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National Indigenous Education Symposium 2026
October 18–20, 2026
Richmond, British Columbia
Assess Progress. Look Ahead. Shape What's Next.
At a time of growing expectations around reconciliation, learner success, workforce development, and economic prosperity, the National Indigenous Education Symposium (NIES) offers a national forum to reflect on what is working, identify where gaps remain, and mobilize collective action for greater impact.
NIES 2026 will convene leaders and learners from colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, polytechnics, Indigenous Institutes, communities, governments, and industry from across Canada to assess progress and shape future directions in Indigenous post-secondary education.
What to Expect
The National Indigenous Education Symposium is about turning lessons learned into future action. Join us to hear presentations and sessions under the following streams:
Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Research, & Education
Indigenous Futures: Skilled Trades, Technology, & Innovation
Learner Pathways, Mobility, Partnerships, & Economic Prosperity
Leadership, Governance & Community-Led Change
Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Research, & Education
Leadership, Governance
& Community-Led
Change
Indigenous Futures: Skilled Trades, Technology, & Innovation
Learner Pathways, Mobility, Partnerships, & Economic Prosperity
Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Research, & Education
Leadership, Governance & Community-Led Change
Indigenous Futures: Skilled Trades, Technology, & Innovation
Learner Pathways, Mobility, Partnerships, & Economic Prosperity
Engaging with Purpose
Sessions, panels, and sharing circles will encourage participants to:
- Review achievements and identify emerging priorities
- Share Indigenous-led practices and partnerships
- Strengthen relationships across the post-secondary sector and communities
- Explore pathways to learner success and economic prosperity
At a Glance
October 18, 2026
Registration Opens: 15:00
Opening & Keynote: 16:30
Welcome Reception: 18:00
Dinner: 19:00
October 19, 2026
Keynote Speakers
Concurrent Sessions
Evening Networking Event
October 20, 2026
Concurrent Sessions
Closing Keynote
Conference Closing: 16:00
Where?
Richmond, British Columbia
Located on the traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people, Richmond sits at the mouth of the Fraser River and is home to one of the largest urban Indigenous populations in British Columbia. The city's deep Indigenous roots, cultural diversity, and proximity to Vancouver make it an ideal place to gather, reflect on progress, and shape future directions in Indigenous education.
Stay on-site and take advantage of group rates.
Travel Dates: October 17 – 22, 2026
Rates starting at: $199.00
Book by: September 18, 2026
Group Name: NIES 2026 SYMPOSIUM
Book by Phone: 604-247-8900 / 1-866-748-3718
Book by Email: rrcreservations@gcgaming.com
To book your accommodation, please call or email and reference the group name above. Please note that accommodation is limited.
Getting Here
Destination: YVR
Promo Code: F4PG6J41
Travel Period: October 11 – 27, 2026
Destination: YVR
Promo Code: 8D9E9FM
Travel Period: October 11 – 27, 2026
Territory: From all stations throughout the VIA system to Vancouver and return
Promo Code: 16179
Travel Period: October 7 to 28, 2026
Restrictions: Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. For North America’ 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel’ 10% on standard fares & higher. However, all bookings made using the promotion code will count toward the minimum 10 passenger requirement for Meetings and Conventions events. In order to take advantage of the discounted fares, Eligible Passengers must book their flight at aircanada.com and enter the Promo Code in the applicable box. If the Promo Code is not entered or is entered incorrectly, the Discounts will not be applied to the booking. The applicable Promotion Code must be recorded on the Eligible Passengers ticket by ticketing agencies/airlines.
Discount: We are happy to confirm that for the upcoming event, National Indigenous Education Symposium 2026, we are able to offer 5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares for travel within Canada and 2% off Econo*, 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares for guests travelling Trans-border. No discount will apply to Ultra Basic or Business class bookings. To take advantage of this offer, you will need the discount code listed.
Restrictions: Fare applies to a maximum of two passengers per booking.
Discount: 10% off the best available fare in Economy, Economy Plus, Business, Business Plus, Sleeper class.
Discount does not apply in any Escape fares and Prestige Class.
Subject to the conditions and restrictions of the fare plan to which the additional discount is being applied.
Destination: YVR
Promo Code: F4PG6J41
Travel Period: October 11 – 27, 2026
Restrictions: Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. For North America’ 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel’ 10% on standard fares & higher. However, all bookings made using the promotion code will count toward the minimum 10 passenger requirement for Meetings and Conventions events. In order to take advantage of the discounted fares, Eligible Passengers must book their flight at aircanada.com and enter the Promo Code in the applicable box. If the Promo Code is not entered or is entered incorrectly, the Discounts will not be applied to the booking. The applicable Promotion Code must be recorded on the Eligible Passengers ticket by ticketing agencies/airlines.
Destination: YVR
Promo Code: 8D9E9FM
Travel Period: October 11 – 27, 2026
Discount: We are happy to confirm that for the upcoming event, National Indigenous Education Symposium 2026, we are able to offer 5% off Econo* and 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares for travel within Canada and 2% off Econo*, 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares for guests travelling Trans-border. No discount will apply to Ultra Basic or Business class bookings. To take advantage of this offer, you will need the discount code listed.
Territory: From all stations throughout the VIA system to Vancouver and return
Promo Code: 16179
Travel Period: October 7 to 28, 2026
Restrictions: Fare applies to a maximum of two passengers per booking.
Discount: 10% off the best available fare in Economy, Economy Plus, Business, Business Plus, Sleeper class.
Discount does not apply in any Escape fares and Prestige Class.
Subject to the conditions and restrictions of the fare plan to which the additional discount is being applied.
Note: CICan and the IIC are not responsible for reimbursement of any expenses incurred in the event of cancelled flights or accommodations, lost luggage, or conference postponement. It is strongly recommended that all delegates and speakers secure trip cancellation coverage or speak with their travel advisor as to their options should any of these events arise.
Getting Around
Visit the Tourism Richmond website for helpful information on the various modes of transportation to get you to the venue via car, sky train, or bus.
Join the Conversation
Use #NIES2026 to share event updates with your network!