9th Annual Haudenosaunee Conference

9th Annual Haudenosaunee Conference

Caring for Indigenous Children and Families:
Circles of Safety and Sovereignty

November 30, 2012 - Friday evening reception and film "Unseen Tears"

December 1, 2012 - Conference

Syracuse University

Goldstein Student Center

South Campus
401 Skytop Road
Syracuse, NY 13210

Haudenosaunee families and Nations have survived years of colonial policies designed to weaken them. Removing our children and placing them in boarding schools and non-Indian families, laws preventing us from protecting our families against violence, and state-run schools refusing to teach Indian history and culture, are only a few of the state and federal policies impacting our people. But today, Haudenosaunee children and families have numerous caregivers helping them battle the ravages of colonialism. With programs addressing substance abuse and violence, preparing students for college, and placing Indian children with Indian adoptive families, these dedicated men and women strive to give our people a better life. The caregivers do not focus solely on helping one individual, but on restoring the whole family, helping family members become vibrant contributors to the success of the Nation. As our families become stronger, our Indigenous sovereignty is strengthened; without healthy children and families, Indian nations will not have the resources to exercise and defend their sovereignty. 

The 9^th Annual Haudenosaunee Conference is an opportunity for participants to learn the problems and solutions used by our caregivers to help children and families. Speakers will address the challenges face by families and children in schools and preparing for college, implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act, healing from violence, and creating healthy lifestyles

Video Presentations

Carrie E Garrow   

Laws and Policies Challenging our Families, Nations, and Sovereignty
Carrie E. Garrow

Challenges and Solutions for High School Children    
Suzanne John Blacksnake and Rachelle Garrow-Hayes                                

Healthy Families
Ann Printup and Verda Lyons 

  Protecting our Women and Children from Violence
Brian Mohr and Karonienhawi Thomas