NMAI: Harvest of Hope-A Symposium on Reconciliation-November 13, 2008

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this timely and insightful forum moderated by Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Director Kevin Gover (Pawnee/Comanche) focuses on topical issues of reconciliation and highlights national apologies made to Native peoples.

The symposium covers the eloquent apology issued in June 2008 by the Canadian government for the abuse and cultural loss suffered by Aboriginal peoples in Canada’s residential schools. It includes a presentation on the Native American Apology Resolution recently passed in the United States Senate as well as an examination of reconciliation efforts in Guatemala. A wrap-up speaker considers the issues involved in apologies and reconciliation processes in a broad scope. Concluding with panel discussion and questions from the audience, Harvest of Hope seeks a deeper, more inclusive understanding of our national narratives and the experiences of the Native peoples of the Americas.

Speakers include

Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne), former United States Senator from Colorado; currently senior policy advisor, Holland & Knight LLP

Caroline Davis, Assistant Deputy Minister, Resolution and Individual Affairs, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Government of Canada

Phil Fontaine (Sagkeeng First Nation), National Chief, Assembly of First Nations, Canada

Victor Montejo (Jakaltek Maya), University of California, Davis; formerly Minister of Peace in the Guatemalan Republic and member of the Guatemalan National Congress

Gabrielle Tayac (Piscataway), historian, National Museum of the American Indian

This program is free and open to the public.
Metro: L’Enfant Plaza, Maryland Avenue/Smithsonian Museums exit