Our Children Our Way Society launches the inaugural Loving Justice: Breathing Life Into Our Own Laws Conference
News Release – Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Territory
K’emk’emelay̓ (Vancouver, BC). The Our Children Our Way Society is pleased to announce the inaugural Loving Justice: Breathing Life into Our Own Laws conference, at the Vancouver Convention Center September 08-11, 2024.
With the support of the Squamish Nation, we will welcome 1,000 delegates, including: elected and hereditary leaders, child and family advocates, service providers, and legal scholars. Speakers from across Turtle Island and around the world will share their unique expertise and wisdom.
The late Elmer Courchene of Sagkeeng First Nation urged us to remember that, when it comes to children and youth, justice is not enough: we must achieve loving justice. Remembering his wisdom, the conference centers on love and accountability to our children and youth within the shifting landscape Indigenous child & family services.
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs notes that “the Loving Justice conference is incredibly timely. We have come a long way, and we still have a long way to go. It’s important to remember how much has been accomplished over the years.”
“We must not lose sight of why we are doing this work. It has always been about the love of our children and our inherent right to care for them,” says Deb Foxcroft, Elder Advisor to the Our Children Our Way Society and a founding member of Usma Family and Child Services.
Online registration remains open and in-person registration will be available at the Convention Centre on September. 8, 2024. Only a few seats remain to catch this outstanding line-up, including:
- Emcee: André Bear, B.Ed., J.D. (Indigenous Nation Rebuilding)
- Keynote Speakers: Dr. Cindy Blackstock, PhD. (First Nations Caring Society) and Gaagwiis (Jason Alsop), President of Haida Council
- Honored Guests: Members of the First Nations Leadership Council and Chief Erica Beaudin, Cowessess First Nation
- Panels: Accountability to Indigenous Child and Youth Rights; Indigenous Dispute Resolution Frameworks; and Implications of System Reform on Enacting Indigenous Laws
“For our children, both love and justice are essential components of Indigenous self-determination,” says Mary Teegee, Chair of the Our Children Our Way Society. “It is our mission to support Indigenous Nations’ visions of caring for children and youth in a culturally grounded way.”
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For further comment, please contact:
Mary Teegee, Maaxswxw Gibuu, Chair, Our Children Our Way Society – Phone: 250-612-8710