13th Biennial Symposium
Opportunities within Shifting and Caring Landscapes
May 19-21, 2026
MacEwan University | Edmonton, Alberta
About the Symposium
2026 Prairie Child Welfare Consortium Symposium
On behalf of the organizing committee, it is our distinct pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 PCWC Symposium, hosted in the heart of downtown Edmonton at MacEwan University located in Treaty 6 Territory, the traditional gathering place and travelling route for many Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux.
We honour the histories, languages, and cultures of these nations, whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries. As we work toward reconciliation within child welfare, we recognize our shared responsibility to honor the spirit of Treaty 6 and to care for the children who are the future of this land. Welcome to Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Districts 9 and 10.
Our Theme: Opportunities within Shifting and Caring Landscapes
The field of child welfare is rarely static. Today, we find ourselves navigating a landscape that is shifting beneath our feet. This change is driven by legislative shifts, a deeper commitment to reconciliation, and evolving community needs.
At this gathering, we are focusing on the opportunities found within these transitions. By centering our work on caring landscapes, we aim to explore how we can build systems that are deeply rooted in compassion, cultural safety, relational practice, and love. As we gather from across the Prairies, you can look forward to:
As we gather from across the Prairies, you can look forward to:
- Insightful Keynotes: Perspectives from those leading the charge in systemic change.
- Collaborative Workshops: Practical sessions designed to translate theory into daily practice.
- Connection: Opportunities to reconnect with colleagues and forge new partnerships.
- Inspiration: Explore the community and meet the incredible people who make this work possible.
We hope you leave this symposium feeling energized, challenged, and supported by a community that cares as deeply about the future of children and families as you do.
Welcome to Edmonton. Let’s navigate these landscapes together.
Warmly,
Julie Mann-Johnson, Co-Chair, University of Calgary
Faye Hamilton, Co-Chair, MacEwan University
Conference Artwork
From The Artist
"At the centre of this image, a mother holds her two children — a boy and a girl — a reminder that love and belonging are the original foundation of child welfare. Their presence anchors the themes of kinship and the enduring responsibilities that travel through time and community. The prairie landscape stretches behind them, holding memory and relation — prairie grasses and wheat evoking the land's grounding presence across the expansiveness of Turtle Island. Tipis speak to community, sanctuary, and ceremony that have always sustained Indigenous families; the city skyline acknowledges that our families and caring move across many worlds — the multiple places and realities in which child welfare work and caring relationships unfold.The smudge bowl grounds us in prayer and responsibility, its flame echoing the sacred Qulliq — the Inuit oil lamp whose fire is never truly extinguished, because it lives within each of us. The Métis infinity symbol honours the distinct presence of Métis peoples and the cultural meanings of continuity and care across these landscapes. The eagle feather carries significance of honour, strength, spirit, and respect, calling us to sacred accountability.The golden circle that holds it all together is intentional — in Indigenous worldviews, the circle knows no hierarchy. Every child belongs within a circle of relations, and every person carries a sacred inner fire. Together, these elements reflect the interconnectedness of people, place, and collective wellbeing — and invite us to ask: what does it mean to truly care, across shifting landscapes and across generations?"
Thank you to our sponsors!
Details
Registration
To register for the conference, please sign up through EventBrite below.
Questions
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at pcwc2026conference@gmail.com.
Accommodations
Conference attendees can book and pay for their rooms online based on availability. Please select the MacEwan Affiliate rate when making the booking, as this provides access to our 10% discounted rate. Or, email directly at stay@macewan.ca and mention you are attending a conference at the university to receive the discounted rate.
Stay up-to-date
Follow us on Instagram at pcwc2026conference!
Keynote Speakers
Day 1
Dr. Jody Carrington
Dr. Jody Carrington is a renowned psychologist and a charismatic keynote speaker celebrated for her profound expertise in human connections. As a leading authority in addressing complex, human-centred challenges, Dr. Carrington excels in guiding individuals and organizations through the intricacies of re-establishing relationships in today's increasingly disconnected society. She boldly believes that all humans have the capacity for good; however, so many of us these days, because of isolation and burnout, have lost access to that good. Through her insightful analysis, Dr. Carrington explores how societal detachment occurs and outlines practical, meaningful solutions for reconnection. Her approach combines a deeper understanding of how necessary acknowledgment has become, and she underscores how this need is so much bigger than recognition. Her dynamic and heartfelt presentations, infused with humor and honesty, captivate and energize audiences worldwide.
Keynote Speakers
Day 2
Amber Dion
Amber Dion, one of the popular podcast "2 Crees in a Pod" comes to speak about Indigenous Love. She says, "Our first law is love; sakihitowin. Indigenous love is place-based experiences that we have in the thick of ongoing systemic obstructions to our wellness. Our mere survivance and thrival itself proves the profound generational love we embody." This session was developed in response to the years of facilitating Indigenous trauma informed practice and care sessions. The presenters discuss our first law of love, how love and joy have been disrupted through systemic violence and ways to move forward in rebuilding love structures within communities. Harm reduction, trauma and violence informed care, liberation and strategic brilliance are presented as love-based practice models. This session explores love and protective community mapping.
Dr. Hadley Friedland
Hadley Friedland, LLB, LLM, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law. She is also Academic Director of the Wahkohtowin Law and Governance Lodge, a research initiative dedicated to upholding Indigenous law through community-led research. Hadley has had the honour of working with Indigenous communities across Canada to identify and articulate their own laws. Prior to law school, Hadley worked in the Children and Family Services field for a decade. Since 2019, she has come full circle to work extensively on public and continuing legal education related to Bill C92: An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth and Families. She has two grown children and many nieces and nephews.
Keynote Speakers
Day 3
OCYA Youth Council
The OCYA Youth Council closes the conference by sharing their lived experiences and a call to action.
Braiding Sovereignty and Care
Panel discussion featuring communities working to create legislation through Bill C92 reflective of traditional law, community needs, and care.
Conference Contributors
Abdullah Ismail
University of Calgary
Rahim Marani
University of Calgary
Salim Otiso
Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services
Christina Tortorelli
Mount Royal University
Cheryl Whiskeyjack
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
Julie Mann-Johnson
University of Calgary
Faye Hamilton
MacEwan University
Kimberly Spicer
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
Mary Clarke
University of Manitoba
Kara Dunbar
Alberta Ministry of Children and Family Services
Sarah Fuhrman
Precious Cargo
Scott Mair
Alberta Ministry of Children and Family Services
Barb Holzman-Boon
Alberta Ministry of Children and Family Services
Register Now
Join us in 2026 for the Prairie Child Welfare Consortium Symposium—connecting, learning, and growing together!