National Gathering for Indigenous Education 2025

📅 Date: November 19–21, 2025
📍 Location: RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba + Virtual Attendance

The National Gathering for Indigenous Education 2025 is Canada’s largest annual event dedicated to advancing Indigenous education. Over three transformative days, K–12 and post-secondary educators, school and community leaders, policymakers, and corporate partners will come together to share knowledge, explore innovative strategies, and foster collaboration to enhance learning experiences for Indigenous students.

Organized by Indspire, the gathering offers workshops, panel discussions, and keynote presentations that integrate Indigenous knowledge, culture, and contemporary educational practices. Attendees gain actionable insights, leadership strategies, and inspiration to improve Indigenous student engagement and educational outcomes.

Featured Speakers & Honored Individuals

• Michaella Montana – Master of Ceremonies
• Edith Loring-Kuhanga – Keynote Speaker, 2025 Indspire Education Laureate
• Duncan McCue – Keynote Speaker, 2017 Indspire Public Service Laureate
• Phyllis Webstad – Keynote Speaker
• Niigaan Sinclair – Climbing the Mountain Presenter
• Tréchelle Bunn, Arsaniq Deer, Madelaine McCracken – Young Indigenous Leaders Panel

The event also celebrates exceptional educators and organizations through the Guiding the Journey Awards, recognizing leadership, innovation, and dedication to student success.

Agenda Highlights

Day 1 – Wednesday, November 19

• Exhibit Hall: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Opening & Young Indigenous Leaders Panel: 8:30–9:45 AM
• Presentation Sessions #1 & #2: 10:00–11:45 AM
• Lunch & Keynote (Edith Loring-Kuhanga): 12:00–2:00 PM
• Presentation Sessions #3 & #4: 2:15–4:00 PM
• Exhibitor Reception: 3:30–6:00 PM
• Future Educators Networking Event (Rideau Hall Foundation): 5:30–8:30 PM

Day 2 – Thursday, November 20

• Session #1: A Journey with Manoomin, Teaching Traditional Language through Land and Poetry, Land as Teacher, Beyond the Page, Teaching Animal Kinship, Bringing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into Teaching, Students as Active Members of Truth and Reconciliation
• Session #2: Reclaiming the Code, Plagiarism, Pixels, and Power, Through William’s Eyes, Indigenous Ways of Knowing is Sustainability, Educational Podcasting, Kaanawapahta Maytress, Content Not Culture
• Session #3: Trauma-Informed Schools, Play-Based Learning Plans in Youth Leadership, ADHD System Building, Equity Through Structured Literacy, Sewing as Healing, Iskwesis Empowerment Project, Indigenous Literatures Lab
• Session #4: Niswi, Niizh, Bezhig, Ambe!, Advocacy Testimony, Interweaving Culture with Curriculum, Bringing ReconciliACTION to Life, Fostering AI Literacy, Empowering Two-Spirit Youth, 2024 Indspire Awards

Day 3 – Friday, November 21

• Session #5: Wâhkôhtowin, From the Land to the Classroom, Bringing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit into Teaching, Students as Active Members of Truth and Reconciliation, Reclaiming the Code, Through William’s Eyes, Kaanawapahta Maytress
• Session #6: Content Not Culture, Trauma-Informed Systems, Iskwesis Empowerment Project, Indigenous Literatures Lab, Fostering AI Literacy, Play-Based Learning Plans, Beyond the Page

Who Should Attend

• Educators (K–12 and post-secondary)
• School and community leaders
• Policy-makers & government representatives
• Corporate partners supporting Indigenous education initiatives

The event provides professional development, networking, and practical strategies to enhance Indigenous student success across Turtle Island.

Registration & Pricing

• Early Bird Rate: $500 (ends October 1, 2025)
• Regular Rate: $750 (ends November 1, 2025)
• Last Call Rate: $900 (ends November 18, 2025)
• Group Registration: Contact nationalgathering@indspire.ca for groups of 15+

Virtual registration is also available for those unable to attend in person.

Hotel & Travel

• Discounted Hotel Rates: Delta Hotels Winnipeg & Radisson Hotel Winnipeg – $229/night (book by October 17, 2025)
• Air Travel Discount: Air Canada fares discounted for travel between November 12–28, 2025 using promo code V4EN8C31

Guiding the Journey Awards & Welcome Reception

• Date: November 19, 2025
• Location: Canadian Museum for Human Rights
• Includes awards presentations, canapés, and networking opportunities, celebrating Indigenous educators and organizations making a lasting impact.

Why It Matters

The National Gathering equips educators and allies with the knowledge, tools, and networks to implement meaningful change in education. Participants leave inspired, empowered, and ready to enhance Indigenous student engagement, indigenize curricula, and foster culturally responsive (which is an important resource) teaching practices.

Contact & Resources

• Email: nationalgathering@indspire.ca
• Phone: 1.855.INDSPIRE (1.855.463.7747)
• Official Website: https://indspire.ca/events/national-gathering/

Final Thoughts

This event offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative approaches and gain insights that can be applied across your site and home communities. Participants can access a variety of services designed to support professional growth, networking, and practical strategies for improving learning experiences. By engaging with these sessions, attendees can take actionable ideas back to their own environments, helping to foster meaningful change and stronger connections.

The event encourages collaboration across different sectors, inspiring attendees to implement creative solutions and share best practices within their networks. With a focus on innovation, community engagement, and practical application, participants leave equipped to make a lasting impact and drive positive transformation in the spaces where they work and live.