OUR 2022 THEME

Between 2007 and 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) travelled to all parts of Canada to bear witness to residential school experiences, to create a permanent historical record, and to engage and educate the public about Survivor experiences and intergenerational impacts. One of the Commission’s most important outcomes was the 94 Calls to Action—a foundational piece for understanding and moving forward towards reconciliation.

This year, the 2022 Wîcihitowin Conference will centre on the Indigenous principle of witnessing or bearing witness. In keeping with the oral traditions of Indigenous Peoples, witnesses are called upon to be the keepers of history when an event of historic significance occurs. This act—one which holds great responsibility—also helps validate, legitimize, and recognize the importance of conducting business in a good way while building and maintaining relationships. Attendees of the 8th Wîcihitowin Conference, will be asked to retain and care for the teachings they witness and experience and, most importantly, to share it with those within their personal and professional communities.

Set under the backdrop of the TRC’s Calls to Action, registrants will have an opportunity to learn from experts leading reconciliACTION efforts, gain insight, tools and takeaways, share experiences and challenges, and engage in respectful and constructive dialogue. By helping each other and working together, we can create a new path forward for delivering services and programs, and ensuring an inclusive representation of Indigenous People as volunteers, employees, decision-makers, and leaders within our organizations and communities.

28 calendar Conference Day 1 November 28, 2022

7:30 am

Registration and Breakfast

8:45 a.m. Drum Call
(Songs and drumming are provided by the Sweetgrass Singers)

9:00 am

Opening Remarks

Special greetings from the Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.

10:00 am

Keynote #2 - Truth and Reconciliation: What We Inherited and Our Role Moving Forward

11:00 am

Health Break

Entertainment provided by Shirley Sanderson, Residential School Survivor.

2:00 pm

Plenary #2 - Bearing Witness: The Indian Residential School Health Supports

The Wîcihitowin Conference Planning Committee recognizes and thanks the many health and cultural support workers who have been there alongside Residential School Survivors throughout the years.

3:00 pm

Health Break

Entertainment provided by Shirley Sanderson, Residential School Survivor.

3:15 pm

Powwow Demonstration

Powwow dancers include Marc (Longjohn) Okihcihtaw (narrator),  Sheldon Wuttunee, Brinn Wuttunee, Konis Wuttunee, Tanya Tootoosis, Elvin Nicotine, Raylene Medicinerope, Conrad Medicinerope, Rob McNabb, Shay Littletent, Blue Jay Linklater, Kevin Hawahe, Gracie Arcand, Cara Arcand, and Kimowan Ahenakew.

Music provided by the Sweetgrass Singers.

29 calendar Conference Day 2 November 29, 2022

7:30 am

Registration and Breakfast

8:45 a.m. Drum Call
(Songs and drumming are provided by Sweetgrass Singers)

9:15 am

Keynote #4 - Bearing Witness: Not a Spectator Sport

Dr. Marie Wilson is a former Commissioner with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

10:15 am

Health Break

Entertainment provided by Shirley Sanderson, Residential School Survivor.

11:15 am

Plenary #4 - Weaving the Web of Life in the Aftermath of Residential Schools

NOTICE: For all those that attended in the 2022 Wîcihitowin Indigenous Engagement Conference, either online or in-person, we wanted to inform you that unfortunately Dr. Herman Michel was unable to attend the conference due to unforeseen illness, but that he is on the road to recovery. From the Wicihitowin Planning Committee we wish him well in his continued healing. We also want to thank Elder Judy Pelly, Marina Gardypie, Judy Greyeyes, and Rick Daniels for stepping in to share their wisdom with conference attendees.

12:00 pm

Lunch, Entertainment, & Indigenous Market

Entertainment provided by Courtney-Dawn Anaquod and fellow jiggers.

1:00 pm

Plenary #5 - Witnessing the Value of kiyôkêwin ᑭᔫᑌᐃᐧᐣ

1:45 pm

Video Presentation - The Witness Blanket (documentary trailer)

Introduction provided by Carey Newman, Multidisciplinary Artist, Master Carver, Filmmaker, Author and Public Speaker

2:00 pm

Health Break

Entertainment provided by Bluejay Linklater.