UCalgary to host International Indigenous Voices in Social Work Conference

The seventh International Indigenous Voices in Social Work Conference (IIVSW), being held on August 12-15 at the University of Calgary, will bring together diverse communities and opportunities for people to connect, learn and share knowledge spanning across cultures and borders.

The theme for this year’s conference is One Child Every Child: Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Doing, Connecting and Being for Advancing the Well-Being of Our Future Generations, and it will highlight efforts that need to be made on the journey of decolonizing and challenging traditional social work practices through Indigenous perspectives. 

Additionally, there will be emphasis on the importance of community-driven approaches and collaborative learning in social work as a guide along the path of understanding.

Aligned with UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy, the conference is grounded in the four ways of 
ii’ taa’poh’to’p: knowing, doing, connecting and being. 

Indigenous Voices in Social Work has grown into a powerful space for participants since its first gathering in 2007 in Hawai’i; come August it will enter a new chapter with this year's themes, keynote and plenary speakers, workshops and excursions.

With more than 300 delegates attending from around the world, UCalgary is honoured to host the IIVSW conference while welcoming delegates into an ethical space and onto a shared path of exploration, conversation and shared knowledge.

The keynote speaker is a knowledge seeker

One of the many featured keynote speakers is is Dr. Kathy Absolon, a storyteller at heart. Her Anishinaabe name is Minogiizhigo kwe, which translates to mean Shining Day Woman. As a knowledge seeker, she advances Indigenous research methodologies and brings a purposeful approach to her teachings. Her work reflects a deep commitment to Indigenous knowledge systems, the intergenerational strength of community, and is grounded in the goals of restoring cultural identity, building understanding and supporting the healing of families and children. 

Along with Dr. Absolon, the conference welcomes these inspiring speakers: Dr. Halaevalu Vakalahi, Dr. Hilary Weaver and Elder Dr. Reg Crowshoe, who will be joined by Elder Dr. Rose Crowshoe. 

One area of focus is the power and impact of intergenerational mentorship and how relationships between Elders, youth and community members can foster resilience, strengthen a sense of identity and ensure that cultural knowledge and traditions are passed down through the generations.

Loosening the shackles of colonization 

“This conference comes at an opportune time as Indigenous communities across the country, and indeed around the world, continue to loosen the shackles of colonization. The Indigenous wisdom shared at this conference will ultimately contribute to a better, safer and healthier future for our Indigenous children, families and communities,” says Dr. Terry Poucette PhD, member of the Stoney-Nakoda First Nations, Treaty 7, Associate Professor and Director of Kiipitakoyis with the Faculty of Social Work, and member of the IIVSW conference advisory committee.

In addition to its educational content and excursions, the conference offers experiences rooted in local Indigenous community. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a range of offerings from Indigenous vendors like books and handmade goods. 

Local organizations, such as the Social Workers Association of Alberta and the Moose Hide Campaign will be onsite to chat with attendees. In celebration of the conference, IIVSW is hosting a gala on August 14, where attendees will feast on local Indigenous cuisine, enjoy local performers such as youth drumming group, Babyflats, and more.

“I’ve spent my life journey cultivating space for people to understand Indigenous ways of life. That’s why I am so honoured UCalgary is hosting this conference,” Dr. Michael Hart PhD, Vice-Provost of Indigenous Engagement says. 

“We are walking parallel paths and sharing ethical space to create meaningful change in social work and beyond.”

The conference is being presented by One Child Every Child, the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work and the University of Calgary’s Office of Indigenous Engagement. Sponsorship from MacEwan University, the Canadian Association of Social Workers and the Alberta College of Social Workers has enabled additional registrations for Elders and Indigenous students.

For more information or to register, visit www.iivsw.com