National Building Reconciliation Forum

If you have any questions, please contact NBRF2025@uregina.ca

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The First Nations University of Canada and the University of Regina are honoured to be co-hosting the 9th National Building Reconciliation Forum in Regina, Saskatchewan. This year’s Forum will focus on the theme Responsibility as Reconciliation: Relational Accountability, marking a decade since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) 94 Calls to Action.

The Forum, supported by Universities Canada, will take place on Treaty 4 Territory, home of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis Nation. This event will bring together Canadian university presidents and leadership teams, Indigenous leaders, student representatives, and scholars dedicated to advancing meaningful reconciliation. The Forum aims to provide a platform for critical discussions on how to sustain and deepen reconciliation efforts within post-secondary institutions.

The Forum’s overarching purpose connects Indigenous and university communities to facilitate dialogue and drive meaningful systemic change, support Indigenization, decolonization and reconciliation efforts. By addressing these critical focus areas, the Forum aims to reinforce the responsibility that higher education leaders must listen, collaborate, and build partnerships with Indigenous peoples.

This Forum offers an important opportunity to reflect on the progress made over the past decade and to identify gaps in TRC Calls to Action implementation. By bringing together leaders, educators, and community members, we aim to foster respectful dialogue, encourage collaboration, and inspire new commitments that lead to lasting and positive change. We believe that true reconciliation requires all of us to actively listen, build trust, and take meaningful steps forward together. It’s a reciprocal responsibility and it’s time for universities to engage in truth telling.

The two-day Forum will feature roundtable discussions with Indigenous leaders, Presidents, Chancellors, Board Chairs, and Universities Canada representatives, highlighting the role of research-intensive institutions in reconciliation. Key sessions will focus on decolonizing education, advancing the TRC’s Calls to Action, and Indigenizing post-secondary institutions.

Conference highlights include:

Wednesday, May 14, 2025:

Eugene Arcand’s involvement with the Indian Residential Schools Survivor Committee at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) Governing Circle, has kept survivors' voices at the forefront of the conversation. His dedication to this cause has made him an essential figure in Canada’s ongoing reconciliation journey. 

Following Eugene's truthfulness, a session moderated by Max FineDay promises to be an engaging and insightful discussion featuring Marie Wilson and Chief Wilton Littlechild. As influential leaders and former TRC Commissioners, these speakers bring a unique perspective rooted in their experiences, contributions, and commitment to Indigenous rights, education and social justice. 

“Reflections on Reconciliation” Evening Banquet will be a memorable and impactful event, featuring a thought-provoking discussion between FNUniv Board Chair Sherry Saevil and U of R Board Chair Cadmus Delorme. The topic at hand “How can Boards of post-secondary institutions support, sustain, and deepen their reconciliation efforts?” is both timely and crucial, as these leaders will delve into the critical role that educational institutions and their governing bodies play in the broader process of reconciliation with Indigenous people. As the evening transitions from the discussion to a more relaxed atmosphere, attendees will be treated to a performance by the talented William Prince, an Indigenous singer-songwriter whose music is known for its soulful storytelling and deep emotional resonance. William's performance will offer a beautiful and reflective end to an evening centered on reconciliation, providing the perfect space for attendees to reflect on the conversations shared earlier in the day and evening.

Thursday, May 15, 2025:

Keynote speaker Dr. Verna St. Denis will discuss Anti-Indigenous Racism and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Universities. This session will explore critical issues around systemic racism in academic institutions and the steps needed toward meaningful reconciliation.

Following the keynote, join us for a ReconciliACTION Panel featuring presidents Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann from First Nations University of Canada and Dr. Jeff Keshen from the University of Regina.     

Please visit National Building Reconciliation Forum 2025 | University of Regina for detailed conference agenda and information on speakers and events.