Earn a Certificate in Indigenous Cultural Awareness at the Parliament this November

The Indigenous Peoples’ Program of the 2018 Parliament of the World’s Religions is offering a Certificate in Indigenous Cultural Awareness.

This full-day offering will provide a wide-ranging and in-depth learning experience into the worldview, history, ceremonies, traditional knowledge systems, spirituality and prophecies of Indigenous peoples of the world, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit people of Canada.

The program will be of interest for those who wish to:

• Contribute to Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
• Learn about Indigenous spirituality and knowledge systems as they contribute to resolving global crises, support peacemaking, environmental stewardship, sustainable living, healing of the waters, supporting the rise of human consciousness for unity among the human family
• Network with Indigenous peoples, develop alliances for standing together as advocates
• Fulfill workplace and professional requirements for Indigenous Awareness or
• cultural competency training.

This program will be a starting point to discovering a renewed appreciation of an Indigenous worldview and taking an important step to Reconciliation action.

“We invite all guests to the Parliament of the World's Religions to visit the Lodge of Nations for a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear traditional teachings and participate in ceremonies with Indigenous spiritual leaders from many Indigenous Nations, sharing our guardianship for Mother Earth, and prophecies for the way forward as we stand shoulder to shoulder as human family,” said Diane Longboat, Co-Chair of the Indigenous Working Group. “The spiritual leaders have agreed to share some of their indigenous knowledge systems to inspire you and to create an International network of Youth and Elders to work together.”

The program includes over 60 Indigenous-developed, -led and -delivered workshops, panels, film screenings and other content-specific sessions to choose from. The Certificate in Indigenous Cultural Awareness is issued by First Nations Technical Institute (FNTI), one of the foremost Indigenous post-secondary institutes in Ontario.

“I see education as an opportunity to exchange gifts. We recognize that our learners come to us bearing special gifts and ways of knowing,” shared Suzanne Brant, President, FNTI. “As an Indigenous Institute, we provide the environment for learners to earn certificates, diplomas and degrees in an Indigenous culture.”

The Parliament of the World’s Religions Toronto-based Indigenous Working Group consists of knowledgeable Indigenous people and cultural-practitioners from Nations across Turtle Island, organizers have developed an inclusive and diverse program that creates awareness of Indigenous spiritual and faith traditions to all those attending the 2018 Parliament of the World’s Religions, the world's premier interfaith event bringing thousands of visitors of over 200 unique spiritual traditions to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for its seventh international convening November 1 to 7, 2018.

Note: To review fees and register for the one-day, 8-hour Certificate in Indigenous Cultural

Awareness program, visit parliamentofreligions.org/ica.

 

Prospective and new attendees can learn more information by contacting Tuesday Johnson-MacDonald, 2018 Parliament of the World's Religions Indigenous Peoples' Program Coordinator at tapresources@bellnet.ca or 519-445-1794.