SILR Gathering 2025
Our Languages Are Healing Us
The SILR Gathering 2025, held on March 17 & 18 in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, Alberta) brought together over 250 language speakers, learners and advocates from across Turtle Island.
Over two days, the Gathering featured:
- 8 sessions on topics such as immersion, AI, technology, curriculum, and strategic planning
- Two powerful keynotes from language champions Joan Greyeyes and Michael Running Wolf
- Panel discussions on intergenerational relationships between Elders & Youth, and language and wellness
- A dedicated Elders Wellness Space in partnership with the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta
Experience the 2025 SILR Gathering
This year’s theme, Our Languages Are Healing Us, was inspired by Dene Tha’ Elder and SILR Advisory Council member Molly Chisaakay. Her words reminded us that Indigenous language revitalization is a journey of reclamation, identity, and healing.
2025 SILR Gathering Report
The 2025 SILR Gathering Report offers a summary of the event, including our planning approach to ensure diverse language representation and meaningful learning opportunities.
Inside, you’ll find the key themes we heard from participants, what matters most to Indigenous language advocates today, as well as recommendations that will help guide SILR’s future programming.
We hope this report may be valuable to anyone planning similar events or seeking deeper insight into the priorities and needs of those working to revitalize Indigenous languages.
Photo Gallery
miigwetch, ay-hiy, ish-nish, mahsi cho, maarsii
The SILR Gathering 2025 would not have been possible without the generous support, time, and energy of many individuals and organizations.
We gratefully acknowledge:
- Funders: BHP Foundation, University of Alberta, and Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN)
- Lyndon Aginas, for serving as Master of Ceremonies and leading the morning pipe ceremonies
- Myna Manniapik, for lighting the qulliq and sharing the meaning of the moment with us
- Doreen Frencheater, for leading the morning pipe ceremonies
- Sterlling Daychief, William Arcand and Tyler Edwards for sharing drum songs
- Staff: Samantha Randhawa, Lauren Carter, Pamela McCoy Jones, Karen Delver, Davina Rousell, Geo Estoesta
- Planning Committee volunteers: Allyson Lynch and Daniela Carbajal
- Event volunteers, whose commitment helped the Gathering run smoothly
- The Department of Occupational Therapy at UAlberta and student volunteers from Indigenous Focus, for facilitating the Elders Wellness Space and providing dedicated support to Elders
- Trudy Cardinal and student volunteers from amiskwaciy Academy, who served as Elders’ Helpers
- SILR Advisory Council members, for their guidance during the planning process: Molly Chisaakay, Doreen Frencheater, Elmer Ghostkeeper, Lyndon Aginas, Lynda Minoose, and Edna Elias
- Speakers, who generously shared their knowledge, stories, and teachings