Cultivating Communities Summit
By MAAJIITAAZIIBKWEE, MARY SAM
Brainerd region organizations and businesses work with and serve many Native communities, along with a wide array of diverse community members. Region 5 Economic Development Commission and many other leadership organizations have committed to creating a safe space to build and sustain a more inclusive, equitable, just region for all who live here and for all who are yet to come. A group of regional leaders have planned a North Central Minnesota welcoming communities summit titled "Cultivating Communities Summit," to be held in September.
This two-day summit aims to bring together a diverse and committed group of residents, newcomers, business owners, elected officials, educators, law enforcement, community leaders, economic developers, environmental advocates, social service providers and others from Region 5 and surrounding counties to plant the seeds, and create next steps of inclusive communities through connection, conversation and action. The northern tier of Mille Lacs Lake is located within Region 5 and the Band is invited to participate in this important work.
Positive, inclusive change only occurs with risk, involvement and collaboration. Late Elders such as James Clark, Betty Kegg, Dorothy Sam, David Sam, along with Joe Nayquonabe, and many others encouraged, supported and participated in initiatives similar to this to Summit with our neighbors, to help build relationships, work through barriers and differences, and to help strengthen our region. As a mentor, James Clark talked at length about the value of showing up and helping one another to learn to be a stronger community. Mille Lacs Band members and Band employees are encouraged to attend and help activate stories, connect with neighbors, and exercise collective imagination to build an inclusive community. In addition to deepening awareness, the goal is to cultivate accountability and action to ensure the region is welcoming, safe, and just.
Keynote presentations include: Healing our Communities: An Indigenous Perspective on Building Bridges and Creating Unity in our Region, with Dr. Anton Treuer; Cultivating Courageous Conversations, with Breaking Ice/Pillsbury Theater Company, Buddy King with Higher Works Collaborative; and a program on Intersectionality in Rural Communities, moderated by University of Minnesota Extension. Breakout sessions include: Overcoming the Political Divide (Braver Angels); Minnesota Emerging Farmers Program, with a focus on equitable farming; Noticing our Response to Conflict, Nonviolent Peace Force; Restoring Hope and Cultivating Community through Restorative Practices; Equity in Energy-Developing Community-Determined, Equity Minded Environmental Projects; Impact of Latino Immigration to North Central Minnesota; Anishinaabe World View with George Goggleye; Building Inclusive Schools; Classism and Student Success, a performance by Skarlett Woods; Environmental Equity through Song and Story; Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Today; Mental Health and Equity, and the Justice System; Diversifying Workforce through Inclusive Employer Programs hosting a Cultivating Community Celebration which will be free and open to the public. The closing will include and activity called "Reimagine a North Central Minnesota for Everyone."
The event is scheduled for September 19 and 20, to be held at Arrowood Lodge in Baxter, Minnesota. For schedule, lodging, and other details, please visit www.sowingroom.org/ccsummit. Registration is now open. Scholarships are available. Please contact Dawn Espe at despe@regionfive.org for more information
