Wednesday March 5, 2025

8:00 AM

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Ballroom

Breakfast

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ABOUT SESSION

9:00 AM

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Ballroom

Keynote Address

James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw

James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, a descendant of Turtle Mountain, is a renowned international speaker, author and digital creator. He is known on Instagram and Facebook for his series of short videos on indigenous language and culture and is the author of The Seven Generations and the Seven Grandfather Teachings.

His keen insights were developed through speaking with and recording Elders and Native language speakers across North America as part of the Ojibwe Language Dictionary Project.

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ABOUT SESSION

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

Connected North feather carving (#1)

Katie Burch

Katie Burch is an educator with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to supporting remote and Indigenous communities. As a leader with Connected North, she helps bridge cultural knowledge and education through virtual learning. Katie works closely with teachers and students, fostering meaningful connections and creating engaging, impactful learning opportunities tailored to diverse needs.

Priscilla Boulay

Born and raised in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Priscilla is the firstborn of Maryanne Taylor-Reid. Her journey into Inuvialuit art began at age 3 when her Uncle Derrald gave her a carving to sand and polish. Her unique carving style reflects Inuvialuit traditions like hunting, fishing, and Arctic wildlife. She balances urban life while passing her culture to her daughters.

ABOUT SESSION

Discover the possibilities of Connected North with Katie Burch and explore the art of feather carving with Inuit carver Priscilla Boulay. Learn how Connected North connects communities with virtual learning opportunities, then create your own carved feather while Priscilla shares carving techniques and the cultural significance of this beautiful Indigenous art form.

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Viking

High Impact Teaching Strategy: Explicit and Direct Instruction

Sheri Hopkins, Shannon Jessiman, Miranda Beare, Kelly McDougall

The Rapid Response Northern Schools Team is a small team of experienced educators and administrators who provides interim support to schools in First Nations communities during times of crisis so schools remain open as a safe, caring environment for students. When requested, the RRNST also offers educational support services to school staff to help foster student success and well-being.

ABOUT SESSION

Explicit Direct Instruction is a highly effective, high impact teaching strategy that is based on the premise that all students can learn. EDI helps teachers deliver well-designed, well-taught lessons that improve achievement for all learners. This session would offer concrete strategies and scenarios that illustrate what EDI strategies look like in the classroom.

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Odin

All About Autism Spectrum Disorder (#2)

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.

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 (#2)

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.

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

Navigating Google Drive - Anishinaabe-Biwabik Bimibizoon: N’digi-naabe

Tracy Spence

O-zha-wa A-nung Kwe/Yellow Star Woman (Teddy Syrette). Is from Rankin Reserve of Bat-che-wana First Nation of the Anishnabek. In 2021, they were honoured with the title of 2Spirit International Warrior. In 2023, Teddy’s business 2Spirit Anishnabe Storytelling & Advocacy was awarded the Indigenous Professional of the Year Award by the Sault Ste Marie Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Aroha Watene

Dr Aroha Watene (Hon EdD, MA, BA) is Ngāi Tuhoe, NZ. She has been an Indigenous Language Revitalization Specialist for the past 8 years at Matawa Education and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the World Indigenous Nations University, in Education, further emphasizing her contribution to Indigenous education. Aroha’s years of experience is in curriculum and digital instructional design.

ABOUT SESSION

This hands-on Anishinaabewowin presentation is for those who want to merge to Google-Drive to save time on administrative planning and improve communication lines between supervisors and co-workers. This workshop will include uploading and downloading, creating and sharing documents, proofing and editing. Participants must bring their own laptop and have an active Google drive account to participate.

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Boardroom 1

Special Education: Implementing a Holistic Approach in Individual Education Plans (IEP)

Cheryl Ugray

My name is Cheryl Ugray, and I am from Michikan Lake First Nation. I completed both my undergraduate and graduate education at Lakehead University, focusing on Indigenous Education. I have been an educator for 22 years and have worked in various capacities in Ontario and Alberta. Currently, I serve as the Special Education Coordinator for the Matawa Education and Care Centre in Thunder Bay.

ABOUT SESSION

This presentation will provide an overview of the components of an Individual Education Plan (IEP). We will focus on integrating cultural, land-based teachings and approaches as part of the Cultural and Special Education program. By incorporating a cultural lens, it holistically supports students by building cultural identity and enhancing overall well-being, academically and otherwise.

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Boardroom 2

Culturally Responsive Long-Range Plans

Md Abdus Salam

Dr. Md Abdus Salam is a highly accomplished professional with over 30 years of experience in school administration and teaching. He is now the principal at Neskantaga Education Centre. He received his M.Sc. in Mech. Eng. from Moscow, Master and Ph.D. in Applied Sciences from Belgium. In 2004, he received a B.Ed. from UOIT, Ontario. He received Canada’s Outstanding Principal award in 2016.

Tasfia Salam

Tasfia Salam was a JK/SK teacher at Kattawapiskak Elementary School, Attawapiskat in 2020-2021 and JK/SK teacher at Neskantaga Education Centre in 2023-2024 school year. She is a Honors Bachelor of Science from University of Toronto. She also received a Certificate in Human Resource Management from York University.

ABOUT SESSION

Every teacher must submit their Long-Range Plan (LRP) to the principal at the beginning of the school year. Every school or principal has its design, requirements, and templates to help teachers prepare an LRP. In this presentation, I will discuss how, at NEC, we developed an LRP template and how we can tailor it more to suit the First Nation culture, heritage, norms, and societal values.

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Boardroom 3

Strengthening Anishinaabemowin in Grades 6-9

Corine Bannon

Corine Bannon is an Anishinaabemowin educator at Lakehead University and Lakehead Public Schools in Thunder Bay. With 20+ years of experience, she works to embed Anishinaabemowin in schools and daycare centers. Passionate about language revitalization, she promotes its use in public learning spaces, fostering confidence in students. She supports NSL programs in multiple schools.

Charlotte Neckoway

ABOUT SESSION

This workshop will share Anishinaabe songs and games that have strengthened and supported learning for students in Grade 6 – 8. The teaching strategies used can be transferred to Grade 9 High School students to support Anishinaabe learning. We will look at grammatical patterns, pronoun patterns, tense markers, demonstratives to support students understand Anishinaabemowin.

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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.

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 (#2)

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.

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

Putting on Your Own Oxygen Mask: Navigating Stress and Cultivating Resilience (#2)

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.

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./5

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Odin

Effective Classroom Management: Strategies to address typical challenging behaviour scenarios

Rita Mannella

As a teacher for SK-12, Adult Education, Language Lead and Literacy Consultant for over 30 years, my background is shaped by teaching and sharing experiences and knowledge with diverse education professionals. I’ve written curriculum, revised assessment policy documents, and presented workshops about literacy, student assessment, and curriculum design at the local, regional and provincial level.

ABOUT SESSION

This workshop examines research set on the premise that an area that improves teaching methods, and student engagement, is effective classroom management. It examines behaviour scenarios from each division: Kindergarten, Primary, Junior and Intermediate. Participants will engage in the analysis of each scenario commonly observed in each division; with open discussion to facilitate best practices.

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Icelandic

Structured Writing through Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD)

Deborah McCallum

With over 20 years of experience in education, I specialize in fostering evidence-based, equitable, and inclusive learning environments. As a literacy specialist, lecturer, psychometrist, and doctoral student in School Psychology at OISE, my expertise lies in literacy development, neurodiversity, and intervention.

ABOUT SESSION

This presentation showcases Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD), a structured yet flexible, evidence-based approach designed to make writing accessible and effective for all students. Key features include personalized instruction tailored to individual needs, mnemonics for scaffolding learning, and strategies that build motivation and ensure long-term skill retention - and supports reading.

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Executive Boardroom

Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Blind/Low Vision and Deafblind Outreach Services - Ministry of Education

Kristi Stano

Kristi Stano is a Specialist Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Amy King

Amy King is a Specialist Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Beth Conly-Edwards

Beth Conly-Edwards is a Specialist Teacher of the Blind-BLV Coordinator.

ABOUT SESSION

Multiple ear infections in childhood, difficulty accessing curriculum due to a vision problem, or a dual sensory loss put children’s academic success at risk. Join us to discover how we can partner with you to support your learners in the following ways:

Assessments to Determine Needs

Programming Recommendations and Support

Overview of Educational Opportunities

Professional Development

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Boardroom 1

Anishinaabemowin Kikinomaagewin

Nancy Ritch

My name is Nancy Ritch. I belong to Marten Falls First Nation. I am fluent in my Ojibwe Language and I was raised in a hunting, fishing, trapping environment. I grew up up in a little log cabin up north where my family and I enjoyed the summer months and survived the cold winter months. We enjoyed some of the winter months as well when it wasn’t too cold.

ABOUT SESSION

I am going to present how to teach our language the Matawa Waka Tere Way. This session is for current MWT tutors and assistants, and those with the language who are interested in becoming a MWT tutor or assistant.

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Boardroom 2

Re-engaging the Disengaged - Meet Them Where They Are At

Rebecca Chambers

Rebecca Chambers is an experienced educator and founder of the R.I.S.E. Academy, a non-profit organization dedicated to re-engaging marginalized youth through personalized, hands-on learning. With a focus on equity, relationships, and real-world connections, she creates inclusive spaces that empower students to succeed and build pathways to their future.

ABOUT SESSION

This session provides tools and strategies for educators to re-engage youth who have struggled in traditional settings. Through impactful stories and practical methods, we’ll explore how relationships, flexibility, and culturally responsive approaches can help disconnected learners reconnect with their education and future.

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Boardroom 3

Fostering Indigenous Student Wellness in schools

Shai Loyie

Shai Loyie is Anishinaabe Kwe from the shores of Rainy Lake on Couchiching First Nation located in Treaty 3 Territory. Shai’s spirit name is Shabawa Ikwe Indigo meaning, “Women who sings with the Drum”. Shai is passionate about connecting students from all walks of life to the Indigenous culture through building a relationship with her hand drum.

Anika Guthrie

Anika is Anishinaabe kwe, Amik dodem and a proud member of the Anishinaabek Nation. She has many roles she values including daughter, auntie, wife, mother, and educator. Anika is in her 17th school year as a teacher. For the last 10 years, she has been working centrally to support Indigenous Education programming at LPS. Anika is truly honoured to work for and with Indigenous children and youth.

ABOUT SESSION

Participants will engage in aspects of cultural programming being implemented by the Indigenous Student Wellness Coordinator at LPS. Will share how the program provides a foundation for cultural identity/representation for FNMI students within LPS. The model starts in kindergarten & continues onto secondary, supporting Indigenous youth leaders through Mino Bimaadiziwin: Youth Leadership program.

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Artisan Room

Birch Bark Canoes

John Ferris

ABOUT SESSION

2:30 PM

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Movement & Nutrition Break

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ABOUT SESSION

2:45 PM

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Ballroom

ENTERTAINMENT

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Wednesday March 5, 2025

agenda