7–9 Oct 2026

7th Edition Convention on Perseverance and Academic Achievement for First Peoples

Welcome to the 2026 Convention The 7th edition of the Convention dedicated to the perseverance and academic success for First Peoples highlights their achievements and is part of the inspiring vision of collaboration between Indigenous communities and educational institutions. This edition explores collaborative approaches between Nations, educational institutions and school environments in a process of co-construction and sharing of knowledge. The aim of this convention is to build bridges between traditional and academic knowledge, promote Indigenous teaching methods, and acknowledge the plurality of world views rooted in land, forest and intergenerational relations. Three major themes with potentialNISHTUAPATETAU - Acknowledging This concept conveys the importance of acknowledging Indigenous languages, cultures, and knowledge, which are deeply embedded in the territory and transmitted by Elders. The Convention on Perseverance and Academic Achievement for First Peoples emphasizes that language and culture are closely tied to academic achievement and form the basis of safe, respectful, and supportive educational settings. MAMU TSHIMINITISHUTAU - Taking Root This theme highlights the leadership and governance of First Peoples in education, essential to perseverance and success. Decision-making by and for First Peoples, youth participation and the structuring role of women is at the heart of collective reflection. MAMU ASHUKATETAU - Crossing the Bridge TogetherTogether, let us cross bridges and take root to build an education that embraces the future, acknowledging languages, cultures, and knowledge. Our convention remains a key event for research and action in Indigenous education. Hononary PresidentFrancis Verreault-Paul : Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), as honorary president of this edition. His presence testifies to the importance of dialogue and collaboration to grow Indigenous education in all its dimensions. He is committed to continuing this work with his own family, his children, and his political commitments to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of First Nations. HostMarco Bacon : A member of the Pekuakamiulniuatsh Nation, worked for several years in education for the Conseil des Montagnais du Lac-Saint-Jean. He served as Director of the Centre des Premières Nations Nikanite at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (1991), of Bureau de l’inclusion et de la réussite étudiante (2021) and currently, the Office of Relations for First Peoples, at UQAM (2025). Marco Bacon is actively involved in numerous initiatives to promote the perseverance and academic success of First Peoples, with a focus on self-determination. PresenterAlexandre Bacon :A renowned speaker and strategic advisor, Alexandre Bacon has worked with Indigenous organizations as well as various corporations and levels of government. He is the founding president of Institut Ashukan , an Indigenous organization dedicated to implementing reconciliation. Alexandre Bacon is an outstanding storyteller and passionate about Innu mythology. Eldest of the ceremonyKevin Deer :Ka’nahsohon Kevin Deer is from Kahnawake Mohawk territory in Quebec. For 30 years, he has been involved in Mohawk language retention and revitalization at the Mohawk Immersion School. He is also a faith keeper at the Mohawk Trail Longhouse which involves knowing sacred songs, dances, speeches and rituals. He enjoys discussing and presenting the Iroquoian world view, history, and philosophy. He was involved in the Kahnawake Police Commission (PSB) from 2005 to 2015. In May of 1990 participated in a ceremony calling for the return of the “Peacemaker” in Tyendineaga Ontario. In 1990 he was involved in the Oka Crisis using the power of peace to try to resolve that conflict. In September 1993 he assisted in the establishment of the new Mohawk community of Kanatsiohareke New York. ConferencesLecturerKenneth Astenhaienton Deer :The lecture, titled Indian Control of Indian Education (1972): A Revolution Against Canadian Policy, examines the movement through which Indigenous peoples reclaimed control over their own education systems.Dr. Kenneth Astenhaienton Deer is a Mohawk citizen from Kahnawake, of the Bear Clan, and a prominent advocate for Indigenous peoples’ rights on the international stage. For several decades, he has played an active role in United Nations initiatives in Geneva and New York, particularly in the development of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, from 1987 through its adoption in 2007. A political activist, journalist, and educator, Dr. Deer also served as Editor-in-Chief of The Eastern Door from 1992 to 2008. Appointed by Ban Ki-moon to the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Indigenous Peoples, he currently serves as Executive Director of the Indigenous World Association. Dr. Deer has received numerous honours, including an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Concordia University. LecturerMarie Battiste :The presentation, titled Decolonizing Education: Nourishing the Learning Spirit, examines the effects of colonialism in education and the processes of decolonization and reconciliation in Canada. It also explores approaches that promote more inclusive and balanced knowledge systems.Dr. Marie Battiste holds education-focused degrees from the University of Maine, Harvard University, and Stanford University. Dr. Battiste is a Mi’kmaw senior scholar, educator, and advocate for Indigenous knowledge, rights, and decolonization in Canada. A member of the Potlotek First Nation in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, she has dedicated her life and academic career to advancing Indigenous education and protecting Indigenous knowledge systems. Former professor at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Battiste is a retired Professor Emeritas who has significantly influenced both national and international discourses around Indigenous education, curriculum reform, and the revitalization of Indigenous languages.