kiyokētan, which means “let’s visit” in the nêhiyawêwin (Cree) language, will bring together for the first time Indigenous and non-Indigenous language professionals from across Canada with the collective goal to create greater awareness about, revitalize and strengthen, and ethically and respectfully incorporate Indigenous languages within the larger context of multilingual education.
This three-day event will take place at the Dakota Dunes Resort located on Whitecap Dakota First Nation.
Event schedule
| September 26 Tuesday | 5:00 pm Sign in for gathering 5:30 pm Welcome and featured talk 7:00 pm Buffet dinner |
| September 27 Wednesday morning | 7:00 am Breakfast and visiting 8:00 am Smudge and opening circle 10:00 am Break 10:15 am Panel presentations |
| September 27 Wednesday afternoon | 12:30 pm Buffet lunch and visiting 1:30 pm Indigenous senior scholars sharing 2:15 pm Indigenous student responses 3:00 pm Break 3:15 pm Small group discussion and witnessing 4:15 pm Smudge and sharing circle |
| September 27 Wednesday evening | 5:30 pm Break 6:30 pm Buffet dinner and visiting 7:30 pm Activity: nature walk and art |
| September 28 Thursday | 7:00 am Breakfast 9:00 am Shuttle pick up 9:30 am Visit to St. Frances Cree Bilingual School in Saskatoon (optional) |
Featured guest speaker
Willie Ermine
Willie Ermine is from the Sturgeon Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan where he lives with his family. Willie is an Emeritus Professor with the First Nations University of Canada. He works as the Traditional Health lead in his own community in health and healing. Throughout his career, Willie has worked extensively with First Nation Elders in his community and for his academic work. He has lectured in areas of humanities, Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Education, Indigenous Philosophy, and research methods. Willie has published numerous academic articles including widely read papers on indigenous ethics and land-based learning. He has presented at various venues nationally and internationally on the nature of indigenous thought and knowledge.