Conference Schedule
The 2025 National Building Reconciliation Forum offers a thoughtfully curated agenda designed to foster meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and connection. From pre-conference tours to keynote addresses, interactive sessions, Conversation Circles, and networking opportunities, every moment is crafted to honour, inspire, and advance reconciliation efforts.
Explore the full schedule below.
Pre-Conference Day - Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Location: Hotel Sask
NIUSLA 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 – see details here.
Location: FNUniv Atrium
Take a guided tour of the beautiful University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada campuses 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.
Location: FNUniv Atrium
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.
Dress: Business Casual
Tickets: Included in registration fee
Note: Books will be available for purchase onsite
Canapes Menu
- Bison Blueberry Sliders
- Duck and Saskatoon Berry Crostini
- Rabbit and Wild Mushroom Arancini
- Elk and Chokecherry Kabob
- Maple Deviled Eggs
- Three Sisters Mini Tarts
- Candied Salmon Pastrami
Buses will pick up from hotel at 4:45pm. If you are participating in one of the earlier pre-conference activities, you will finish at FNUniv Atrium.
Day 1 - Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Location: FNUniv
Women’s pipe, men’s pipe and Two-spirit pipe. Everyone is welcome to attend. Participants are encouraged to follow pipe ceremony protocols.
Location: FNUniv
Dr. Stonechild will provide a history of how the First Nations University of Canada came to be.
Location: FNUniv
A Cree from the Muskeg Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan, Eugene Arcand spent nine years at the St. Michael Indian Residential School in Duck Lake and two years at the St. Paul’s Lebret Students Residence, both in Saskatchewan. His work as an advocate for other Indian Residential Schools Survivors at the TRC and at the NCTR Governing Circle has been tireless. We are honored to have Eugene join us to share his perspectives on what reconciliation looks like for him.
Location: FNUniv Outdoors in Tipis (please dress for the weather)
- Option 1: Hide scraping and traditional tanning with Peter Brass, FNUniv
- Option 2: Embodied Reconciliation with artist Cheryl L’Hirondelle
- Option 3: Treaties and Agreements with Commissioner Kathy Walker (from the Office of the Treaty Commissioner) – TBC
- Option 4: Histories of Indigenous peoples in the academy with Dr. Blair Stonechild, FNUniv
Support local Indigenous artisans and take home some beautiful souvenirs from your visit.
Location: FNUniv
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.
Location: FNUniv
Interactive table discussions focused on tangible outcomes for reconciliation in post-secondary institutions.
Location: Regency Ballroom, Hotel Saskatchewan
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 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 centered on reconciliation, providing the perfect space for attendees to reflect on the conversations shared earlier in the day and evening.
Time: Reception 6 p.m., Dinner 7 p.m. Entertainment to follow
Dress: Business Casual
Tickets: Included in registration fee
Dinner Buffet Menu:
Saltine Sourdough bread with maple butterTuscan Greens Salad
Dried saskatoon berries, honey roasted carrots, pickled beets, feta cheese, radish, honey dill vinaigrette
Roasted butternut squash and corn soup
Roasted root vegetables with maple and birch syrup glaze
Wild rice pilaf with pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries
Braised beef short ribs with juniper & haskap berry jus
Roasted chicken breast with sage & sea buckthorn and honey glaze
Vanilla cheesecake
Sour cherry compote and citrus mousse
Freshly Brewed Coffee and a Selection of Teas
Day 2 - Thursday, May 15, 2025
Location: Wascana Lake
Opportunity for conference participants to experience natural surroundings around Wascana Lake
Location: U of R
Anti-Indigenous Racism and TRC in Universities
Location: U of R
Support local Indigenous artisans and take home some beautiful souvenirs from your visit.
Location: U of R
Featuring President 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.
Location: Orange Buffalo Lodge
Opportunity for conference participants to get a first-hand look at reconciliation in action through one of U of R's actions in the community in response to the TRC. The Orange Buffalo Lodge is a 30-unit affordable housing development with a community hub to provide holistic support services set to open in Spring 2025. As part of the U of R’s commitment to develop Indigenous-led research collaborations to support the revitalization and health of the North Central Community, we hope to provide both teaching and experiential learning opportunities for our faculty, staff, students and community members.
Location: U of R
Interactive table discussions focused on tangible outcomes for reconciliation in post-secondary institutions.
Location: U of R
Support local Indigenous artisans and take home some beautiful souvenirs from your visit.
Location: U of R
Healing through art. Historical and Contemporary Indigenous Concepts.
