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 week of August 19th brought numerous international academics, graduate students, Elders and knowledge keepers, Indigenous leaders, and guests to Saskatchewan as the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) hosted the inaugural International Traditional Indigenous Knowledges Institute (ITIKI) Gathering at Ancient Spirals Retreat, located near Saskatoon and Whitecap Dakota Nation, SK.
ITIKI built upon the work that started at Brandon University in 1998 with Indigenous Elders and educators when they hosted the 11-day international gathering of “Voices of the Drum” Summer Institute.
Over 26 graduate students and guests from the University of Newcastle(Australia), the University of Waikato (New Zealand), the University of British Columbia (Canada), Cornell University (United States), and the University of Washington (United States) along with Elders, the campus oskâpêwis, helpers, and Knowledge Keepers from the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) and FNUniv, representing a rich tapestry of cultures and knowledges (Cree, Métis, Dene, Saulteaux, Maori, Aboriginal Australian, Dakota, Lakota, Stó꞉lō, and St’at’imc), arrived on August 18th to participate in an experiential land-based gathering. This event was designed to foster reciprocal exchanges and create an International Indigenous graduate student cohort, where all participants could learn, share, and implement their traditional ways of being, knowing, and doing. The programming for the week was led by the Elders. Lead Elder Shelley Belhumeur (Métis) and Maria Campbell (Cree/Métis) were integral to the creation of this gathering. Other Elders and Knowledge Keepers involved were Roland Duquette (Cree), Felix Lockhart (Dene), Joseph Naytowhow (Cree), and Cheryl L’Hirondelle (Métis/Cree).
FNUniv President Jacqueline Ottmann and Mayor of Saskatoon Charlie Clark welcomed all involved in this inaugural event. Each day began with an opening prayer in circle where the day’s teachings, led by the Elders, Knowledge Keepers, campus oskâpêwis, and camp helpers unfolded. Participants listened and learned about the territory’s cultural and traditional teachings, such as preparing medicines, hide scraping, traditional hide tanning, and exploring the natural habitat of medicinal plants and bison. Chef Kirk Ermine prepared traditional foods that nourished the spirits and bodies of the participants. Bison Shepherd’s Pie, Roast Bison, Elk Stew, Three Sisters Chili, Pemmican, Fry Bread, Bannock, Saskatoon Berry Cheesecake, and Fried Chokecherries were just some of the delicious foods that international students were able to try. Trips to Batoche National Historic Site and Wanuskewin Heritage Park were also a part of the program.
Participants were encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the unique learning environment, a land-based gathering that offered a rare opportunity to connect with traditional Indigenous knowledges and practices. Part of the experience was to camp on the land (although many students chose to sleep in tipis) and be without the interruption of electronic devices for the duration of the gathering, which ended on Friday, August 23rd.
FSIN Vice-Chief’s Craig McCallum and Aly Bear provided closing remarks while participants shared their reflections and feedback on the first International Traditional Indigenous Knowledges Institute Gathering. Participants were encouraged to submit to the Special Issue of Thrivance: Journal of Indigenous Ways of Being, Knowing, and Doing dedicated to this inaugural gathering.
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
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