Lunch & Learn: “21 Things You May Not Know About The Indian Act”
This event took place in April 2023
rec·on·cil·i·a·tion
/ˌrekənˌsilēˈāSH(ə)n/
“Establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country. In order for that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past, an acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.” - Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report [2015]. Learn more about Reconciliation on the Indigenous Corporate Training Inc website.
Join Spiritual Path to Awakening (SPA) and event facilitator Julia Rohan for Lunch & Learn: "21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act," a book study centered around learning and dialog related to reconciliation. SPA takes pride in our commitment to making Indigenous Knowledge and Truth and Reconciliation an integral part of our event culture.
The non-fiction guide “21 Things You May Not Know About The Indian Act” by Chief Bob Joseph is the essential guide to understanding the legal document and its repercussions on generations of Indigenous Peoples, written by a leading cultural sensitivity trainer. The Indian Act, after over 140 years, continues to shape, control, and constrain the lives and opportunities of Indigenous Peoples, and is at the root of many stereotypes that persist. Bob Joseph’s book comes at a key time in the reconciliation process, when awareness from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is at a crescendo. Joseph explains how Indigenous Peoples can step out from under the Indian Act and return to self-government, self-determination, and self-reliance—and why doing so would result in a better country for every Canadian. He dissects the complex issues around truth and reconciliation, and clearly demonstrates why learning about the Indian Act’s cruel, enduring legacy is essential for the country to move toward true reconciliation. The full book description and testimonials can be found on the Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. website.
As an attendee of this Lunch & Learn, you are responsible for obtaining your own copy of the non-fiction book and having it read in its completion by the event date. SPA has created a suggestion list on where to get your copy HERE. You are also invited to bring-your-own bagged lunch to enjoy (refrigerator and microwave onsite) or choose the registration ticket option that adds on a salad of your choice from The Habit Project (Taco Bowl, Chickpea Caesar, or Thai Noodle). Note: The Habit Project menu is linked to view the salad ingredients, however attendees are to register/pay solely through the SPA website - we will order your salad of choice for you ahead of the event date.
Lunch & Learn: “21 Things You May Not Know About The Indian Act” by Chief Bob Joseph
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Downtown Abbotsford, Conference Room B, Trinity Memorial United Church
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
$20.00 / $34.00 if adding a salad
This event is open to all members of the community. Space is limited, please pre-register on the SPA website to reserve your spot. Upon registering, you will be prompted to download a digital document that contains all the event details. Please email path.awakening@gmail.com if you have difficulty downloading the pdf. The first attendee to register will receive an Indigenous artwork tote bag, purchased locally from The Book Man.
Trinity Memorial United Church is located at 33737 George Ferguson Way in downtown Abbotsford, BC. V2S 2M4. Free parking is available onsite (in the church parking lot) for event attendees. The event will take place in “Conference Room B,” located on the upper level of the church. Entry points: the office’s entrance if you’re comfortable with stairs or accessible entry via the sanctuary. Both entry points are located off Trinity Street.
By registering for this event, learners and their guests (if applicable) have agreed to our Policies & Etiquette.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM LEADER:
Julia Rohan is an author, singer-songwriter and visual artist. A graduate of the Honours English Literature program (with Distinction) at Concordia University in Montreal, she has since self-published a fantasy trilogy (“The Weaverworld Trilogy”) and produced two CDs of original music. In 2002 she was a runner-up in the CBC-QWF short story contest.
Since moving to BC in 2018, she has published two more books. One is a work of local history entitled “The Trethewey Women: 1800-1900”, available through Heritage Abbotsford Society. The other, a book of quotes, poems, prayers, photographs and lyrics by various contributors, is available from the author and at local retailers. Titled “Everyday Inspirations”, it includes her own work as well as that of friends and famous writers throughout the centuries.
Julia has been twice nominated for the Abby Award given out annually by the Abbotsford Arts Society – once in 2019 and again in 2020. She is currently at work on a book regarding certain women in the Bible. She and her husband, retired architect Ted Yudelson, enjoy sharing their passions with others – and Reconciliation is high on their list of priorities.
ABOUT THE NOVEL:
Winner of the 2019 Bill Duthie Booksellers' Choice Award!
Based on a viral article, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act is the essential guide to understanding the legal document and its repercussions on generations of Indigenous Peoples, written by a leading cultural sensitivity trainer. To read, listen to, or watch interviews with Bob Joseph, pop over to our Press page.
The Indian Act, after over 140 years, continues to shape, control, and constrain the lives and opportunities of Indigenous Peoples, and is at the root of many stereotypes that persist. Bob Joseph’s book comes at a key time in the reconciliation process, when awareness from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is at a crescendo. Joseph explains how Indigenous Peoples can step out from under the Indian Act and return to self-government, self-determination, and self-reliance—and why doing so would result in a better country for every Canadian. He dissects the complex issues around truth and reconciliation, and clearly demonstrates why learning about the Indian Act’s cruel, enduring legacy is essential for the country to move toward true reconciliation.
From the Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. website
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bob Joseph, founder and President of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc., has provided training on Indigenous relations since 1994. Each year he assists thousands of individuals and organizations in building Indigenous relations. His Canadian clients include all levels of government, Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, including the World Bank, small and medium-sized corporate enterprises, and Indigenous Peoples. He has worked internationally for clients in the United States, Guatemala, Peru, and New Caledonia in the South Pacific. In 2006, Bob facilitated a worldwide Indigenous People’s round table in Switzerland which included participants from the United Nations, Australia, New Zealand, North, Central and South America, Africa, and the Philippines.
Bob has worked as an associate professor at Royal Roads University and has routinely been a guest lecturer at other academic institutions. He has an educational background in Business Administration and International Trade and is a certified Master Trainer who in May of 2001 was profiled in an annual feature called, “Training: the New Guard 2001” by the American Society of Training and Development. Bob was one of nine trainers selected for the feature from over 70,000 members who come from more than 100 countries and 15,000 organizations.
He is the developer of a multi-layer suite of training courses. Bob is also the author and co-author of books and resources relating to working with Indigenous Peoples.
Bob is an Indigenous person, or more specifically a status Indian. He is an initiated member of the Hamatsa Society and has inherited a chief’s seat in the Gayaxala (Thunderbird) clan, the first clan of the Gwawa’enuxw one of the 18 tribes that make up the Kwakwaka'wakw. Bob is anticipating holding his first potlatch as a chief once it is safe to host a large gathering. His chief name is K’axwsumala’galis, which, loosely translated, means "whale who emerges itself from the water and presents itself to the world." (Please click the links for pronunciation tips)
