b'NATIONAL GATHERINGyears recipients: Bryan Bellefeuille,teaching, they shift systems, onethat education, when rooted in Maclane Cardinal, Tanya McCallum- classroom, one lesson, one child atIndigenous worldviews, becomes a Sylvestre, Eric Grimstead, and thea time.force that reshapes the future. Treaty Relations Commission of Manitobas Education Team, eachThe afternoon flowed into theThe closing keynotes from Indspire a living testament to what legacyExhibit Hall, where artists andLaureate Duncan McCue and building looks like in action. Theircreatives like Patrick Hunter, Oceanacclaimed author Phyllis Webstad accomplishments reflected the veryKiana, and Anishinaabe Girl show- grounded the events core heart of the National Gathering:cased the brilliance of Indigenoustheme. McCue urged educators educators are shaping futures,identity through art, fashion, andto reimagine systems: to create revitalizing languages, advancingjewelry. These expressions pathways that bring education to reconciliation, and strengtheningvibrant, textured, unapologeticallystudents, rather than forcing them the conditions for IndigenousIndigenousreminded attendeesto leave their home communities learners to thrive.that education and culture areto access it. Webstad shared her inseparable. The evening closed with a luminousstory and the lasting impacts of performance by LOV, a singer- Later that evening, the Futureher lived experience, reminding songwriter from Treaty Six Territory,Educators Reception welcomedeveryone what is at stake when who moved the audience withstudents, established teachers,education fails to honour truth, cover songs, originals, and herand special guests for meaningfulhistory, and the lived realities of rising anthem Mama.conversation and connection.Indigenous peoples. Among them was the Honourable DAY TWO: KNOWLEDGERene Cable, Manitobas MinisterTogether, they underscored KEEPERS OF THE FUTUREof Advanced Education anda central truth: teachers are The second day opened with theTraining. Welcoming scents oflegacy builders. They shape voices of Indspire Youth Laureatesperogies, fondue, and kielbasahow young people understand on the annual Young Indigenousfilled the air as students sharedthemselves, their communities, Leaders Panel: Chief Trchellereflections from their journeyand this land. They determine Bunn, Madelaine McCracken,so far. A giveaway of MacBookwhether Indigenous learners feel and Shayla Stonechild. TheyAir laptops and copies of Angelaseen, valued, and supported, spoke of carrying lessons fromSterritts memoir Unbroken sparkedand whether non-Indigenous Elders, teachers, and communitytears and laughteran affirmationlearners grow into adults who hold members, and how those teachingsof the community being built.compassion, understanding, and shaped their own leadership. TheUnited Thunder, a dynamicresponsibility. audience was reminded that youthIndigenous square dance group, are not just recipients of knowl-edge; they are agents transformingclosed the night by teachingCLOSING REFLECTION the world around them. Theirstudents and teachers how toAcross three transformative days, presence showed what becomesdance traditional Red River jigthe 2025 National Gathering possible when Indigenous studentssteps. As jigs broke out andfor Indigenous Education see themselves reflected in thelaughter filled the room, multipledemonstrated what is possible classroom: confidence, clarity ofattendees were moved to tears.when Indigenous knowledge and purpose, and cultural pride.The moment was simple butleadership guide the way forward in profound: a reminder that move- education. It reminded us that the Educators scattered to morningment is medicine, and joy is a formfuture of this country rests in class-presentations before returning toof resistance and resilience. the main stage for 2025 Indspireroomsand that every teacher Laureate Edith Loring-KuhangasDAY THREE: CARRYING THEhas the power to shape a genera-keynote. With over 40 years ofFLAME FORWARDtion grounded in truth, respect, and experience in education, health,On the final morning, the buildingcollective responsibility. human resources, administration,buzzed with ideas, inspirations,These educators are not simply and governance, she wove aand the beginnings of new partner- delivering curriculum. They keynote that left the audienceships. Educators stood ready to reinvigorated. Her message wasreturn to their classrooms with neware building legacies. They are clear: educators carry immenseteachings, new relationships, andpreparing the leaders of tomorrow. influence, and when they integratea renewed sense of responsibility.And together, they are transforming Indigenous perspectives into theirNational Gathering reaffirmededucation across Turtle Island. 2025indspiration15'