Overview and Summary of Four Modules
This program, presented by Dr. Nia To Go There (Cree) and co-sponsored by Friends Peace Teams and Decolonizing Quakers, is offered online in January and February, 2024
The overall theme, Returning to the Land is a clarion call for us to change how we see ourselves within and in relationship with the Living Earth and other life-forms. Using a cultural lens, we examine the Western culture and contrast it with the original culture of the Indigenous peoples. The big question is: How do we bridge these contrasting worldviews and heal from our shared colonial history and heritage?
MODULE 1: CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES – January 13
3:30 to 5:00 eastern time, 12:30 to 2:00 pacific time
Very rarely are we made aware of how we look out at the world. This module discusses how the American cultural perspective is one of many ways to look at the world. Culture is multidimensional with visible and invisible aspects. As we describe the Western culture and understand its various dimensions, it helps us better understand ourselves and other cultures. The reading entitled The Worldwide Web of Belief and Ritual is authored by Wade Davis, cultural anthropologist for National Geographic.
MODULE 2: SEEING WITH A NATIVE EYE – January 27,
3:30 to 5:00 eastern time, 12:30 to 2:00 pacific time
This module introduces us to the Dine culture in the Southwest United States. Using our definition of culture, we examine their beliefs, values, and cultural customs, including spiritual practices. We also briefly describe some ceremonial practices and their symbolic meaning. The reading entitled Seeing with a Native Eye for this module is both informative and engaging.
MODULE 3: COLONIZATION – February 10,
3:30 to 5:00 eastern time, 12:30 to 2:00 pacific time
This module describes the characteristics of colonization where original cultures are replaced by another culture. Nia shares the story of Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana and how her extended family and the community are experiencing intergenerational trauma. Using the lens of collective trauma we also look at the effects of colonization on both the Settlers and Indigenous People. The reading is entitled Nowhere Left to Go that poignantly depicts the story of the Cree and Ojibway people searching for a place to live for thirty + years.
MODULE 4: DECOLONIZATION – February 24,
3:30 to 5:00 eastern time, 12:30 to 2:00 pacific time
This module focuses on healing from collective trauma created by a colonial history. The key question is how do we heal? We look at real-world examples of healing by examining the process of building community and strengthening relationships, creating environments where each person is valued and understood and where cultural options are openly shared for the enrichment of the community. The reading for this module is entitled, Collective Trauma and our Emerging Future by Otto Scharmer and Thomas Hubl.
To register, for any (or all) of these modules please return to the News and Events page.