The Nipikiskwasiwan National Summit 2026, titled "Rekindling the Home Fire: Indigenous Pathways to Stronger Child & Family Systems," is a pivotal gathering focused on enhancing Indigenous child and family systems. Organized by Nipikiskwasiwan Consulting Group, the summit will take place on April 8–9, 2026, at the Edmonton EXPO Centre in Edmonton, Alberta. This event aims to unite Nations, leaders, and frontline workers to empower Nation-led approaches that fortify protections and establish enduring safety and stability for Indigenous children and families.
The summit will address six key streams: advancing C-92 implementation to empower Nations in exercising their inherent laws; transforming responses for high-risk and complex-needs youth through culturally anchored supports; protecting workforce wellness to mitigate burnout; addressing funding pressures with sustainable strategies; strengthening prevention and kinship pathways to maintain children's connections to their communities; and re-centering land-based, culturally grounded care by reclaiming teachings of land, language, and ceremony.
Attendees can look forward to engaging keynote sessions from esteemed leaders such as Chief Tréchelle Bunn of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation and Gilbert Fredette of Norway House Cree Nation. The event will also feature panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and share knowledge among participants committed to Indigenous child and family well-being.
This summit is ideal for individuals involved in Indigenous child and family services, including social workers, program managers, cultural practitioners, community health teams, and leaders from various sectors. It offers a unique platform to collaborate, learn, and contribute to the strengthening of Indigenous-led systems for the betterment of children and families.
Speakers(2)
Chief Tréchelle Bunn
Chief at Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation
Chief Tréchelle Bunn made history as the first woman elected Chief of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation and was the youngest serving Chief in Manitoba at the time of her election. She has spoken on national and international stages, including the Assembly of First Nations and the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Gilbert Fredette
Former Vice Chief at Norway House Cree Nation
Gilbert James Fredette brings decades of experience working directly with Indigenous families, communities, and systems. As a respected community voice and former Vice Chief, he integrates lived experience, ancestral teachings, and practical service realities to strengthen family-centered services through the profound teaching of the home fire.
Event Details
- Date
- April 8-9, 2026
- 2 days
- Location
- 🇨🇦 Edmonton, Canada
- Edmonton EXPO Centre
- Pricing
- $475 - $850
- Audience
- Individuals involved in Indigenous child and family services, including social workers, program managers, cultural practitioners, community health teams, and leaders from various sectors.