National Building Reconciliation Forum 2025
Responsibility as Reconciliation: Relational Accountability
The First Nations University of Canada and the University of Regina are honoured to be co-hosting the 9th National Building Reconciliation Forum in Regina, Saskatchewan. This year’s Forum will focus on the theme Responsibility as Reconciliation: Relational Accountability, marking a decade since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action.
The Forum, supported by Universities Canada, will take place on Treaty 4 Territory, home of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis Nation. This event will bring together Canadian university presidents and leadership teams, Indigenous leaders, student representatives, and scholars dedicated to advancing meaningful reconciliation. The Forum aims to provide a platform for critical discussions on how to sustain and deepen reconciliation efforts within post-secondary institutions.
The Forum’s overarching purpose connects Indigenous and university communities to facilitate dialogue and drive meaningful systemic change, support Indigenization, decolonization and reconciliation efforts. By addressing these critical focus areas, the Forum aims to reinforce the responsibility that higher education leaders must listen, collaborate, and build partnerships with Indigenous peoples.
This Forum offers an important opportunity to reflect on the progress made over the past decade and to identify gaps in TRC Calls to Action implementation. By bringing together leaders, educators, and community members, we aim to foster respectful dialogue, encourage collaboration, and inspire new commitments that lead to lasting and positive change. We believe that true reconciliation requires all of us to actively listen, build trust, and take meaningful steps forward together. It’s a reciprocal responsibility and it’s time for universities to engage in truth telling.
The two-day Forum will feature roundtable discussions with Indigenous leaders, Presidents, Chancellors, Board Chairs, and Universities Canada representatives, highlighting the role of research-intensive institutions in reconciliation. Key sessions will focus on decolonizing education, advancing the TRC’s Calls to Action, and Indigenizing post-secondary institutions.
The Forum committee has also planned for participants to engage in a pre-conference day (May 13th) that includes a walking tour of the University of Regina and the First Nations University of Canada or, join the National Indigenous University Senior Leaders' (NIUSLA) Summit 2025: Honouring Indigenous Knowledges at Canadian Unversities for the day.
We look forward to welcoming and hosting everyone at the Forum on May 14-15, 2025.
The many members of the University of Regina community have the honour of teaching, learning, and living on Treaty 4, and 6 Territory, home of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. We understand the importance and responsibility of acknowledging and recognizing this privilege and seek to grow our relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future. Marking the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 4 on September 15, 1874, we are mindful that we are all treaty people "for as long as the sun shines, grass grows, waters flow, and buffalo are on the Prairies" (iskoyikohk pîsim ka-pimohtêt, iskoyikohk sîpiy ka-pimiciwahk, iskoyikohk maskosiya kê-sâkikihki - given in Cree by the late elder Jim Kâ-Nîpitêhtêw).
Registration
Join us for the 2025 National Building Reconciliation Forum where dialogue, learning, and collaboration unite to advance reconciliation and Indigenous education in Canada.
Individual tickets are $400 (+ taxes) and include access to all keynote presentations, the welcome reception, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, the banquet, and unique opportunities to connect with colleagues, friends, and fellow participants.
Are you a student looking to attend the Forum? To learn about volunteer and paid student participation opportunities, please send an email to NBRF2025@uregina.ca.
Reserve your spot today and be part of this inspiring journey.
Conference Highlights
NIUSLA Summit or Pre-Conference Campus Tour and Welcome Reception
The National Indigenous University Senior Leaders’ (NIUSLA) 2025 Summit: Honouring Indigenous Knowledges at Canadian Universities invites you to join their one-day summit during your visit. Topics include: Honouring Indigenous Knowledges in Universities; Indigenous Strategies, Systemic Change, and Policies; Measuring and Accountability in Reconciliation and Indigenization. Separate registration event with separate fee (9:00 - 4:30 p.m.) - see details here.
Walking Tour of the University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada Campuses (2:30 - 5:00 p.m.). Take a guided tour of the beautiful University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada campuses - both located on 239 acres of Wascana Centre (at 2,300 acres, Wascana is one of the largest urban parks in North America) - to learn about their history, architecture, and vibrant student life. The tour will end at the First Nations University of Canada, where we will gather for a special welcome reception. Transportation for delegates staying at the Hotel Saskatchewan will be available.
tawâw ᑕᐋᐧᐤ Welcome Reception at First Nations University of Canada (5:00 - 7:00 p.m.). Join us as we welcome you to Treaty 4 and the campuses of the First Nations University of Canada and the University of Regina. Enjoy delicious canapés prepared by renowned Indigenous Chef Kirk Ermine. He will present each dish with a story about how it was created. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to meet and interact with authors Dr. Blair Stonechild and Dr. Marie Wilson during a book signing session. Transportation for delegates staying at the Hotel Saskatchewan will be available.
Inspiring Keynotes and Evening Banquet
Eugene Arcand’s involvement with the Indian Residential Schools Survivor Committee at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) Governing Circle, has kept survivors' voices at the forefront of the conversation. His dedication to this cause has made him an essential figure in Canada’s ongoing reconciliation journey.
Following Eugene's truth telling, a keynote speaker event featuring Dr. Marie Wilson and Chief Wilton Littlechild moderated by Max FineDay, promises to be an engaging and insightful discussion. As influential leaders and former TRC Commissioners, these speakers bring a unique perspective rooted in their experiences, contributions, and commitment to Indigenous rights, education and social justice.
The evening banquet is sure to be a memorable and impactful event, featuring a thought-provoking discussion between FNUniv Board Chair Sherry Saevil and U of R Board Chair Cadmus Delorme. The topic at hand - How can boards of post-secondary institutions support, sustain, and deepen their reconciliation efforts? - is both timely and crucial, as these leaders will delve into the critical role that educational institutions and their governing bodies play in the broader process of reconciliation with Indigenous people. As the evening transitions from the discussion to a more relaxed atmosphere, attendees will be treated to a performance by the talented, Juno Award-winning William Prince, an Indigenous singer-songwriter whose music is known for its soulful storytelling and deep emotional resonance. William's performance will offer a beautiful and reflective end to an evening centred on reconciliation, providing the perfect space for attendees to reflect on the conversations shared earlier in the day and evening.
Keynote and ReconciliACTION Panel
Keynote speaker Dr. Verna St. Denis will discuss Anti-Indigenous Racism and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in Universities. This session will explore critical issues around systemic racism in academic institutions and the steps needed toward meaningful reconciliation.
Following the keynote, join us for a ReconciliACTION Panel featuring Presidents Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann from First Nations University of Canada and Dr. Jeff Keshen from the University of Regina, an Elder and FNUniv Student. Reconciliation should be multi-dimensional and multi-layered, and this panel will delve into how universities can engage with the TRC’s Calls to Actions, promote inclusivity, and support Indigenous students and communities.
Zoey Roy's spoken word performance will wrap up the two days with a powerful and insightful reflection on the themes discussed though out the event. Her words are poetic and impactful, urging individuals and communities to reflect on the need for genuine healing, understanding, and commitment to building a more inclusive and just society. The performance encapsulates the essence of the forum’s conversations, leaving attendees with a call to continue the work of reconciliation beyond the event.
Speakers
Conference Schedule
Sponsors
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor? Join us in advancing reconciliation across Canada by sponsoring the 2025 National Building Reconciliation Forum. Your support enables meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and action toward reconciliation.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how you can contribute, please contact us at NBRF2025@uregina.ca
