Call for Speakers
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres (FNCCEC) invite speakers to submit presentation proposals for the 2025 Indigenous History and Heritage Gathering (IHHG) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As a key event during Indigenous History Month, IHHG provides a platform for knowledge-sharing, dialogue, and amplifying Indigenous voices across Turtle Island.
This year marks ten years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) presented the 94 Calls to Action, making it a significant moment to reflect on progress, challenges, and the path forward. If you have insights, research, or lived experiences to share, we encourage you to contribute to this important gathering.
Important Dates
Submissions Open
Jan 29, 2025
Submissions Close
Feb 28, 2025
Review Period
Mar 3-14, 2025
Acceptance Notifications Sent
Mar 31, 2025
Presentation Schedules Released
Apr 25, 2025
Program Streams
The 2025 IHHG will explore the following themes through three central program tracks:
» Reflecting on the TRC’s Legacy
This track acknowledges the progress and challenges experienced in the decade since the 94 Calls to Action and provides space for critical reflection and dialogue.
» Indigenous Culture and Language
This track showcases Indigenous cultural expressions and the revitalization of Indigenous languages, celebrating creativity, resilience, and cultural resurgence.
» Sharing Stories
This track emphasizes the power of storytelling, creating platforms for sharing and celebrating personal and community-driven narratives.
Topics for Submission
We invite speakers to submit proposals that present accessible and engaging content, ensuring that presentations are not highly technical but are appropriate for broad public audiences. Proposals should explore innovative strategies, research, stories, experiences, and best practices related to the above themes, particularly in the following areas stemming from the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action:
» Child Welfare
Culturally safe systems, reducing Indigenous child over-representation in care, supporting family reunification
» Education
Culturally relevant curricula, closing educational gaps, language revitalization
» Language & Culture
Protection, preservation, and promotion of Indigenous languages and cultural practices
» Health
Equitable healthcare access, culturally competent services, training and growth of Indigenous health professionals
» Justice
Addressing systemic biases, alternatives to incarceration, over-representation of Indigenous Peoples in the justice system
» Professional Development & Training
Educating public servants, healthcare professionals, educators, and others on the history of residential schools and cultural competencies
» Churches & Religious Institutions
Accountability for involvement in residential schools, collaborative approaches to healing and restitution
» Museums, Archives & Media
Accurate representation of Indigenous histories, repatriation of cultural items, Indigenous-led storytelling
» Missing Children & Unmarked Burials
Documentation, identification, memorialization, and family/community support
» Commemoration & Public Memory
Developing monuments, memorials, and educational centers that honour survivors and their families
» Newcomers & Businesses
Integrating Indigenous knowledge into citizenship guides, respecting Indigenous rights, and promoting economic reconciliation
Who Should Submit
- Residential School Survivors and Intergenerational Residential School Survivors
- Community leaders and Elders
- Educators, archivists, and researchers
- Healthcare, legal, and social service professionals
- Nonprofit and policy practitioners
- Artists, storytellers, and media producers
- Business and industry representatives
- Anyone engaged in advancing the TRC Calls to Action
Submission Guidelines
- Submissions can be in English or French and must present material in a clear manner with grammar and spelling of a quality suitable for publication. Simultaneous translation services will be available.
- Submissions should align with one of the three program tracks and provide a clear, concise overview of the proposed presentation.
- Submissions must be original and presenters must ensure their availability to deliver the presentation if accepted.
- Presentations cannot be used to advertise or advocate for a specific commercial interest.
- Submitters will receive a confirmation email upon submission. If an email confirmation is not received within 24 hours, please contact .
- If accepted for presentation at IHHG 2025, the Submitter grants IHHG permission to use the presentation and associated materials for educational and marketing purposes.
- Accepted presentations will be included on the IHHG website and mobile web app for attendees to access.
- All speakers must register for the conference to confirm their participation. Accepted speakers will receive appropriate travel arrangements, accommodations, and an honorarium (if applicable).
- For submissions with more than one speaker, you can add additional speakers (co-contributors). Correspondence from the IHHG Program Committee will only be with the individual making the submission, who must then notify all other presenters (co-contributors). The IHHG Program Committee is not responsible for notification emails not received due to incorrect contact information.
We look forward to receiving your submission!
Submission Review Process:
- The IHHG Conference Committee will evaluate submissions based on relevance, originality, and alignment with the program themes.
- Decisions of the IHHG Conference Committee are final.
- Notification emails will be sent by March 31, 2025.
- Presenters must confirm their participation upon acceptance.
- Presentation schedules and additional details will be provided by April 25, 2025.
Important Note:
If unforeseen circumstances prevent a presenter from attending, please notify as soon as possible so the presentation can be removed or reassigned.
Contact Information:
For questions or additional information, please contact us at . We look forward to receiving your submission and creating a meaningful gathering that amplifies Indigenous voices and stories.