SILR Gathering
SILR Gathering 2025 – Sold Out!
Thank you for your incredible support! The SILR Gathering 2025 is now sold out. We’re excited to welcome attendees for two days of learning, collaboration, and celebration of Indigenous languages.
If you’d like to stay updated on future events, please join our mailing list and follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @SILRproject.
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
Registration
Pipe Ceremony
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.
(Re)Envisioning and Crafting Futures for Our Indigenous Languages
Facilitator: Yazmín Novelo
This workshop will provide a space for attendees to envision alternative, positive, and vibrant futures for their languages – to move from surviving the future to building a better one. Future visioning is not a new practice. For Indigenous Peoples, the dreaming and visioning of futures are ancient and contemporary practices that allow us to understand past and present events and their relationship with the future. In this workshop, we will draw on systems- and futures-thinking to collectively envision possibilities for Indigenous languages, beyond fatalistic narratives. Participants will be encouraged to step outside the box of prescribed futures and, through conversation and creative activity such as drawing, mapping, or poetry, they will craft and share their visions for the future of their languages. Lastly, we will speak about some different methodologies to create a plan to enact these future visions. By nurturing collective dreaming and creativity, we hope to create a space for language advocates to come together, imagine, and bring to life the futures they desire for their languages.
Tips and Tools for Safeguarding Your Language Through Documentation
Facilitator: Aiyana Twigg
This workshop offers an in-depth exploration of the newly published toolkit, Safeguarding Your Language Through Documentation written by Aiyana Twigg. Designed for individuals without formal training in linguistics, documentation, or technology, this toolkit provides a straightforward guide to equipment options, content and ethical considerations, setting up recording sessions and elicitation strategies. Participants will gain hands-on experience with elicitation techniques, a crucial aspect of language documentation. The practical steps outlined in the toolkit aim to support language learners, Knowledge Holders, youth, and anyone else on their language journeys. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively document their languages.
Novice to Advanced: Adult Immersion in Kanyen'kéha Revitalization
Facilitator: Rohahiyo Jordan Brant
Onkwawenna Kentyohkwa is a full-time, adult Kanyen'kéha (Mohawk language) immersion program that operates with the goal of bringing in new students, with little to no background in the language, and make them proficient Advanced-level speakers after 2 school years. This session will provide participants with the history, infrastructure, curriculum, teaching methods, assessment, proficiency goals, community and nationwide impact, potential for replication, and future goals of the program.
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
- 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.
Northwest Territories Mentor-Apprentice Program – A Partnership in Language Revitalization
Facilitator: Government of the Northwest Territories
More information coming soon!
Developing Piikani Nitsiipowahsin Language Resources
Facilitator: Peigan Board of Education Society (PBOES)
This session will provide an overview of PBOES’ new values-based language curriculum for K-12 students. Participants will be shown the scope & sequence for each grade and the progressive nature of lessons between grade levels. Lessons include traditional Piikani values as described by Elders and Cultural Resource people along with the linguistic structure and grammar of Piikani language. Additionally, Piikani language learning kits developed for K4/K5 students will be shown and described for participants. These language kits are gifted to students as their first language libraries and learning kits in the home. You will hear stories of challenges and of celebration with our Piikani language revitalization initiatives.
Strategic Planning for Language Revitalization
Facilitator: Glenn Jim and Amanda Aust, First Peoples Cultural Council
This session explores the approach of the First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) and the differences between language planning and language projects. Participants will learn about FPCC’s Wholistic Planning Framework, which is built on five fundamental principles that enhance community capacity and mobilization of language revitalization work.
The session on Day 2 will discuss how to start the planning process including how to identify what is already happening to support language revitalization and what remains to be done. We will then discuss the core components within a language revitalization plan and how to choose strategies that lead to effective outcomes in language revitalization.
Welcome
Keynote Address
Speaker: TBA
Tips and Tools for Safeguarding Your Language Through Documentation
Facilitator: Aiyana Twigg
This workshop offers an in-depth exploration of the newly published toolkit, "Safeguarding Your Language Through Documentation" written by Aiyana Twigg. Designed for individuals without formal training in linguistics, documentation, or technology, this toolkit provides a straightforward guide to equipment options, content and ethical considerations, setting up recording sessions and elicitation strategies. Participants will gain hands-on experience with elicitation techniques, a crucial aspect of language documentation. The practical steps outlined in the toolkit aim to support language learners, Knowledge Holders, youth, and anyone else on their language journeys. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively document their languages.
Novice to Advanced: Adult Immersion in Kanyen'kéha Revitalization
Facilitator: Rohahiyo Jordan Brant
Onkwawenna Kentyohkwa is a full-time, adult Kanyen'kéha (Mohawk language) immersion program that operates with the goal of bringing in new students, with little to no background in the language, and make them proficient Advanced-level speakers after 2 school years. This session will provide participants with the history, infrastructure, curriculum, teaching methods, assessment, proficiency goals, community and nationwide impact, potential for replication, and future goals of the program.
(Re)Envisioning and Crafting Futures for Our Indigenous Languages
Facilitator: Yazmín Novelo
This workshop will provide a space for attendees to envision alternative, positive, and vibrant futures for their languages – to move from surviving the future to building a better one. Future visioning is not a new practice. For Indigenous Peoples, the dreaming and visioning of futures are ancient and contemporary practices that allow us to understand past and present events and their relationship with the future. In this workshop, we will draw on systems- and futures-thinking to collectively envision possibilities for Indigenous languages, beyond fatalistic narratives. Participants will be encouraged to step outside the box of prescribed futures and, through conversation and creative activity such as drawing, mapping, or poetry, they will craft and share their visions for the future of their languages. Lastly, we will speak about some different methodologies to create a plan to enact these future visions. By nurturing collective dreaming and creativity, we hope to create a space for language advocates to come together, imagine, and bring to life the futures they desire for their languages.
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.
- 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.
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.
Strategic Planning for Language Revitalization
Facilitator: Glenn Jim, First Peoples Cultural Council
This session explores the approach of the First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) and the differences between language planning and language projects. Participants will learn about FPCC’s Wholistic Planning Framework, which is built on five fundamental principles that enhance community capacity and mobilization of language revitalization work.
The session on Day 2 will discuss how to start the planning process including how to identify what is already happening to support language revitalization and what remains to be done. We will then discuss the core components within a language revitalization plan and how to choose strategies that lead to effective outcomes in language revitalization.
Technology and Indigenous Languages
Facilitator: Michael Running Wolf
More information coming soon!
Northwest Territories Mentor-Apprentice Program – A Partnership in Language Revitalization
Facilitator: Government of the Northwest Territories
More information coming soon!
Speakers
Michael Running Wolf
Co-Founder, Technical Director
Michael Running Wolf (Northern Cheyenne and Lakota) was raised in a rural prairie village in Montana with intermittent water and electricity; naturally he has a Master’s of Science in Computer Science. Michael was an engineer at Amazon’s Alexa, former faculty at Northeastern University, and is a researcher at Mila. Michael is researching Indigenous language reclamation using immersive technologies and artificial intelligence. His work has been awarded a MIT Solve Fellowship, the Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship, the Centri Tech Social Justice Innovation Award, and the Patrick McGovern AI for Humanity Prize. Through the ethical application of AI and advanced technology respecting traditional ways of knowing he is contributing to the ecology of thought represented by the Indigenous.
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.
Rohahiyo Jordan Brant
Program Director Rohahiyo Jordan B
Rohahiyo Jordan Brant is Kanyen'kehá:ka from Kenhtè:ke (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory) and currently resides in Ohswé:ken (Six Nations of the Grand River). He has worked as an Instructor at Onkwawenna Kentyohkwa, an adult Kanyen'kéha immersion school since 2015, and has also served as the Program Director since 2022. He is also currently completing his Master's at the University of Victoria in the Master's of Indigenous Language Revitalization program, with a final project focus on creating a Teaching Manual for the 1st Year Program of Onkwawenna Kentyohkwa.
First Peoples Cultural Council
First Peoples Cultural Council
First Peoples Cultural Council will be facilitating a session on “Strategic Planning for Language Revitalization” The session will be facilitated by Glenn Jim, FPCC Revitalization Planning Coach and the FPCC Language Revitalization Planning Program team.
The FPCC Coaches provide leadership through subject matter expertise, ongoing project support and the sharing of good practices. Additionally, they facilitate peer-to-peer knowledge exchanges and networking opportunities for communities. The Language Revitalization Planning Program team supports communities through specialized training and assistance with program administration, funding applications, and reporting.
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.
Yazmín Novelo
Language Revitalization Mentor
Yazmín Novelo is a Mayan woman, artist and activist for Yucatec Maya. As an activist she started the project U Péekbal Waye’ (The Here Movement) in order to define and create a network to dream and sustain a vision that allows a future for Maya People. As an artist she created many musical projects and now she performs by herself. She studied Social Communication in the School of Anthropology of the University of Yucatán, and also has two masters degrees, one in language revitalization and the other in sociolinguistics. In recent years, she has been developing an approach to systemic and future perspectives. She is a language revitalization mentor at the Endangered Languages Project, a nonprofit organization that works to create a global community of language champions.
Peigan Board of Education Society
Peigan Board of Education Society
Language Working Group
Dr. Lisa Crowshoe, Superintendent
Joslin Smith, Post Secondary Coordinator
JoAnn Yellow Horn, Piikani Language Instructor
Lorraine Morning Bull, Piikani Language Instructor
Billy Yellow Horn, Piikani Language Instructor
Jacqueline Big Bull, Piikani Language Instructor
Alene Bastien, Grandmother in Residence
Alexandra Smith, Linguistics Student
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.
Aiyana Twigg
Canadian Commission for UNESCO
Youth Member
Aiyana Twigg is a proud Ktunaxa and Blackfoot woman from yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʔit in ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa (Ktunaxa territory). As a youth activist dedicated to Indigenous rights and language revitalization, she is passionate about creating inclusive digital spaces for Indigenous languages and empowering youth to actively participate in language revitalization efforts. Aiyana holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia in First Nations and Endangered Languages and Anthropology. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Indigenous Language Revitalization at the University of Victoria. Her work focuses on decolonizing linguistics and addressing Westernized frameworks that hinder Indigenous languages' connection to culture. Aiyana's initiatives combine technology, media, and land-based learning. She authored the 'Safeguarding Your Language Through Documentation' toolkit in partnership with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and SILR. Aiyana advocates and supports Indigenous language revitalization efforts across Turtle Island and globally through her volunteer work with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Languages.
Sterlling Daychief
Sterlling Daychief is a Nehîyaw and Anishinaabe woman and mother from Sunchild First Nation in Treaty Six Territory. She was raised with a traditional upbringing in a strong and cycle-free home with an abundance of kinship, connection to the ceremonies; knowledge, teachings, songs and languages of her people. Sterlling has had many influential teachers and mentors throughout her life and thus, has dedicated her life to advocating for, learning and teaching the natural law structures of her people and the land. As a young woman with her upbringing, she feels it is her responsibility to share the knowledge that has been passed to any person(s) wanting to learn to ensure that it is preserved for the future generations and has taught at many conferences, workshops and community gatherings/ceremonies across Turtle Island, including being an invited teacher and advocate in Alaska communities where she represents all First Nations peoples in Canada. Raising her children to know who they are, community healing and health, breaking cycles and the natural education of her people are Sterlling’s passions, she also believes it is important to be successful in both walks of life and has much experience and success in her Post Secondary endeavors. Sterlling’s career is in the health and dental field and she works in her home community of Sunchild First Nation being a support for many children, youth, adults and elders.
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.
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors: UAlberta, BHP Foundation and APTN.
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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