7th Edition Convention on Perseverance and Academic Achievement for First Peoples |  MAMU ASHUKATETAU — NISHTUAPATETAU — MAMU TSHIMINITISHUTAU

Welcome to the 2026 Convention 

The 7^th edition of the Convention dedicated to the perseverance and academic success for First Peoples highlights their achievements and is part of the inspiring vision of collaboration between Indigenous communities and educational institutions. This edition explores collaborative approaches between Nations, educational institutions and school environments in a process of co-construction and sharing of knowledge. The aim of this convention is to build bridges between traditional and academic knowledge, promote Indigenous teaching methods, and acknowledge the plurality of world views rooted in land, forest and intergenerational relations.

Three major themes with potential

NISHTUAPATETAU - Acknowledging 

This concept conveys the importance of acknowledging Indigenous languages, cultures, and knowledge, which are deeply embedded in the territory and transmitted by Elders. The Convention on Perseverance and Academic Achievement for First Peoples emphasizes that language and culture are closely tied to academic achievement and form the basis of safe, respectful, and supportive educational settings.

MAMU TSHIMINITISHUTAU - Taking Root  

This theme highlights the leadership and governance of First Peoples in education, essential to perseverance and success. Decision-making by and for First Peoples, youth participation and the structuring role of women is at the heart of collective reflection.

MAMU ASHUKATETAU - Crossing the Bridge Together

Together, let us cross bridges and take root to build an education that embraces the future, acknowledging languages, cultures, and knowledge.
 

Our convention remains a key event for research and action in Indigenous education.

Hononary President
Francis Verreault-Paul : 
Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL), as honorary president of this edition. His presence testifies to the importance of dialogue and collaboration to grow Indigenous education in all its dimensions. He is committed to continuing this work with his own family, his children, and his political commitments to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of First Nations.

Host
Marco Bacon : 
A member of the Pekuakamiulniuatsh Nation, worked for several years in education for the Conseil des Montagnais du Lac-Saint-Jean. He served as Director of the Centre des Premières Nations Nikanite at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (1991), of Bureau de l’inclusion et de la réussite étudiante (2021) and currently, the Office of Relations for First Peoples, at UQAM (2025). Marco Bacon is actively involved in numerous initiatives to promote the perseverance and academic success of First Peoples, with a focus on self-determination.

Presenter
Alexandre Bacon :
A renowned speaker and strategic advisor, Alexandre Bacon has worked with Indigenous organizations as well as various corporations and levels of government. He is the founding president of  Institut Ashukan , an Indigenous organization dedicated to implementing reconciliation. Alexandre Bacon is an outstanding storyteller and passionate about Innu mythology.

Eldest of the ceremony
Kevin Deer :
Kanahsohon Kevin Deer is from the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawà:ke. For over 30 years, he has been actively involved in the preservation and revitalization of the Mohawk language. He serves as a Faithkeeper at the Mohawk Trail Longhouse, a role that requires deep knowledge of sacred songs, ceremonies, dances, and traditional practices. Committed to sharing knowledge, he regularly presents on Iroquoian worldviews, history, and philosophy. He has also contributed to community governance as a member of the Kahnawà:ke Police Commission from 2005 to 2015.

Conferences

Lecturer
Marie Battiste :
Dr. Marie Battiste holds education-focused degrees from the University of Maine, Harvard University, and Stanford University.  Dr. Battiste is a Mi’kmaw senior scholar, educator, and advocate for Indigenous knowledge, rights, and decolonization in Canada. A member of the Potlotek First Nation in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, she has dedicated her life and academic career to advancing Indigenous education and protecting Indigenous knowledge systems. Former professor at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Battiste is a retired Professor Emeritas who has significantly influenced both national and international discourses around Indigenous education, curriculum reform, and the revitalization of Indigenous languages. Her presentation, titled “Decolonizing Education: Nourishing the Learning Spirit,” examines the effects of colonialism in education and the processes of decolonization and reconciliation in Canada. It also explores approaches that promote more inclusive and balanced knowledge systems.