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About Us
Rooted in Experience. Guided by Culture. Driven by Purpose
The Nipikiskwasiwan National Summit was founded and is guided by professionals with firsthand experience working with children, youth and families. Nipikiskwasinan or Nipikiswasiwan is a Cree meaning "we speak, we gather"
Our foundation is built on years of service, senior leaderships, and shared commitment to strengthen in Indigenous child and family services. We understand the complexities, challenges, and realities faced by children, youth, families, frontline workers, and the organizations that support them because we have worked directly within these systems.
Advisory Committee
The National Summit Advisory Committee brings together experienced professionals, Indigenous leaders, and advocates from across Canada to provide strategic guidance and help shape the vision and direction of the Summit. Each member contributes unique expertise, frontline experience, leadership perspectives, and knowledge of the challenges and opportunities within Indigenous Child and Family Services. Together, they help identify critical issues, recommend meaningful discussions, and ensure the Summit reflects the diverse voices and experiences of Indigenous communities. Their collective knowledge and commitment strengthen the Summit’s mission to advance Indigenous-led solutions, inspire collaboration, and drive meaningful change for Indigenous children, youth, and families. Nipikiskwasiwan invites professionals and individuals to sit at the table to share and to speak.
We Speak, We Gather - 'Nipikiskwasinan'
Looking Back at Nipikiskwasiwan 2026 National Summit
Rekindling the Home Fire: Indigenous Pathways to
Stronger Child & Family Systems
The inaugural 2026 Nipikiskwasiwan National Summit, held April 8–9, 2026, at the Edmonton Expo Centre, brought together approximately 600 Indigenous leaders, frontline professionals, service providers, Elders, advocates, and community representatives from across Canada.
Under the theme “Rekindling the Home Fire,” the Summit created a national platform to share knowledge, address challenges, and strengthen Indigenous-led approaches within Child and Family Services.
The Summit focused on critical issues affecting Indigenous children, youth, and families, including the implementation of Bill C-92, high-risk youth and complex needs, frontline workforce challenges, prevention and family reunification, culturally grounded healing, and sustainable service delivery.
What the 2026 Summit brought forward was the importance of moving beyond identifying challenges toward developing practical, community-driven solutions. It highlighted the knowledge and experience of frontline workers, elevated Indigenous voices, encouraged collaboration between organizations, and reinforced the importance of Indigenous leadership in shaping services for their own children and families.
Most importantly, the Summit established a foundation for continued national dialogue, stronger partnerships, and shared learning. It demonstrated the value of bringing policy, practice, and lived experience together to explore meaningful improvements within Indigenous Child and Family Services.
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Building on Our Work in 2027
The 2026 Summit began an important conversation. The 2027 Summit will build upon that work by focusing on implementation, accountability, Indigenous-led innovations, and measurable improvements for children, youth, and families.
Leadership Grounded in Experience
Founded under the leadership of an Indigenous individual with experience in child and family services. Nipikiskwasiwan reflects a vision shaped by firsthand knowledge and commitment to meaningful change.
Our senior leadership team brings practical experience supporting vulnerable children, youth and families, navigating complex service systems, and working alongside communities to create positive outcomes.
More Than a Conference
The Nipikiskwasiwan National Summit is more than an annual gathering. It is a space where experience meets indigenous leaderships, cultural knowledge, and innovative approaches to child and family well-being.
Our Summit brings together Indigenous leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, frontline professionals, service providers, and decision makers across the Nation.