This session explores the importance for increasing community members, especially youth, awareness and training of the United Nations History with indigenous peoples and what role we need to step into as the intergenerational indigenous community. Daryl Kootenay will share key focus areas as the United Nations High Commissioners Office of Human Rights 2025 Indigenous Fellow and as a community member from the reservation who strives to bring the community together locally, nationally and internationally.

The workshop shares a two-pronged approach that frontline service workers can employ in their efforts to end violence against Indigenous women. This workshop is framed within the context of legal services; however, the approach is transferable to other frontline services.
First, the workshop shares about Indigenous feminism(s) as a lens to chip away at settlercolonialism and its associated harms that often plague frontline service work.
Then, the workshop shares an approach that frontline service workers may use to revitalize and celebrate Indigenous knowledge and practices in local regions as a way to bring healing to Indigenous peoples. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about an Anishinaabe legal principle as a way to model this approach.
In conclusion, participants will have the opportunity to learn about Indigenous feminism(s) and how it may relate to their practice, and an opportunity to learn about Anishinaabe law.

Lead by 25 under 25 Environmentalists in Canada award winner Elaina Cox, this workshop opens a dialogue to communicate about our relationship with sustainability, how to work together with all beings to defend the environment, and how to have the courage to stand up and lead in these spaces to truly become protectors and leaders for Mother Earth. In times of tension between economic and environmental concerns we discuss how to find balance and courage for not only the world around us, but our own wellbeing.

This hands-on mask-making workshop invites women and youth to explore identity, self-perception, and empowerment. Participants paint the inside of a mask to reflect how they see themselves and the outside to show how they think others see them, discovering strengths and taking pride in their unique gifts. This fun, culturally grounded session fosters confidence, self-reflection, and personal growth.

This breakout session will explore how ONWA as an Indigenous women’s organization is taking up their responsibility to move Indigenous women’s stories to advocacy and action. Presenters will share the different strategies that ONWA uses to influence government policy and advocate for change, highlighting Indigenous women’s unique approach to advocacy and government relations. Using concrete examples of successful advocacy, presenters will demonstrate how Indigenous women and youth are reclaiming their leadership roles in decision-making processes that impact their lives. Participants will also have an opportunity to move their own stories to action through an arts-based activity.

Restoring Safety: Protecting Body, Mind & Spirit is a trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and interactive workshop designed to support Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse peoples as they navigate personal safety in schools, communities, workplaces, and daily life.

Rooted in Indigenous values and teachings, this session explores how awareness, confidence, and practical tools can strengthen personal safety and restore a sense of inner power. Participants will be guided through the Three Lines of Defense: Situational Awareness, Defusing & De-escalation, and Physical Self-Protection, all within a safe and supportive space.

Participants will leave with tools they can use immediately and a deeper sense of personal strength and body sovereignty.

No prior experience or fitness level is required. Comfortable clothing is recommended. Light movement is included and is always optional based on personal comfort.