Call for Abstracts is now CLOSED.

Thank you to everyone who applied. Applicants have been contacted with a decision.

Information for Attendees

Oral and Poster Presentation Groupings

View the presentation groupings for oral and poster presenters by clicking the link below. You’ll find room numbers, session times, and presentation themes listed on the page.

Agenda

Resources for Presenting Students

Opening Remarks from Honoured Leaders in Indigenous Health

Keynote Address: Dr. Leroy Litte Bear, Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) Scholar

October 28, 2025

Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) scholar, Professor Emeritus, Vice-Provost-Indigenous Iniskim Relations at the University of Lethbridge

We are excited to share that Dr. Leroy Little Bear will join NGGS 2025 as keynote speaker. As a member of the Kainai First Nation on the Blood Reserve in Southern Alberta, Dr. Little Bear holds wisdom as a Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) educator, lawyer, advocate, speaker, author, and political activist. With an extensive career in law and academia, Dr. Little Bear brings a wealth of experience, including:

• Participating in the drafting of the 2007 UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

• Appointment to the Order of Canada in 2018

• Induction into the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2016

• Founding the University of Lethbridge’s Native American Studies Department, later becoming director of Harvard's Native American Program

• Signing of the 2014 Buffalo Treaty: A Treaty of Cooperation, Renewal and Restoration

He is author of the paper “A Concept of Native Title,” the first Indigenous authored paper to be cited in the Supreme Court of Canada.

Peer Mentorship Circles

The NGGS Student Advisory Committee encourages that these breakout sessions centre student questions and needs. Mentors will help to convene the circles, which are also inspired by a framework advanced by Dr. Adam Murry for “Indigenous Mentorship in the Health Sciences: Actions and Approaches of Mentors.” Students are encouraged to lead discussion, exchange ideas, and learn from one another and mentors. Strategic listeners will be invited to share broad themes discussed with the wider group of attendees on Day 2's morning, to help inform wider insight around student needs and priorities. Topics within each theme are only relevant suggestions.

Circle Themes:

1. Centring Indigenous Identities and Ethics in Research

   From Writing to Defence

2. Practicing Relationalism

   Building Trust, Reciprocity & Conflict Resolution in Intercultural Spaces

3. Imbuing Criticality

   Honouring Indigenous Methodologies in Western Academic Spaces

4. Open Discussion

   A Space for Open-Ended Mentorship and Support

Off–Site Activities:

On the afternoon of Day 1 (October 28), NGGS attendees are invited to participate in one of five activities. Shuttles will help transport participants from The Banff Centre to off-site activities. Press the links below to learn more about each activity.

1. Banff Gondola

2. Open–Top Vintage Bus Tour

3. The Whyte Museum and Townsite Visit

4. Indigiscape: E-Bike Tour

5. Guided Medicine Walk

Campfire Night 1: October 28 & 29

Guests are invited to join a campfire on either or both nights of NGGS (Oct 28 & 29) between 7-9 PM. This will be a chance to unwind, enjoy s'mores (celiac-safe gluten-free options), and each other's company.

• S'mores (celiac-safe GF options)

• Connect with mentors and peers

• Storytelling

Jam Session Night 1: October 28

Attend an optional Jam Session with Lindsay Crowshoe and Adam Murry on Night 1 of NGGS (Oct 28). You are encouraged to bring an instrument if you are able, or borrow one provided.

• Attendees are encouraged to bring their instruments if they are able.

• Some instruments will be provided (limited number).