agenda

Monday
March 18
TUESDAY
March 19

Tuesday March 19, 2023

8:00 AM
8:00 AM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Breakfast
Breakfast
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Opening Remarks and Creating Space to Reflect
Opening Remarks and Creating Space to Reflect
Paul Francis, Ron Kanutski
9:10 AM
9:10 AM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Opening Prayer
Opening Prayer
Elder Aaron Therriault and Brenda Mason
9:30 AM
9:30 AM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Indigenous Inclusion - Fostering Understanding and Building Bridges
Indigenous Inclusion - Fostering Understanding and Building Bridges
Isaac Murdoch
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Wellness Break
Wellness Break

Everyone is encouraged to visit the vendor booths, SJCG exhibits and wellness station

10:45 AM
10:45 AM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
A Berry Picker at Heart: Generating Indigenous Pathways of knowing, being, and doing.
A Berry Picker at Heart: Generating Indigenous Pathways of knowing, being, and doing.
Kathy Absolon

Kathy is a trail blazer and comes by this honestly from growing up in the bush. She has spent at least 25 years generating Indigenous ways of knowing in education. In this session, she shares her experiences and stories in relation to creating spaces and places for Indigenous peoples in non-Indigenous spaces. She is a knowledge searcher and seeker of truths. The work she does as a trail blazer is full of challenges and rewards. Her work, she says, is informed by her teachings of the land and her love of her people. In this presentation Kathy focuses on how her Anishinaabe teachings inform her ways of knowing, being, and doing.

11:45 AM
11:45 AM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Nah Gah Chii’Tis Owin
Nah Gah Chii’Tis Owin
Valerie Shawinimash
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Lunch & 7 Grandfather Recognition Awards Presentation
Lunch & 7 Grandfather Recognition Awards Presentation
N’doo’owe Binesi
1:00 PM
1:00 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Sharing Our Knowledge in a Spirit Centred Way - Panel Discussion with Leaders in the Field
Sharing Our Knowledge in a Spirit Centred Way - Panel Discussion with Leaders in the Field
Panel Discussion: Reena Larabee, Elder Tina Armstrong, Dr. Mike Anderson, Dr. James Makokis, Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Isaac Murdoch - Moderated by Ron Kanutski
1:00 - 3:00 PM
1:00 - 3:00 PM
breakout
Port Arthur Room, 2nd Floor
invitation required
Port Arthur Room, 2nd Floor
breakout
Port Arthur Room, 2nd Floor
Repairing the Sacred Circle
Repairing the Sacred Circle
Gloria Ranger, Sarah Brown & George Lone Elk, Knowledge Keeper

Open to Invited Nurses Only - 2nd Session of Repairing the Sacred Circle Workshop

PLEASE NOTE that this session runs until 3:00pm.

2:00 PM
2:00 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Wellness Break
Wellness Break

Everyone is encouraged to visit the vendor booths, SJCG exhibits and wellness station

2:15 PM
2:15 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Welcome Back
Welcome Back
Ron Kanutski
2:25 PM
2:25 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Sharing What We've Learned from the Knowledge Gathering
Sharing What We've Learned from the Knowledge Gathering
Ron Kanutski

A Recap, Sharing Circle & Giveaway

3:30 PM
3:30 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Elder Closing Prayer & Giveaway
Elder Closing Prayer & Giveaway
Elder Aaron Therriault and Brenda Mason

Monday March 18, 2023

8:00 AM
8:00 AM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom
Breakfast
Breakfast
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Opening Prayer
Opening Prayer
Elder Aaron Therriault & Brenda Mason
9:15 AM
9:15 AM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks
Ron Kanutski, Chief Michele Solomon, Janine Black
9:30 AM
9:30 AM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Nurturing Mental Health and Resilience: Embracing Self-Care
Nurturing Mental Health and Resilience: Embracing Self-Care
Anthony Johnson and Dr. James Makokis
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Wellness Break
Wellness Break

Everyone is encouraged to visit the vendor booths, SJCG exhibits and wellness station

10:45 AM
10:45 AM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Access and Services for First Nation Communities - Advocating for Equity and Empowerment
Access and Services for First Nation Communities - Advocating for Equity and Empowerment
Isaac Murdoch
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom
Lunch
Lunch

Everyone is encouraged to visit the vendor booths, SJCG exhibits and wellness station

1:00 PM
1:00 PM
breakout
invitation required
Breakout Sessions
Breakout Sessions
1:00 PM
1:00 PM
breakout
Regency A
invitation required
Regency A
Using Traditional Anishinaabe Ways of Knowing, Being & Doing to Move Forward in a Good Way when Faced with Racism & Discrimination
Using Traditional Anishinaabe Ways of Knowing, Being & Doing to Move Forward in a Good Way when Faced with Racism & Discrimination
Elder Tina Armstrong

Exploring pathways to address Indigenous-specific racism in healthcare, with discussions on social determinants, education, and traditional approaches to healing and justice.

1:00 PM
1:00 PM
breakout
Regency B
invitation required
Regency B
Improving First Nation Education Outcomes to Improve Health Outcomes: Investing in First Nation Children, Pre-Youth & Youth
Improving First Nation Education Outcomes to Improve Health Outcomes: Investing in First Nation Children, Pre-Youth & Youth
Dr. John Akweniiostha Hodson

We face a distinct and widespread disintegration in our community. Against this backdrop, how do we focus meager resources to create new betterment of a collective future. Focusing on Indigenous children, junior youth, and youth to enhance school success improves spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical development and improves health outcomes. This presentation explores the reality of Indigenous provincial education in our city and asks those in attendance to actively engage in this greatest community building challenge and transform our city.

1:00 PM
1:00 PM
breakout
30's Room
invitation required
30's Room
“These Places Weren’t Built for Us”: Improving Access to Care for Indigenous People Through a Health Equity Approach
“These Places Weren’t Built for Us”: Improving Access to Care for Indigenous People Through a Health Equity Approach
Dr. Mike Anderson & Ashley Migwans

Explore the opportunities to enhance healthcare access for Indigenous communities through a health equity lens, showcasing strategies to overcome barriers, the importance of specialized programs in hospitals, and methods to integrate Indigenous cultural safety system-wide

1:00 PM
1:00 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom
Resilience and Renewal: Navigating Challenges in First Nation Communities
Resilience and Renewal: Navigating Challenges in First Nation Communities
Anthony Johnson and Dr. James Makokis

This presentation emphasizes the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to social programming and healing practices. Dr. Makokis and Anthony Johnson provide insights into community-driven initiatives, traditional healing circles, and the revitalization of cultural practices that promote connection, resilience, and well-being. They showcase successful case studies and models that have achieved positive outcomes in addressing addiction, mental health, and generational trauma within First Nation communities.

Dr. Makokis and Anthony Johnson empower community leaders and decision-makers. They provide practical strategies for fostering community engagement, building partnerships with government and non-profit organizations, and leveraging available resources to enhance access to healthcare, education, and social support.

1:00 PM - 3:30pm
1:00 PM - 3:30pm
breakout
Port Arthur Room, 2nd Floor
invitation required
Port Arthur Room, 2nd Floor
Repairing the Sacred Circle
Repairing the Sacred Circle
Annette Klement, Aaron Therriault, Gloria Ranger & George Lone Elk

Open to Invited Nurses Only - 1st Session of Repairing the Sacred Circle Workshop

PLEASE NOTE that this session runs until 3:30pm.

2:00 PM
2:00 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Wellness Break
Wellness Break

Everyone is encouraged to visit the vendor booths, SJCG exhibits and wellness station

2:15 PM
2:15 PM
breakout
invitation required
Breakout Sessions
Breakout Sessions
2:15 PM
2:15 PM
breakout
Regency A
invitation required
Regency A
Using Traditional Anishinaabe Ways of Knowing, Being & Doing to Move Forward in a Good Way when Faced with Racism & Discrimination
Using Traditional Anishinaabe Ways of Knowing, Being & Doing to Move Forward in a Good Way when Faced with Racism & Discrimination
Elder Tina Armstrong

Exploring pathways to address Indigenous-specific racism in healthcare, with discussions on social determinants, education, and traditional approaches to healing and justice.

2:15 PM
2:15 PM
breakout
Regency B
invitation required
Regency B
Improving First Nation Education Outcomes to Improve Health Outcomes: Investing in First Nation Children, Pre-Youth & Youth
Improving First Nation Education Outcomes to Improve Health Outcomes: Investing in First Nation Children, Pre-Youth & Youth
Dr. John Akweniiostha Hodson

We face a distinct and widespread disintegration in our community. Against this backdrop, how do we focus meager resources to create new betterment of a collective future. Focusing on Indigenous children, junior youth, and youth to enhance school success improves spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical development and improves health outcomes. This presentation explores the reality of Indigenous provincial education in our city and asks those in attendance to actively engage in this greatest community building challenge and transform our city.

2:15 PM
2:15 PM
breakout
30's Room
invitation required
30's Room
“These Places Weren’t Built for Us”: Improving Access to Care for Indigenous People Through a Health Equity Approach
“These Places Weren’t Built for Us”: Improving Access to Care for Indigenous People Through a Health Equity Approach
Dr. Mike Anderson & Ashley Migwans

Explore the opportunities to enhance healthcare access for Indigenous communities through a health equity lens, showcasing strategies to overcome barriers, the importance of specialized programs in hospitals, and methods to integrate Indigenous cultural safety system-wide

2:15 PM
2:15 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom
Building Bridges of Understanding: Fostering Reconciliation and Allyship
Building Bridges of Understanding: Fostering Reconciliation and Allyship
Anthony Johnson and Dr. James Makokis

Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson, the incredible Two-Spirit couple, come together to shed light on the importance of building bridges of understanding for fostering reconciliation and allyship. Drawing from their diverse experiences and perspectives, they navigate the complexities of relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, and the journey towards healing and unity. 

With warmth, compassion, and a shared vision for a more inclusive society, Dr. Makokis and Anthony Johnson inspire individuals to embrace their roles as agents of change. They encourage participants to actively engage in the process of reconciliation, standing in solidarity with Indigenous communities and uplifting their voices. 

In this empowering presentation, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of building bridges of understanding, fostering reconciliation, and becoming true allies. Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson's powerful message serves as a call to action, inviting individuals to join the journey toward healing, unity, and a future built on mutual respect, cultural celebration, and social justice.

3:15 PM
3:15 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Wellness Break
Wellness Break

Everyone is encouraged to visit the vendor booths, SJCG exhibits and wellness stationi

3:30 PM
3:30 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Welcome Back
Welcome Back
Ron Kanutski
3:45 PM
3:45 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer
5:00 PM
5:00 PM
breakout
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
invitation required
Embassy Ballroom, Regency C
Hand Drum, Storytelling & Dinner Social
Hand Drum, Storytelling & Dinner Social
Battle Nation Singers, Alex Copenance & Todd Genno

Hand Drum, Storytelling by Alex Copenance and the Battle Nation Singers, Todd Genno as Emcee