Restorative Justice for American Indians: Uncovering The Truth and Advancing Sovereignty

When: December 14, 9am-5pm

Where: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

REGISTER HERE!

Join us for an impactful event, Restorative Justice for American Indians: Uncovering Truths and Advancing Sovereignty, on December 14 from 9:00 – 5:00 p.m., taking place at the Boulder Museum for Contemporary Art. Together, we will explore the historical injustices faced by American Indian communities and discuss actionable steps toward meaningful reparations and healing. This event brings together community leaders, advocates, and policy experts committed to advancing justice, equity, and the restoration of American Indian rights.

We are honored to welcome the Truth, Restoration, and Education Commission (TREC), who will present their work dedicated to uncovering the truth about historical harms, advancing the restoration of American Indian lands and rights, and educating future generations to ensure justice prevails. TREC representatives will share findings from their comprehensive research, provide insights into ongoing restorative justice efforts, and outline recommendations for legal and policy changes to benefit American Indian communities. TREC Speakers include, Dallin Maybee (Northern Arapaho/Seneca), Dr. Richard Littlebear (Northern Cheyenne), Russ Zephier (Lakota), and Christine Baker Sage (Southern Ute).

Additional Speakers Include:

• John Echohawk: A founding member of the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), dedicated to upholding and advancing Native American rights.
• Terri Bissonette EdD. (Gnoozhekaaning Anishinaabe): As an educator with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Bissonette’s expertise encompasses K-12 literacy curriculum and instruction, Indian Education with an emphasis on pedagogy, closing achievement gaps for underserved student populations, designing continuous improvement processes, and building and sustaining effective school cultures.
• Patty Limerick: Renowned historian, sharing insights on how understanding history can drive meaningful change in the present.
• Members of Right Relationship Boulder: Advocates working to strengthen relationships between Native peoples and local communities.
• Vanessa Racehorse: Associate Professor of Law and core faculty member of the American Indian Law Program at Colorado Law, specializing in Indigenous legal issues.
• Mike Roberts, First Nations Development Institute and Michael Johnson, Illumnative:  This session will explore the role of philanthropy in Indian Country, highlighting its impact on supporting Native communities. The discussion will also address future challenges and opportunities, focusing on strategies for sustainable and meaningful progress.
• Tom Fredricks (MHA Nation): Raised on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, Fredricks has practiced Indian law for more than four decades. He serves as a senior partner at Fredericks Peebles & Morgan LLP, based in Louisville, Colorado.

Whether you’re a policymaker, community member, ally, or advocate, this event is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and join a collective path towards justice.

Details:

• Date: December 14, 2024
• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Location: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th Street, Boulder, Colorado 80302
• Cost: This event is FREE for all who wish to attend.

We look forward to coming together to honor the resilience of Indigenous communities and to commit to tangible steps in the pursuit of restorative justice.

A light breakfast with coffee and tea will be served in the morning, and light refreshments and snacks will be available in the afternoon. We invite you to explore nearby dining options during the lunch break, as lunch will be on your own.