Circle Alberta Project

Project Overview

A critical need for continued and enhanced opportunities for dialogue and relationship building remains between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Peoples.  During the Circle Alberta Gathering in October 2008, not only in each breakout was this stressed as something vital for the advancement of Aboriginal Peoples’ rights and development, but at the final wrap-up plenary, participants voted unanimously to continue dialogue and wanted to see another Gathering in the future. To view the report from Phase I, click here.

The spaces created during the previous dialogues and at the Gathering were just a stepping stone of a larger movement of change. While the political overtures of the apology made by the Federal Government earlier in 2008 hold an important place in building new relationships with Aboriginal Peoples, on the ground, relationship and community building in communities, in the workplace and in our schools is the most fundamental area where we can, in the long term, have an impact that matters; an impact that moves to the empowerment of people and respect for the dignity of all.

Initiatives such as Wicihitowin and Common Ground are to be celebrated, embraced and supported as a dialogue approach that fosters Aboriginal empowerment and solution development.  We see Circle Alberta contributing to and complementing these initiatives by creating communities of respect and understanding – by building bridges between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Peoples and providing learning opportunities that move as well to a provincial, and potentially national, level of discussion and impact.

The value of dialogue as a foundation for development and the advancement of human rights can not be underestimated. An environment of understanding and reciprocity will build long term sustainable and viable solutions that are culturally sensitive and appropriate. Furthermore, awareness of the state of human rights in our communities and province needs to move beyond action to change. We need to reduce the incidences of racism and discrimination against Aboriginal Peoples in Alberta. Ultimately, a new collaborative space will aid in the advancement of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and non-status Peoples in Alberta – socially, culturally, economically and politically.

On October 21-23, 2010, the Centre is proud to be hosting the second of the Circle Alberta Provincial Gathering. For more information and how to register, click here.