The Indigenous Forum was founded in 2008 through a call from Board Members, Clayton Thomas Muller, Melissa K. Nelson, and Tom Goldtooth to create a sovereign space within the Bioneers conference for Indigenous Peoples to caucus among ourselves, share ideas, and connect with allies across shared movements. It remains the only gathering of its kind, bringing together Indigenous activists, scientists, elders, youth, culture-bearers and scholars to share their knowledge and frontline solutions in dialogue with a dynamic, multicultural audience.
Goals of the Indigenous Forum:
1.
Amplify Indigenous Voices, Models and Initiatives
2.
Build Networks and Movements among Indigenous Peoples and with Allies
3.
Enhance Cross-Cultural Dialogue, Learning, Cultural Sensitivity and Informed Action
Amplifying Voices
Even in today’s increasingly inclusive cultural and media environment, Native Voices are often absent and greatly under-represented.
Building Networks
Each year, the Indigeneity Program and the Indigenous Forum play an important role in bringing allies, partnerships and funders to our Indigenous partners.
Cross-Cultural Dialogue
The Indigenous Forum prioritizes the creation of a space that nurtures cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. We believe that real change takes all people. We illuminate what non-Native people can do in their own communities, as well as culturally appropriate ways to get involved with Indigenous issues.
According to a recent audience survey, the top reasons people attend are:
- Subject Matter
- Indigenous Perspectives
- Indigenous Knowledge
- Specific Speaker
Post-conference conversations with attendees shows that participants of all backgrounds apply what they have learned once they return home contributing to the success of countless Indigenous movements and campaigns over the past 30 years.
What Attendees Had to Say About the Indigenous Forum
“Startling wisdom! The space to amplify Indigenous voices and perspectives is sorely missing in almost every other area of my life.”
“I am now more motivated than ever to come to the foreground of the fight for natural protection. I am eager to use my two hands, mind, and heart to help.”
“I learned more about Native history than I had ever learned in any setting.”
“Such an honest and real mix of voices and perspectives!”
“It was powerful to hear from people who have gone through such trauma to bring forth the truth, illuminating history that is all of ours, and calling for change.”
“[What I found] most valuable was listening to the similarities and different experiences of the different tribes in different regions of the world.”