About the Event Assembly of First Nations (AFN) 2026 Education Forum: Voices for Tomorrow, Lifting our Nations through Lifelong Learning
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) will host the in-person AFN Education Forum, “Voices for Tomorrow, Lifting Our Nations through Lifelong Learning,” from February 24–26, 2026. The forum will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, located at 1055 Canada Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the unceded and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
The forum will feature subthemes including the celebration of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL), First Nations control of First Nations education, integrating First Nations languages into education, and advancing unique initiatives in lifelong learning.
This event is open to First Nations leadership, Directors of Education and others in educational leadership roles, First Nations educators and administrators, post-secondary faculty and administrators, language and culture experts, and advocates of First Nations languages.
Who Should Attend?
- First Nations Leadership
- Directors of Education or Leadership in Education positions
- First Nations educators and administrators
- Post-secondary educators and administrators
- Language and culture experts
- First Nations languages advocates
How to Attend Find out how to register, how to get there, and where to stay.
Agenda
Workshop and panel discussion topics may include advancing First Nations control of First Nations education, exploring language revitalization practices, supporting the use of First Nations languages in classroom settings through immersion education, and showcasing unique initiatives in First Nations education.
Day 1 – Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Join the AFN in celebrating the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Decade of Indigenous Languages as we dedicate Day 1 to celebrating First Nations languages, language revitalization efforts, and unique practices in language teaching and learning. The day will be filled with keynote speakers, performers, and presenters.
Days 2 and 3 – Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Days 2 and 3 of the AFN Education Forum will focus on keynotes, plenary presentations and workshop sessions on topics relating to First Nations K-12 Education, post-secondary education, education infrastructure, adult education, and immersion education.
The provisional agenda is not yet available. Please check back soon for updates.
Call for Presenters
Interested in presenting? The AFN is seeking engaging speakers on a variety of topics for the Forum’s concurrent workshop sessions. We invite those interested in presenting at the upcoming Forum to submit a proposal at the link below.
We are currently seeking proposals on the following topics:
- Celebrating the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL)
- First Nations K-12 Education
- First Nations Post-Secondary Education
- First Nations Adult Education
- First Nations Education Infrastructure
- Language Teaching in Schools and Immersion Programming
AFN Education Forum Call for Presenters
Registration
Registration is now open. The registration fee for delegates is $50.00. Registration fees are waived for Elders, Knowledge Keepers and students. Please use the link below to register. Spots are limited.
Accommodations
Reservations for delegates are available at the Pan Pacific Vancouver at special rates:
- Reservations Direct Phone: +1 (604) 662-8111
- Toll-Free Number: 1-800-663-1515 (Canada)/1-800-937-1515 (USA)
- Reservations Direct Fax: +1 (604) 895-2469
- Reservations E-mail: [email protected]
Contact Information
For additional information or assistance, please contact [email protected].