For more information and to register: http://www.cfans.umn.edu/diversity/Initiatives/wildrice2011.htm

Dates: Aug. 22-24
Location: Shooting Star Casino, Mahnomen, MN

This symposium builds on work begun two years ago between tribal communities and the University of Minnesota. The first symposium (2009) brought researchers from the University together with tribal elders from across northern Minnesota. It offered an opportunity to share knowledge about manoomin and build a better understanding between native knowledge holders and University researchers on wild rice in a good way.

That initial gathering was very powerful and long overdue. One outcome of the symposium was a request by tribal members in attendance for more opportunities to share stories, research, and learning and build trust so that wild rice is appreciated as a sacred gift from the creator by us all--this second symposium honors that request. Another outcome of the initial meeting was to draft a wild rice white paper. This paper would identify issues where University and tribal interests could begin to engage in meaningful dialogue on wild rice research conducted at the University and offer recommendations for action. The document was completed and will be presented to the University.

This current symposium, "Nibi and Manoomin: Bridging Worldviews," provides another occasion to exchange teachings between Western and Anishinaabe cultural views. In addition to manoomin, we will include sessions on water (nibi) at this symposium. Water and manoomin belong together.

Symposium Co-conveners:
Erma Vizenor, Tribal Chairwoman, White Earth Nation
Robert Jones, Senior Vice President -- University of Minnesota

White Earth Contacts:
Pamela Standing (218-847-9554, pamelastanding@msn.com)
Joe LaGarde (218-983-3285, JoeL@whiteearth.com)

University of Minnesota Contacts:
Craig Hassel (612-624-7288, chassel@umn.edu)
Karl Lorenz (612-624-9299, klorenz@umn.edu)

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Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) and the Elimination of Health Disparities:The Why, What, Who and How

Mondays, 1:00 - 3:30pm. September 15 through December 19, 2011; Room 105, 717 Delaware St.

This semester-long course is intended for junior faculty, post-docs, grad students and community practitioners interested in adding CBPR to their repertoire of effective approaches to understanding and addressing health disparities. We will explore topics such as the purpose and applications of CBPR; partnership formation and maintenance; issues of power, trust, race and class, and social justice; conflict resolution; ethical issues; CBPR's relationship to cultural knowledge systems; and making your community-engaged scholarship count in career advancement. This course will be minimally didactic and maximally interactive and participatory. We will tour a community by van and visit an important community partner, the Cultural Wellness Center. Independent readings and reflections will be expected between some sessions. There will be no final, no papers, and no grades. There is no fee required.

Guides:
Cathy Jordan, PhD, Associate Professor, Pediatrics; Director, Children, Youth and Family Consortium - jorda003@umn.edu, 612-625-7591

Susan Gust, Community Activist; Research Partner

This is the first time this course is offered and we consider it a pilot. Therefore course credit is not available. HOWEVER, this course has been designated by the Office of the Vice President for Research to satisfy the Awareness/Discussion component of the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) continuing education requirement.

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