Call for Presentation Proposals

CASS invites system education leaders to contribute to the 2025 CASS First Nations, Métis, & Inuit Education Gathering, by submitting a presentation proposal before Jan. 17, 2025. Taking place April 30 – May 2, 2025, at the Wyndham Hotel in Edmonton, the 9^th annual Education Gathering will focus on “Wahkotamowin for Student Success,” which builds off of last year’s theme, “Wahkotowin: Kinship Relations for Student Success.” For the Nehiyawak (Cree People), “Wahkotamowin” represents a holistic relationship with all aspects of our living world, as described by Wapastim, Jason J. Bigcharles. The spirit of “Wahkotamowin” is beautifully expressed through the diverse languages of Indigenous Peoples, reflecting the interconnectedness that guides and nurtures student success.

When we think about Wahkotamowin as Neheowak (Cree People), we reflect on our relationships with the world around us … our relationships with people outside of our kinfolk, but also of relationships with all other parts of the living world. We reflect on the teachings that all things in our world have a living spirit and by acknowledging this we strive to understand and build a personal relationship with all aspects of our natural environment… the people around us, the animals, the plants, trees, the water, the mountains, the stars… through understanding and building personal relationships with these things we strengthen our relationship to our Creator … this is the nature of Wahkotamowin to a spiritual being … our kehte-ayahk (Elders) teach us that although we have an individual journey as Neheowak, that journey relies on Wahkohtamowin and our holistic relationship with everything in our living world. (Wapastim, Jason J Bigcharles)

Registration coming soon in the new year.

Cost: TBD plus GST

View Cancellation Policy

  Check out the 2024 Indigenous Education Gathering Learning Survey Report

CASS Professional Learning Priorities for 2025: Leadership and System Excellence

CASS resources to support your learning in this area include: Guide to Relationships and Learning with the Indigenous Peoples of Alberta; Cultural Protocol Research; eleadership guides, Establishing and Maintaining Respectful Relationships for Student Success: Education Service Agreements and Improving Success for Indigenous Students; and learning guides, Learning Guide – A Virtual Circle with Elders, A Virtual Circle: Najuna Ats’ila-hi – Embodying the Spirit and Intent of Treaty for Student Success, A Virtual Circle: Bridging Traditions – The Influential Role of Indigenous Knowledge Keepers in Provincial Education Systems, A Virtual Circle: ᒥᔪᐃᐧᒉᐦᑐᐃᐧᐣMiyo Wicehtowin: Building Relationships through School-Community Voices.

Disclaimer: Any other non-CASS resources being shared at this conference are intended for consideration and informational purposes only. Delegates are encouraged to exercise judgment and discretion when utilizing these resources, and to respect the authority of their school divisions regarding resource selection.

In partnership with Alberta Education.

We continue to grow the vision of bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators, education partners and members of our communities together to share our experiences and stories as we progress in our collective journey to reconciliation through education.

The Indigenous Education Gathering will participate in Explore Edmonton’s Carbon Neutral Events Program. Our participation demonstrates that we are being good stewards of the land and emphasizes a shared commitment to sustainability, respect, and interconnectedness with nature. Indigenous teachings highlight the importance of maintaining harmony with the Earth and safeguarding its resources for future generations.

Our participation in the program honours the principle of reciprocity, giving back to the land and ensuring its health for all. These actions resonate with Indigenous practices that prioritize environmental stewardship and the responsibility to act as caretakers of the Earth.

Moreover, such programs can support reconciliation by acknowledging and integrating Indigenous values into sustainability practices. Participating in this program reflects a commitment not only to environmental sustainability but also to upholding and learning from the wisdom of Indigenous approaches to land stewardship, fostering a deeper connection between event organizers, participants, and the environment. Learn more here. 

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Kinship Relations for Student Success