar Indian Band) & Chief Judy Wilson (Neskonlith Indian Band).

Overview of Break-out Sessions
1:30pm
Political Discussion Plenary political discussion is opened and facilitated by Dan George
3:15pm
Nutrition Break Caucusing
3:45pm
Political Discussion Continues Honorable Tom Christiansen, MCFD Minister invited into the discussion.
4:30pm
Closing Comments Closing comments by Chief Robert Shintah (Pavillion Indian Band) & Chief Paul Sam (Shuswap Indian Band)
6:30pm
Honoring Our Children Banquet Opening remarks by Chief Lenny Sellars (Soda Creek Indian Band)
& Chief Keith Mathew (Simpcw Indian Band) Honor Song by Sage Hills Drum Group Children's Choir Gerry Barrett, The Big Bear, Ojibwe comedian Auction with Shuswap Dollars Song by Sage Hills Drum Group

Thursday, March 26th Subject to change; some speakers/dignitaries still to be confirmed.

7:30am
Chiefs Breakfast Drafted political strategy will be presented by Dan George.
9:00am
Opening Remarks Opening remarks by Chief Ann Louie (Williams Lake Indian Band) & Chief Rick Deneault
(Skeetchestn Indian Band)

Introductions are made by Dan George.
9:30am
Opening Comments by Attending Dignitaries.
  • Minister Tom Christensen (MCFD)
  • Federal Minister
  • Regional Chief Shawn Atleo
  • Chief Judy Wilson (FNS Task Member)
  • Grand Chief Stewart Phillip (UBCIC President)
  • Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar
10:15am
Presentation of Political Strategy
10:45am
Nutrition Break
11:00am
Response from Ministers and First Nations Leaders [Media is invited to attend]
12:00pm
Closing Comments Closing comments by Chief Mike Lebourdais (Whispering Pines Indian Band)

Register Now

NOTE: Space is limited. Priority registration will be for each Secwepemc community including Chiefs, Councillors, Elders, Youth and social service workers. If said representatives are unable to attend, other community members will be admitted to the forum by registration. Secwepemc Chiefs and Councillors have until March 6, 2009 to secure their seat otherwise, it will be released to other members of the Secwepemc community.

1.0Community/Organization:

2.0Delegate Information

3.0Special ConsiderationsPlease indicate if you require any special considerations throughout the forum.

4.0Travel Arrangement

5.0Honoring Our Children FeastRegistered delegates receive a complementary ticket to the event. If you would like
to bring a guest to the Honouring Our Children Feast, there is an additional cost of $50.

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