Unforgettable community discussions and respectful, inclusive debates
The Salt Spring Forum brings diverse perspectives on important issues to a community known for its civic engagement and openness to new ideas.
The Forum has hosted some of the world's leading authors, artists, scientists, political leaders and activists. Our annual speaker series and members-only salons present thought-provoking discussions on some of the greatest issues of our times.
Forum events take place in a truly participatory discussion format that ensures respectful dialogue, a wide-range of perspectives and ideas, and mutual learning.
We invite you to learn more about the Salt Spring Forum. The best way to become involved is to attend one of our many events. We also encourage you to become a member and support our work with a tax-deductible donation.
OUR NEXT EVENT.
Alice Te Punga Somerville
7.30pm, March 8th. Beaver Point Hall
Tickets available HERE
Indigenous Peoples across the Pacific Ocean
Captain James Cook is famous for exploring and mapping Oceania, Australia, New Zealand and the West Coast of North America up to Nootka Sound.
Cook is also famous for his desire to “civilize” the people he encountered on his three voyages and the often-brutal means he employed in pursuit of that goal.
Two-and-a-half centuries later, colonialism has stolen the lands and cultures of Indigenous peoples, and “civilization” is still being forced onto them.
Alice Te Punga Somerville is a Māori poet, author, scholar and irredentist. She is also the Head of the Department of English Language and Literatures at UBC.
Professor Te Punga Somerville’s research goes deep into stories told by Māori and First Nations as opposed to the stories told about them.
She will be joined on stage by local author, historian, anthropologist and fellow Māori Chris Arnett.
What do the stories told by Māori and First Nations reveal? How can they find wider audiences?
How do the experiences of Māori in Aotearoa (New Zealand) compare with the First Nations of BC?
Are Māori any closer to acceptable reconciliation than our First Nations?
How can non-Indigenous people develop respect and understanding for the histories, perspectives and continuing importance of Indigenous peoples?
see who’s coming
See who we have coming up next at the Salt Spring Forum, both live and online guests.
recent speakers
The Forum has hosted some of the world's leading intellectuals, activists, political leaders, and thinkers.
““I am proud of what Forum does. And feel enlightened, broadened, glad to hear the unvarnished experiences of the speakers...” ”