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. 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.

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!

Celebrating Our Speakers

Michael Running Wolf

Keynote: Healing the Digital Divide Between First Languages and AI

Joan Greyeyes

Keynote: The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages

Aiyana Twigg

Session: Tips and Tools for Safeguarding Your Language Through Documentation

Rohahiyo Jordan Brant

Session: Tips and Tools for Safeguarding Your Language Through Documentation

Peigan Board of Education Society

Session: Developing Piikani Nitsiipowahsin Language Resources

Yazmín Novelo

Session: (Re)Envisioning and Crafting Futures for Our Indigenous Languages

Glenn Jim and Amanda Aust, First Peoples’ Cultural Council

Session: Strategic Planning for Language Revitalization

Maskwacîs Curriculum Department

Session: Creating Community-Based Oral Stations with Yoto Players

Government of Northwest Territories and partner Indigenous Governments

Session: NWT Mentor-Apprentice Program – A Partnership in Language Revitalization

Elders & Youth Panel

Featuring Jerry Rain, Katerina Rain, Reuben Quinn and Roberta Alook

The Search for Wellness through Ancestral Languages Panel

Featuring Molly Chisaakay, Doreen Frencheater, Elmer Ghostkeeper, Sharlene Alook, Crystal Wood, Joline Bull and Davina Rousell

Lyndon Aginas

Master of Ceremonies

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.

Download the Report

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

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