About Roots 2 Rise
Think Indigenous International Education Conference (TIIEC) 2026 is proud to present
the “Roots to Rise: Indigenous Educational Leadership Symposium” — a Pre-
Conference professional learning experience.
Roots to Rise is a leadership training program created for educational administrators
working with and for Indigenous youth. Designed by Indigenous educational leaders,
this symposium is grounded in lived experience, cultural knowledge, and a shared
commitment to strengthening education systems for Indigenous students.
Think Indigenous International Education Conference (TIIEC) 2026 is proud to present
the “Roots to Rise: Indigenous Educational Leadership Symposium” — a Pre-
Conference professional learning experience.
Roots to Rise is a leadership training program created for educational administrators
working with and for Indigenous youth. Designed by Indigenous educational leaders,
this symposium is grounded in lived experience, cultural knowledge, and a shared
commitment to strengthening education systems for Indigenous students.
Location: Conexus Arts Centre – Regina, Saskatchewan (Treaty 4 Territory)
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Featured Keynote Speakers:
Kanoe Wilson Senior Project Manager with Kealaiwikuamoʻo at Kamehameha Schools, supporting the Kanaeokana Kula Hawaiʻi Network of Native Hawaiian schools. Hone Tobin A graduate of Te Aho Matua and a lifelong champion of Māori language and education. With over a decade of experience establishing and strengthening Māori-medium pathways within English-medium schools, Hone now leads Māori-medium education development across his tribal region. Christopher Scribe CEO and Founder of Think Indigenous. Dr. Scribe has dedicated his career to developing powerful, values-driven leaders in Indigenous education. |
Leadership Mentors
In addition to keynote sessions, the Roots to Rise Symposium will feature experienced
leadership mentors who will share insights, guide discussions, and support participant
learning throughout the program.
Mentors Include:
Bawaajigekwe Andrea Boulley
Dustin Whitford
Carrie McNab
Celia Deschambeault
Anpao Duta Flying Earth
In addition to keynote sessions, the Roots to Rise Symposium will feature experienced
leadership mentors who will share insights, guide discussions, and support participant
learning throughout the program.
Mentors Include:
Bawaajigekwe Andrea Boulley
Dustin Whitford
Carrie McNab
Celia Deschambeault
Anpao Duta Flying Earth
Roots 2 Rise Registration Rates
Registered for TIIEC 2026: $550.00
Not registered for TIIEC 2026: $1,050.00
Grow your leadership. Strengthen Indigenous education. Rise together.
Not registered for TIIEC 2026: $1,050.00
Grow your leadership. Strengthen Indigenous education. Rise together.
REgister Now!
Roots 2 Rise Symposium Agenda
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Day One – Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Grounding in Roots: Identity, Language, and Leadership 10:00 – 10:20 AM: Welcome & Opening Reflection
10:20 – 11:20 AM Keynote Address: Leading from Our Roots Kanoe Wilson
11:20 – 11:35 AM Health Break 11:35 AM – 12:30 PM Mentor-Guided Leadership Circles (Session 1) Small-group discussions grounded in the keynote themes Mentors rotate and guide dialogue, reflection, and peer learning Leadership Mentors:
12:30 – 1:15 PM Lunch (Provided | Networking Encouraged) 1:15 – 2:15 PM Keynote Address: Language, Law, and Educational Sovereignty Hone Tobin
2:15 – 2:55 PM Mentor-Guided Leadership Circles (Session 2)
Day One Closing Reflection |
Day Two – Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Rising Forward: Systems Change, Courage, and Collective Leadership 10:00 – 10:15 AM Opening Reflection & Day One Harvest
Keynote Address: Courageous Indigenous Leadership in Education Systems Christopher Scribe
Health Break 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM Mentor-Guided Leadership Circles (Session 3)
Lunch (Provided) 1:15 – 2:30 PM Applied Leadership Lab: From Roots to Action
Collective Reflection & Commitments
Closing Words |