The Provincial Child and Family Program planning committee members for the 5th annual Our Journey Together Gathering are happy to announce this year’s theme is Enhancing Our Knowledge, Culture and Traditions. We are thrilled to invite you to this fantastic event to come together to learn, celebrate and collaborate! The planning committee are excited to share this experience with you on Wednesday, February 26 and Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the City of Thunder Bay.
We have an exciting 2 day program lined up for registrants! Featured keynote speakers are Faith Hale, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, Stephanie Michano-Drover and Debbie Crosson, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Children and Family Learning Centre. We are honoured to have these esteemed educators share their knowledge! In addition, there are interactive sessions with opportunities for networking and collaboration facilitated by Darcy Jones, Waking Up Ojibway-Language Immersion Program and Meagan McLeod, Oshki Wenjack Education Institute.
Early learning educators working in on reserve child and family programs, child care, Indigenous Led EarlyOn (urban), and partner agencies are invited to register. Educators may deepen their knowledge and gain inspiration for their work and practice. Making new connections or reuniting with peers is one of the most valuable takeaway! The planning committee is pleased to announce the registration fee is $275.00 per person. Fees are non-refundable.
This year’s event is being held at the Oliver Road Community Center in Thunder Bay. Hotel venues close to the community centre will have rooms set aside for registrants. There are numerous hotels throughout the city available for booking. We suggest you book early to avoid disappointment. Check hotel cancelation policies should conflicts arise. Please note: transportation from hotels to conference venue is your responsibility.
New for the gathering are two optional events. On Tuesday, February 25th, Shkoday Abinojiiwak Obimiwedoon is pleased to host an evening tour of their program from 5:30 – 7:00 pm with light snacks. (included with registration fee). On Wednesday, February 26th, an evening of Do It Yourself Craft Night activities, hosted by the planning committee, from 5:30 – 7:00 pm at the Oliver Road Community Centre. Pre-registration is a requirement. Registration fees are $15.00 per person and cover light snacks and creative materials/tools.
Once again the planning committee invited Emma Richard, a Digital Storyteller, virtually to our gathering on February 26/27, 2025. The committee thought this would be a great way to summarize the conference and provide participants with a beautiful digital gift they can in turn print or showcase to their Chief and Council, Education Managers, educators, families, children and community.