Chiefs of Ontario
First Nations Education, Languages and Special Education Forum
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Save the Date
The Chiefs of Ontario Education Sector are hosting the 2026 Education, Languages and Special Education Forum, taking place November 3–5, 2026, at the Valhalla Inn and Conference Centre in Thunder Bay, ON. This year’s theme, “Learning Through the Life Course,” reflects a holistic First Nations understanding of learning as a lifelong, interconnected journey rooted in language, culture, and community.
Date and Time: November 3-5, 2026, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST
Location: Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre,1 Valhalla Inn Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6J1
Who should attend: First Nation Education and Language Educators, Advocates, Directors, Technicians and Administrators.
Registration: Coming Soon!
Please note: Presentations in the main plenary will be livestreamed on the Chiefs of Ontario YouTube page. Breakout sessions will be available in person only and will not be livestreamed.
Accommodations: reservations@valhallahotel.ca
Please note: A limited block of rooms has been set aside at the Valhalla Inn, Thunder Bay at a special group rate of $259.00 CAD per night plus applicable taxes. These rooms will be available at this rate until October 5, 2026.
This offer is valid until October 6, 2025. To book your accommodations, please call the hotel directly at 1 (800) 847-5075 or (416) 924-0611. You may also reserve your rooms online using the booking link provided above.
Agenda: Download provisional Agenda here (Last updated October 21, 2025)
Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@ChiefsOfOntario
Conference Resources
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Travel Claim Information Sheet
Click here to download the travel claim information sheet
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Travel Claim Template
Download the travel claim template here
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Direct Deposit Form
Download the direct deposit form here
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Conference Booklet
Download the Conference Booklet Here
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Conference Speakers
Download the Conference Speakers Booklet Here
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Forum Feedback Form
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Education & Languages Forum Presentations
Day 1 - October 21, 2025
Keynote: Strategy to Fulfilling Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action - Coming Soon!
"Walking Together": Building the Parent/Caregiver Bundle of Resources to Support Mental Health Learning and Wellbeing for First Nations FamiliesA Journey of Self-Determination in EducationOjibwe Children's Songs and Finger PlaysAccelerated First Nation Languages Teacher Certification - Coming Soon!
Community Language PlanningWhat is an Education System? Building Second, Third, and Fourth Level Services at a Community Level - Coming Soon!
The Adequacy of Funding for Indigenous Languages - Coming Soon!
Integrating Indigenous Knowledge, Language Revitalization and Flexible Learning at FNTI: Pathways for Community-Centered Education - Coming Soon!
Day 2 - October 22, 2025
Keynote: The State of Anishinaabemowin in the Great Lakes Area -Coming Soon!
Amending the Indigenous Languages Act: Looking Back to Its Origins, Looking Forward to Its FutureJordan's Principle Update and DiscussionPowwow as Pedagogy: Anishinaabeg Approaches to Teaching and Learning - Coming Soon!
The Story of 7th Fire Alternative High School - Coming Soon!
Waasa Enaabijig Zaswin-Rama FN Immerison Nest - Coming Soon!
Onkwawenna Kentyohkwa Adult Immersion: Creating Fluent Speakers of Kanyen'kéhaEmpowering Indigenous Voices at FNTI: Community-Led Pathways for Indigenous Language TeachersAdult Education Model at Kettle and Stoney Point First NationFirst Nation High School Inspection ProcessWalking Our Own Path: The Foundation of First Nations Education, Language and Culture in Northern Nishnawbe Education Council Schools - Coming Soon!
Day 3 - October 23,2025
Keynote: Land as Relative, Land as Teacher: Indigenous Youth Leading Pathways of Land-Based Healing and EducationOut from the Shadows and Into the Light: the Role of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages in Promoting and Supporting Indigenous Peoples in their Revitalization Efforts
Noojmowin Shkaptjigaan: An Experiential Exploration of Wellness - Coming Soon!
Inflecting an Ojibwe Verb: Understanding Word PowerThe Language Business - Coming Soon!
Kanien'keha in Akwesasne: Preserving, Teaching, Living
Support Contact Information
For questions or further information, please contact Ocean Song Bui at OceanSong.bui@coo.org or Ashley McGregor at Ashley.Mcgregor@coo.org