Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council is pleased to announce the 2025 Indigenous Early Learning & Child Care (IELCC) Symposium, taking place on May 22-23, 2025, at Deerfoot Inn & Casino in Mohkinstsis (Calgary, AB).
The Symposium is open to the Early Learning Community, including frontline workers, parents, managers/directors, and leadership. This event will provide valuable insights, workshops, and opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Theme: IIYOTKANONTTATTAAM AWAAAPISWA KOKOSINNONIKS – Our Children Are Precious
Registration is now open!
- For all symposium attendees please complete the registration via the link below
- Vendors and Information Booth Inquiries: Please do not fill out registration form as your entry will be removed. For all inquiries related to vendors or information booths please contact Sheila Fox via email at: Sheila.sinopaacss@gmail.com
Dates: Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23, 2025
Location: Deerfoot Inn & Casino, Calgary, Alberta
This symposium will convene Elders, educators, knowledge keepers, policymakers, and community advocates to engage in critical discussions, foster collaborative partnerships, and explore innovative solutions informed by traditional Blackfoot knowledge and contemporary Indigenous frameworks. The event will be hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Natoyi’sokasiim, Lowa Beebe.
Symposium Highlights
- Opening Ceremony: Welcoming remarks from the Chiefs of the Blackfoot Confederacy and Interim CEO Carol Mason
- Keynote Presentations: Focused discussions on kinship networks, cognitive and socio-emotional development in early learning, community resilience, food sovereignty, and Indigenous governance, featuring:
- Otahksikinakim, Wilton Good Striker – Blackfoot Knowledge Keeper, Kainai-Blood Tribe
- Mariah Gladstone – Founder of Indigikitchen and advocate for Indigenous food systems and health sovereignty, Amskapi Piikani
- Dr. Deborah Pace, PhD, RPsych – Educator and Psychologist, Kainai-Blood Tribe
- Miranda Bernard – Specialist in Mi’kmaw early learning and childcare governance, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, Eskasoni First Nation
- Tsapinaaki, Dr. Gabrielle Weasel Head, PhD – Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies, Mount Royal University, Kainai-Blood Tribe
- Kaahsinnooniks (Historians) Think Tank: A panel discussion featuring Siksika, Kainai, Piikani and Amskapi Pikuni Knowledge Holders on applying historical knowledge to address contemporary and future challenges
- National Policy Panels: Expert discussions featuring representatives from the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), and other organizations advancing Indigenous childcare policy
- Community Engagement Opportunities: Youth Talent Showcase, evening reception, meal services, and numerous networking sessions
Grounded in Siksikaitsitapi values and cultural protocols, the IELCC Symposium 2025 seeks to strengthen Indigenous early learning systems through informed dialogue, collective action, and a lasting commitment to intergenerational resilience and well-being.
