Roundtable Discussion for Peace
   A Joint Effort in Planning & Preparation

BACKGROUNDER

As Indigenous people of Turtle Island (America), we are calling upon spiritual people from all races, cultures and faiths to join us at a Peace Summit to be held in Sagkeeng (Fort Alexander), Manitoba, Canada, in the Summer of 2003. (Date to be determined at the Roundtable Discussion on Sunday May 25, 2003)

The visions of many of our ancestors and Elders spoke of a time of darkness that humanity would be facing which would be accompanied by increasing destruction of Mother Earth. They also revealed that there would be a time for renewal of humankind and for healing of Mother Earth. Indigenous Elders believe that we are now in the time of the Eighth Fire - the final fire of regeneration for all nations and for renewal of Mother Earth.

Regeneration, survival of humankind, and peace will occur through a renewed focus on the Creator and a return to a spiritual way of life. It will be the young people of all nations who act as the key to turning around the current climate of social, economic and political turmoil and the exploitation of the earth. We believe that the Elders of all nations, as spiritual people, carry the wisdom to mentor and guide young people to the values that will ensure our survival as a human race.

The Peace Summit will be held at the Turtle Lodge, a sacred environment for our people, at Sagkeeng, Manitoba, Canada. The purpose of the Summit is to engage people of different faiths in dialogue by sharing in learning circles/discussions and sacred ceremonies from different faiths. The Summit will focus on three main themes:
    1. Shared beliefs and values: Spiritual and moral principles of diverse faiths
2. Connecting to Spirit: a route to healing, love, justice and peace
3. Honouring and respecting the Earth and sharing its resources
 
Our goal is to develop and promote, in partnership and cooperation, a strategy for global peace based on spiritual values.
 
  TURTLE LODGE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION - May 25, 2003

In order to truly achieve our objective of unity with respect for diversity, the Summit will require the active participation of all involved groups in the planning and preparation process. This will enable us to more effectively address issues such as sharing resources and costs as well as the complex logistics of bringing together people of diverse faiths, cultures and needs.

Dave Courchene (Nii Gaani Aki Inini) of the Anishnabe Nation, Eagle Clan, is extending an invitation to representative peacemakers from diverse cultures and faiths to attend a Roundtable Discussion for planning the Turtle Lodge Peace Summit to take place on Sunday, May 25, 2003. This event will be held in the Turtle Lodge at Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba, Canada.


PURPOSE OF THE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

The purpose of the Roundtable Discussion is to directly involve representative peacemakers from a cross-section of faiths and cultures in the planning and preparatory stage of the Turtle Lodge Peace Summit. Objectives include:
 

1. To set a date for the Turtle Lodge Peace Summit that is convenient for all.
2. To discuss funding strategies to help cover the costs of the Summit.
3. To engage in detailed discussions regarding the practical needs of the different cultural/faith groups represented. These may include and are not limited to:
    a) dietary needs and/or restrictions;
b) spiritual needs, e.g. having places set aside for individual faiths to worship, and providing culturally and spiritually representative opportunities for shared prayer and worship;
c) transportation and accommodation needs; and
d) culturally representative group activities and entertainment.
  4. To achieve consensus on the objectives of the Summit program, its structure and organization (i.e. to establish an itinerary that is inclusive to all yet respectful of diversity).
  We believe that actively engaging all groups involved in the Peace Summit planning and implementation process will better serve our objective of putting a peace plan into action.
 
 
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION AGENDA
8:00 am Lighting the Sacred Fire
9:00 Roundtable Discussion Opening Ceremonies
Introduction of Purpose - Dave Courchene (Nii Gaani Aki Inini)

9:45

 Roundtable Discussions begin
Representation by Different Cultural and Faith Groups - Informal Speeches and Discussions
Snacks Provided
1:45 Break for Lunch (Not provided; Restaurants available in town)
1:15 pm Reconvene - Roundtable Discussions continue
3:00 Summary by Summary Committee
3:30 Consensus Action Plan
4:45 Closing Remarks
5:00  Home

  There will be no fee for attending the Roundtable Discussion, although donations are suggested to recover facility costs of hosting this event.

Please make cheques payable to the Turtle Lodge Fund, PO Box 121, Pine Falls, MB, Canada, R0E 1M0.
  RSVP

Please RSVP to our Summit Coordinator,
Dr. Sabina Ijaz, by April 30, 2003.
She can be reached at turtlelodge@mts.net,
(204) 756-3608 (phone) or (204) 756-3155 (fax).
http://www.theturtlelodge.com