荔枝视频

The seventh International Indigenous Voices in Social Work Conference (IIVSW), being held on August 12-15 at the 荔枝视频, will bring together diverse communities and opportunities for people to connect, learn and share knowledge spanning across cultures and borders.

The theme for this year鈥檚 conference is One Child Every Child: Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Doing, Connecting and Being for Advancing the Well-Being of Our Future Generations, and it will highlight efforts that need to be made on the journey of decolonizing and challenging traditional social work practices through Indigenous perspectives. 

Additionally, there will be emphasis on the importance of community-driven approaches and collaborative learning in social work as a guide along the path of understanding.

Aligned with U荔枝视频鈥檚 Indigenous Strategy, the conference is grounded in the four ways of 
ii鈥� taa鈥檖oh鈥檛o鈥檖: knowing, doing, connecting and being. 

Indigenous Voices in Social Work has grown into a powerful space for participants since its first gathering in 2007 in Hawai鈥檌; come August it will enter a new chapter with this year's themes, keynote and plenary speakers, workshops and excursions.

With more than 300 delegates attending from around the world, U荔枝视频 is honoured to host the IIVSW conference while welcoming delegates into an ethical space and onto a shared path of exploration, conversation and shared knowledge.

The keynote speaker is a knowledge seeker

One of the many featured keynote speakers is is Dr. Kathy Absolon, a storyteller at heart. Her Anishinaabe name is Minogiizhigo kwe, which translates to mean Shining Day Woman. As a knowledge seeker, she advances Indigenous research methodologies and brings a purposeful approach to her teachings. Her work reflects a deep commitment to Indigenous knowledge systems, the intergenerational strength of community, and is grounded in the goals of restoring cultural identity, building understanding and supporting the healing of families and children. 

Along with Dr. Absolon, the conference welcomes these inspiring speakers: Dr. Halaevalu Vakalahi, Dr. Hilary Weaver and Elder Dr. Reg Crowshoe, who will be joined by Elder Dr. Rose Crowshoe. 

One area of focus is the power and impact of intergenerational mentorship and how relationships between Elders, youth and community members can foster resilience, strengthen a sense of identity and ensure that cultural knowledge and traditions are passed down through the generations.

Loosening the shackles of colonization 

鈥淭his conference comes at an opportune time as Indigenous communities across the country, and indeed around the world, continue to loosen the shackles of colonization. The Indigenous wisdom shared at this conference will ultimately contribute to a better, safer and healthier future for our Indigenous children, families and communities,鈥� says Dr. PhD, member of the Stoney-Nakoda First Nations, Treaty 7, Associate Professor and Director of  with the Faculty of Social Work, and member of the IIVSW conference advisory committee.

In addition to its educational content and excursions, the conference offers experiences rooted in local Indigenous community. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a range of offerings from Indigenous vendors like books and handmade goods. 

Local organizations, such as the Social Workers Association of Alberta and the Moose Hide Campaign will be onsite to chat with attendees. In celebration of the conference, IIVSW is hosting a gala on August 14, where attendees will feast on local Indigenous cuisine, enjoy local performers such as youth drumming group, Babyflats, and more.

鈥淚鈥檝e spent my life journey cultivating space for people to understand Indigenous ways of life. That鈥檚 why I am so honoured U荔枝视频 is hosting this conference,鈥� Dr. Michael Hart PhD, Vice-Provost of Indigenous Engagement says. 

鈥淲e are walking parallel paths and sharing ethical space to create meaningful change in social work and beyond.鈥�

The conference is being presented by , the 荔枝视频鈥檚 and the 荔枝视频鈥檚 . Sponsorship from ,  and the  has enabled additional registrations for Elders and Indigenous students.

For more information or to register, visit