Series of Four sessions in Penticton focus on Idle No More movement

Despite cold weather and snow, about 85 people, including Nancy Falkus-Overton and Muriel 'Ducky' Tanner of the Osoyoos Indian Band, gathered Jan. 5 to take part in an Idle No More gathering at the Osoyoos border crossing, offering prayers and drumming

Linda Anderson photo

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Four free educational coffee house style sessions about the Idle No More movement are being conducted over the next few weeks at the Penticton Museum Auditorium and the Penticton Art Gallery.

Series of Four was created by a group of local First Nations women who wanted to contribute in a positive way to the Idle No More movement. The idea is to have free educational sessions to help shed some light on and create awareness regarding the Idle No More movement that stemmed from the passing of the omnibus Bill C 45.

The sessions welcome non-Aboriginal people to come and learn, ask questions and discuss the movement in a free educational format which will help to increase understanding and build new relationships. The guest presenters are well informed and educated on each series topic and will provide plenty of time for discussions and questions. The first educational session was held on Jan. 29 at the Penticton Museum Auditorium and was a success with over 60 people in attendance and 130 people viewing it live via UStream.

"Being a place the preserves static history, the Penticton Museum is thrilled to be part of an active and engaging group of sessions that has so much resonance for locals on both sides of the channel," said manger/curator of the Penticton Museum and Archives, Peter Ord. "We are happy to see these educational sessions contribute to the greater dialogue around Canadian history and identity."

The next session is on Feb. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. and features First Nations law advocate Laurie Wilson who will speak about several historical legal acts that effected Canadian and First Nation relationships through time. These acts include the Royal Proclamation, Indian Act, White Paper, Red Paper, Meech Lake Accord, Royal Commission of Aboriginal People and the Kelowna Accord.

Wilson is a family law advocate working within the seven member bands of the Okanagan Nation in the interior of B.C. She has served on the Penticton Indian Band Council and held the portfolio of social development. Wilson sits on the Okanagan national Alliance Wellness Committee and participates in the development of an Okanagan Child Welfare Agency.

Kym Gouchie and Maiya Robbie will also take the stage for musical performances. For more information about the upcoming sessions visit www.seriesoffour.ca.