Awi'nakola: Braiding Indigenous Knowledge, Western Science & the Arts for Ancient Forests

Awi'nakola is launching our networked approach to applied indigenous-led conservation and decolonial forest relations in British Columbia. Please join us in celebrating Kwakwaka’wakw Indigenous Knowledge, rights, title & responsibilities; the role of the Arts in communicating complex ecological and sociopolitical dynamics; and advocacy-based conservation biology and forest ecology.
In a facilitated conversation with media maker and environmental educator Nikki Sanchez we will host a dialogue with Kwakwaka'wakw hereditary chief & renowned artists Mak'wala, Rande Cook, world renowned Forest Ecology Professor & Author Suzanne Simard, Kwakiutl & Kwakwaka'wakw head chief David Mungo Knox, Political Ecologist & Awi’nakola Director Mark Worthing and guests.
Our central discussion question will be: How can Indigenous and non-indigenous people be good medicine for the land and for each other? What opportunities must we pursue to stop the harm and start the healing of bio-culturally rich ecosystems?
Our event seeks to chart a pathway for the conservation of biological diversity through reconciliation, art and progressive science which helps us understand biological diversity as interconnected cultural diversity. Traditional Kwakwaka'wakw values, protocols and teachings center respectful relationships with the non-human world which necessitates the sustainable use of biodiversity. Furthermore, t̕sawa̱'es'i or Potlatching traditions expressly redistribute wealth and benefits from the land as a governance practice to ensure fair and equitable sharing of the benefits of genetic resources - or gifts from the land.

LOCATION: Amphithéâtre (SH-2800) du pavillon Sherbrooke
200 rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Montréal (Québec) H2X3P2