Tuesday March 4, 2025

8:00 AM

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Ballroom

Breakfast

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9:00 AM

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Ballroom

Opening Ceremonies

Opening Elder Blessing and Message
Opening Drum
Welcoming Remarks

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10:15 AM

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Movement & Nutrition Break

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10:30 AM

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Session Block 1

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Scandia

Learn to Jig

Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers

Formally known as the Slick and Lil J Show, back in 2012 they lost one of their biggest fans and proud supporter, Grandpa Ivan Flett passed away, it was with great sadness but an honour to rename themselves the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers. Every dance they do is in honour of him.

Their main focus is to attract youth through the rhythm and style of the hip hop jig. They hope to motivate and inspire people of all ages, and bring awareness that their culture is going strong and continues to be ambitious with this dance and music.

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ABOUT SESSION

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Viking

Putting on Your Own Oxygen Mask: Navigating Stress and Cultivating Resilience

Ashley Palmer

Ashley is the supervisor of the Oshkibiimaates Wiidoogakewin: Matawa Partnership Program at St. Joseph’s Care Group, a unique integrative mental health program within the Matawa Education and Care Centre (MECC). Ashley is a social worker and has worked in the mental health field for almost 20 years, specializing in youth mental health and addictions, trauma and critical incident response.

We don't have a bio for this presenter yet - stay tuned.

ABOUT SESSION

Work can have a profound effect on our emotional health, shaping how we think, feel, and interact both inside and outside the workplace. This presentation dives into common challenges such as stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue, while also giving attendees practical strategies to manage these challenges and foster a healthier, more balanced relationship with their work.

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Odin

All About Autism Spectrum Disorder (#1)

Jennifer Logan

Born in Thunder Bay, I graduated with a BA and BEd from Lakehead University. Following graduation, I moved to Winnipeg and began teaching in the Winnipeg School Division. Teaching soon led to entering the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis. There, I discovered my passion for helping children and youth feel empowered to develop meaningful skills that enrich their lives.

We don't have a bio for this presenter yet - stay tuned.

ABOUT SESSION

This session will cover what ASD is, how individuals may be impacted, strengths, challenges such as Theory of Mind, Central Coherence, and what Autism could look like with the school and community. This presentation will include interactive centres to support with insight into challenges experienced.

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Icelandic

Localizing Curriculum: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and Perspectives in Education (#1)

Flora Asp

Flora Asp was raised in the isolated Ojibway First Nations community of Eabametoong, Ontario. Her path to higher education began with her enrolment in the Yukon Native Teacher Education Program at Yukon College, where she earned a Bachelor of Education Degree in 2002. Flora went on to earn a Master’s in Education from Simon Fraser University in 2007.

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ABOUT SESSION

This professional development session will embed Indigenous knowledge, language, and relationships with place and community into the curriculum. The goal is to help participants understand how to weave Indigenous perspectives into their teaching practices, who are committed to walking the reconciliation path with respect, understanding, and action.

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Executive Boardroom

Wise Practices for the transition to Kindergarten

Kristy Hankila

Kristy is a R.E.C.E. with experience in various Early Learning and Child Care settings including licensed care and Kindergarten and has five years of experience writing curriculum and facilitating training for RECEs across the province. Kristy has a background in journalism and corporate communications for Indigenous Political Territorial Organizations and mental health non-profits.

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ABOUT SESSION

In this presentation we will look at the work happening across the Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory. Participants will discuss how educators, programs and communities can best support children and families in the transition from Early Learning and Child Care programs to the Kindergarten classroom.

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Boardroom 1

Mapping Electoral Districts: Fairness, identity, and elections

Ashley Nurmela

Ashley Nurmela is the Indigenous education coordinator for Elections Canada in Northwestern Ontario. She delivers learning services in the region. Based in Nipigon, Ontario, she is a member of the Red Rock Indian Band. Actively engaged in her community, she has experience working with local First Nations communities, federal and provincial schools, organizations, students, and families.

We don't have a bio for this presenter yet - stay tuned.

Katherine Boyes

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ABOUT SESSION

Numeracy comes alive in this real-world, problem-solving activity. In Mapping Electoral Districts, students develop their geographic thinking, numeracy skills and map literacy. They consider factors like language, cultural identity, and population to help determine fair electoral boundaries. Explore how federal boundaries are drawn in this hands on activity.

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Boardroom 2

Top 10 features to make your school life easier (for secretaries and administrators)

Dadavan: Dale MacMullin

For the past twenty years, Dadavan has been partnering with Indigenous communities across Canada to develop and implement purpose-built data management systems. Our ever-evolving suite of products, used across all provinces, manages data in post-secondary management, K-12 student information systems, off-reserve data management - and we keep growing!

We don't have a bio for this presenter yet - stay tuned.

ABOUT SESSION

Dadavan will go through the top 10 features of Outcomes that help make life easier for both Administration as well as Teachers.There will be lots of time left for discussion/questions.

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Boardroom 3

Engaging Students in Robotics

Mayrose Salvador

Mayrose Salvador, a scientist, innovator, and educator, earned her PhD in Physical Chemistry from University of Toronto. She has developed advanced solar materials, pioneered laser techniques for nanomaterials, and studied their environmental impact. Co-founder of Pueblo Science, she has empowered over 5,600 teachers and 500,000 students and is passionate about technology for community solutions.

We don't have a bio for this presenter yet - stay tuned.

Vienna Fu

Vienna Fu is a second-year master’s student at the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto. She conducts research at SickKids Hospital, focusing on the role of specific immune pathways in chronic kidney disease progression. Since 2023, she has been an instructor for Pueblo Science, helping to inspire young minds through hands-on STEM education.

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ABOUT SESSION

Robotics is a fun and practical way to teach technology and programming, making it ideal for modern education. In this workshop, participants will build a simple robotic car and program it using block-based tools via smartphones. Aligned with the Grade 4-8 curriculum, it includes lesson plans integrating robotics into science, math, and technology, offering practical strategies for classroom use.

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Artisan Room

Birch Bark Canoes

John Ferris

My name is John Ferris. I’m a member of Constance Lake First Nation, and I have been artistically active most of my life. I have created a business Ed-Digenous Traditions that serves educational institutions with our Indigenous Learning kits which collaborates with curriculum and other programs learning Indigenous Culture.

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ABOUT SESSION

Our Birchbark Canoe is a tribute to the intricate craft of Indigenous canoe-making, a skill that is becoming increasingly rare. This authentic replica, once a vital part of Indigenous life, serves as a poignant reminder of traditional methods overshadowed by modern manufacturing. It’s an excellent educational piece for teaching about Indigenous innovation and sustainability.

12:00 PM

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Lunch

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1:00 PM

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Session Block 2

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Scandia

Pow-Wow dancing; more than just dance; it's a lifestyle (#1)

Gloria Ranger

Gloria Ranger is a proud member of Neskantaga First Nation. With over 20 years of experience in cultural resource coordination, she has worked at the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, currently works at St. Josephs Care Group and actively contributes to local community organizations. Gloria also teaches dance and fitness classes and enjoys music and coffee in her free time.

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ABOUT SESSION

Join this workshop for a fun a fusion of fitness, dance, and lifestyle motivation! Experience pow-wow dancing, learn strategies for mindset, nutrition, and daily habits through medicine wheel teachings. Whether you’re aiming to boost your energy, get fit, build confidence, or stay motivated, this session empowers you to live your best life. All abilities welcome, no gym attire is needed!

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Viking

Back To Basics: Empowering Autism Classroom Management Through Innovative Technology Integration

Bruno Bilotta

Bruno Bilotta is a PhD student and Faculty Advisor at Lakehead University, as well as an educator with the Toronto Catholic District School Board in the Treatment Research and Education for Autism and Developmental Disorders (TRE-ADD) program. With over 20 years of experience supporting exceptional students across various age groups, Bruno has developed a strong commitment to inclusive education.

We don't have a bio for this presenter yet - stay tuned.

ABOUT SESSION

This presentation will address critical issues related to education that encompasses autism training, classroom management, 21st-century pedagogies, self-regulation, and the integration of technology. We are creating an inclusive classroom environment that supports exceptional students with an emphasis on mental health approaches that are practical and easy to implement both in school and at home.

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Odin

The role of Anishinaabe cultural practices, protocols, and teachings: An exploration of community-led teaching and learning practices in education

Tyler Armstrong

Tyler Armstrong is a Shkaabe (helper) to his people and is a member of Michikan Lake First Nation within NAN. Tyler has completed his MEd and MSW focusing on Indigenous education and wholistic healing. At Lakehead University, Tyler has been vital in the creation of a new Indigenous Ancestry pathway for P/J teachers and is a PhD student with a focus on Indigenous education program development.

We don't have a bio for this presenter yet - stay tuned.

Roberta Ogemah

Roberta Ogemah is a student in the Indigenous Education program. Roberta was raised in Lac Seul First Nation. Prior to pursuing her education, she worked under the Lac Seul Education Authority for six years as a Teacher’s Assistant, working with grades from grades k-7. This is where she fell in love with the youth and felt a pull to become a teacher herself and give back to her community.

We don't have a bio for this presenter yet - stay tuned.

Melissa Oskineegish

Melissa Oskineegish is a staff member at Keewatinase Indigenous Education. Melissa’s research interests on culturally responsive practices stems from her own experience as a non-Indigenous teacher and learner in northern Ontario.

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ABOUT SESSION

This workshop will provide an interactive discussion on fostering Anishinaabe ways of knowing, seeing, doing, and being in education. The workshop will share examples from three teacher education courses rooted in the seasonal practices and teachings of Dagwaagin, Biboon, and Ziigwan/Niibin. And direct students to learn with/from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Family, and Community members.

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Icelandic

Stop Now And Plan (SNAP) Universal School-Based Model

Chloe Eward

Chloé is Manager, Program Implementation & Training at the Child Development Institute (CDI). Chloé supports the team of SNAP Trainer/Consultants to ensure SNAP affiliates are supported when implementing SNAP. Chloé holds a Master of Public Health and is passionate about developing inclusive, accessible, and sustainable programs that support community mental health.

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ABOUT SESSION

SNAP, developed by the Child Development Institute (CDI), is an evidence- and CBT-based model helping children (grades 2-5) regulate their emotions & make better choices in the moment. Delivered via 12 manualized or digitized sessions, SNAP increases student’s pro-social peer interactions & decreases disruptions in learning. SNAP is in two Matawa schools, improving relationships & school culture.

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Executive Boardroom

Pathways to Medicine

Emily Kerton

Emily Kerton is a Senior Manager leading the Outreach & Indigenous Initiatives portfolios. She has spent the last 15 years working with schools & communities to ensure Science North’s programming is culturally relevant and curriculum focused.

We don't have a bio for this presenter yet - stay tuned.

Monica Prodanyk

Monica Prodanyk is a STEM Specialist with Science North and has been working with the Outreach team to ensure programming is hands-on and fun!

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ABOUT SESSION

This session is a hands-on, experiential session where teachers will be given a kit of materials to get their students excited about the science and technology involved in medicine. These kits were developed in partnership with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and include activities like micropipetting, surgery fundamentals, learn CPR, and how to recognize a concussion.

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Boardroom 1

O&M with Tech Services

Lindsey Jupp

Lindsey Jupp has been the Environmental Technologist with Matawa Technical Services since 2009. Daily work activities include helping with O&M, funding applications, project management, help coordinating repairs/upgrades, sourcing contractors, etc.

We don't have a bio for this presenter yet - stay tuned.

ABOUT SESSION

Chance to talk about infrastructure needs, repairs/upgrades, networking/contacts, future planning, issues & concerns, or anything else.

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Boardroom 2

Top 10 features to make your school life easier (for teachers)

Dadavan: Dale MacMullin

We don't have a bio for this presenter yet - stay tuned.

ABOUT SESSION

Dadavan will go through the top 10 features of Outcomes that help make life easier for both Administration as well as Teachers. There will be lots of time left for discussion/questions.

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Boardroom 3

Living History: Live Science

Elliott Cromarty

Elliott Cromarty is the Indigenous Heritage Program Coordinator at Fort William Historical Park. He began learning about Anishinaabe culture, history and traditional skills as a student. He works with the community to develop and host education programs, events and workshops. Elliott teaches staff about Indigenous culture, encouraging them to share it with visitors from many walks of life.

We don't have a bio for this presenter yet - stay tuned.

David Bates

David Bates is a Canoe Builder & scientist of Métis and Ojibwa heritage from Fort William Historical Park. In a past life, he travelled across Northern Ontario teaching science and tech to students and adults of all ages. He now uses storytelling, traditional techniques, and the occasional explosion to do the same thing, but a few hundred years in the past.

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ABOUT SESSION

Get a big reaction by taking science out of the lab and into the past. Fire cold cannons, launch fireballs and stay dry underwater. Get the chemistry of fire lighting, cozy up in thermal furs, shock your students with the original electrical demonstration, and colour their chemistry knowledge with maple and blueberry indicators. Have a time-travelling good time with science interpretation.

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Artisan Room

Birch Bark Canoes

John Ferris

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ABOUT SESSION

2:30 PM

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Movement & Nutrition Break

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2:45 PM

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Ballroom

ENTERTAINMENT

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Tuesday March 4, 2025

agenda