About

Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), the national voice of Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes, CEGEPs and polytechnics, and the Indigenous Institutes Consortium (IIC), which represents seven Indigenous-governed and mandated postsecondary education and life-long learning institutes in Ontario, will co-host the event and convene a diverse group of leaders and innovators in Indigenous and postsecondary education from across Turtle Island. 

Through a dynamic program featuring Insight Hours, Spotlight Sessions, Sharing Circles, keynote addresses, and panel discussions, participants will engage in meaningful dialogue on how Indigenous education can bridge skills gaps, empower learners, and contribute to building bold, sustainable, community-driven, solutions for a stronger, more equitable future.

Together we will: 

• Advance Indigenous-led Innovation, Skills Development, and Economic Reconciliation: Highlight the leadership of Indigenous Institutes, colleges, CEGEPs, and polytechnics in driving economic reconciliation through skills training, Indigenous-led research, entrepreneurship, and innovation that supports workforce and community development.
• Catalyze Partnerships and Solutions for Shared Prosperity: Bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders from education, government, business, and communities to co-create solutions rooted in Indigenous knowledge, values, and priorities — fostering self-determination and inclusive growth.
• Shape the Future of Indigenous Education and Lifelong Learning: Explore bold, forward-thinking approaches to Indigenous education — including digital sovereignty, AI, language revitalization, culturally grounded curriculum, and holistic learner supports..

This year’s Symposium will also mark the launch of CICan’s renewed Indigenous Education Protocol, co-created with Indigenous partners to reflect evolving priorities and support transformative change across the postsecondary landscape.

Who Should Attend

The 2025 National Indigenous Education Symposium welcomes a diverse community of leaders, educators, and partners who are committed to advancing Indigenous participation, success, and leadership in postsecondary education and beyond. This includes:

Post-Secondary Education Leaders: Presidents, administrators, deans, researchers, faculty, and student service professionals from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous colleges, institutes, polytechnics, CEGEPs, and universities, whether already engaged in Indigenous education or looking to deepen their understanding and impact.

Industry: Employers, business leaders, and organizations working with postsecondary institutions to support Indigenous learners, promote inclusive hiring practices, or co-develop programs rooted in reconciliation, innovation, and community need.

Government: Officials and policymakers from federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments involved in education, Indigenous affairs, workforce development, and economic reconciliation

What to expect

Insight Hours

A focused, one-hour session where expert speakers dive deep into a single topic, offering valuable perspectives, practical takeaways, and thought-provoking discussion.

Designed to inform and inspire, each session delivers concentrated insight in an engaging, accessible format.

Spotlight Sessions

Three 15-minute standout presentations in the same room, one after the other, in the same block of time that shine a light on innovative ideas, impactful work, or emerging trends. These sessions offer a focused opportunity to hear from leading voices and gain fresh insights on key topics.

Sharing Circles

A Sharing Circle invites all participants to sit in a circle, without a designated front or podium. This arrangement creates a space of equality, respect, and collective wisdom and fosters equality, inclusion, active listening, and open dialogue. A central theme is introduced, and a facilitator prompts discussion with questions or stories and then engages the floor in a circular, respectful manner.

Networking Opportunities

Networking breaks designed to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities together.