Community mobilisation dialogue with Aboriginal communities : Dialogue sur la mobilisation communautaire avec les collectivités autochtones

Purpose of the Report The purpose of the convergence report on the Semaganisak Gatherings is to provide a summary of the common themes and unique approaches to community mobilisation from an Aboriginal perspective. [...] The Beginning of a Renaissance and Lessons Learned An ever increasing, number of First Nation and urban Aboriginal communities have recognised that the underlying cause of many individual, family and community problems are the result of the colonialist and paternalistic practices and policies sought to destroy the Aboriginal way of life. [...] In the design of the Semaganis Gatherings, consideration was given to the fact that the capacity of the Aboriginal Corrections Policy Unit was far exceeded by the sheer volume of different Aboriginal nations across Canada. [...] Invitations were sent to the following: • In the Atlantic region, to the Mi’kmaq First Nations; • In Manitoba, to the Ojibwe First Nations; • In the Northwest Territories, the Dene First Nations; • In British Columbia, the Kwakitutl First Nations; • In Alberta, the Blackfoot First Nations; and • In Toronto, various urban Aboriginal organisations. [...] Each session commenced with an explanation of the purpose of the gatherings, the origin of its intent and the objectives of the session.