Educators and community leaders are gathering in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on February 18 and 19, 2026, for a two-day meeting about the best ways to teach students. The event is organized by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation to help local schools use traditional culture and language to support their students.
The Nishnawbe Aski Nation is hosting the event along with local groups like the Northern Nishnawbe Education Council and the Matawa Education and Care Centre. These organizations are working together to share ideas on how to include land-based learning and mental health care in the classroom.
A major goal of the forum is to help local communities take more control over their own schools and funding. This work follows the NAN-Canada Education Reset Table agreement signed in 2022 with the Government of Canada that aims to move education decisions away from federal rules.
During the workshops, speakers will focus on how teaching that is connected to traditional culture can help students reach their full potential. The lessons are designed to be used in the 49 First Nations that are part of the local regional territory.
This event is one of several meetings happening in Thunder Bay this month that focus on Indigenous youth and wellness, including the Seven Youth Inquest Continuity of Care Forum scheduled for late February. Additionally, the Assembly of First Nations will host a national meeting in Vancouver next week to discuss similar education topics.
