Early bird rates end on March 31! Register now!

2025 Program

Subject to change.

« June 2

June 3

» June 4

» Program Streams At A Glance

Program Streams:

Language and Culture
Reflecting on the TRC's Legacy
Sharing Stories
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Registration OPEN
Foyer, 2nd Floor
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Exhibits OPEN
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Breakfast
Hall A
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Opening Remarks

Claudette Commanda, CEO, First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres
Stephanie Scott, Executive Director, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Hall A North
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Keynote Session

Hall A North
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Break - Visit Exhibitors
Hall A South
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Concurrent Sessions

Sharing Stories
A Decade of Change: Reflecting on the TRC Calls to Action and the Role of Media

Ten years after the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, this session reflects on the role of Indigenous media professionals who have led with integrity, courage, and commitment to truth-telling.

Cheryl McKenzie, Executive Director of News and Current Affairs / Executive Management, APTN
Francine Compton, Associate Director of the Indigenous Journalists Association
Melissa Rigden, Network Managing Editor, Global News

Room 2EF
Language and Culture
The Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony at the University of Manitoba

This panel shares information and teachings from the University of Manitoba’s (UM’s) Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony. Since 1877, the University has wrongly accepted Indigenous Ancestral remains and Belongings that were brought to the University without consent. Read more

Wandbi Wakita, Grandfather-in-Residence, University of Manitoba
Norman Meade, Elder-in-Residence, University of Manitoba
Karen Courchene, Grandmother-in-residence, University of Manitoba
Pahan Pte San Win, Respectful Rematriation Repatriation Ceremony Co-Chair, University of Manitoba
Dr. Lara Rosenoff Gauvin, Respectful Rematriation Repatriation Ceremony Co-Chair and Associate Professor, University of Manitoba

Hall A North
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Concurrent Sessions

Language and Culture
TRC Calls to Action for Cultural Competency - how far have we come?

The TRC issued six Calls to Action for ‘cultural competency training’ for the following sectors: health-care professionals (CTA 23), nursing schools (CTA 24), lawyers (CTA 27), law schools (CTA 28), all levels of government (CTA 57), and business (CTA 92). They call upon these sectors to learn about “the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Aboriginal rights and Treaties, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations.  Read more

Chastity Davis, Principal, Chastity Davis Consulting

Moderated by:
Jennifer David, Senior Consultant and Lead, Truth & Reconciliation Service Basket at NVision Insight Group

Hall A North
Reflecting on the TRC's Legacy
Data is Power: Indigenous Data Sovereignty in Action

This panel explores the evolving landscape of Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS) and its role in advancing self-determination, nation rebuilding, and community empowerment. Panelists will discuss how Indigenous Nations are asserting authority over their own data, navigating relationships with governments and institutions, and implementing frameworks for ethical data governance. The conversation will highlight commitments from the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Canada’s…  Read more

Jonathan Dewar, Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC)

Room 2EF
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Break - Visit Exhibitors
Hall A South
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Keynote Session: Phyllis Webstad

Hall A North
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Bingo Night

Get ready for some Bingo excitement at IHHG! Join us for an evening of fun, laughter, and friendly competition as we gather around the Bingo boards.

Room 2GH

« June 2

» June 4

Data is Power: Indigenous Data Sovereignty in Action

This panel explores the evolving landscape of Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS) and its role in advancing self-determination, nation rebuilding, and community empowerment. Panelists will discuss how Indigenous Nations are asserting authority over their own data, navigating relationships with governments and institutions, and implementing frameworks for ethical data governance. The conversation will highlight commitments from the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Canada’s UNDRIP Act and Action Plan, and initiatives such as the Federal Budget 2021’s “Transformational Approach to Indigenous Data,” which supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in building capacity to manage and govern their own data. Participants will leave with deeper insight into the importance of IDS and practical tools to advocate for rights-based, community-led approaches to data use, access, and stewardship.

TRC Calls to Action for Cultural Competency - how far have we come?

The TRC issued six Calls to Action for ‘cultural competency training’ for the following sectors: health-care professionals (CTA 23), nursing schools (CTA 24), lawyers (CTA 27), law schools (CTA 28), all levels of government (CTA 57), and business (CTA 92). They call upon these sectors to learn about “the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Aboriginal rights and Treaties, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti- racism.” First, what exactly is ‘intercultural competency’ and how do you know if you’ve achieved it? Why do we need to understand the difference between Indigenous law and Aboriginal law? What do they mean by Aboriginal-Crown relations? What skills are acquired by taking ‘skills-based training’? Have these sectors advanced these Calls to Action? I would like to answer these questions to help delegates unpack these terms to move forward on and be accountable for implementing these important Calls to Action. By the end of this presentation, delegates will be able to: – Identify the Calls to Action related to education towards cultural competency – Describe ‘intercultural competency’ and – Explain what it means to gain ‘skills-based training’ in anti-racism, conflict resolution and anti-racism.” Determine how and if sectors are meeting this Call to Action.

The Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony at the University of Manitoba

This panel shares information and teachings from the University of Manitoba’s (UM’s) Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony. Since 1877, the University has wrongly accepted Indigenous Ancestral remains and Belongings that were brought to the University without consent. The RRRC was established in 2021 to immediately implement more respectful practices of care for all Ancestors and Belongings at the University, while working with and receiving direction from First Nations, Inuit and Metis (FNIM) people for timely reburial and return. The RRRC operates with guidance from a Council of First Nation and Métis Elders, Grandfathers, Grandmothers and Knowledge Keepers at the UM. Their teachings and knowledge shape not only how we practice rematriation and repatriation, but the spirit with which we understand this work, and the transformation that it must cause.

Keep Me Posted

Sign-up to stay informed about the Indigenous History and Heritage Gathering.