WIPCE 2025 – A Global Gathering, One Shared Future
In November 2025, Indigenous students from the ̽ϵ travelled to Aotearoa for the (WIPCE), joining Indigenous Peoples, educators, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders from across the globe. For the first time, Indigenous students were invited to attend alongside UVic delegates—an intentional step that centred student voices, experiences and learning within a global Indigenous gathering. This was an incredible opportunity for students to gain a global perspective on Indigenous issues and understand commonalities that other Indigenous peoples are facing around the world.
Hosted at the Aotea Centre in Auckland, WIPCE 2025 opened with a pōwhiri led by mana whenua, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, grounding the week in tikanga, relationship and shared responsibility. Across five days, participants engaged in powerful keynote addresses, academic and community presentations, panel discussions, cultural excursions and spaces for connection that reflected the depth, diversity and strength of Indigenous education worldwide.
For the students who attended, WIPCE was more than a conference—it was an opportunity to learn in community, to witness Indigenous leadership in action and to situate their own journeys within a global movement of Indigenous resurgence, innovation and intergenerational leadership. The reflections shared below offer a glimpse into what it meant to walk alongside Indigenous Peoples from around the world, to listen, to learn and to carry these teachings forward.
Jayne Stevens
Jayne Stevens, Nisga’a
Program: Indigenous Studies
Wow, t’ooyaksiy niin! I am so grateful for attending WIPCE, it has had a huge impact on my life. The people I met from around the world and meeting the UVic staff was amazing.
What was a standout moment or teaching from WIPCE?
Attending WIPCE and being surrounded by thousands of Indigenous People from all around the world has been one of the most powerful experiences of my life. One of the core teachings that has made an impact on me is the importance of cultural exchange and relationship building. Not just for the wellbeing of our Nations, but for the health of our lands and waterways.
I was able to take part in sailing on Haunui, a double-hulled voyaging canoe with Te Toki Voyaging Trust through the conference to learn about their ancestral knowledge systems of Polynesian wayfinding. Through listening to stories from OG Hōkūle’a navigators, they shared how important it is for all Nations to recover, relearn, and relive the wisdom of our ancestors. How our ancestors carried that knowledge through centuries and by living within those knowledge systems, it can guide our people and environment.
Was there a moment that grounded you, connected you, or made you feel proud?
Another moment that stuck out was during the Parade of Nations. Walking alongside so many Northwest Coast Peoples, singing and drumming our Women’s Warrior Song in Aotearoa, far from home, made me proud of where I come from. It was powerful to feel our voices, our ancestors, our teachings, moving with us across the world, carried together in community.
What would you want future Indigenous students to know if they’re thinking about attending WIPCE?
If future students are thinking about attending WIPCE, I want them to know how transformative it really is. This experience changed the way I view my learning, my teaching, and my relationship with my culture. It expanded how I understand our world and my place within it. If you have the chance to attend, take it. Say yes! You get to meet so many amazing people from around the world and share your stories with one another.
Kendra Kakewash
Kendra Kakewash, Ojibway
Program: Indigenous Governance (IGOV)
I’m still slowly settling back in after returning from Aotearoa—still carrying the energy, teachings, and emotions that came from being at WIPCE. It was truly a life-changing experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to reflect and share.
What was a standout moment or teaching from WIPCE?
One of the most powerful teachings for me was witnessing how deeply Māori communities centre relationality and language in every space, ceremony, education, governance, and community life. It reminded me that the work we do at our home communities and institutions is part of a global movement of Indigenous people reclaiming identity, systems, and voice. Hearing presenters talk about revitalization not as a project, but as a way of life, deeply shifted how I see long-term governance work in my own Nation.
How did being in Aotearoa shape your experience?
Being in Aotearoa was grounding in a way I didn’t expect. The land itself, the way the people welcomed us, and the strength of their cultural practices all created a sense of belonging. Even though we come from different Nations, I felt connected through our shared histories of colonial disruption and most importantly, our shared resilience. It made me proud to carry my community with me, and it reaffirmed why I’m pursuing Indigenous Governance.
Was there a moment that grounded you, connected you, or made you feel proud?
There was one moment during an opening ceremony where the voices of youth and Elders blended together through song, movement, and teachings all woven as one. It struck me that this is what rebuilding looks like: intergenerational strength. I thought about my own children, my community, and the responsibilities I carry as both a mother, student and a leader. That moment reminded me that this work is bigger than any one of us; it’s about restoring balance for the generations to come.
What would you want future Indigenous students to know if they’re thinking about attending WIPCE?
WIPCE isn’t just a conference. It’s a reminder that we are part of a global family. If you attend, go with an open heart. The teachings you carry home won’t just shape your academic journey—they will influence how you see yourself, your Nation, and your role in the world. It truly affirmed my path as a lifelong learner and as someone committed to community-led governance and education.
Rebecca Conway
Rebecca Conway, Māori
Program: Master of Social Work
What was a standout moment or teaching from WIPCE?
From the very first moment—stepping onto the plane in Vancouver alongside other Indigenous delegates—WIPCE felt extraordinary. One of the most powerful takeaways was the overwhelming realization that Indigenous peoples across the world are deeply connected. Despite coming from different lands, languages and histories, the stories shared at WIPCE echoed one another from across nations and generations.
I was particularly moved by how WIPCE openly addressed the current political realities Indigenous communities are facing globally—especially conversations around governments attempting to repeal or weaken treaty rights and community authority. Across Aotearoa, Australia and Canada, these policies are impossible to ignore. Yet what shone through was not fear, but strength—communities holding firm, protecting their people, communities, languages and futures.
The scale of the conference itself was spectacular. Nearly 4,000 Indigenous educators, scholars, artists, youth, Elders, families and Knowledge Keepers gathered from around the world. It was unlike any conference I had ever attended—intergenerational, vibrant, alive with drumming, singing, young ones, old ones, laughter and ceremony.
Did any session, speaker, or experience shift your thinking or inspire you?
WIPCE was filled with moments that shifted my thinking in profound ways. One particularly inspiring experience came during Creative Arts Day, featuring Te Araroa: The Far Walking Woman, directed by Katie Wolfe. Through a powerful two-woman performance, the story of Te Tiriti o Waitangi unfolded with humour, honesty and emotional depth.
Katie Wolfe’s message stayed with me: telling Indigenous truths is an act of responsibility, courage, and love—and while these stories are rooted in Indigenous experience, they also invite non-Indigenous people to listen, reflect, and challenge themselves. Another speaker pushed me to consider the “internal colonial voice”—the voice that tells Indigenous people they are “not enough,” not Indigenous enough, not fluent enough. Naming this as a colonial tool designed to disconnect Indigenous peoples from themselves was both confronting and liberating.
Even the unexpected moments carried meaning. When a session was cancelled, a Chief stood up spontaneously and shared how he defended his Master’s degree entirely in his own language. In that moment, I felt a deep affirmation that what is meant to be will be—and that Indigenous knowledge, language, and brilliance belong unapologetically in academic spaces.
How did being in Aotearoa shape your experience?
Being in Aotearoa amplified everything. The land, the language and the people created an environment where Indigenous identity was central. The conference itself was impeccably organized—a massive feat of coordination that ran smoothly and respectfully, showcasing Māori excellence in leadership and planning. The use of a conference app, constant performances, and thoughtful design—from the Indigenous-created conference bag to the care put into accessibility—made everyone feel genuinely included without it ever feeling forced or tokenistic.
Outside the sessions, there was magic everywhere: unexpected walks through the city, excursions, visits to the planetarium, spontaneous laughter, shared humour, and deep conversations with Indigenous people from across the globe. WIPCE became a gathering place where heart, soul and intellect met.
Was there a moment that grounded you, connected you, or made you feel proud?
In a moment of pure synchronicity, I recognized another delegate at the Parade of Nations that I had previously met at a conference in Canada—an unexpected reunion that underscored just how interconnected Indigenous worlds truly are.
Another powerful moment came from witnessing a group of 19 Indigenous youth take the stage. They led drumming, shared their voices, and carried themselves with confidence and care. Seeing youth stay rooted in their identity while presenting to the world was profoundly moving and affirming.
I also felt immense gratitude for attending WIPCE alongside fellow students, Jayne and Kendra, and the UVic team, including Robina Thomas and Lalita Kines. Being surrounded by mentors, leaders, and scholars, these “fan-girl moments”—made the experience even richer.
What would you want future Indigenous students to know if they’re thinking about attending WIPCE?
Without hesitation: go. WIPCE is not just an education conference—it is a living, breathing gathering of global Indigeneity. Language revitalization, technology, storytelling, mental health, inclusion, creative arts, policy, humour, grief, joy—it is all there. Every part of Indigenous life is honoured and woven into this special event.
I can’t emphasize enough how inclusive the conference felt: multi-generational, welcoming, non-tokenistic, and deeply relational. There was space for Elders, youth, academics, artists, parents, and caregivers alike. Performances happened every day. Learning happened everywhere.
I left WIPCE still buzzing, my spirit energized and my fire reignited. The experience expanded my mind, body, and soul—and reaffirmed a core truth: we are all relational. Global Indigeneity is alive, connected and powerful.
I am already saving my pennies for the next WIPCE 2028 held in Waikōloa, Hawaiʻi and looking into the Healing Our Spirit World Wide in Ottawa, Canada in 2028. I remain deeply thankful to my supervisor for encouraging me to apply, and to UVic for funding what they describe as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
WIPCE was not just a conference—it was a homecoming.
