CANTON — St. Lawrence University will host Haudenosaunee leaders, scholars, authors and advocates for a public discussion exploring Indigenous perspectives on democracy and their relevance to challenges facing communities today.

The event, titled “American Indigenous Democracy: A Call for Interdependence,” will take place Thursday, Nov. 12, at 4:30 p.m. in Eben Holden on the university campus. The event is free and open to the public.

The discussion also will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

Inspired by the book American Indigenous Democracy: A Call for Interdependence, the conversation will explore the enduring wisdom of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the importance of interdependence, collective responsibility and community in democratic life.

“The Haudenosaunee Confederacy offers a powerful example of how democracy can be grounded in relationships, shared responsibility and respect for one another,” said Brenda Papineau, director of Native American Affairs and Community-Based Learning at St. Lawrence.

“At a time when our society is grappling with questions about democracy and what it means to be part of a community, we have much to learn from Indigenous perspectives. We're honored to bring these voices together at St. Lawrence and invite our campus and North Country neighbors to be part of this important conversation,” Papineau said.

The panel will feature authors and subject matter experts Jose Barreiro, Beverly Cook, Katsi Cook, Alex Jacobs and Louise McDonald Herne. Rachel A.R. Porter will moderate the discussion.

The event is presented by St. Lawrence University's Native American Affairs program, with support from the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences, littleGrasse Community Farm, Native American and Indigenous Studies, the Department of Political Science, the Center for the Environment and the President's Office.

Light refreshments will be served. Visitors may park in J-Lot on campus. A livestream will be available for those who cannot attend in person.