2026 ITIKI
About ITIKI
What is International Traditional Indigenous Knowledges Institute (ITIKI) Gathering?
ITIKI provides a land-based space for Indigenous knowledge holders, Indigenous leaders (both academic and cultural) and Indigenous graduate students from across the globe to gather and share traditional knowledges, praxis, ontologies and pedagogies by exercising inherent rights and implementing traditional ways of being, knowing, and doing through cross-cultural, reciprocal exchanges between Indigenous Nations and Peoples.
The International Traditional Indigenous Knowledges Institute (ITIKI) 2025 gathering was held in Australia from November 10-14, 2025, hosted by the University of Newcastle and The Wollotuka Institute on Awabakal, Worimi, and Darkinjung Country. It brought together Indigenous scholars, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers from Australia, Aotearoa (NZ), Canada, the US, and Peru.
The inaugural International Traditional Indigenous Knowledges Institute (ITIKI) Gathering brought together international academics, graduate students, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous leaders for a week of land-based learning near Saskatoon and Whitecap Dakota Nation, Saskatchewan.
Hosted by the First Nations University of Canada, the gathering built on the legacy of the 1998 “Voices of the Drum” Summer Institute and created space for reciprocal learning grounded in Indigenous ways of being, knowing, and doing. Participants from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States engaged in cultural teachings led by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, including traditional medicines, hide tanning, food preparation, and visits to important cultural sites.
The gathering fostered international relationships, experiential learning, and the creation of a global Indigenous graduate student cohort rooted in community, culture, and connection to the land.
About the artwork
In this design, Nulis, Carey Newman, has represented the concept of ITIKI's theme "Sacredness of Land and Water" with the idea of water connecting us all, giving life, sustaining life.
The title of this design is g̱a̱lḵa'wiła̱la, a Kwakwala word that translates to “swimming across".
About the artist
Carey Newman OBC, MSM, FRSC whose traditional name is Nulis, is a multi-disciplinary artist, carver, filmmaker, author, and scholar. Through his father, he is Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw and Coast Salish. Through his mother his ancestors are English, Irish, and Scottish Settlers. In his artistic practice he strives to highlight social, and environmental issues as he examines the impacts that colonialism and capitalism have on Indigenous people and culture.
Perhaps his most influential work, The Witness Blanket, made of items collected from residential schools, government buildings and churches across Canada, deals with the subject of Truth and Reconciliation. It is now part of the collection at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Newman is the inaugural Impact Chair of Indigenous Art Practices at the University of Victoria. In 2023 he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by Royal Roads University, and at a traditional ceremony in July 2025 he was transferred the name Nulis, making him a hereditary chief within the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw nation.
Contact:
Email Carey Newman
Follow @blueravenart
Indigenous Citizenship Declaration (ICD)
The intent of ITIKI is to bring Indigenous peoples together and we ask that all applying individuals provide supporting information for their indigeneity to affirm their eligibility to participate.
In the application for the 2026 ITIKI Gathering there are two options:
- If their current institution has an Indigenous Identity Protocol, we ask that individuals complete it and include it in their application.
- If their institution does not have an Indigenous Identity Protocol, then individual can apply for eligibility with the Indigenous Citizenship Declaration policy at the University of Victoria.
Please note: Elders/Knowledge Keepers will be exempt from the Indigenous Citizenship Declaration process.
What is the Indigenous Citizenship Declaration (ICD) Policy?
This policy affects how students apply for scholarships, awards, bursaries and opportunities intended for Indigenous People. To be eligible for these opportunities, you will be asked to share information that shows your connection or relationship with an Indigenous community. (Supports and special considerations are available to students who experience disconnection or challenging relationships with their Nation.) The information you share is confidential and used only to confirm your eligibility for Indigenous awards or other opportunities for which you apply.
The ICD Policy revises the eligibility criteria for Indigenous-specific opportunities that result in material gain. To be eligible for employment opportunities, awards, grants, and bursaries marked for Indigenous Peoples, applicants must provide (1) a declaration and (2) supporting information. Applications will be review in alignment with the ICD Policy and its Procedures (GV0810).
The ICD Policy affirms UVic’s commitment to uphold Indigenous laws and protocols, ensuring that the eligibility requirements for opportunities designated for Indigenous Peoples are consistent with the ways that Indigenous Nations, Peoples and Communities determine their citizenship. The Policy also recognizes the ways that colonialism has disrupted Indigenous legal orders and personal relations with families and communities, and the Policy provides an avenue for folks to demonstrate eligibility through an extended review process.
You can find more information about the ICD Policy and resources related to implementation on our webpage: uvic.ca/ovpi/icd.