PEC 2017 Conference "BLESSING THE WATERS OF LIFE"
September 26, 2017 @ 6:00PM — September 29, 2017 @ 12:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)
REGISTRATION is a two-step process: 1) Register for the conference, pre-conference immersion, transportation, hikes, and other programs on this page, AND 2) Register for meals and lodging with Menucha at www.menucha.org/programs/pec. Please refer to the conference schedule for details about keynote, speakers, workshops, and pre-conference and conference activities at www.presbyearthcare.org/events. Registration deadline is September 6th. Due to limited space, early registration is strongly recommended.
BLESSING THE WATERS OF LIFE: Justice and Healing for Our Watersheds, September 26-29, 2017
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing
Worship Leader: Dr. Paul Galbreath
Musicians: Jim and Jean Strathdee
Special Guest: Ilarion (Larry) Merculieff
Highlights of plenaries and workshops include members of Columbia River Tribes raising our understanding of the Doctrine of Discovery and General Assembly's 2016 overture to renounce it; Nora Lecesse, from the Office of Public Witness, leading us through a participatory exercise that will heighten our awareness of the continuity of indigenous peoples within the social political fabric; and a workshop about direct action that will give us a first-hand look at how to engage in civil disobedience and its value in our society.
SPIRIT OF THE SALMON: Water, Culture, and Justice in the Columbia Watershed, September 25-26, 2017
This two-day pre-conference Environmental Justice Immersion will provide excellent preparation for conversations that will take place at the conference, September 26-29.
Monday, September 25 begins at Menucha where we learn from tribal members about tribal sovereignty, treaties and how historic neglect and wrongs are being addressed. We then journey to Cascades Locks where we see tribal fishing platforms, view spawning salmon, and hear how tribal leaders have prevented the extinction of salmon runs. After a brief stop at the site of Oregon's first oil train spill, we visit Celilo Village near the now silenced Celilo Falls. We cap the day with storytelling and dancing.
Tuesday, September 26 starts with dialogue and an interfaith panel on the "Doctrine of Discovery" focused on what repudiating this 15th-century justification for the subjugation of non-Christian people has meant for current day relationships with Native Americans. Next, we learnabout hydropower at Bonneville Dam and then experience traditional dip-nets and fishing in Cascade locks. A prayer vigil or direct action will demonstrate solidarity with the Columbia River Tribes and their issues.