ITE Events

Location: Online

On March 31, 2025, nearly 50 attendees from across the country virtually joined the RHF and the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages for The Path Forward: The Role of Teacher Education in Language Revitalization. This national gathering focused on advancing Indigenous language revitalization through teacher education. 

The discussion focused on the key role Indigenous-led teacher education and language immersion programs play in revitalizing Indigenous languages.  

Aluki Kotierk, former president of Nunavut Tunngavik and Member of the RHF’s National Advisory Committee on Indigenous Education, moderated the conversation with insights from Commissioner Ronald E. Ignace, Kaviq Kaluraq and Russell Fayant, who shared their experiences and expertise on supporting Indigenous languages through education and community initiatives. 

Panelists reflected on and shared wise practices, challenges, and the urgent need to support fluent Indigenous speakers and culturally grounded teachers. 

Location: Online

On November 12, 2024, the RHF hosted a virtual panel discussion to highlight excellence and innovation within the Indigenous teacher education field and emphasize why it is crucial for Canada to have more First Nations, Inuit, and Métis teachers. Panelists shared their perspectives on what being Indigenous led means and why it is important to have Indigenous programs developed for and by Indigenous people, including how this will enrich the Indigenous teacher education landscape. By highlighting the perspectives of Indigenous-led projects and partnerships, the session aimed to showcase and inspire innovation and future programming in the Indigenous teacher education space.   

The discussion was moderated by Denise Baxter, Vice-Provost of Indigenous Initiatives at Lakehead University & Member of the RHF’s National Advisory Committee on Indigenous Teacher Education (NACITE). The panel featured perspectives from Melanie Bennett, Executive Director at Yukon First Nation Education Directorate, Dr. Sherri Chisan, President at University nuxełhot’įne thaaɁehots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills, and Dr. Ramona Neckoway, Vice-President Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation at University College of the North.

Dates: June 5-7, 2023

Location: Calgary, AB (Treaty 7 Territory & Region 3 of the Homeland of the Métis)

In June 2023, the RHF gathered over 200 participants from the Indigenous Teacher Education sector and beyond for three days of celebration, recognition, and acknowledgment of the work being done towards the self-determination and reclamation of education into the hands of Indigenous teachers. The goal was to recognize, celebrate, and honour the innovative and impactful work being done in Indigenous teacher education across the country, and start on an ambitious journey towards supporting 10,000 First Nations, Inuit and Métis teachers in Canada.

Read the Summit report to see what was captured over three days of engaging discussions, insightful presentations from Indigenous education leaders, and celebrating Indigenous culture with captivating performances by drummers, fiddlers, dancers and more.