Kinàmàgawin Symposium
About this Event
This year’s symposium invites critical reflection and dialogue on the experiences, tensions, and possibilities of navigating Indigenous presence within spaces shaped by colonial histories and structures. Through conversations with scholars, community leaders, and knowledge carriers, we will explore how Indigenous peoples reclaim, resist, and transform institutions while carrying forward relationships, responsibilities, and teachings that challenge colonial systems.
The symposium will create space to reflect on belonging, survivance, resurgence, and the ongoing work of making institutions more accountable to Indigenous peoples and communities.
Join us for a day of learning, relationship-building, and collective reflection.
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Opening Remarks
Host: Matthew Bisson (MC)
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Keynote 1: Protecting Leaders, Serving Communities: Inside the Life of an Inuk
Host: Sergeant George Henrie
Info: Sergeant George Henrie shares his unique journey navigating the intersection of Indigenous identity and national security service as an Inuk RCMP officer. From serving in high-stakes operational environments and protecting leaders to fostering trust and relationship-building within diverse communities, Sgt. Henrie offers a rare look behind the scenes of modern law enforcement. Grounded in lived experience, cultural pride, and dedicated service, his presentation explores what it means to lead with integrity, bridge cultural divides, and serve communities with honour.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Q&A
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Keynote #2: It's Just Chantal: What Happens When Trust Replaces Fear
Host: Sergeant Chantal Larocque
Info: Through personal stories, humour, successes, and failures, Sergeant Chantal Larocque shares her experiences challenging colonial practices, thinking outside the box, and building trust within Indigenous policing.
At the heart of her message are four simple words she considers one of her greatest compliments as a police officer: “It’s just Chantal.” A reminder that reconciliation isn’t just about policies or promises. It’s about people, relationships, and replacing fear with trust.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Q&A
🕑: 11:15 AM
Health Break
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Keynote #3: Healing Journeys, Systemic Change
Host: Malaya Zehr
🕑: 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
Q&A
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch and Cultural Performancers
Host: Belle Bailey
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Keynote #4: Decolonizing Journalism Education: Transforming Pathways for Indig
Host: Duncan McCue
Info: How can we reform post-secondary institutions to better meet the needs of Indigenous learners? Drawing on his experiences in journalism and teaching, Professor Duncan McCue offers practical insights into decolonizing academic spaces and creating more inclusive educational environments.
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Q&A
🕑: 02:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Health Break
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:45 PM
Keynote #5: Navigating Power: High-Level Advisory and Public Service
Host: Deliah Benard
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
Q&A
🕑: 04:00 PM
Closing
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
