Christian Domination and the Failure of ‘Truth and Reconciliation’

A conference in Onondaga Nation Territory, at Syracuse University and Skä·noñh—Great Law of Peace Center

Saturday and Sunday, 17-18 August 2019

Description:

This conference continues discussions between religious communities and Indigenous Peoples about the Doctrine of Christian Discovery (DOCD) so that real healing can occur. “Truth and Reconciliation” efforts in settler-colonial states have the appearance of resolving the history of conquest and domination but often do not result in a healing of Indigenous Peoples and their lands. Using words like reconciliation, repudiation,domination, discovery, conquest, missionization, colonialism and settler-colonialism, or referring to Indigenous Peoples in the singular or as populations, issues or groups, has consequences. Noam Chomsky, George Lakoff, and Steven Newcomb remind us that word choice matters and, although these concepts appear benign, they actually perpetuate and give cover to a violent past. The DOCD continues to be a matter of urgent concern for Indigenous Peoples around the world. It has emboldened trans-national corporations to further their extraction practices everywhere forcing standoffs and migration of Indigenous Peoples. Our lineup of speakers will address international migration issues and the connection between the DOCD and the destruction of Mother Earth.

Confirmed speakers:

• Oren Lyons (Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs)
• Tadodaho Sid Hill (Onondaga Nation Council of Chiefs)
• Beverly Jacobs (Law, University of Windsor)
• Betty Lyons (American Indian Law Alliance)
• Tupac Enrique Acosta (Tonatierra)
• Evie Reyes-Aguirre (Tonatierra)
• Sandy Bigtree (Indigenous Values Initiative)
• Joe Heath (General Council for the Onondaga Nation)
• Phil Arnold (Religion, Syracuse University)

Conference fees:*

• Early-bird registration $125 until 30 June 2019*
• Regular registration $150 until 31 July 2019*
• Late registration $175 until 15 August*
• Walkup registration $200*

Registration site: http://christiandomination.eventbrite.com

Other hotels:

• Genesee Grande, 1060 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13210. (315) 476-4212
• Crowne Plaza Syracuse, 701 E Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13210. (315) 479-7000
• Hotel Skyler Syracuse, 601 S Crouse Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210. (315) 701-2613

Notes:

• * plus Eventbrite fees. Fees will cover ground transportation, lunches for Saturday and Sunday, and a traditional Haudenosaunee meal on Saturday night.
• ** conference registration waivers available for Indigenous Peoples and students who can’t afford the fees
• *** sponsorship donations are gladly accepted

Conference hotel: University Sheraton ($153/night), 801 University Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210. (315) 475-3000

For more see: https://indigenousvalues.org/christian-domination/