Indigenous histories teach us that we are all part of an intricate creation; where all beings carry their own bundle of gifts and responsibilities to creation. Our bundles help us at all times of our existence and give us tools in order to live a sustainable and fulfilling life. Creation is formed in a universal order that facilitates balance, interconnections, and happiness for all life. Essentially, creation is based on a relationship-making structure to maintain that balance and mino bemaadziwin: good way of living.

The Peoples’ Social Forum, to be held in Ottawa, August 21-24, 2014, is about relationship building, bringing people together who don’t usually work together but who might be working on common causes, changing the nature of future relationships, honouring treaties, changing the structure of how things are done on this land, and respecting the teachings that the land has for us.

This historic 4-day gathering will open with traditional Algonquin ceremony on Victoria Island. At the University of Ottawa, and other sites in the city, at hundreds of workshops, presentations, panels, movement assemblies, demonstrations and arts and cultural events we will all teach and we will all learn. We will see the interconnectedness of all our struggles and we will build a better future together in good relationships.

To participate in the Peoples’ Social Forum register yourself and your family, apply for billeted housing, and hop on one of the many ...