PSAC invites you to our June 23 webinar on how we can work as allies with Indigenous peoples. The panel will discuss how allies can best support decolonization and sovereignty for Indigenous peoples. The recent discovery of the remains of 215 children at the Kamloops Indian Residential School reaffirms that non-Indigenous Canadians must work to support Indigenous peoples’ struggles for justice.

Speakers: 

• Monique Manatch – Algonquin from Barriere Lake and executive director of Indigenous Culture and Media Innovations 

• Don Sullivan – Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) Manitoba 

• Craig Benjamin – former Campaigner for the human rights of Indigenous Peoples at Amnesty International Canada 

• Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah – Executive director at The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity  

The panel will be moderated by Chantal Chartrand, a longtime activist for Indigenous rights. 

June 23, 7-8:30 p.m. EST 

Please register in advance for this webinar. The webinar is open to the public.  

Panelist biographies 

Monique Manatch is a member of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake. Monique is a Knowledge Keeper working closely with Algonquin Elders Albert Dumont. Currently, Monique is pursuing a doctorate program in Anthropology at Carleton University. Her research focuses on the impact, use and creation of digital arts in the Indigenous community. 

Don Sullivan is a contributor to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. He is also the former director of the Boreal Forest Network and served as special advisor to the Government of Manitoba working the Pimachiowin Aki UNESCO World Heritage site portfolio. 

Craig Benjamin is an independent researcher, writer and communications consultant who has worked with various Indigenous organizations. Previously, Craig served as the coordinator for research and advocacy for the human rights of Indigenous peoples at Amnesty International Canada. 

Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah is a Black feminist with extensive local and international advocacy experience. She has worked with various organizations, including Oxfam Canada and Planned Parenthood. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD).