Indspire celebrates Indigenous education at National Gathering in Montreal

Indspire celebrates Indigenous education at National Gathering in Montreal

November 16, 2023 (Turtle Island | Canada) – Immersive workshops, an extensive trade show, thought-provoking keynote speakers, and dynamic musical performances headline the 2023 Indspire National Gathering in Tiohtià:ke (Montréal) and online from November 15-17.

Gathering in a hybrid format, Indigenous educators and partners from across Turtle Island will celebrate Indigenous education virtually or in person, in English and French. The events take place at the Hotel Bonaventure, beginning with pre-gathering sessions and the prestigious Guiding the Journey Awards on November 15th.

Sponsored by the Suncor Energy Foundation, the Guiding the Journey Indigenous Educator Awards recognize Indigenous educators, one Indigenous organization, and one non-Indigenous educator who have made valuable contributions to community-based education and who honour the principles of Indigenous knowledge.

The 2023 recipients are:

Indigenous Educator Awards
Lisa Michano-Courchene
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg
Ontario

Monica Ittusardjuat
Inhabit Education
Nunavut

Nadia Sammurtok
Nakasuk Elementary
Nunavut

Partner in Indigenous Education
Loretta Dykun
School District of Mystery Lake
Manitoba

Organization
Fort Chipewyan Community High School
Alberta

For full bios on each of the recipients, please visit https://indspire.ca/events/guiding-the-journey/

One hundred Indigenous post-secondary education students from across the country will be attending the event with all expenses paid through funding from the Rideau Hall Foundation. “On behalf of Indspire, I’d like to extend our gratitude to the Rideau Hall Foundation for their generous support,” says President and CEO of Indspire Mike DeGagné. “Funding students from across Canada to attend our 2023 National Gathering for Indigenous Education not only inspires the students but also strengthens our collective vision for a brighter future. By investing in Indigenous education, you are championing the next generation of Indigenous leaders. Thank you for being a pivotal part of this journey.”

Keynote speakers at the National Gathering include Professor Lori Campbell from Montreal Lake Cree First Nation, the 2023 Indspire Laureate for Education, and PIQSIQ, the award-winning duo of sisters Tifany Ayalik and Inuksuk Mackay. The Master of Ceremonies will be McGill’s Mellon ISCEI writer-in-residence and award-winning journalist Greg Horn.

Indspire would like to thank the following sponsors of the 2023 National Gathering, whose investment in this important annual event is creating signifcant positive change in Indigenous education:

• Lead Partner: The Government of Canada
• Presenting Corporate Sponsor and Guiding the Journey Awards Sponsor: Suncor and the Suncor Energy Foundation
• Teacher Education Supporter: The Rideau Hall Foundation
• Post-Secondary Summit Supporter: The Fyfe Foundation
• Host City Sponsor: Rio Tinto
• Major Sponsors: BHP and the Hudson’s Bay Foundation
• Supporting Sponsor: Scotiabank
• Pre-Gathering Workshop Sponsor: Shell
• Event Sponsor: The Pathy Family Foundation
• Partners in Education Welcome Reception Sponsor: CN Rail
• Content Sponsor: Proctor & Gamble
• Charging Station Sponsor: Trottier Family Foundation
• Workshop Sponsors: The Indigenous Institutes Consortium and the Retired Teachers of Ontario
• Break Sponsors: Highwater Press, The Learning Bar, Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre, and the Ontario Teachers Federation

A Maclean’s top-rated charity and a Top Canadian Impact Charity, Indspire has been investing in fnancial awards, programming, and services for Indigenous achievers since 1985.

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Media Contact:
Brian Golightly
Media Relations
pipikwan pêhtâkwan
brian@pipikwanpehtakwan.com

About: Indigenous Education is Canada’s Future. Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people for the long-term beneft of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. Indspire serves First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students in remote communities, rural areas, and urban centres across Canada. With the support of funding partners, Indspire disburses fnancial awards, delivers programs, and shares resources with the goal of increasing graduation rates for Indigenous students.