Here is the list of Sessions for ANTEC 2025!
We have an exciting lineup of sessions covering a wide range of topics! Browse the lineup to find sessions that interest you, discover expert-led discussions, and plan your conference experience!
- 15 May Session Block #1 (Thur. 10:30am-11:30am)
- 15 May Session Block #2 (Thur. 1:30pm-2:30pm)
- 16 May Session Block #3 (Fri. 9:15am-10:15am)
A Snapshot of Indigenous Cultural Support in Anglophone East School District
AESD offers Indigenous Cultural Support, as part of a “Circle of Care’ model. Indigenous Cultural Support Workers (ICSWs) work to increase Indigenous students’ sense of belonging, and to bolster success through a holistic, medicine wheel focused (physical, mental/cognitive, social/emotional, and spiritual/ cultural) approach. The ICSW role is varied & includes working with students one-on-one or in small groups; offering culturally relevant learning & experiences; ensuring Indigenous representation; collaborating on classroom learning, or school and/or district wide initiatives; helping to implement aspects of the Wabanaki Wholistic Learning Framework; advocating for students; and helping lift our Indigenous students up in whatever ways we can!
Leanne Laracey
Tracy Landry
Bio Making with Brilliant Labs
Biotechnology impacts everyday aspects of our lives in today’s modern world and can help us design novel products and materials. Biomaking is a new concept of makerspaces in which young people collaborate with harmless microbes like fungi, bacteria, yeast, and algae to design meaningful projects for a sustainable future. Join us to explore ways to bring Biomaking into classrooms, harnessing the power of biological materials and systems to make products for human purposes.
Jeff Wilson
Sam McRae
Exploring outdoors: Discovering Math in Nature
Are you interested in connecting math with nature? Join Let’s Talk Science to explore examples of mathematics in our natural world. Build your confidence by exploring geometric shapes, common patterns, symmetry and tessellations in nature. Discover a learning strategy that can be scaffolded for use both inside and outside of the classroom. Finally, examine opportunities for mathematics to be integrated across different subject areas to achieve curriculum outcomes. This session is for educators K-Gr. 3.
Lyne Allain
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education
Explore how generative AI tools can support educators and students in creating personalized learning experiences. This session will focus on using AI for student engagement and learning and leveraging AI for efficiency in educational tasks. Attendees will leave with strategies and tools to begin integrating AI into their teaching practices.
Sarah Rankin
I don't self sabotage… Do I?!
This presentation helps participants identify exactly how and why both they, and their students self-sabotage. We examine the four core beliefs that lead to self-sabotage: “I am fundamentally flawed/unworthy” “Disloyalty and abandonment” “Success brings more burden” “The crime of outshining” Understanding why both teachers/students destroy their own forward progress at work, in relationships, athletics and finances is the first important step in helping students overcome them so they can reach their full potential inside and outside of the classroom. I end with ways to challenge, uncover and replace these beliefs to more helpful ones that allow for growth and flourishing.
Rankyn Campbell
IEPs: Getting it Right for Every Child
Planning and programming for our students with special needs is an important part of our academic year. Over the past several years, we have been working to fine tune our process with the goal of creating a child centered, family friendly and academically meaningful process that allows each student to succeed according to their individual strengths and needs.
Deborah Maund
Wendy Sock
Implementing Word Fun Games/Activities in literacy
In this presentation, we’ll explore creative and cost-effective ways to design engaging FUN word games that require minimal monies, making them accessible for underfunded schools. We’ll discuss DIY methods for creating games using everyday materials like paper and markers, as well as leveraging free online resources or apps. By focusing on collaborative activities and encouraging student participation, educators can show the joys for literacy and enhance learning without the burden of financial constraints. Through simple classic games and innovative brainstorming sessions, teachers can create a fun learning environment that sparks the joy in wordplay while staying within budget.
Germaine Augustine
Ariel Peter Paul
Inquiry Based STEM Learning Across the Curriculum
This session will highlight how to teach classroom science via hands-on, inquiry based activities. Participants will be able try a design & build lesson taken from Science East and Elsipogtog School’s Storybook STEM kits.
Michael Edwards
Introduction to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
An intro to FASD that will discuss how FASD occurs, how it presents, its prevalence, how it is diagnosed, and effective strategies that can be used in the classroom and at home.
Courtney Fournier
Jillian Nason
Land-Based Learning
Land-based learning takes place outside in the natural environment. It focuses on the relationship with the land, language, elders, peers and community. Land-based learning can include activities like harvesting, hunting, fishing, snaring, tree tapping and gathering medicines. Land-based learning can take place through any season of the year and is guided by the Mi’kmaq principles of Netukulimk and Etupatmumk. Students are taught to practice sustainability also guided by the the 4 R’s of respect, responsibility, relationship and reciprocity.
Raylene Sylliboy
Language Buttons & Technology in the Mi’kmaw Classroom
Getting students engaged and enjoying speaking our language with various hands on activities with technology.
Tiffany Gould
Medicine Walk, 3 Sisters Planting
A medicine walk to identify medicinal plants and fungi, followed by a Three Sisters planting demonstration, with seeds provided for participants to plant at home.
Cecelia Brooks
Anthony Brooks
Migemag(Mi'kmaq) French Influence on Language after Contact
History of how the French writing system affected the Migemag(Mi’kmaq) language.
Eddie Francis
Denise Daigle
Positive Thinking: Mind-Growth Strategies to Soar With Your Strengths!
In this fast-paced workshop participants will discuss strategies to help students discover personal and career abilities to guide their growth and success in careers and life as well as strategies to overcome life obstacles. Sue and Laurie will overview highly effective mind-growth strategies followed by small group brainstorming of participants’ favorite practices. More strategies will be introduced through a scavenger hunt for ways to teach, practice and apply positive thinking strategies, using Sue’s educational workbooks, How to Achieve My Dreams! and Life Choices: Using My Mind, Heart, Body and Soul to Guide My Journey. Then enjoy a quick jigsaw discussion of participants’ mind-growth teaching and life experiences. The group’s ideas will be compiled and emailed to participants, giving you a “toolbox” of strategies for helping students develop individual aspirations and potential to soar with their strengths!
Susan Ziemba
Laurie Donovan
PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs
Introduce PowerPlay; explaining what it is and how it works. We will show a video on power play and use a powerpoint to introduce the lessons to go with it. Conversations on our experience implementing power play in our classroom.
Jenna Warman
Lorraine Whalen
Remembering Who We Are
My presentation will consist of taking you back around fifty years when there was no evidence of the ceremonial ways of our people here in Mi’kmaki. There were no Pow Wows, no smudging or visuals in our native communities and schools. The drum was silent! Now, over fifty years later, our cultural ways have taken a big resurgence in our Wabanaki Territories. When I started teaching culture in 1977; I knew then and still today, how vitally important it was that our children get the opportunity to embrace every aspect of their culture. For years, our parents and grandparents were assimilated into thinking that their culture and language was no good. This was internalized by our people as “I am not good enough.” My path has led me on a spiritual journey journey to “re-discover” who I am and who we truly are as a people. I have helped to shatter those misconceptions that were imposed upon us; and replaced it with a strong fast conviction of knowing the actual beauty of who we are as a people. It has become my life long commitment to uphold and teach our students to believe in themselves and to always take pride in who they are. My presentation includes my own personal spiritual journey of how I was led back to our culture. This story began when I was five years old. At the age of twenty two, a powerful experience happened when I attended my first ceremony in Manitoulin Island, Ontario. From that moment, I was committed to bring our ways back to my people. My journey has never stopped!
Donna Augustine
Roots of Reconciliation: A New Educator Resource Rooted in Mi'kmaw Knowing from Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre
We are looking to share our new, free, digital and hard copy resource, Roots of Reconciliation. This resource follows our first, Mi’kmawe’l Tan Teli-Kina’muemk (MTTK) and is designed to support educators in both sharing Mi’kmaw content in the classroom, and in continuing on or embarking on their reconciliation journeys with learners of all levels. Complete with 46 unique Learning Experiences, Roots of Reconciliation explores reconciliation as a concept that was built into our Peace and Friendship treaties, helping learners from all backgrounds understand that we cannot understand reconciliation without understanding the treaties, or what it means to live in Mi’kma’kik.
Mercedes Peters
Science Experiments for the Learning Center
This presentation is a sharing session on science experiments for the learning centre students. These experiments are for all grade levels but come from the secondary levels from grade 8-12.
Eleanor Bernard
Seesaw for Learning
Explore the Seesaw platform using iPads in your classroom. This session will review key features that make student engagement easy and effective, focusing on teacher-created language resources. Learn tips for integrating multimedia and making the most of iPad tools to create interactive and collaborative learning experiences.
Lori McNeil
Kim McKinnon
Spirit Bear
Participants will be hear how utilizing how ASDN teachers have been using the Spirit Bear program to help students understand reconciliation, what it means to be Indigenous, how we are all connected and the ways in which everyone can take care of Mother Earth.
Patty Miller
Strengthening Indigenous Language and Culture in the Classroom for Children and Youth
Educators play a crucial role in creating learning environments where Indigenous children and youth feel seen, heard, and valued. This session explores practical ways to integrate Indigenous languages and cultural knowledge into classrooms, fostering student engagement, identity development, and well-being. Through real-world examples of land-based learning, storytelling, and community collaboration, participants will gain strategies for supporting Indigenous language revitalization and cultural continuity. Whether working in Indigenous or non-Indigenous school settings, teachers will leave with tools to create inclusive, culturally responsive spaces that empower Indigenous students and contribute to their success. By working together (as educators, families, and communities), we can ensure that Indigenous languages and cultures remain strong for future generations.
Janine Metallic
Strong as a Mountain, Adaptable as Water
A mindfulness and movement approach for skillfully navigating the challenges of life with strength and balance. Five years ago, Jenny and Blair were planning the first Yoga in Schools Trauma and Mindfulness Conference for educators, when Jenny’s sister and educator, Lisa McCully lost her life in the mass casualty. It was the mindfulness teachings that they had curated which enabled them, as a family, to heal and move through this devastating experience. Since then, they’ve taught thousands of educators and administrators to find their strength and yet flow with the tides. Join Jenny and Blair in this one hour workshop that will provide grounding practices, energizing breathwork, movement that unwinds tension and mindfulness practices for these uncertain times. For more info on their programs, visit https://yogainschools.ca
Jenny Kierstead
Blair Abbass
The Importance of Native American Hand Talk
Native American Hand Talk, also known as Indigenous Hand Talk or Indigenous Sign Language, is an endangered sign language common to various Indigenous Nations across what is now central Canada, the central and western United States and northern Mexico
Courtney Nevin
Using Canva to Reclaim the Language and Culture
This engaging presentation introduces teachers to the powerful design tool Canva as a means of creating resources to support the reclamation and revitalization of the Mi’kmaq language. Participants will explore how to design culturally relevant and visually appealing materials, such as flashcards, posters, social media content, and more, that celebrate Mi’kmaq language and culture. The session will focus on practical, step-by-step demonstrations and provide participants with hands-on strategies to empower students and communities in embracing and preserving their linguistic heritage.
Melissa Dedam
Wampanoag Survivance and Sovereignty in U.S. Public Education
Being in one of the frontiers of settler colonial encroachment for generations, Wampanoag people have continually found innovate ways to survive the schooling systems implemented over us, assert our sovereignty in micro and macro ways, and ultimately work toward a traditional educational setting for our students. By centering language, oral traditions, Dawnland pedagogies, Wampanoag citizens are finding innovate ways to combat the attempted, coerced assimilation of our people. In this presentation we want to share this journey with our kin in the north and those who attend and learn from one another. A Board-Certified Master Neuroplastician and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Barry specializes in evidence-based tools that enhance learning, focus, and emotional well-being. His expertise in neurofeedback, emotional assessments, and biofeedback provides educators with practical strategies to support students with ADHD and other learning challenges.
Brad Lopes
A Walk Around The School Yard
Get ready to gear up and step outside! In this presentation, I’ll demonstrate how a simple walk around the schoolyard can transform your day. We’ll explore how outdoor activity kickstarts energy, clears the mind, and gets the brain flowing for better focus in the classroom. I’ll also show how this practice can seamlessly connect to the curriculum, making learning active and engaging. Bring your outdoor gear and good shoes—you’ll see firsthand how incorporating the outdoors can set the tone for a productive and energized day.
Ryan Saunders
Aotiitj Voices: Journeys Through Indigenous and Academic Spaces
This panel brings together diverse and powerful stories from the Aotiitj post-secondary outreach program, highlighting the lived experiences of Mi’kmaw students and a non-Indigenous faculty member working within community. Through personal reflections, panelists share the realities of balancing post-secondary education with motherhood, employment, and identity, while navigating the barriers and supports unique to Indigenous learners. From the perspective of a first-year undergraduate student adjusting to university life in a community-based program, to a second-year student balancing studies with single parenthood and multiple jobs, to a Mi’kmaw student reflecting on their experiences both on and off-reserve, each story speaks to resilience, growth, and the power of cultural connection. Also included is the voice of a non-Indigenous faculty member who reflects on over 15 years of collaboration with Mi’kmaw communities, offering insights into her shifting role as both an insider and outsider. Together, these narratives highlight how the Aotiitj program creates meaningful pathways for Indigenous students to pursue their academic goals while staying grounded in language, culture, and community.
Margaret Mizzi
Halle Augustine
Brandon Troy Levi
Shania Dedam
Artificial Intelligence (A.I.)
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the way we live, learn, and work—shaping everything from communication to creativity. In this session, we’ll explore how young people and educators can engage with A.I. as both users and creators. Join us to discover hands-on approaches to bringing A.I. into classrooms, empowering students to understand, question, and design with intelligent systems. Learn how A.I. can spark innovation, enhance problem-solving, and inspire meaningful projects that prepare youth for the future of a technology-driven world.
Jeff Wilson
Sam McRae
Assessment, Retention, aqq Participation in a high school Mi'kmaw class through the lens of Jaz Ma'sl
After nearly 10 years in the classroom, Jaz is ready to share her most impactful assessment strategies for language retention from her years in the classroom as a high school Mi’kmaw Language teacher. Her presentation will include how she implemented weekly oral testing, tiered language levels amongst students, rewarded retention/participation, and gave language based exams… all as a non-fluent speaker. On top of a set vocabulary tested per year, she also challenged the students by implementing unit based learning. This presentation will reveal how all of the content, assessments, and games weaved together to create a basket of hope.
Jasmine Ma'sl
Bridging Worlds in Response to Intervention: A Holistic Approach Using the Medicine Wheel
This presentation explores a culturally responsive approach to Response to Intervention (RTI) by integrating Two-Eyed Seeing Frameworks by using the medicine wheel. RTI is widely used by the mainstream to provide support to students struggling. However, conventional RTI often emphasizes standardized assessments and tiered interventions that may not align with the holistic, culturally grounded perspectives crucial for Indigenous learners. this model proposes a broader understanding of student needs, encompassing the four aspects of the medicine wheel. Two-Eyed Seeing, as introduced by Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall, encourages using the strengths of both Western and Indigenous knowledge systems, ensuring balanced, equitable support.
Lisa Bourque
Building Connections: STEM Activities Rooted in Community and Culture
How can we enhance Indigenous students’ engagement with STEM in meaningful ways? In this session, participants will discover how Actua and Worlds UNBound at the University of New Brunswick reaches Indigenous youth on a local and national level in different communities. We will explore tools and resources to enhance students’ experiential learning in STEM, as well as the infusion of digital skills and coding within and outside of STEM learning context, offering examples of classroom activities that can be easily incorporated using readily accessible materials.
Abbey Ramdeo
Katie Skead
Collaborative Development of Storybook STEM Kits
The session will discuss the collaborative project between Science East, a hands-on science organization and Elsipogtog School to create inquiry-based STEM Kits highlighting Two-Eyed Seeing using books by Canadian Indigenous authors and hands-on classroom activities.
Michael Edwards
Joanne Adourian
Conversational Migemag(Mi'kmaq) for Non-speakers
Introduction to basic conversational Migemag. This is geared toward non-speakers. Learn to create your own sentences using verbs and vocabulary.
Eddie Francis
Cross-Cultural Music Teaching: Drumming up Creative Participation in Mi'kmaq'ki
Mi’kmaq musician, dancer, and storyteller Richard “Eagle Dancer” Lush and orchestral percussionist and Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) educator Ryan E. Drew have co-led cross-cultural music workshops in dozens of schools, reaching thousands of students across PEI and New Brunswick. This presentation explores key lessons from co-teaching across artistic traditions, the pedagogical impact of intercultural collaboration, and strategies for designing meaningful learning experiences. Reflecting on six years of collaboration with Canada’s National Arts Centre, we examine how integrating Indigenous and Western art traditions fosters engagement, deepens cultural understanding, and inspires students to view music as a bridge between disciplines and cultures.
Richard Lush
Ryan Drew
Discovering Failure as a Part of Learning
Are your students aware of how scientists model resiliency? Join Let’s Talk Science for a session to explore examples of famous people who have overcome their failures and then experienced immense success. You will then be provided with strategies to help your students reflect upon “famous failures” and resources to encourage your students to move through difficult circumstances. This session audience is for Gr. 7-12 educators.
Lyne Allain
Early Learning Wabanaki Bundle
EECD New Brunswick is launching an initiative to support reconciliation and deepen understanding of Wabanaki communities. It equips Early Childhood Educators and Pedagogical Leaders with accurate, empowering knowledge of Wabanaki customs and perspectives. The goal is to inspire non-Indigenous educators to integrate this wisdom into their practices, fostering respect and awareness among young learners while honoring Wabanaki heritage in Early Childhood Education and Care settings.
Danielle Larry
Introducing Wrestling to Indigenous Youth: Empowerment Through Sport
Wrestling is not just a sport; it’s a powerful tool for personal growth and community building. For Indigenous youth, wrestling offers a unique opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally while connecting with their cultural roots.
Krista Bernard
Jenna Warman
(REPEAT) Introduction to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
An intro to FASD that will discuss how FASD occurs, how it presents, its prevalence, how it is diagnosed, and effective strategies that can be used in the classroom and at home.
Courtney Fournier
Jillian Nason
Introduction to Resilient Youth
This summer, the theme of the Annual Yoga in Schools Conference is Resilient Youth, a movement created by Jenny and Blair’s daughter, Sophia Rae, who’s now 19 years old.Through this session, we are brought together by the understanding that we all suffer. We will address teens struggles and how they can skillfully navigate rock bottom moments to rise again. Participants will walk away with a personalized toolbox of psycho-educational strategies that they can draw from in the future and share with their students. Key Takeaways: How to self care when life takes an unexpected turn How to rebuild your foundation when all feels lost How to employ mindfulness tools to gain a healthier perspective How to become your greatest ally and eliminate self criticism For more info on their programs, visit https://yogainschools.ca
Jenny Kierstead
Blair Abbass
Kinamasultinej
The presentation will focus on the learning of the Mi’kmaw language through technology. Bridgette has created a device that records and repeats the Mi’kmaw language this will enable students to hear and repeat Mi’kmaw words and phrases. Technology assists in the learning of language, this will encourage the students to want to learn. It is a fun way to learn the language.
Bridgette Sylliboy
Land Based Education Lesson for Grades 1-2
To teach other teachers how to take students out on the land.
Naomi Marchand
Mental Health and Resiliency
This session explores mental health, mental illness, and resilience. It offers insights into stress management and practical tools for building resilience, making it highly relevant for creating supportive environments.
Vanessa Green
Mi'kmawi'simk: French influence, Animals, place names and more.
This presentation explores the Mi’kmaq language (Mi’kmawi’simk) and its unique characteristics. The influence of the French language on Mi’kmawi’simk will be discussed, alongside the origins of names for colors, objects and certain animals. Finally, the presentation will delve into toponymy, exploring how place names hold specific meanings rooted in Mi’kmaq cultural and ecological context.
Denis Roy
Netukulimk – Curriculum & Pedagogy
Netukulimk is a way of life for Mi’kmaw people. This presentation brings us back to the basics to understand our place in Mi’kma’ki and the natural world. Weaving our cultural traditions and language with concepts of Forest School Practitioners this session will inspire and prepare you to be on the land throughout the seasons with your students from K-8.
Nina Joseph
Rescuing our Inner Critic
I present the idea of our ‘Inner Critic’ through the lens of Internal Family Systems Therapy, seeing the critic as separate from ourselves and frozen in time. I challenge attendees to reflect on the impact it plays in daily performance, work, relationships, mood and addictive tendencies. I demonstrate how by replacing anger and frustration with compassion, we can rescue our frozen inner critic, and relieve it of its duties. I present this roadmap, challenging the audience to begin leading their life as their true self, free from the chains of their inner critc.
Rankyn Campbell
Tri-Org and the Indigenous Mobile Makers Space
UEC, in partnership with JEDI and the McKenna Foundation, with Funding from the Mastercard Foundation is building 2 – Mobile Makers Spaces to be brought to Indigenous Schools, groups and communities throughout Atlantic Canada.
Leon Morris
Martha Barret
Tuff Trays
This session explores the use of tuff trays as a tool to support early literacy development. Examples will highlight how sensory play and themed setups can bring stories to life and encourage language-rich interactions.
Megan Bernard
Cindy Bernard
Weaving With Our Ancestors
MAKE & TAKE SESSION
Keeping the connection of togetherness within our ability to explain to our children the concepts of knowing who we are and how we are connected and what keeps us together.
Rebecca LaBillois
Weetumuw School – Wampanoag Language/Cultural Montessori School
Weetumuw School serves the Wampanoag community as a Wôpessori (Wampanoag-Montessori) school under the leadership of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, focusing on preparing preschool and early elementary students for community leadership, and academic excellence by instilling traditional Wampanoag values, and learning Wôpanâak culture and language. Through Wampanoag values, daily practices, stories, ceremony, traditions, and the inclusion of culture keepers of all the Wampanoag communities, Weetumuw School teaches students to be proud of their heritage, and their people, and to live unapologetically as Wampanoag people in every facet of their lives.
Tia Pocknett
Workplace Burnout & Compassion Fatigue
Workplace burnout & Compassionate Fatigue are occupation-related syndromes resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Many of us who work stressful jobs take little time to effectively manage our own mental wellness. How can we avoid or overcome workplace burnout and Compassion Fatigue? Why do we need to make such a shift?
Michele Bushey-Joe
A Pathway to Success: PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs
This presentation features “A Pathway to Success”, a heart-warming documentary that showcases the achievements of Elsipogtog students and teachers as they implement PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs at the school. The session would also feature a panel discussion to show different perspectives about the project.
Bill Roche
Building Better Conversations through Physical Activity & Wellness
Building Better Communication skills through physical activity is an inquiry based teacher methodology that is focused on social emotional learning. Are your students restless, student management a struggle? This interactive fun presentation will talk about how the brain is engaged through play and engaged through debriefs. Using this evidence based 3 part methodology allows your students to learn self regulations, active listening skills, confidence and conflict solution skills Teachers using this methodology are finding they are able to teach more and have students more engaged.
Alison Amero
Alec Lepage
(REPEAT) Conversational Migemag(Mi'kmaq) for Non-speakers
Introduction to basic conversational Migemag. This is geared toward non-speakers. Learn to create your own sentences using verbs and vocabulary.
Eddie Francis
Critical Thinking and Learning Strategies: Achieve Your Potential!
Discuss A-Z “how-to” strategies to analyze information, evaluate ideas, and make effective choices and decisions in this fast-paced, interactive workshop. Sue and Laurie will share several highly effective critical thinking strategies, followed by small group brainstorming of additional strategies. Then enjoy a scavenger hunt of ways to teach, practice, and apply critical thinking strategies in Pre-K to grade 8 or high school-adult groups, using Sue’s educational workbooks Think or Sink: Strategies for Successful Learning and Strategic Questions: Seeds for Effective Decision Making. Conclude with “Give one, get one” idea sharing to gain participants’ ideas for your individual questions about thinking and learning instruction. The group’s ideas will be compiled and emailed to participants, giving you a “toolbox” of strategies for helping students become critical thinkers and self-directed learners!
Susan Ziemba
Laurie Donovan
Education for Reconciliation: Cultivating Social – Emotional Intelligence in Social Studies
This presentation explores the Education through Reconciliation project, an initiative designed to integrate Indigenous perspectives, knowledge systems, and histories into the social studies curriculum. Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing, and connecting, this project equips educators with meaningful tools to foster truth, understanding, and action in their classrooms.
Lauren Remple
Educational Assistant Talking Circle
I feel EA’s are a vital part of the education system. As an EA we often attend workshops and training sessions which are chosen for us. My idea for a presentation would be a talking circle, more than a presentation. This would enable those of us who are working in the education system in this capacity a voice in what we feel we would like to see for training. I would like to have this session recorded, then we would be able to compile this information to present to administration for the 2025-26 school year.
Stephanie Prince-Robichaud
Embracing Indigenous Values to Address Modern Challenges with ImmersiveLink 7
Introducing the ImmersiveLink 7 Ethics course, an innovative educational tool designed to integrate traditional Indigenous values with modern day applications! Built around the Seven Sacred Teachings, ImmersiveLink 7 provides a culturally grounded framework for ethics education, fostering personal development and providing practical applications. Attendees will explore how this course supports learners in building a strong cultural foundation. Drawing on our experiences working with youth and adults across the province, we will share insights on connecting to culture and career. The presentation will give an overview of the course objectives, its applications, and how it can be integrated into the classroom.
Charmaine McCraw
Empowering Indigenous Students through STEM: Bridging STEM and Culture
SuperNOVA’s Mlkiknewawti program engages high school youth in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) learning that is culturally-relevant and locally-informed. Braiding personal experiences, Indigenous science and Western science, Mlkiknewawti fosters a sense of belonging in STEM, supporting cultural revitalization and resurgence while advancing the recognition of Traditional Knowledge within Western education by offering participants a high school credit. SuperNOVA will share curriculum strategies that integrate educational technology while aligning STEM with culture. SuperNOVA is a non-profit initiative of Dalhousie University that provides youth across Mi’kma’ki with accessible STEM education, regardless of geographic location, socio-economic situation, ability, gender or lived experience.
Caitlin MacPhail
Empowering Indigenous Students through the development of their Soft, social Skills
This workshop will be focused on developing an appreciation for the importance and benefits developing the soft social skills of Indigenous youth. The history between the Canadian state and Indigenous peoples all across Canada has been traumatic. Residential schools, day schools, and the Indian Act have dramatically affected social relations in the communities. All humans have 4 important core needs. For a number of reasons, including the historical trauma that has taken place, many Indigenous youth struggle to have these needs met in positive ways and sometimes resort to avenues that create problems for others in the community and at school. Schools are in a good position to work with large groups of youth for large chunks of time to build relationships that nourish the needs of Safety, variety, Importance and love and belonging. It truly benefits all. It has been my experience that every action can be traced back to a need that is seeking satisfaction. When you start to ask questions about what is going on in the persons life, solutions are sometimes easy to coach the youth into solving on their own. This is very empowering to the youth and can be used as a catalyst or reminder when the student comes into another obstacle. It involves developing a students ability to self reflect and to self regulate. This all begins with teaching and modelling what good listening actually physically looks like…how elders listen. So, a large part of my approach is listening to first hear and validate, then to understand and then reflect on how I can guide. The river of life that Indigenous youth find themselves can be very dangerous and scary. Schools sometimes forget this and place their own needs for control over the very real rapids and whirlpools that are on the minds of students before they walk into the school in the morning. I was introduced to Trauma Informed School training in Gesgapegiag and I had one full school year to try and implement parts of it…the results I observed were absolutely incredible for how my classes ran and what I was able to achieve with the students because this key ingredient of listening to them helped to relax them and helped them develop skills that I know will be useful to them for the rest of their lives. In a word, it helped me understand the river they were on.
Robbie Ross
Gamification in the Classroom
This session will explore how tools like Gimkit, Kahoot and other interactive platforms can transform learning into an engaging and collaborative experience. Discover strategies to boost participation, reinforce content, and support learners with these tools and techniques.
Lori McNeil
Kim McKinnon
"Growing Readers & Leaders" in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin … Our journey to addressing a "Literacy Deficit" in Grades 1 to 5
Brenda will share her story of three independent first nations communities in the most isolated regions of Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin as they join to become one professional learning community serving the needs of the young people of the North. Her story will focus on addressing the “Literacy Deficit” in the elementary years and the focussed approach used “grow readers” for the past 4 years. She will also share how developing effective school leaders of learning can influence learning and growth significantly, at all levels. Brenda will share resources, strategies & data, as well as, challenges, successes & celebrations of this inspirational journey.
Brenda Gabriel
Hand-On Learning
To teach language using parachute games, the importance’s of cattails as food fire, and survival. Micmac hockey sticks
Calvin Stevens
Hats for Newborns!
Participants will learn about our ongoing project to help ensure all newborns in the region receive a warm hat. They’ll learn how to knit a hat, then make one themselves. The hats will be included in our donation. **This is not a make and take activity.
Cynthia Francis
JEDI and Our Programs
JEDI would like to provide information on our Workforce Development programs (Apprenticeship & Trades Training, Indigenous Adult Learning Programs, Indigenous Reconciliation Training), Our economic Development Programs (Incubator, Business training) and our Information Communication Training programs.
Leon Morris
Nisa Kennedy
Listening to Lead – The Power of Presence in Education
This engaging and heartfelt presentation weaves humor, real-life stories, and timeless fables to highlight the urgent need for inner balance and authentic connection in our personal and professional lives which flows into the educational settings. With warmth and truth, Michelle explores how today’s pace and pressure can disconnect us from ourselves, and what it means to reclaim presence in the classroom, in leadership, and in life. Key takeaways: ✔ The emotional cost of “always doing” and the gift of pausing ✔ Listening as leadership—not just to others, but to self ✔ How presence, peace, and purpose positively impact school culture ✔ Real-life moments that remind us why we do this work—for the children Workshops: MindFit4Life™ & Emotional Fitness® Strategies for Indigenous Educators A powerful experiential training to build inner clarity, solve real challenges, and support staff and students This interactive session blends Emotional Fitness® principles and MindFit4Life™ tools to help educators reduce overwhelm, increase self-awareness, and strengthen listening skills. Participants will learn Power Listening strategies, Lifescale® reflection, and Stop–Breathe–Listen techniques to shift from reactive patterns to calm, clear, confident responses—both personally and professionally.
Michelle Gallant-Richards
(REPEAT) Medicine Walk, 3 Sisters Planting
A medicine walk to identify medicinal plants and fungi, followed by a Three Sisters planting demonstration, with seeds provided for participants to plant at home.
Cecelia Brooks
Anthony Brooks
Neurofeedback & Attention issues such as ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presents challenges for students in focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation. This session explores how neurofeedback—a non-invasive, evidence-based tool—helps train the brain for improved attention and self-regulation. By measuring and adjusting brainwave activity, neurofeedback promotes healthier neurological patterns, supporting students in managing distractions, staying on task, and improving emotional balance. Educators will gain an understanding of the science behind neurofeedback, how it works, and why it is increasingly used as a complementary tool for ADHD management. We will discuss real-world applications in education, including how teachers can incorporate neurofeedback-informed strategies into their classrooms to help students develop better cognitive control and resilience. The session will also cover case studies, research findings, and practical approaches to supporting students with ADHD using neurofeedback principles. Participants will leave with actionable insights on how this technology can be leveraged to improve student success, reduce behavioral disruptions, and foster a more focused and engaged learning environment. By bridging neuroscience with education, this presentation empowers teachers with cutting-edge knowledge to better support students with ADHD in achieving their full potential.
Barry Downing
Ntɨsinen – Potlotek's Mi'kmaw Language Nest
This presentation will cover what we did leading up to starting our language nest, how it has been so far running the language nest, benefits of the language nest, and what we’ve noticed in the children so far.
Jasmine Ma'sl
Our Brilliant Blue Experience: Changing the World One Fishing Rope at a Time
Our team competed in the International Brilliant Blue Challenge. This competition challenges students to design and implement innovative solutions to project and care for the oceans and ocean life on our planet. We will share our experience, talk about how you too can help the oceans and participants will create an art piece that re-purposes old fishing rope so that it can be removed from landfills. You too can help change the world, 1 fishing rope at a time. Student Helpers: Veada, Christine, Kenzi
Joanne Adourian
Promoting Lifelong Learning Program
We will share a description of a unique outreach program – a model of connecting youth to their environment and their communities and promoting careers in science – and its growth and successes for the past 11 years. We will engage workshop participants in an example of a hands-on activity we feature in our program.
Pam Ryan
Nelson Cloud
Re-balancing the wheel at the Eastern Door —A Two Eyed Seeing Approach to healing trauma based conditions such as FASD,
In this presentation I will describe the TES approach of the Eastern Door and the MW tools that have been developed in the community. Also the role that the Elsipogtog school and teachers played and play in identifying and healing the trauma based conditions of some do the youth in the community. I will discuss the results of this approach in terms of individual as well as system success with alternative approaches like healing on the land.
Lori Cox
The Revitalization of Wapnaqn
Wapnaqn is a traditional Mi’kmaw game traditionally played by men. The game is almost lost to time, but with the teachings of Elder Nelson Paul of Membertou NS, the game has an opportunity of revival in our Mi’kmaq communities. We will go over the game, teachings, and the process we took to bring this ancient dice game back to the L’nu people.
Michael R. Denny
Alwyn Jeddore
The Rhythm of our Language: How Elementary Music Can Help Teach the Mi’kmaq Language
This presentation explores how music can be a powerful tool for teaching the Mi’kmaq language in elementary classrooms. By integrating Orff and Kodály methods, original music and arrangements, song games, and interactive music activities, educators can create engaging and meaningful lessons that support both language acquisition and cultural appreciation. Attendees will gain practical lesson ideas and strategies to connect music education with the revitalization of the Mi’kmaq language, fostering a deeper connection to Mi’kmaq culture through rhythm, melody, and play.
Shawnee Paul
UEC STEAM Workshops for Grades P – 12, and Summer Camps for Grades 9 – 12
Our presentation will briefly touch on the UEC’s background but will mainly focus on two areas: 1. STEAM Workshops we develop and deliver in classrooms within communities, and 2. Summer Camps we offer to Indigenous youth. All our programs, whether workshops or camps, are developed from a two-eyed-seeing approach. All our workshops are hands-on. Each camp offers immersive learning experiences with a unique blend of traditional Indigenous knowledge and contemporary scientific methods in their programming. Each camp is designed to inspire, challenge, and prepare young minds for a future where they can thrive both personally and professionally.
Megan Wright
Denise Whynot
Wabanaki Perspectives in NB Curriculum
A review of how the Wabanaki framework is a crucial development tool for curriculum and resources to be used in NB classrooms. There will be time included for discussion on the responsibilities of all Treaty People to ensure past and present perspectives and experiences are honoured.
Kelly Harris
(REPEAT) Weaving With Our Ancestors
MAKE & TAKE SESSION
Keeping the connection of togetherness within our ability to explain to our children the concepts of knowing who we are and how we are connected and what keeps us together.
Rebecca LaBillois
1981 Canoe Trip – Boston USA to Elsipogtog First Nation
Celebrating the 44th anniversary of the Canoe Trip from Boston to Elsipogtog, to bring awareness to the history of Wabanaki trade routes that existed before confederation of the USA and Canada. Sharing pictures and retelling the adventures of the 1981 Canoe Trip. They started from Boston Massachusetts on May 15th, 1981 and finally landed 35 days later at Virginia Park in Big Cove on June 19th, 1981. Paddlers: Gary Simon, Johnny Pioux, Maxwell Francis, Tony Sanipass, Edmund Francis, Chiefy Mills, Sammy Sapiel, Mark Howe, Clarence Jr. Joseph, Ernie Knockwood, Ben Bonspile, and Kenny Cloud.
Gary Simon
Nina Joseph
Etuaptmumk: Two-Eyed Seeing Approach
THURSDAY 9:00am – 10:00am
Summary to be posted.
Albert Marshall
The Importance of a Dream
THURSDAY 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Summary to be posted.
Leroy Fontaine
Awakening of the Masks Medicine
FRIDAY 10:30am – 12:00pm
Mi’gmaq artist Gordon Sparks, alongside Elders Donna Augustine (Thunderbird Turtle Woman) and Cyril Polchies (Wape’k Paqtism), will guide participants through the powerful story behind the creation of two traditional storytelling masks for the community of Elsipogtog. Born from a vision of healing and reconnection, the project began with the ceremonial harvesting of a tree from Virginia Park—a place marked by past loss, but chosen not to revisit pain, rather to rise from it.
With the guidance of Elders, the energy of student drum groups, and the hands of young learners, this initiative became a movement—rooted in humility, lifted by community, and shaped by traditional knowledge. The process honored the land, the medicines, and the stories that continue to teach us. These masks are more than carvings; they are teachers in themselves—carrying lessons of humility, the importance of traditional medicines, and the strength found in cultural identity.
Though the project addresses difficult truths, it does so in a good way—the right way—through ceremony, collaboration, and storytelling. What began in the school has since ignited a community-wide resurgence, inspiring new mask carvers and renewing commitments to ancestral ways of knowing. This keynote shares the journey of reclaiming teachings, honouring the past, and carving a future grounded in spirit, strength, and story
Gordon Sparks
Donna Augustine
Cyril Polchies
Blanket Exercise
THURSDAY 10:00am – 12:00 pm
The Blanket Exercise is an excellent means of educating participants about the history of this land. As presenters, we are proud to heighten the awareness and reconciliation through this very important and powerful activity. The Blanket exercise is meant to empower people to build bridges of understanding and respect. Participants stand on a floor map that covers the lands of all Indigenous peoples of Canada. We use blankets to cover the land, and participants are cued to read a script which enables engagement. At the end of the session the people left standing on the blankets sends a powerful image.
Miranda Gould
Tania Gould
(REPEAT) Blanket Excercise
THURSDAY 1:00pm – 3:00 pm
The Blanket Exercise is an excellent means of educating participants about the history of this land. As presenters, we are proud to heighten the awareness and reconciliation through this very important and powerful activity. The Blanket exercise is meant to empower people to build bridges of understanding and respect. Participants stand on a floor map that covers the lands of all Indigenous peoples of Canada. We use blankets to cover the land, and participants are cued to read a script which enables engagement. At the end of the session the people left standing on the blankets sends a powerful image.
Miranda Gould
Tania Gould
Great Minds Think Outside Taking the Curriculum Outdoors
THURSDAY 1:00pm – 3:00 pm
THIS SESSION IS COMPLETELY OUTSIDE
Great Minds Think Outside is a bilingual hands-on, outdoor professional learning program that gives educators the skills and resources to teach their students outside – whatever the subject matter! Great Minds feeds creativity, improves well-being, and encourages environmental stewardship through innovative outdoor learning. Participants will learn classroom management techniques, lesson planning, and curriculum-linked activities that don’t require any fancy equipment. Plus, it’s just plain fun! Benefits of teaching outside include improved mental and physical wellness for both students and teacher, enhanced cooperation and problem-solving skills, reduced challenging behaviours, increased learning outcomes, and a stronger connection with nature.
Ian Smith
Sam Brewster
Red Dress Beading
THURSDAY 10:15am – 12:15 am
MAKE & TAKE SESSION
We will be creating a small red dress pin in honour of our missing and murdered brothers and sisters.
Lenore Augustine
(REPEAT) Red Dress Beading
THURSDAY 1:00pm – 3:00 pm
MAKE & TAKE SESSION
We will be creating a small red dress pin in honour of our missing and murdered brothers and sisters.
Lenore Augustine
Basket Weaving Activity
THURSDAY 10:00am – 12:00 pm
MAKE & TAKE SESSION
Ashley Sanipass
Quill Work Activity
THURSDAY 1:00pm – 3:00 pm
MAKE & TAKE SESSION
Ashley Sanipass