Welcome and Keynote

 
Rooted in Relationship

Our formal conference program begins Friday morning at John Oliver Secondary with a traditional welcome by Rueben George and a keynote address by Kayah George. This year’s C2C Conference theme, Rooted in Relationship, emphasizes the importance of our relationships with place, land, nature and community even as we work and learn in urban settings. Our future relies on the connections educators and learners cultivate across communities, embracing the voices of Indigenous peoples and unearthing wild stories in urban spaces. Just as nature thrives on collaboration, our province needs to continue connecting classrooms and communities to nurture resilience and grow all our relations.

Featuring

  • Rueben George

    Sundance Chief Rueben George is a member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN). He is a Family Counsellor with 30 years of experience in the healing field. Rueben has many years of experience working internationally throughout the US and Canada with First Nations/Tribes in wellness, Correctional Centres, Addiction Treatment Centres, School Districts, Social Services, and Colleges/Universities.

    After serving his Nation as Director of Community Development, he shifted his focus in 2010 to be Manager of Sacred Trust, TWN’s initiative protecting Burrard Inlet, the traditional Tsleil-Waututh territory, from the proposed Kinder-Morgan/TMX pipeline. Rueben has traveled the world creating allies with Indigenous people who stand for water, land, and human rights. Rueben has become one of the best-known voices in the media locally and internationally in the conversation about the proposed Kinder/Morgan TMX pipeline and other related issues.

    For over 10 years Rueben is a consultant to multiple businesses and is the co-founder/President of Salish Elements, creating green hydrogen energy. Rueben is also an author whose book It Stops Here was a national best seller. Rueben is a spiritual leader, who was adopted and made a Sundance Chief by 2 Lakota families. He is deeply involved in his Coast Salish culture and ceremonies. In all aspects of Rueben’s life and work, he incorporates his cultural and spiritual teachings.

  • Kayah George

    Kayah George (She/They) is a dynamic young Indigenous language keeper, leader, activist, student, and filmmaker from the Tulalip and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Her commitment to her heritage is evident in all facets of her work, whether revitalizing her language in university, fighting against the Trans Mountain pipeline, or creating impactful films.

    Recognized in publications like Globe and Mail, Kayah recently earned a spot in Corporate Knights magazine's "30 under 30" top sustainability leaders in Canada for 2023. Shifting her focus to filmmaking, she co-wrote, directed, and produced 'Our Grandmother the Inlet,' which received the honorable mention for best Canadian short at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

    Kayah is currently working on a National Geographic educational documentary series on Orca whales and matriarchy. Simultaneously, she contributes to environmental research as an intern at the Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping.

    Despite her busy schedule, Kayah pursues a degree in Linguistics and Psychology at Simon Fraser University and engages in acting projects. In her multifaceted journey, Kayah George embodies the harmonious blend of tradition, activism, and creativity.