Conference to include Native perspective

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VANCOUVER - A national conference this summer will allow participants an opportunity to look at conflict resolution from an Aboriginal perspective.

"Interaction 2000 - Pulling Together - the Sixth Biennial National Conflict Resolution Conference" will be held June 10 to 13 at the University of British Columbia.

The event is being organized by The Network: Interaction for Conflict Resolution, a national association "dedicated to promoting constructive conflict resolution in all sectors of society."

The conference will include 85 workshops, including, Looking at Cross Cultural Conflict Management Through an Aboriginal Lens; Barriers that Divide, Relationships that Unite; Relationship Building with Indigenous People; Mediation and Healing Circles Compared; Choosing the Right Tool for the Job; Victim-Offender Mediation; Community Conferencing, Circles, Victim Sensitive Healing; Path to Healing; From Peacemaker to Community Peacemaking Circles; and A First Nation Integrated Community Management Approach; ADR and Community Development.

As well, Dr. Joseph Gosnesll of the Nisga'a Nation, Chief Leonard George of the Tsleil-Wautuch Nation and Morris Te Whiti Love, director of the Waitangi Tribunal in New Zealand, are scheduled to take part in one of the conference plenary sessions, speaking on the topic Indigenous Perspectives on Putting Consensus Into Practice.

The Aboriginal content also extends to other portions of the conference. An Elder from Musqueam First Nation will say the opening prayer during the conference welcome, and a welcoming reception will be held in the First Nations House of Learning on the university campus. The reception will feature traditional foods, entertainment and art.

For more information about Interaction 2000 call (519) 885-0880 or e-mail nicr@nicr.ca. Information is also available on the conference website at www.nicr.ca/i2000.