Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Indigenous Dialogue Series returns this fall to facilitate a conversation on reconciliation. Len Pierre will lead the first session, titled Reconciliation with Radical Thought, Action, and Heart, on September 29.
Pierre is from the Katzie Nation and shares close ties with other Nations in the region. At KPU, he is special advisor to the president on Indigenous leadership, innovation and partnerships. He aims to decolonize and transform corporate systems by guiding a conversation discussing reconciliation strategies before leaving the floor open for dialogue.
“Reconciliation calls for systemic transformation as the current colonial processes only serve a select few,” says Pierre. “To meet this transformation will call for more unconventional ways of thinking, doing and feeling.
“That means we will need to think outside the box when it comes to reconciliation and where it can exist for us all.”
The Indigenous Dialogue Series aims to bring together the KPU community to learn and engage with Indigenous leaders.
“Len is wise beyond his years. He is a knowledgeable and thoughtful leader with a great understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the current context,” says Steve Cardwell, KPU’s vice president students.
“Len is a highly sought after and brilliant speaker. He is the ideal individual to help start off this year’s Indigenous Dialogue Series. His talk, Reconciliation with Radical Thought, Action, and Heart, is appropriately placed just ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.”
Pierre says those attending his upcoming session can expect to engage in a dialogue specific to the KPU learning and teaching community.
“When it comes to reconciliation there are a lot of things we know but we rarely get the opportunity to discuss what we can do,” he adds. “The aim of this conversation is to share what we can all do to mobilize reconciliation through action, personally and professionally.”
Reconciliation with Radical Thought, Action, and Heart, by Len Pierre, will be hosted on Zoom on Wednesday, September 29,from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Learn more about the Indigenous Dialogue Series.