Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

In preparation for the United Nation's World Conference Against Racism (WCAR), At'lohsa Native Family Healing Services has pulled together a planning group comprised of Indigenous women from six different First Nations across Turtle Island and as well as allies, from several major human rights and other Canadian organizations to build "Gathering the Voices."

From April 27-29, 2001, 200 anti-racist women will assemble for the Gathering on the territory of the Caldwell First Nation. For more than two years, since they signed an Agreement-In-Principle with the Canadian federal government that will resolve a 210 year old land and treaty issue, the Caldwell People have experienced virulent anti-Indigenous racism from their Canadian neighbours. "Gathering the Voices" will begin at the end of the Caldwell's second annual Walk Against Racism, beginning this year in London, Ontario on April 23, 2001.

"Gathering the Voices" will bring Indigenous women, their families and their allies together for three days of discussion on themes of the WCAR. We will approach these themes from an historical perspective, using traditional teachings and knowledge. We will examine how things were, how they are now, and how they will be. We will care for our children, discuss, share and learn as we begin building the future, through "Gathering the Voices."

The results of our stories and discussions will be put together - in a quilt that will be sewn by the women at the Gathering, and in a report that will be carried by representatives of the Gathering to the WCAR in South Africa in August, 2001.