About IHHG
What is the Indigenous History and Heritage Gathering?
The Indigenous History and Heritage Gathering is a national, three-day gathering hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres.
IHHG brings together Residential School Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members, cultural and language practitioners, researchers, educators, professionals, institutions and partners who want to deepen understanding, share knowledge and strengthen relationships.
Guided by Indigenous voices and community experience, the Gathering explores the truths that shape Canada, the strength and resurgence of Indigenous languages and cultures, the power of stories, and the responsibilities that people and institutions carry forward.
Who Attends
The preservation and presentation of Indigenous history and heritage remain central to IHHG. Museums, archives, cultural centres, historians, curators and researchers continue to play an important role in the program and its audience.
At the same time, the Gathering now reaches beyond the traditional history and heritage community. Indigenous truths, cultures and relationships inform decisions across public service, business, education, health, justice, media, tourism, infrastructure, community development and many other fields.
IHHG is a place for people who want to understand that context more deeply, listen directly to Indigenous voices and carry the learning into the decisions, services, policies, partnerships and stories they shape.
The Experience
A National Indigenous Peoples Day opening-night experience that brings participants together through Indigenous culture, storytelling, celebration and connection.
Keynotes and plenary conversations led by Indigenous voices.
Concurrent sessions featuring community-led projects, lived experience, research and practical learning.
Opportunities to connect with communities, organizations, funders, institutions and service providers.
An exhibit area featuring Indigenous businesses and organizations, public institutions, programs, tools and services relevant to participants.
Indigenous-inspired food and beverage experiences woven throughout the Gathering.
About the Hosts
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
The NCTR derives its mandate from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and from the agreements under which the Centre was established and the records of Residential School Survivors first entrusted to its care. It is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience are honoured and kept safe for future generations.
First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres
Established in 1972, the FNCCEC is a national organization representing Cultural Education Centres across the country. It supports programs and initiatives that promote, revitalize and preserve First Nations languages and cultures, and works to strengthen reconciliation and relationship-building between First Nations and Canadian communities.