SILR Gathering
Our languages are healing us.
Molly Chisaakay, SILR Advisor
Join us as we gather to celebrate the power of language in well-being and nurturing the connections between mind, body, spirit, and land. The SILR Gathering is a safe, welcoming space for Indigenous language champions, speakers, learners and advocates to gather and share, learn, connect and collaborate.
We gather to:
- Explore the connection of mind, body and spirit in language, land and culture
- Raise awareness about the critical importance of revitalizing Indigenous languages for future generations.
- Share practical strategies and resources for language learning and teaching, blending traditional knowledge with modern approaches such as land-based education and technology.
- Build connections and create collaborative communities of practice, fostering long-term engagement and mutual support in language revitalization efforts.
Together, we honour the wisdom of our languages and the healing they bring to our people and lands.
Ticket prices are $350 for regular attendees, $300 for youth or students, and $300 for Elders.
Location details
Address: Fantasyland Hotel, 87 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Agenda
FantasyLand Hotel Ballroom
Pipe Ceremony
Registration
Welcome
- Opening Drum
- Welcome from SILR Advisory Council
- Qulliq lighting ceremony
- Opening remarks
Opening Keynote
Speaker: Joan Greyeyes
Elders Wellness Space
The Elders Wellness space is designed to honour and care for Elders throughout the Gathering. This space is made possible by the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta, with the dedicated support of student volunteers from Indigenous Focus-- a discussion group within the occupational therapy program that emphasizes Indigenous health, knowledges, and self-determination in professional practice.
The Wellness Space offers:
- Hand therapy: Elders can sign-up for a warm wax bath followed by a gentle hand massage to relax and rejuvenate
- Drop-in Guided Beading Circle
- Tea and Coffee
- Relaxation Area
Sign-Up Details:
Elders can sign up for the wax bath and hand massage at the registration table at the start of each day. The sign-up sheet will then move to the Wellness Space for the remainder of the day.
Elder and Youth Panel
Speakers: TBA
Lunch
More information coming soon.
Technology and Indigenous Languages
Facilitator: TBA
More information coming soon!
Utilizing and Creating Community-Based Oral Stations with Yoto Players
Facilitated by: Maskwacîs Curriculum Department, Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission (MESC)
This special workshop is offered at an additional cost of $50 + GST. The fee covers a Yoto player, headphones, and Yoto cards, provided at a reduced rate through SILR’s support.
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to Yoto players, innovative screenless devices designed to allow the youngest of learners to explore stories, music, and language content independently or in centres. Yoto players provide a platform to upload your own content for student use as well as access to parents via a playlist. Learn how MESC is using these players to create oral listening stations for their learners that reflect community based language. Participants will learn how to use Yoto players to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences that provide children with a fun, safe, and accessible way to connect with their heritage and culture.
Important Details:
- Limited spots available: Space is limited to 25 participants with prepaid registration. For group bookings, registration is limited to 2 participants per group.
- Do not register for both Yoto workshops – the sessions on Monday and Tuesday are identical.
- Pre-registration and ticket purchase required. Be sure to select the corresponding Add-on Ticket during registration to attend this session.
Language Immersion
Facilitator: TBA
More information coming soon!
Curriculum Development
Facilitator: TBA
More information coming soon!
Mentor Apprenticeship Programs
Facilitator: TBA
More information coming soon!
Community Language Assessment and Planning
Facilitator: TBA
More information coming soon!
Welcome
Keynote Address
Speaker: TBA
Utilizing and Creating Community-Based Oral Stations with Yoto Players
Facilitated by: Maskwacîs Curriculum Department, Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission (MESC)
This special workshop is offered at an additional cost of $50 + GST. The fee covers a Yoto player, headphones, and Yoto cards, provided at a reduced rate through SILR’s support.
This hands-on workshop introduces participants to Yoto players, innovative screenless devices designed to allow the youngest of learners to explore stories, music, and language content independently or in centres. Yoto players provide a platform to upload your own content for student use as well as access to parents via a playlist. Learn how MESC is using these players to create oral listening stations for their learners that reflect community based language. Participants will learn how to use Yoto players to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences that provide children with a fun, safe, and accessible way to connect with their heritage and culture.
Important Details:
- Limited spots available: Space is limited to 25 participants with prepaid registration. For group bookings, registration is limited to 2 participants per group.
- Do not register for both Yoto workshops – the sessions on Monday and Tuesday are identical.
- Pre-registration and ticket purchase required. Be sure to select the corresponding Add-on Ticket during registration to attend this session.
Technology and Indigenous Languages
Facilitator: TBA
More information coming soon!
Language Immersion
Facilitator: TBA
More information coming soon!
Curriculum Development
Facilitator: TBA
More information coming soon
Elders Wellness Space
The Elders Wellness space is designed to honour and care for Elders throughout the Gathering. This space is made possible by the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta, with the dedicated support of student volunteers from Indigenous Focus-- a discussion group within the occupational therapy program that emphasizes Indigenous health, knowledges, and self-determination in professional practice.
The Wellness Space offers:
- Hand therapy: Elders can sign-up for a warm wax bath followed by a gentle hand massage to relax and rejuvenate
- Drop-in Guided Beading Circle
- Tea and Coffee
- Relaxation Area
Sign-Up Details:
Elders can sign up for the wax bath and hand massage at the registration table at the start of each day. The sign-up sheet will then move to the Wellness Space for the remainder of the day.
Resource Development for Indigenous Language Learners
Facilitator: TBA
More information coming soon!
Mentor Apprenticeship Programs
Facilitator: TBA
More information coming soon!
Community Language Assessment and Planning
Facilitator: TBA
More information coming soon!
Hotel
17700 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 4V4, Canada
Fantasyland Hotel, 87 Avenue Northwest, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Fantasyland Hotel is located within North America’s most comprehensive retail and entertainment complex, West Edmonton Mall.
Fantasyland Hotel has classically decorated rooms that feature free WiFi, LCD televisions, a hairdryer, voicemail, clock radio and air conditioning.
Check in is guaranteed for 4:00pm.
Check out time is at 11:00am.
See flh.ca for hotel amenities.
Cut Off Date
To secure accommodations at the negotiated rate, you can book your reservation using one of the following methods:
Online Booking
Use the following link to book online:
Phone Reservations
Contact the hotel reservations department:
- Phone: (780) 444-3000
- Toll-Free: 1-800-737-3783
When booking by phone, you must mention that you are attending the University of Alberta - Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization event or provide the Group Code: 6515366 to receive the group rate.
The group rate applies only to stays within March 16-18, 2025.
All reservations (online or by phone) must be completed by 11:59 PM on February 14, 2025.
Group Code
Booking Conditions
SILR Gathering Room Block
Callers MUST mention they are attending the University of Alberta - Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization Gathering or provide the group code #6515366 to receive the discounted rate.
Booking Deadline:
Reservations must be made by 11:59 PM (local time) on February 14, 2025.
Room Block Dates:
The room block is available for the following dates: March 16 - 18, 2025.
FAQs
What is the cancellation policy for the event?
Cancellations made up to March 3, 2025, will receive a full refund. After this date, cancellations are non-refundable. Cancellations must be requested in writing via email to [email protected].
Can I transfer my registration to someone else if I can’t attend?
Yes! If you can no longer attend, you may transfer your registration to another person at no additional cost. Please notify us at [email protected] with the new attendee’s name and contact details by March 10, 2025. If the new registrant has dietary restrictions and/or accessibility needs, we need notice provided by March 3, 2025, in order to provide accommodation.
Please note: Registration is for one person for the entire two-day event and cannot be shared between two individuals. A single registration cannot be split – for example, one person attending on Day 1 and another on Day 2.
How do I register more than one person for the event?
If you are registering on behalf of others or for a group:
- Register on Groupize and purchase the required number of tickets for your group.
- Send an email to [email protected] with the following information for each attendee:
- Full names
- Registration type and ticket details (Regular, Elder, Youth/Student, and any add-on tickets if applicable)
- Any dietary restrictions
- Any accessibility needs
Deadlines:
- Please send the attendee information via email by March 3, 2025 to ensure we can accommodate dietary and accessibility requirements.
- Registrant names and contact details can be updated until March 10, 2025, but changes involving dietary or accessibility needs must be communicated by March 3, 2025.
If you have a large group and would like to pay by invoice, please email [email protected]
When can I check in at the event?
Check in will start at 7:30 am on March 17 and the event begins at 9:00 am.
Early registration will also be available on Sunday, March 16, in the evening. Further details will be announced by email.
Speakers
Michael Running Wolf
Co-Founder, Technical Director
Michael Running Wolf is a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne with Lakota and Blackfeet family ties. As a co-founder and architect of First Languages AI Reality, Michael is at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive technology to advance Indigenous language revitalization. He was formerly an engineer for Amazon’s Alexa and a Computer Science instructor at Northeastern University. Michael is pursuing his PhD at McGill University, on sovereign AI systems for Indigenous languages.
Joan Greyeyes
Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages
Director
Joan Greyeyes is a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation within Treaty 6 territory in Saskatchewan. Joan earned a Bachelor of Education Degree, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Educational Administration and a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Saskatchewan. Her experience as a senior executive with significant knowledge working with corporate, government and Indigenous relations at the post-secondary level, have contributed to her commitment to Indigenous education.
She brings a wealth of knowledge as the former president of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and Special Advisor to the President on Aboriginal Initiatives at the University of Saskatchewan. She negotiated with the Province of Saskatchewan to establish the first provincial Act in Canada (the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology Act) to recognize a First Nations institution as a post-secondary institution.
In collaboration with SaskTel, Joan established a call centre to provide Indigenous language coverage to the province of Saskatchewan. Joan’s recent work with the University of Saskatchewan centered on the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages. She has initiated programs and presented at an international level on various aspects of Indigenous language revitalization.
Her expertise in negotiating for First Nations with institutions and provincial and federal governments has assisted her in supporting the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their Indigenous languages.
Maskwacîs Curriculum Department
Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission (MESC)
The Maskwacîs Curriculum Department with MESC is responsible for creating high quality resources from a nehiyaw lens in order to support curriculum to prepare Maskwacîs awâsisak and oskâyak to live in to worlds while demonstrating the values of Wâhkôhtowin, Îyinîw Mâmitonehicikan, Nehiyaw Pimâtisiwin, and Nehiyawewin.
Dr. Florence Glanfield
Vice-Provost of Indigenous Programming and Research
Dr. Glanfield is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. In her role as Vice-Provost (Indigenous Programming and Research), Dr. Glanfield led the development, consultation, and approval of the Indigenous Strategic Plan in support of the objectives articulated in For the Public Good, build and nurture positive relationships with Indigenous communities, support the work of Faculties and Departments to Indigenize curricula across programs, and foster a supportive environment for Indigenous faculty, students, and staff.
Dr. Glanfield comes to the Vice-Provost position from her previous role as Professor and Chair of the Department of Secondary Education in the Faculty of Education, where her primary areas of scholarship include mathematics teacher education, Aboriginal curriculum perspectives, and relational research methodologies. She is an Affiliated Faculty member with the Centre for Research for Teacher Education and Development.
Pamela McCoy Jones
Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization
Executive Director
Pamela McCoy Jones is Anishinaabe from Wawa, Ontario with family in Michipicoten First Nation (on her mother’s side) and Batchewana First Nation (on her father’s side). She is a mother of four and lives in Stony Plain on Treaty Six Territory. Pamela is a dedicated professional who serves as the Executive Director at the University of Alberta, leading the efforts to Support Indigenous Language Revitalization. With her specialized expertise in project management of large-scale complex projects, she has made significantcontributions to the field, fostering positive change.
Pamela incorporates Indigenous worldviews and holistic practices into strategic planning, program development, implementation and evaluation design. Her approach fosters collaboration and relationality, ensuring the voices and perspectives of Indigenous people are at the forefront of all initiatives.
Lyndon Aginas
Master of Ceremonies
Lyndon is from Alexis Stoney Nation. Lyndon has worked in many different capacities ranging from Corrections Canada, Ministry of Environment, Council member for his Nation and casino president. Lyndon enjoys traveling, hunting, gathering pharmaceutical plants, and attending spiritual ceremonies. Lyndon also presents and engages on Indigenous culture and history to many institutions, governments, and industry. Lyndon’s goal has been to assist in the revitalization, recovery and maintenance of Indigenous languages.
Sponsors
Event Disclaimer
Supporting Indigenous Language Revitalization Gathering Disclaimer
By participating in this event, attendees acknowledge and agree to the following:
Photography and Recording
This event may be photographed, recorded, or livestreamed for promotional or archival purposes. By attending, you consent to the use of your image, likeness, or voice in these materials. If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please inform the event organizers upon arrival.
Code of Conduct
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all participants. Disruptive, discriminatory, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the event without refund.
Liability Waiver
Attendees participate at their own risk. The organizers and venue are not liable for any personal injury, loss, or damage to property that may occur during the event.
Health and Safety
Please adhere to any health and safety guidelines provided by the organizers or venue. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in removal from the event.
Changes or Cancellations
The organizers reserve the right to modify the schedule, speakers, or venue as necessary. In the event of a cancellation, attendees will be notified as soon as possible.
Group Registrations
If you are registering on behalf of a group, please ensure you share this disclaimer with your group before your register.
For questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]
Highlights from the 2024 SILR Gathering
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