CALL TO ACTION

Albuquerque, NM | Jun 11-13

Best Practices for Indigenous Peoples and their Communities:
Sharing a Vision for Thriving Children and Youth

Best Practices for Indigenous Peoples and their Communities:
Sharing a Vision for Thriving Children and Youth

 

Did you miss KFLA's second global thought leader, Dr. Ines Raimundo? Watch the recording below to see what you missed. If you enjoy the video, let us know by pressing like or subscribe.

Mozambique has one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, driven by coal mining and other extractive industries. Additionally, like other sub-Saharan countries, Mozambique has shown an increase in population in general and particularly in cities. However, the perverse side of that is the fact that the poor still poor while the rich are getting richer. The cement cities can no longer accommodate the “destitute” or “poor” and these cannot compete with the “well-off”. So where to go? Slopes, swamps, highways, someone’s property, etc., have become the places to settle including to do all kinds of business. The majority of population live in underserved cities labelled “informal” settlements, which have been “recognized” as part of the city, despite their very irregular situation of living. Most residents now live in inadequate housing on low lying areas on the outskirts prone to flash flooding. Around three-quarters of the population lack access to piped water and sewage systems, leading to outbreaks of malaria and waterborne diseases including cholera.

In this webinar, Dr. Raimundo and Kellogg Fellow (KSAL), will explain how the first step to changing this situation is the “recognition” of city government that they have failed to provide solutions for poor people. City dwellers live in underserved areas while they fight for living and for a decent life. Informal markets, informal transportation and informal land access are the way of life. Informality has become the “formal” way of living.

Agenda

Saturday, June 11th

2:00PM    Arrival

3:00PM    Welcome and prayer by local indigenous person

3:30PM    Creation of Sacred Space & Personal Introductions

6:00PM    Dinner

7:00PM    *5-Minute Project Presentations (IGNITE format)

Sunday, June 12th

7:00AM    Breakfast

8:00AM    Healing Practice

9:00AM     Remaining Project Presentations

12:00PM    Lunch

2:00PM    Review and refine list of best practices, values, and elements

6:00PM    Dinner

Monday, June 13th

7:00AM    Breakfast

8:30AM    Departure to Sandia Pueblo

8:30AM    Feast Day celebration/activities

4:00PM    Departure to Tamaya Resort and Spa

6:00PM    Dinner and debrief

9:00PM    Closing Ceremony

Highlights

This invitational event was a working gathering of tribal leaders aimed at promoting the well-being of young people that gave Fellows the opportunity to:

  • Exchange your community's best practicies during engaging, IGNITE-style presentations*
  • Create a sacred space and share culturally/spiritually meaningful items
  • Observe local traditions led by a member of the indigenous community
  • Participate in ceremonies, such as the Sandia Pueblo Feast Day

*All participants were required to present at least one best practice used in their community

I hope we can create a sacred space that honors our ancestors and reminds us of our responsibilities to future generations. 

-Debra Harry, Chair of Design Team

Goals

Goals of this event, in support of KFLA's 2016 initiative to improve the lives of youth and children from all backgrounds, included:

  • Forming mutually benefitial relationships with the Native American Fellows in our network (ie. National, Health and Food Fellows)
  • Sharing and exchanging dialogue with them on best practices in Fellows’ communities that provide children and youth with the ability to thrive

Registration

Registration for this event was free and included:

  • Economy class airfare/transportation to Albuquerque, NM
  • Double occupancy lodging for four days at a resort
  • All meals at the resort