In the heart of Detroit, a buzzing Bioneers Pollinator Event, the Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit (GLBD) hosted by the University of Detroit Mercy, is preparing to host an inspiring event that promises to ignite passion and drive change. The GLBD conference, now in its 18th year, provides a platform for transformation — a space where communities come together to explore innovative solutions to the pressing environmental and social challenges of our time.

The event takes place October 12-13, and all are welcome to register here.

Titled “Revolution from the Heart of Nature: Take Action in Detroit,” the conference is set to be a melting pot of ideas, knowledge, and experiences. People of all ages are invited to participate, connecting, learning, and acting for the betterment of our One Earth Community. The event is not just about discussing problems; it’s about crafting solutions and fostering life-giving relationships.

Youth Empowerment Takes Center Stage

This year, the GLBD conference is expanding its youth programming, recognizing the importance of empowering the next generation. According to Gail Presbey, the Conference committee chair, “This year, it is our 18th annual conference. We have always had a substantial program for youth, but usually just on one day. This year we shifted our conference to two weekdays, Thursday and Friday, so we could have a youth program on each day. Many Detroit-area Middle Schools and High Schools come. Last year we had 230 youth, this year, we hope to have 300.”

Knowledge Sharing and Community Engagement

For adults, the conference offers a full day of enlightening sessions, keynote speeches, and opportunities for networking. In the words of Chelsea Manning, a planning committee member, “It is a wonderful opportunity for our community to learn about the amazing work being done throughout the city and engage in important discussions around sustainability. There will be 5 tours each day, keynote speakers, as well as a variety of youth and adult learnshops offering something for everyone!”

Incorporating the rich cultural heritage of Detroit, the conference opens with traditional songs by local artists like Chantal Gros-Louis and Joe Reilly, honoring the land’s indigenous roots. Keynotes by indigenous leaders Jade Begay and Yuria Celidwen underscore the conference’s commitment to recognizing and respecting Native communities.

A Call for Justice and Sustainability

The GLBD conference is not just about discussion; it’s about action. The event emphasizes the importance of acknowledging historical injustices, particularly concerning Native communities. By opening conversations about the Treaty of Detroit in 1807, GLBD is ensuring that the conference is rooted in justice for Indigenous Peoples. According to Gail Presbey, “We want to ensure that our conference acknowledges that the land that the University is on has been the land of the Three Fires Confederacy, the Ojibwa, Odawa, Potawatomi, and Wyandot nations. We acknowledge that this land was colonized via the Treaty of Detroit in 1807. We are committed to justice for Native communities.”

As the GLBD conference approaches, participants can look forward to engaging discussions, empowering learnshops, and the opportunity to be a part of a community committed to healing the Earth. In the spirit of Bioneers, this event is not just a conference; it’s a call to action, a revolution from the heart of nature, and a transformative journey toward a more sustainable and just world.