After six years, Knowing Our Spirits still a big draw

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Award-winning scientist, environmentalist, author and broadcaster, Dr. David Suzuki, was one of several special guests at the Sixth Annual Knowing our Spirits Conference hosted by the Tribal Chiefs Institute. The Nov. 24 to 26 event drew a capacity attendance of 750 people.

The conference has proven one of the more popular events over the years and considering its agenda and guest list, this comes as no small surprise.

In addition to Dr. Suzuki, the keynote presenters included John Kim Bell, founder and president of the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, as well as entertainers Winston Wuttunee, George Tuccaro, Don Burnstick, Moccasin Joe (Leonard Dick), and Howie Miller.

The conference breakaway sessions included workshops on drum-making, teachings of the drum, healing, guiding children through inner wisdom, youth empowerment, and community wellness. Additional topics included language retention, cultural awareness, humor through stories, disability issues, the ways of the Mountain Cree, and self care and the ancient Chinese healing art of Qi Gong.

The highlight for so many was the appearance of Suzuki on Nov. 24. Dozens flocked to the sale table to purchase copies of one or more of his books, then lined up to meet the man and have him autograph the publications.

In his keynote banquet address before a packed house, Suzuki told of the damage the human race is doing to the environment and, coming full circle, to himself. It's like being on a collision course with fate. He threw out cautions regarding the treatment and/or mistreatment of the universel, which he said has become "the toxic waste dump for chemicals."

At the pace mankind has set in spoiling his environment, added Suzuki, society is in store for a rather rude awakening within 10 years.

Upon the conclusion of his talk, Suzuki was presented an eagle feather headdress and made an honourary chief with the name Eagle Child. Cree Elder, Pete Waskahat from Frog Lake First Nation, conducted the ceremony. Suzuki was also presented a stone carving and a hand fashioned leather jacket designed by Pat Piche. A special drum and dance demonstration by Mountain Cree and a fashion show by Pat Piche capped a rather long but enjoyable evening.

The man with the final word was none other than John Kim Bell. He was on hand Nov. 26 to deliver his keynote speech.

Bell's basic message was that Aboriginal people must launch an all-out attack on economics if they are to get anywhere. He promoted the notion of developing a strong middle class within Aboriginal society.

"If the larger majority of people are employed with better jobs and more money, many of the dysfunctions will go away," he said.