Indspire’s Final 2026 National Gathering for Indigenous Education Celebrates 14 Years of Impact with an Exciting New Strategic Vision
After launching the new 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, Indspire will bring more than 1,000 educators, leaders, and partners together in Winnipeg for three days of learning, connection, and celebration.
In Brief:
► Indspire’s 2026 National Gathering, taking place November 18–20 in Winnipeg, will be a farewell gathering marking the last chapter in the event’s 14-year history
► Over 1,000 attendees, including past speakers and community leaders, are expected to join in honouring the milestone
► The event will feature 40+ sessions and keynotes on Indigenous perspectives on AI in the classroom; learner and educator wellbeing and mental health; language, literacy, and numeracy; and many more topics
OHSWEKEN (October 7, 2026) – Indspire announced today that the 2026 National Gathering for Indigenous Education, taking place November 18–20, 2026, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, will event will celebrate 14 years of advancing Indigenous education and learner success while ushering in an exciting new era in Indspire’s work as the leading convener and delivery partner of Indigenous excellence and achievement.
Since 2012, the National Gathering has brought together educators, administrators, allies, and community leaders for transformative learning, connection, and inspiration, turning ideas into action for Indigenous learner success. To honour this achievement, over 1000 attendees will be joined by past speakers, presenters, and community leaders who have contributed to the National Gathering’s enduring impact.
Feedback gathered through the development of Indspire’s Strategic Plan affirmed an opportunity to build on the National Gathering’s success and create new possibilities for connection, collaboration, and collective impact. This evolution reflects the direction of Indspire’s new 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, and its commitment to building pathways for Indigenous learners from aspiration to achievement.
“As Indspire sunsets this chapter of the National Gathering, we are looking towards a future where the pathway from potential to achievement is clearly lit for all Indigenous learners,” said Jocelyn Formsma, CEO, Indspire. “As part of developing Indspire’s 2026–2031 Strategic Plan, we heard a clear message from Indigenous leaders, learners, employers, governments, funders, and strategic partners: Indspire’s ability to bring people together around a shared purpose is one of our greatest strengths, and we are leveraging this power to drive greater impact. We are so excited to share what comes next.”
Building on the National Gathering’s legacy, Indspire will harness its convening power through a new, larger-scale event, to be announced at the National Gathering, November 18-20, 2026. The multi-sector forum will focus on advancing Indigenous learner success, workforce development, leadership, and community prosperity.
The 2026 National Gathering will feature over 40 sessions and keynotes, including Indigenous perspectives on AI in the classroom; learner and educator wellbeing and mental health; language, literacy, and numeracy; and so much more. Participants will walk away with practical tips, tools, and connections to help make an immediate and lasting difference.
Registration includes in-person access to all three days of the National Gathering, including workshops, networking receptions, panels, keynotes, and presentations.
Regular Rate: $750, available until November 1, 2026
Last Call Rate: $900, available until November 18, 2026
Groups of 15 or more can receive additional discounts by emailing nationalgathering@indspire.ca. Virtual options are also available. To register or learn more, visit indspire.ca/events/national-gathering.
The National Gathering is made possible through the generosity and support of our partners:
- Lead Partner: Government of Canada/Employment and Social Development Canada
- Presenting Corporate Sponsor: Suncor Energy Foundation
- Teacher Education Supporter: Rideau Hall Foundation
- Climbing the Mountain Reconciliation Session Sponsor: Shell Canada Limited
- Branches of Support Sponsors: Baker Hughes Foundation and Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP)/Régime d’assurance des enseignantes et des enseignants de l’Ontario (RAEO)
- Attendee Lanyard Sponsor: Scotiabank
- Lunch Sponsor: Bell
About Indspire
Indspire is a national Indigenous charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people. With the support of generous donors across the country, Indspire provides financial assistance, delivers programs, and shares resources to help Indigenous learners achieve their highest potential. For more information, please visit indspire.ca.
Media Contact
Mallory Rose
Vice President, Communications and Marketing, Indspire
mrose@indspire.ca
Event/Registration Contact
National Gathering Team
nationalgathering@indspire.ca
