Wednesday, April 5, 12noon-1:30pm, this on-line event requires advance registration

In 1851, California’s first governor, Peter Burnett, told the Legislature to expect war “until the Indian race becomes extinct.” Recounting the state’s dark history, in 2019, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a formal apology to Native American tribal leaders for California’s history of repression and violence. Since then, the state of California has passed several bills and issued a number of executive orders supporting a broad range of equity and reparative initiatives, including the California Truth and Healing Council.

In the context of several emerging state and local initiatives aimed at racial equity, justice, truth-telling, and healing, the New York Times (6/19/2019) wondered if the governor’s proclamation was part of a “cultural moment” in which Americans were increasingly grappling with the nation’s sins. Is it possible to reckon with and repair this country’s racial past? What obstacles stand in the way of moving forward? In the context of California, what does reparation and restoration mean to the Native American peoples in California — and is justice and healing even possible?

Join our conversation with Dr. Kessler-Mata to learn more about reconciliation and indigenous community efforts taking place in the United States. As a political scientist, she will discuss some of the realities of navigating such extensive, historical, and bureaucratic processes — including her experiences as a councilmember on the California Truth and Healing Council. Finally, and more personally, Dr. Kessler-Mata will reflect upon justice as holistic, communal, and restorative — a framing that invites healing and transformation.

This program is co-sponsored by the Mershon Center for International Security Studies, Corrymeela Community, Northern Ireland Executive, Ulster University, University of Bradford, and the Divided Community Project at the Moritz College of Law, The Ohio State University.

RSVP for this event by using this link.

Hosted by Mershon Center for International Security Studies.