Embracing the Pathways of Learning: Full Schedule

7:00am CDT

Pipe Ceremony

Thursday August 27, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am CDT

Banner Hall

Thursday August 27, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am CDT
Banner Hall

Ceremony, Ceremony

8:30am CDT

Welcoming and Opening remarks

Thursday August 27, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am CDT

Ballroom B

Speakers

Sarah Longman

Director of Education, FHQ Education

Passionate life long learner committed to First Nation Education.

Jeremy Fourhorns

Tribal Chief, File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council

Thursday August 27, 2026 8:30am - 9:00am CDT
Ballroom B

Core, Remarks

9:00am CDT

Keynote Address

Thursday August 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am CDT

Ballroom B

Speakers

Cadmus Delorme is the Chancellor of the University of Regina. A former Chief of the Cowessess First Nation, Cadmus is a recognized leader in governance reform and economic self-sustainability. He was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. He holds an MPA from the... Read More →

Thursday August 27, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Ballroom B

Core, Keynote

10:30am CDT

Networking Break

Thursday August 27, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am CDT

Ballroom B

Networking Break

Thursday August 27, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am CDT
Ballroom B

Break/Lunch, Break / Lunch

11:00am CDT

Empowering Teaching with Educational Technology

Thursday August 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Meeting Room 2

Educational technology provides new opportunities to create engaging, interactive, and meaningful learning experiences. In this session, teachers will explore practical ways to use technology to support teaching and enhance student learning. Participants will also be introduced to the digital tools and resources used by Nanan Academy to support effective and innovative teaching.

Speakers

Shaun Nanan

Shaun is a passionate educator dedicated to empowering communities through STEM. He holds both the Professional Technologist (P.Tech.) and Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designations, with a background in Electrical Engineering Technology and Electronic Systems Engineering.

After building his career in industry, Shaun transitioned into education in 2010, joining Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where he spent 15 years teaching and leading the Computer Engineering Technology program. He served as Program Head and later Academic Chair, while also contributing... Read More →

Thursday August 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Meeting Room 2

Breakout Session, Session 1

11:00am CDT

Language and Culture Curriculum

Thursday August 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Meeting Room 5

Han Mitakuyapi (Hello My Relatives)I have been in Language Reclamation (Taking Back or Restoring) for over two decades. I am grateful to my mentors who showed me the importance of language and the positive impact it has in life. As a daughter, sister, aunty, cousin, Kuns’i (Grandmother), and Ina (Mother) it’s the responsibility I embrace daily to promote language revitalization within our...
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Speakers

Noella Eagle

FHQTC Education

Noella Eagle serves as the Superintendent of FHQ Education, bringing more than 40 years of experience in First Nations education and a lifelong commitment to advancing language, culture, and culturally grounded learning. Throughout her career, she has served in a wide range of educational... Read More →

Thursday August 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Meeting Room 5

Breakout Session, Session 1

11:00am CDT

The Students We Miss

Thursday August 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Meeting Room 3

Some students struggle loudly, while others struggle quietly. The Students We Miss examines the learners whose needs are often hidden behind strong academics, social masking, perfectionism, or compliance. Through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, participants will explore how students such as girls with ADHD, autistic learners, and twice-exceptional students can be overlooked, and how educators can...
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Speakers

Jolissa Simon

Registered Psychologist, FHQ Education

Jolissa Simon, M.Ed., Registered Psychologist #1187 (APE), is a Registered Psychologist with File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council. For the past 14 years, she has had the privilege of serving First Nations communities throughout Saskatchewan, from the far south to the far north. Her... Read More →

Thursday August 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Meeting Room 3

Breakout Session, Session 1

11:00am CDT

What's Your Data Saying? Discovering the Story Behind School Improvement

Thursday August 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT

Meeting Room 1

Data has the power to reveal successes, highlight challenges, and inspire meaningful change. This interactive session explores how educators can use qualitative and quantitative data to better understand their schools and make informed decisions that support student achievement and well-being. Learn how to identify the story your data is telling and use that story to create intentional, impactful...
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Speakers

Ashley Pennington

An Indigenous educator with over a decade of experience, including seven years as a classroom teacher, three years as a special education teacher in Alberta, and additional leadership roles as a Student Services Teacher and Principal. With a strong background in inclusive education... Read More →

Sarah Longman

Director of Education, FHQ Education

Passionate life long learner committed to First Nation Education.

Alana Starr

Supervisor of Student Achievement, FHQ Education

Alana Starr is from the Muscowpetung First Nation and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the area of First Nations Education. Along with her post-secondary education, Alana has worked in a variety of capacities in First Nations Education ranging from Classroom Teacher to... Read More →

Thursday August 27, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Meeting Room 1

Breakout Session, Session 1

12:00pm CDT

Lunch Break

Thursday August 27, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm CDT

Ballroom B

Lunch Break

Thursday August 27, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm CDT
Ballroom B

Break/Lunch, Break / Lunch

1:15pm CDT

Teacher Appreciation

Thursday August 27, 2026 1:15pm - 1:30pm CDT

Ballroom B

Teacher appreciation awards.

Thursday August 27, 2026 1:15pm - 1:30pm CDT
Ballroom B

Sub, Giveaways

1:30pm CDT

Getting Started with Edsby: Connecting Schools and Families

Thursday August 27, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Meeting Room 5

Learn how Edsby helps create meaningful connections between schools and families. This session will introduce the platform, explore its communication tools, and demonstrate how educators can use Edsby to keep parents and caregivers informed and engaged in their child's learning journey. Whether you're new to Edsby or looking to better understand its potential, this session will provide a practical...
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Speakers

Joseph Gallenger

Network Support, FHQ Education

Joseph Gallenger is a member of the Network Support team with the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council. He started in December 2020 with FHQTC and has over 5 years of experience working in the Information Technology Field. Joseph is originally from Regina, but currently resides... Read More →

Thursday August 27, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Meeting Room 5

Breakout Session, Session 2

1:30pm CDT

Language Learning in Everyday Moments: Supporting Basic Concepts Through Meaningful Experiences

Thursday August 27, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Meeting Room 1

Language grows through connection. In this session, speech-language pathologists Winter Bengert Siman and Barbara Wilson will share practical ways to support the development of basic concepts and vocabulary through play, routines, storytelling, shared experiences, and everyday conversations. Grounded in a strengths-based approach and informed by their work alongside educators, families, and...
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Speakers

Winter Bengert-Siman

I am a speech-language pathologist with 16 years of experience supporting young children and their families in schools, private practice, and in partnership with First Nations communities throughout Saskatchewan. I earned my Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina in 2007... Read More →

Thursday August 27, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Meeting Room 1

Breakout Session, Session 2

1:30pm CDT

Learning through Art

Thursday August 27, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Meeting Room 2

Discover the transformative power of the arts in healing through the lens of Indigenous traditions. This session delves into the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities, highlighting how artistic practices such as art, music, dance, and theatre serve as profound teaching opportunities with Indigenous students. Participants will explore the significance of these art forms within the...
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Speakers

Teddy Bison

Thursday August 27, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Meeting Room 2

Breakout Session, Session 2

1:30pm CDT

Teaching Literacy with UFLI: A Practical Look at Creating a Strong Literacy Block

Thursday August 27, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Meeting Room 3

This presentation will provide an overview of UFLI and how it is implemented in my classroom to support early reading success. It will explore the benefits of UFLI, the daily and weekly literacy routine, and the importance of developing other essential literacy skills, including phonological awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing.

Speakers

Maddie Renwick

My name is Maddie Renwick, and I am a primary elementary teacher with Prairie Valley School Division at Fort Qu’Appelle Elementary Community School with experience teaching Kindergarten- Grade 2. I have a passion for teaching literacy and love helping young learners build the... Read More →

Thursday August 27, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Meeting Room 3

Breakout Session, Session 2

2:30pm CDT

Networking Break

Thursday August 27, 2026 2:30pm - 2:45pm CDT

Ballroom B

Networking Break

Thursday August 27, 2026 2:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Ballroom B

Break/Lunch, Break / Lunch

2:45pm CDT

AI in Schools

Thursday August 27, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Meeting Room 5

This session will focus on exploring the relevance and importance of education in an AI-driven world by examining the following key points:

Limitations of AI systems like ChatGPT
The complementary relationship between education and AI
Inherent biases in AI systems
Context and interpretation challenges

Speakers

Alec Couros

Alec Couros is a Professor of educational technology and media and the Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of Regina. He has given hundreds of workshops and presentations, nationally and internationally, on topics such as openness in education, networked... Read More →

Thursday August 27, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Meeting Room 5

Breakout Session, Session 3

2:45pm CDT

Harnessing Learning: Equine-Assisted Strategies for Education

Thursday August 27, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Meeting Room 3

This engaging professional learning session introduces educators to the principles and practices of Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) as a powerful experiential approach to supporting student growth and success. Participants will explore how interactions with horses can foster social-emotional learning, self-regulation, communication, leadership, resilience, and relationship-building skills. Grounded...
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Speakers

Shasta Hanna

Literacy Consultant, FHQ Education

My name is Shasta Hanna, I have been a teacher for 9 years. I have worked in places such as Ocean Man, Ochapowace File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council, and Peepeekisis over the course of my career, and I couldn’t be more excited to be currently working for File Hills Qu'Appelle... Read More →

Thursday August 27, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Meeting Room 3

Breakout Session, Session 3

2:45pm CDT

Raising up the Young

Thursday August 27, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Meeting Room 1

The youth are the next generation of leaders and in order to have healthy leaders and community, teaching them how to move with the water then moving with the fire. Fire consumes and water brings life.In this session, you will learn about the Raising up the Young leadership program that focuses on learning about feeling your feelings, regulating and understanding the emotions, balancing the...
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Speakers

Angel Whitestar

Tansi (Hello), my name is Angel Whitestar.I’m a Cree, Assiniboine and Souix women from Ocean Man First Nation, married and reside on Piapot First Nation with my husband and kids.I am a registered social worker, mental health and wellness counselor. I come from a big pow wow family... Read More →

Thursday August 27, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Meeting Room 1

Breakout Session, Session 3

2:45pm CDT

Technology in the Classroom

Thursday August 27, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Meeting Room 2

This session will focus on exploring the relevance and importance of education in an AI-driven world by examining the following key points:Fostering critical thinking, empathy, and understanding through EducationLimitations of AI systems like ChatGPTThe complementary relationship between education and AIInherent biases in AI systemsLack of empathy and understandingContext and interpretation...
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Speakers

Michael Koops

Virtual Principal, FHQ Education

Michael has been teaching for 27 years. He has experience in Northern communities, Rural, and Urban schools. He has taught online and with the Saskatchewan Technology Supported Learning Unit. He taught at the University of Regina. He has been an administrator and is currently... Read More →

Thursday August 27, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Meeting Room 2

Breakout Session, Session 3