Indigenous education the focus of 2 day event in Regina

For the first time ever, the Think Indigenous: International Education conference is being held in Regina.

The two-day event takes a strong focus on how Indigenous knowledge, culture and community relate to the education field locally and internationally.

There are over 1,000 individuals who are registered and attending the conference.

Evan Taypotat is the Chief of Kahkewistahaw First Nation. He said the conference is a space for people of all backgrounds to come and learn and share ideas.

“It’s about creating space, it’s about reconciliation. It’s ensuring those people that are in education spaces can come here and learn and be better,” Taypotat said.

This year is the eighth edition of the conference. Over the years the event has steadily grown both in attendance and agenda.

Christopher Scribe is the conference chair of Think Indigenous. He said the conference was created to address the needs for Indigenous children within the modern school system.

“Think Indigenous was born from conversations with educators to create space for Indigenous kids and people to understand the beauty of Indigenous knowledge,” Scribe said.

Attendees have traveled from across the province and beyond to take part.

Bree Phillips is an Indigenous perspective consultant for Sun West School Division. She said the gathering is a way to bring people of all backgrounds and perspectives together.

“As Indigenous people we are diverse. Being able to make these connections. I think we have lots to learn from each other,” Phillips said.

The Think Indigenous conference will conclude on Friday.