More than 150 participants representing dozens of states, tribes and organizations are expected to attend the National Gathering on Indigenous Peacemaking Oct. 22-24 in Oklahoma City.
The conference will be conducted at the Renaissance Oklahoma City Convention Center Hotel, 10 North Broadway and is designed to help participants learn more about the concept, history and benefits of peacemaking programs.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger and Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court Justice Barbara Smith will speak during the opening session.
Tribal leaders, agency directors, judges, law enforcement officers and peacemaking practitioners from Hawaii, New York, California and many states in between are scheduled to participate in the conference.
"This gathering will provide an opportunity for individuals with a wide range of experience and a wealth of knowledge to share ideas on one of the most important topics of our time," said Gov. Anoatubby. "We hope this meeting of minds and cultures will not only mark a return to traditional methods of peacemaking, but will also bring about innovative new approaches which will benefit everyone concerned."
Leaders of Navajo, Mohican, Native Hawaiian, Chickasaw and Potawatomie peacemaking programs will speak about their experiences.
Participants at the gathering will discuss how a variety of peacemaking programs function.
Workshops will also include information on traditional peacemaking and designing a peacemaking program as well as finding and training peacemakers.
The gathering is hosted by the Chickasaw Nation in partnership with University of North Dakota, Fox Valley Technical College and the Native American Rights Fund.
To register, call (580) 235-0282 or email connie.tillery@chickasaw.net.
