There is a fundamental difference between the principles of Eurocentric worldview colonial structures of child welfare practice and standards versus Indigenous practice of caring for Indigenous children and families. In this session, Child Welfare & Practice Standards, Tina Stevens and Tracey Whiteye will share the importance of Indigenous worldview guiding principles and values that are based on the best interest of the community – a community that includes children, families, and all the other people around the child.

In this session, Métis Teachings, Gloria Thomson will present the evolvement of the Métis as a distinct People and share the impact of that history as it affected her and her family.

For years, Indigenous people have experienced systemic racism, violence, and discrimination.  The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls brought attention to the disturbing numbers of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. At the same time, research into violence experienced by Indigenous men shows disturbingly high numbers.  In this session, Missing & Murdered Indigenous People, Tracey Whiteye will discuss the violence faced by Indigenous people and some of the concrete ways that we can all help to stop it.

In this session, Shannen's Dream and Jordan's Principle, Tracey Whiteye will discuss the rights of Indigenous children to receive a proper education and equitable access to all government funded public services. "School is a time for dreams and every kid deserves this" were the words of Shannen Koostachin who emphasized the need to ensure that all First Nations children have the same educational opportunities as other children. This session will share the stories of Shannen and Jordan and how their lives helped to foster positive change for Indigenous children and youth.

 In this session, The Importance of Growing Gardens, Mary-Anne Kechego will talk about the importance of growing gardens as a way to remind us that all the plants that we grow can help to "sustain us in life".  The presentation will explain the relationship between sowing seeds and the cycles of the moon and will help us all to "touch the earth, plant a seed, sing nurturing songs to it... and give healing to our spirit".