Join us for the DKG Canadian Forum Conference, taking place July 10-12, 2025, in Brandon, Manitoba at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Conference Center. (Optional Extension Day in Winnipeg on July 13). This inspiring event, themed Unite, Uplift, Inspire, brings together thought leaders, educators, and advocates committed to elevating professional women educators and making a difference in the world of education. With empowering keynote speakers like Roseann Runte, Dr. Yvonne Vizina, Dianea Phillips, Dr. Shar McGowan and Dr. Brenda Stoesz, participants will explore the transformative power of unity, uplifting one another, and inspiring positive change. Through special interest sessions, networking opportunities, and social events, attendees will connect with like-minded professionals and engage in meaningful conversations that spark innovation and growth. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a powerful community of women leaders dedicated to shaping the future of education.

Extend your experience with a trip to Winnipeg on Sunday, July 13. Visit the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, explore The Forks, and enjoy a scenic River Cruise Tour along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. This optional add-on day offers a chance to immerse yourself in the region’s culture and history. The shuttle from Brandon will take you to the Forks. All events are within walking distance.

Time to arrive in Brandon Registration is on Thursday, July 10 between 3:30-5:30 in Brandon, Manitoba.

For Printable Program and Information: CLICK HERE

Option: Companion Meals ticket: CLICK HERE
The MEALS ticket is for any companion of conference attendees who may be sharing the hotel room, but not attending the conference. Holders of this ticket may not attend any conference sessions or eat provided snacks. Cost includes food taxes and ticket fees.

MEALS INCLUDED FROM THURSDAY EVENING TO SATURDAY LUNCH

BREAKFASTS INCLUDED AT THE VICTORIA INN

BREAKFASTS AT YOUR OWN COST AT OTHER HOTELS

Program

Canadian Forum Conference - Unite, Uplift, Inspire July 10-12, 2025 Brandon, Manitoba

Thursday, July 10, 2025 6:30pm - 10:00pm UNITE 3:30pm - 5:30pm Onsite Registration and Information

3:30 – 6:30 Onsite Registration
6:30 – 7:30 Land Acknowledgement & Welcome – Angela Voutier, President,

Manitoba DKG and Conference Chair

Opening Remarks
His Worship Jeff Fawcett, Mayor, Brandon, MB
Hon. Glen Simard, MLA Brandon East & Minister of Municipal and Northern

Relations, Government of Manitoba

Sara Girard, Event and Partnerships Lead, Brandon First
Dr. Beverly Hall-Maughan, President, DKG Society International
Inspirational Message on “Unite” - Darlene Wilkinson
7:30 – 8:30 Keynote
Roseann Runte, DKG Ontario, Canadians Who Innovate: The Trailblazers and

Ideas that are Changing the World
8:30 – 10:00 Refreshments and Socializing

Friday, July 11, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am UPLIFT 7:30am – 8:30am Onsite Registration

7:30 – 8:30 Onsite Registration
8:30 – 8:45 Opening Comments/Announcements
8:45 – 10:00 Keynote
Dr. Yvonne Vizina, DKG Manitoba, Indigenous Epistemologies in Teaching and Learning

10:00 – 10:30 Refreshment Break / Networking / Marketplace
10:30 – 11:15 Special Interest Session 1

a) Dr. Eunhee Buettner (Manitoba) Empowering Plurilingual Voices: The
Impacts of Arts-Based Writing in EAL Education

b) Cynthia Moore (Alberta) Social Emotional Learning: Health & Wellness
Tool Kit

c) Dr. A. Domenique Gadsen Teaching While Neurodivergent: Strategies,
Systems, and Solidarity

d) Roseann Runte Recognizing and Adopting Innovation in Teaching and
Learning

11:15 – 11:30 Transition Break

11:30 – 12:15 Special Interest Session 2

a) Sarah Melo (Manitoba) Money Matters: Teaching Math Through Real-World
Financial Literacy

b) Stephanie Allen and Joan Wolfe (Ontario) Rwanda Discoveries: Recovery,
Rejoicing, Growing, Gorillas

c) Anne Clifford (Alberta) Understanding You & Leading Together:
Enhancing Self-Awareness and Teamwork in Your Chapter Using the
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

d) Fiona England & Michelle Diowald (Manitoba) Building Trauma Resilient
Schools

12:30 – 1:30 Lunch

1:30 – 2:00 Inspirational Message on “Uplift” - Kiera Dyck
Leadership Discovery Presentation – Heather Meginbir (Manitoba)

2:00 – 2:45 Special Interest Session 3

a) Dr. Shar McGowan (Saskatchewan) Scripts of Magnificence: A Trauma-
Informed Discussion of Well-Being

b) Lynette Zapp (Alberta) Kathmandu- A School’s Story

c) Erin Retallack (Alberta) How Do We Gather? A Year-Long Inquiry

d) Dr. Myrle Ballard (Manitoba) Significance of Indigenous Language
Inclusion in Biodiversity Monitoring

2:45 - 3:15 – Refreshment Break / Networking / Market Place
3:15 – 4:15 Keynote
Dianea Phillips. Quebec / Manitoba, The Power of Yes
4:15 – 4:30 Announcements
6:00 – 10:00 Dinner and Social Event

Saturday, July 12, 2025 9:00am – 4:00pm INSPIRE 9:00am – 9:15am Announcements

9:00 – 9:15 Announcements
Inspirational Message on “Inspire” - Heather Meginbir
9:15 – 10:15 Keynote
DKG Society International Holden Fund Speaker:
Dr. Brenda Stoesz, University of Manitoba, Empowering or Undermining?
Understanding the Role of Generative Artificial Intelligence in
Today's Teaching and Learning Context

10:15 – 10:30 Refreshment Break
10:30 – 11:15 Special Interest Session 4

a) Dianea Phillips – Quebec/Manitoba Find Inspiration Through the Art and
Science of Guided Imagery

b) Dr. Farra Yasin – Manitoba Creative Writing in the Age of Generative AI

c) Sara Wethered (British Columbia) From Dewey to Deer

d) Dr. Brenda Stoesz (Manitoba) From Prep to Practice: Using Generative
Artificial Intelligence to Support Teaching and Learning

11:15 – 11:30 Transition Break
11:30 – 12:15 Special Interest Session 5

a) Meryl Orth (MB); Dr. Rachel Herron (MB); Joan Wolfe (ON); Carmella
Angus (MB); Dr. Jacqueline Kirk (MB) Healthy Aging Panel - Conquering
the social and medical challenges of healthy ageing

b) Heather Hill (Alberta) DKG World Fellowship

c) Candi Martin, Cynthia Moore (Alberta) & Lisa Olson (North Dakota)
Elevating the Profession of Education - Unite, Uplift, Inspire

d) Alexandra Jerrard-MacFadyen and Julie Manolescu (Alberta) Taming
Dragons - Powerful Strategies for Mental Health and Wellness in the
Classroom

12:15 – 1:15 Lunch and Entertainment
 Presentation by International World Fellowship Committee
 Winnipeg Gamma DKG Chapter 50th Anniversary Celebration
 DKG Long Service Members Celebration

1:15 – 2:15 Closing Keynote
Dr. Shar McGowan, DKG Canadian Area Representative, Light and Joy: Igniting

Our Strength and Purpose
2:15 – 2:30 Closing Comments/Celebrations
2:45 – 4:00 Canadian Forum Meeting

SATURDAY EVENING MEAL AT YOUR OWN COST

The extension day in Winnipeg: Sunday, July 13

8:30am Leave Victoria Inn, Brandon
11:00am Arrive at The Forks, Winnipeg
Lunch and Forks Market: Lunch at your own cost
1:00pm Boat Tour on the Red River (approximately 30 minutes) Ticket price is included
1:45pm Human Rights Museum Visit
4:00pm Depart form Museum back to Brandon
*if your flight leaves from Winnipeg, participants can take Uber, Lyft, or Taxi to the airport, or stay overnight if necessary.

Transport from Brandon to Winnipeg will be included leaving Brandon hotel at 8:30 a.m., Sunday, July 13 - Arriving in Winnipeg : 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. River cruise is 30 minutes during the day along with the Museum of Human Rights visit.

4 p.m, July 13th, Winnipeg, the bus shuttle will go back to Brandon if your flight leaves from Brandon, but if you are flying from Winnipeg, you can take a taxi back to the airport on Sunday night or reserve a hotel in Winnipeg for a Monday morning flight. The shuttle from Brandon will take you to the Forks location. All events are within walking distance in Winnipeg.

Travel

By Car

Brandon is located right on the TransCanada Highway – 2 hours west of Winnipeg, 4 hours east of Regina, Saskatchewan, and 1 hour north of the US border with North Dakota on the #10 highway.

By Air

From the west – Westjet operates daily flights from Calgary to Brandon

From the east, there are numerous flights into Winnipeg daily with various airlines. It is possible to fly to Calgary, and then back to Brandon on WestJet.

Closest airports in the United States are Minot and Grand Forks, North Dakota.

When flying into Winnipeg, there is an airport bus shuttle from the Winnipeg airport to Brandon available several times a day. (To be reserved separately.)

Brandon Air Shuttle – (204) 729-3332/1-888-884-5533 or https://brandonairshuttle.com/ $62 one way, $118 round trip, students and retirees $114 round trip)

Westman Shuttle – (204) 730-2333 or https://westmanshuttle.com/ $75 one-way fares

Hotel and Conference Venue

Victoria Inn Hotel and Conference Centre

3550 Victoria Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba, R7B 2R4

(204) 725-1532 or 1-800-852-2710

DKG Conference Rate (Hot breakfast is included) – Single - $140.99, Double - $150.99 (Call to book a room)

Other Accommodations Nearby

Clarion Hotel & Suites

3130 Victoria Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba R7B 3Y3

(204) 728-5775

DKG CANADIAN FORUM CONFERENCE

DKG CANADIAN FORUM CONFERENCE

Event Info

Hosted By:

Sarah Melo

Sarah Melo

Other Attendees

Other Attendees

Other Attendees

Other Attendees

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