'Decolonization' in focus

Photo: Contributed

Indigenous leader, activist and author Arthur Manuel will speak about decolonization, reconciliation and new directions at Okanagan College on April 6.

Manuel is one of Canada’s foremost advocates for aboriginal self-determination.

He was elected four times as chief of his Neskonlith Indian Band (1995-2003) and three times as chairman of the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council (1997-2003). Manuel also served as spokesman of the Interior Alliance of B.C. Indigenous Nations and co-chaired the Assembly of First Nations Delgamuukw Implementation Strategic Committee.

An activist and storyteller, he has fought for native rights nationally and internationally at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Indigenous Network on Economies and Trade.

In 2015, he wrote Unsettling Canada, A National Wake Up Call, with Grand Chief Ronald Derrickson.

Manuel's talk is presented by the Okanagan College Faculty Association’s Human Rights and International Solidarity Committee. He is visiting the Okanagan as part of this year’s Federation of Post-Secondary Educators speaker’s tour.

Against a backdrop of recent victories and setbacks for aboriginal rights and titles in Canada, and the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report, Manuel has been traveling the province to speak about decolonization and the path ahead.

The free event will take place at 7 p.m. at the Kelowna campus lecture theatre (Room S104). A book signing and refreshments will follow.