Bioneers brings together a very diverse, discerning, engaged and reflective community, and the curated conversations around crucial topics we have been hosting recently (“Conversation Cafes”) have proven highly popular and stimulating. Each session begins with a very brief presentation by one of the conference presenters as a “conversation starter” to frame the topic, followed by structured group discussion. At the end of each session, a “harvester” who has carefully witnessed and “absorbed” what has transpired, offers us a poetic synopsis/recapitulation of the highlights of our time together.

Join best-selling Manitoba author and activist Clayton Thomas-Muller to explore what may be required for First Nations people, and all Indigenous peoples, to heal from the violence of the country they’ve lived upon for so long. In Canada, as in the U.S., colonialism is at the heart of many of Native peoples’ most pressing issues, such as food insecurity, climate change, environmental injustice, inequality, and MMIW. We will discuss and explore together how a better future is not only possible, but necessary, and how Indigenous Peoples are leading the way. Facilitated by: David Shaw, Santa Cruz Permaculture and UCSC Right Livelihood College. “Harvester:” Jason Bayani, author, theater performer, Artistic Director, Kearny Street Workshop.