Braiding Together '23


Friday, October 13, 2023

Registration 4:00-6:00pm

 Sessions 6:00-9:45pm

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Sessions 9:00am-5:00pm

Braiding Together 

is an in-person event hosted by the Religious and Moral Education Council (RMEC), for educators and all those seeking to deepen their response to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission by engaging in authentic and intentional dialogue on the path to healing and wholeness. We seek to support teachers and leaders in embracing their essential role as facilitators of critical and restorative conversations, supporting engagement to deepen awareness of the rich history and current realities  of Indigenous Peoples across the nation, exploring pathways of possibility & empowerment.


Registration closed midnight, Wednesday, September 20, 2023

If you would like to be on the waiting list, please contact the conference director at atarmecconference@gmail.com


*Please note that adjustments have been made to the registration fee and process. 

Accommodations on site at the Banff Centre are being coordinated through Guest Services at the facility to address the variety of needs of those attending the conference.


  We encourage staying on site, 

fostering connections with conference attendees 

& enjoying all that the Banff Centre has to offer! 


The RMEC Council has secured a room block at the Banff Centre to offer special pricing for participants, only possible in committing to a certain number of rooms. We encourage your consideration as you arrange accommodations for your stay.





Brought to you by:

The Alberta          Teachers' Association



Keynotes

Dr. Andrew Bear Robe

 Dr. Andrew Bear Robe is a member of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Siksika Nation, Treaty 7 of 1877, and is an Indigenization consultant at Mount Royal University’s Bissett School of Business in Calgary. He has pursued his education and professional credentials with the singular objective of collaboratively improving the quality of life for Aboriginal peoples and seeking a just settlement of Aboriginal issues whether that be of a constitutional nature, legal, self-determination, economic or social.


Elder Rosella Kinoshameg

Elder Rosella Kinoshameg  is a registered Nurse from the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island.  She has over 40 years of experience in health care and health care governance.  for 12 years, she has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Manitoulin Health Centre, including a three-year term as Chair. Ms kinoshameg has also served on the Wikwemikong Health Care Foundation and the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada both as vice president and president.  She is currently the Executive Director of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (irfund.ca)

Chief Cadmus Delorme

Chief Cadmus Delorme, a Cree and Saulteaux, is a citizen and past Chief of the Cowessess First Nation. Mr. Delorme is finalizing his Institute of Corporate Director designation, received a Master of Public Administration from the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and a Bachelor of Business Administration along with a Certificate in Hospitality, Tourism and Gaming Entertainment Management from the First Nations University of Canada


Elder Wanda Firstrider

Elder Wanda First Rider  is an Indigenous Elder in the Calgary Catholic School District.  From the Blood Reserve / Kainai in traditional Blackfoot Territory, she has lived in Calgary for over 40 years on the land, Mohkinstsis.  Wanda shares her wisdom and Insights as an Elder and  Knowledge Keeper, supporting students and educators alike as we walk together, gaining a deepening awareness of the historical and cultural richness and experience of Indigenous Peoples. 

Pam Sparklingeyes &

Cynthia Launiere-Zielke

Pam Sparklingeyes & Cynthia Launiere-Zielke are Indigenous Education Consultants in the Edmonton and Calgary Catholic School Districts respectively.  

Pamela Sparklingeyes is from Goodfish Lake Cree Nation in Treaty Six Territory. She has over 25 years of experience working in Edmonton Catholic Schools and currently is the manager of Indigenous Learning Services. She is also the developer of the Edmonton Catholic Schools Braided Journeys Program which has significantly increased the graduation rates of Indigenous learners over the past 15 years. In 2014, the program received the Crystal Star Award from the National Dropout Prevention Centre which was the first time the award has been given to an organization outside of the United States. The program has also won the Alberta School Board Association’s Premiers Award for School Board Innovation and Excellence and has expanded to 18 elementary, junior high and high schools.



Archbishop Bolen  & 

Archbishop Smith

Archbishop Donald J. Bolen and Archbishop Richard W. Smith, along with Bishop William McGrattan, accompanied the Indigenous Delegation to Rome in March 2022, as well as accompanying Pope Francis during his historic pilgrimage to Canada in July of 2022, a visit which focused on Indigenous Healing and Reconciliation.  

Archbishop Bolen was installed as the eighth archbishop of the Regina archdiocese on October 14th, 2016. He took as his motto, “Verbum Vitae/ Mercy within mercy within mercy.” He is actively involved in Truth and Reconciliation Initiatives in collaboration with Indigenous communities 

Archbishop Richard W. Smith was formally installed as the seventh Archbishop of Edmonton on May 1, 2007.  He has taken the motto “Fiat Voluntas Tua” (Thy Will Be Done).

Dr. Bryan Szumlas

Dr. Bryan Szumlas is a familiar face at Calgary Catholic. He has been with the district for more than 30 years and most recently served as area director for schools in north central Calgary and Airdrie. He has also served as a teacher, assistant principal, science supervisor, vice principal, principal, supervisor of teaching and learning and director with Instructional Services. 

Dr. Szumlas graduated from the University of Calgary (B.Ed., M.Ed., Ed.D.) and has presented at local, provincial, national and international levels. He is well known for having chaired the Alberta Assessment Consortium and for his work on mentorship. “I am honoured to work alongside the many talented staff members in our district and to lead Calgary Catholic in the next chapter of providing excellence in Catholic education."