We are pleased to announce the keynote speakers for this year’s IAP2 North American Conference. We’re excited to welcome two individuals whose accomplishments epitomize involving the people affected by a decision, and do so in markedly different ways.
Last year, Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission offered 94 calls to action for advancing reconciliation between Indigenous and all Canadians. These recommendations include a call to engage more actively with the Indigenous business community in Canada, which aligns with JP Gladu’s belief that reconciliation is well viewed through the “business lens”. JP is the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, a non-partisan non-profit organization dedicated to advancing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous business through meaningful dialogue and engagement. JP will address the lunch session on Thursday, Sept. 29 to share why the Indigenous business community cares about P2.
On Friday, we’ll meet Dicki Chhoyang, who served in the first Central Tibetan Administration, formed in 2011 when the Dalai Lama decided to hand over political authority to an elected leadership. That historic move was the first step towards achieving his vision for a democratic government in his homeland. On Friday, Sept. 30, Ms Chhoyang will share with us about the challenges in Tibet’s unique circumstances and the lessons learned.
Indigenous engagement is a theme you’ll hear about often at the Conference: in addition to JP Gladu’s presentation, attendees may take part in the pre-Conference Indigenous Engagement Workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 28.
Also, Jeff Cook, recipient of the 2015 Core Values Award for Indigenous Engagement (and 2015 Project of the Year), will give a presentation on P2 as a necessary ingredient for healing and reconciliation. Jeff, the principal of Beringia Community Planning, will discuss how the colonial roots of community planning for Indigenous peoples have historically robbed them of their existing community planning knowledge, protocols and practice. Jeff posits that P2 done for Indigenous peoples by Indigenous peoples is a crucial tool for re-building pride, self-determination and community unity. 
And how do you convince organizations to embrace a culture of participation? Many organizations still do not have P2 at the heart of their decision-making and action. Some suggestions and tools come to us from Down Under. In “Is Your Organization P2-Centric?” Anne Pattillo (New Zealand) and Michelle Feenan (Australia) will present new international research and case studies so attendees can learn from the practice of organizations that have moved to put public participation at the heart of their organization. The session will give participants practical tools to advance the practice in their organization.
There are some 30 sessions coming up at this year’s Conference: have a look at the Schedule-at-a-Glance for more information. Remember, the deadline to take advantage of the early-bird rate is June 30. (Register here)
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
And a very special welcome to our first two sponsors! Boréalis has joined as an “Exhibit Sponsor” and Morin Rélations Publiques is a “Logo Sponsor”! Your company or organization can also show how it cares about P2 and promote its own work to the P2 communit
y by supporting the Conference, too. There are sponsorship levels and opportunities to suit just about every organization and budget. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.
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