Interfaith Summer Institute Conference

The Interfaith Summer Institute for Justice, Peace, and Social Movement at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, B.C. is holding its 2010 conference entitled “Redistribution of Wealth: Economic and Environmental Justice from Indigenous and Faith Perspectives” from March 5^th-7^th. The conference is taking place at the Maritime Labour Center and will draw upon different secular and faith perspectives to find alternative solutions to the current global economic crisis. According to the Interfaith Summer Institute’s website, both secular and faith-based scholars and activists will come together to explore “alternatives to neo-liberal capitalism that are grounded in sacred cosmologies and/or incorporate values that prioritize and link redistribution of wealth with respectful relationships with land.”According to their website, the goals of the conference are as follows:

“1. Identify, from both a local and international perspective, vulnerable communities, territories and lands impacted by the economic crisis.

2. Introduce sacred cosmologies as a framework for economic and environmental/ecological justice.

3. Present faith-based positions against economic growth, environmental racism and the loss of the commons and for redistribution of wealth and care/stewardship of the land.

4. Share spiritual resources from different traditions on economic and ecological justice and survival in hard times.

5. Present examples of economic/ecological alternatives to neo-liberal capitalism that are grounded in a faith perspective or that represent moral or faith values that challenge the capitalist system.

6. Apply insights, tools from the above to create a vision of specific areas of struggle of participants – food sovereignty, protection of land and territories, employment and job security, housing, etc.”

Both local and international resource people are scheduled to speak at the conference. Already confirmed speakers include Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson (Haida Gwaii), Rauna Kuokkanen (Samiland/Canada), David R. Loy (U.S.A.), Mritiunjoy Mohanty (India/Quebec), John Parker (U.S.A.), Pablo Solón (Bolivia), T’Uy”Tanat-Cease Wyss (Skwxw’u7mesh Nation), Chaw-win-is, and Na’cha’uaht/Kam/ayaam – Cliff Atleo, Jr.Guaranteed to be full of thought provoking interfaith ideas and perspectives, the conference program includes sessions titled Redistribution of Wealth:An Indigenous Framework and Global Challenges, Local Realities and Alternatives, Economic and Environmental Justice from Indigenous and Faith Perspectives, The Bolivian Alternative – To Live Well, Applying Spiritual and Traditional Teachings to Economic/Environmental Issues, Alternative Models- Concrete Practices, and Response, Responsibilities and Building Relationships.

The Interfaith Summer Institute is a leadership development and support program that unites teachers, community organizers, settlement workers, and faith leaders. The objective of the program is to equip leaders with the tools to buildinterreligious and cross-cultural alliances for justice and peace. The program works in collaboration with the Interfaith Community Consultative Committee, which is comprised of members from Indigenous, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, and Buddhist traditions. The program is institutionally located with the J.S. Woodsworth Chair in the Institute for the Humanities at Simon Fraser University.

Website: www.interfaithjustpeace.org