From August 11–14, 2025, the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Indigenous Teacher Education Team proudly joined hundreds of language champions, educators, and community leaders at the WAVES 2025: Global Indigenous Languages Summit in Ottawa. But our involvement began a little earlier.
On August 11, we welcomed over 20 Indigenous teacher candidates from Indigenous Teacher Education Programs across the country who are passionate about teaching Indigenous languages to a special Pre-Gathering Lunch and Focus Group. This session was designed to give them a space to connect with peers, share experiences, and build relationships before the four-day summit began.
The gathering featured a keynote from Cameron Adams, a member of the National Advisory Committee on Indigenous Teacher Education and a passionate advocate for language revitalization. Over a shared meal, teacher candidates discussed the challenges and opportunities in their work, then took part in a facilitated sharing circle to exchange insights about teaching, learning, and strengthening their languages.
About WAVES 2025
Hosted by the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages, WAVES 2025 was a historic first—a global gathering dedicated to bringing Indigenous languages “out of the shadows and into the light.” Held on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Peoples, the summit featured keynote speakers, workshops, cultural performances, and collaborative spaces built around three themes:
- Land & Language
- Technology & Language
- Community & Language
Participants experienced a dynamic mix of dialogue, art, music, and cultural exchange. At the RHF exhibitor booth, attendees explored our Indigenous Teacher Education Initiative (ITE) through interactive Story Maps, hands-on activities, and opportunities to share what the word “teacher” means in their own language or culture.
Strengthening the Future of Indigenous Youth
For Indigenous youth to thrive, they need champions in the classroom—teachers who are deeply connected to their language, culture, and community. Bringing these teacher candidates to WAVES 2025 gave us a rare opportunity to see the impact of the Indigenous Teacher Education Initiative through their eyes. Their stories, experiences, and aspirations offer invaluable insight into how these programs are shaping pathways for future educators.
