REDx Talks Tkaronto: Sustainable Futures, was an event held at the Artscape Wychwood Barns this last October 25 2018. The goal of the event was to present indigenous voices in a way that would educate and engage our audience of 250 guests from industry, government and the community. The sold-out, indigenous-led program took our audience members on a journey of storytelling, knowledge, experience, culture, dance, feast and dialogue. The talks aimed to foster different views on our natural resources and community as well as economic development by creating a safe space for indigenous and non-indigenous perspectives to be shared and discussed. During the event, we challenged conventional views of resource development and uncovered concrete ways to bridge the gap for a new way forward in partnership, mutual respect and mutual understanding. Through our panel of speakers we learned about different ways community leaders are shaping the landscape of resource development in this country for the better.
Our all-star program began with the opening ceremony led by Bear Standing Tall, Nehiyaw originally from Onion Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan, and now based in Toronto. MC’s for the event were Bear Standing Tall and Alyssa London, Tlingit and former Miss Alaska USA. The speakers included: former Ontario Chief Isadore Day who spoke on the Indigenous Worldview & Conciliation; Nalaine Morin on Environmental Science and Traditional Knowledge; Jerry Asp on Mining and Business; Theresa Day on Energy and Renewables; and Mary Boyden on Land and Spirit.
During intermission, guests enjoyed an indigenous feast prepared by Nish Dish Catering, where Chef Johl Whiteduck Ringuette shared some passionate words about reclaiming traditional food systems, and an Inter-Tribal Performance by the incredible Gonrah Desgohwah White Pine Dancers. The evening ended with a water talk by Amy Desjarlais.
REDx Talks is a non-profit speaker series that expresses and embodies Indigenous worldviews from Elders, teachers, youth and allies. It is the biggest online platform that supports and distributes powerful ideas by Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the globe. It promotes stories of resilience and empowerment while facilitating discourse around issues important to Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians. REDx, is currently developing their platform alongside Ted Talks, the world famous nonprofit organization. Redx is “A Iiniistsi (Blackfoot) sacred agreement between two parties: for harmony and making peace.”
Isadore: https://youtu.be/0wpwb7S2ygs
Nalaine: https://youtu.be/4J2ex-zA9fs
Jerry: https://youtu.be/WTJNdltu1Fw
Theresa: https://youtu.be/Og7vHn2tsro
Mary: https://youtu.be/2BGWYLw1dvE
Visit here to learn more about Redx Talks!
