“I think people across Canada want to be part of a just society. We want to deserve this reputation that we have as a great defender of human rights,” says Max FineDay, a member of Sweetgrass First Nation and executive director of Canadian Roots Exchange.
“But the reality is that Indigenous people don’t know this reputation first-hand. We’re still dealing with third-world living conditions, segregation and racism all across the country.”
FineDay is speaking ahead of the Canadian Roots Exchange (CRE) 8th annual National Gathering, which Concordia is hosting in collaboration with the Office of Community Engagement from February 22 to 24.
Founded in 2008, the CRE promotes dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth across the country through workshops, conferences and exchanges.
The organization’s stated goal is to achieve reconciliation, bridge the inequality gap and bring Indigenous teachings back into the everyday culture of Canadians.
“We’re going to be hosting more than 300 young people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, for conversations around what reconciliation means for our generation,” he continues.
“It’s a truly national gathering, with young Indigenous people from every province and territory sharing their distinct cultures and identities, but also non-Indigenous people, newcomers and first-generation Canadians.”
Although there is a registration process to attend the gathering, some events will be open to the general public, such as a screening of nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up, Tasha Hubbard’s documentary of the Colten Boushie case and its aftermath.
The film will be shown in the Sir George Williams University Alumni Auditorium (H-110) on Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m.