Registration has begun for Why Water Matters, an ecumenical summit offering workshops, worship, and presentations from United Methodist bishops, Native American activists, professors, and ecumenical faith leaders. Bishop David Bard and Rev. Paul Perez, Michigan Area, are among the speakers.
The summit will be held November 16-18, 2017 at Embassy Suites Airport, Minneapolis, MN (7901 34th Ave S).
Other keynotes and presenters include Bishop Sally Dyck, Bishop Bruce Ough, Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Dr. Randy Woodley, Lionel Little Eagle Pinn, John Hill, Rev. E. Michelle Ledder, and Laura Pfeffer.
This summit will provide a theological foundation for environmental action, teach faith and community leaders to engage in direct communication with government agencies and commercial companies that oversee the care of bodies of water, offer tools for creating effective solidarity with Native American spiritual and tribal leaders whose source/s of water has become threatened, and empower individuals to create an action plan for water advocacy and/or sustainability in their local communities.
Register before September 1st for the early bird rate ($175). Registration after September 1st is $195 and increases to $225 after October 15th. Registration includes the cost of dinner on Thursday and lunch and dinner on Friday. On-site registration is available Nov. 16th from 3-5 pm. The event begins with dinner Thursday at 5:30 PM and ends Saturday Nov. 18th at noon. Hotel reservations can be made with group code WAS. Limited scholarship funds are available. Priority is given to young adults, Native American attendees or other ethnic representatives. Contact Rev. Adrienne Sparrow Trevathan for information.
Why Water Matters was created in response to the crisis at Standing Rock, and further inspired by the continued need for faithful education and action for water justice. This event has been planned by Native American clergy and laity, with the hopes of creating an inter-generational opportunity for solidarity and transformation. The leadership team encourages each annual conference to bring a small group, including at least one young adult. To learn more, visit www.whywatermatters.org.
Last Updated on October 31, 2023