2026 Call out for Presenters and Abstracts - Chiefs of Ontario Education, Language and Special Education Forum

APPLICATION FORM

Chiefs of Ontario Education and Language Forum

Dates: November 3-5, 2026
Location: Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre, Thunder Bay

We are looking for innovative ideas for interactive workshops that highlight strategies and successes with positive impacts on First Nations students and Education Authorities. Education, Languages, and Special Education will be integrated across all three days of the forum.

Key Topics May Include

Language preservation, revitalization, advocacy strategies - community-based and within schools
Cultural and land-based teaching
Data use in strategic planning and to inform instruction and programming
Student mental health and well-being
Community strategies and best practices in adult education
Innovative special education strategies and service delivery
First Nation curriculum and resource development
School food programs
Successful intervention strategies to close gaps in student education outcomes
High-impact practices using technology and/or AI in the classroom
Addressing the specific needs of First Nations students in provincial schools to improve student outcomes
Moving from surface-level cultural inclusion to meaningful integration of First Nations culture, history, and values in the provincial school system

Submission Guidelines

All presentations require an abstract and presenter bios
Abstracts will be assessed on originality, timeliness, and relevance to First Nation Education and First Nation Languages.
Presentations will be 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes for Q&A
Presenters must indicate any internet or technical needs (e.g., videos)
Final electronic versions of slides and materials must be submitted to:
- Océan Sóng Bùi – OceanSong.Bui@coo.org
- Kallie Diabo – Kallie.Diabo@coo.org

Important Dates

Deadline for Abstract Submissions: May 15, 2026.
Successful applicants will be notified by June 5, 2026

Don't miss this opportunity to share your insights and contribute to the advancement of First Nation education and language revitalization. Together, let's build a brighter future for First Nations communities in Ontario. Submit your abstracts today!

1. Enter the title of the workshop *This question is required.

2. Are you interested in presenting under Education, Language or Special Education?

Please note that there may be an opportunity to present more than one time. As such, presenters may wish to be available for the full duration of the three-day forum. *This question is required.

3. Who is the primary presenter? *This question is required.

First Name

Last Name

Title

Organization

Email Address

Phone Number

4. Presenters are welcome to include a co-presenter. Kindly note that funding is available to cover the costs for one additional presenter. Will you have a co-presenter? *This question is required.

Please provide the contact information for the additional presenter. *This question is required.

First Name

Last Name

Title

Organization Name

Email Address

Phone Number

5. Do you consent to make your slides or handouts available in PDF for participants and on our COO website? Presenters are responsible for preparing and bringing any materials they require, as COO will not be providing printing services. Breakout sessions will not be recorded or live-streamed.
*This question is required.

6. Please provide a brief abstract (maximum 200 words). Presentations will be 45 minutes in length, with an additional 15 minutes allotted for Q&A. Breakout rooms will be set in a "classroom" style configuration to maximize capacity and accommodate as many participants as possible. This setup will remain consistent throughout the event. *This question is required.

7. Please provide a short presenter bio. If you have a co-presenter, please include their bio as well. (maximum 100 words each). Bios may be used for the event program or website. *This question is required.

8. Presenter Acknowledgement

By submitting this form, I confirm that I have read and agree to the presenter guidelines, including the session time (45 minutes + 15 minutes Q&A), the classroom-style setup, and the logistical requirements outlined below.

I understand that if my abstract is accepted.

Each presenter (including the co-presenter) will be required to register individually for the event using a separate registration link (once available).
Each presenter (including the co-presenter) will be required to provide their hotel check-in and check-out dates using a separate form (once available).
Each presenter (including the co-presenter) has the opportunity to submit a travel claim form up to two weeks after the event to be reimbursed for their travel expenses (further instructions on the travel claim process will be provided at a later date).

Additionally, presenters (including the co-presenter) are welcome to attend the forum free of charge. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided at no cost to you on forum days. *This question is required.

I have read and agree to the presenter guidelines