The 2025 Uniting Nations, Building Partnerships Education Conference took place October 1–2, 2025, at the Delta Hotel in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The two-day event brought together educators, knowledge keepers, and community members to share ideas and strengthen connections in Indigenous education, leadership, and language revitalization.

The conference opened in ceremony with Elder Ron McDonald and emcee Gary Smith. The Brown Eagle Singers drummed for both the opening and closing, setting a strong and respectful tone for the day.

Dr. Tasha Spillett delivered the keynote address, speaking about balancing motherhood, education, and career. A Youth Leaders Panel featuring Chief Trechelle Bunn, Councillor Willow Crow, and Miss Indigenous Canada Gena Boubard discussed leadership and youth empowerment in Indigenous communities.

Workshops were led by Sherry Copenace, Jana-Rae Yerxa, Audra Foggins, and Jennifer Meixner, covering topics such as Anishinaabe parenting, educator self-awareness, youth resilience, and culturally-based special education.

The second day began with Markku Hukari from Kokkola, Finland, who spoke about land-based learning and helping youth connect to the land. A team from New Zealand—Jason Kereopa, Hinetai Kereopa, and Laura Hawksworth—shared their experiences with language immersion and revitalization. Their session was livestreamed on Facebook for those unable to attend in person.

Afternoon workshops included “Wellness through the Land” by Kevin Lewis, and a session on Language Programming led by Dene Sinclair, Aandeg Muldrew, and Bernice Greene, which focused on lessons learned and strategies for supporting language revitalization.

We thank Elder Ron McDonald and emcee Gary Smith for their guidance, and the Delta Hotel staff for their hospitality.

Gichi-miigwech to all presenters and participants for making this year’s conference a success. The conversations and connections built over these two days will continue to support our shared work in education and community development.