The inaugural forum in 2023 began with a guest list of 23 Communities and affiliated organizations (see our Lead Communities tab), including tribal councils and non-profit bodies representing multiple communities. Guests included a mixture of survivors, Elders, and community Leadership alongside the technical staff who would be part of teams operating equipment, data processing, or liaising with contractors.
With the success of the first Gathering, the 2024 Forum focused heavily on the experiences and lessons learned from technical staff themselves, and two full forum days were almost exclusively dedicated to small team presentations from the same communities and organizations who heard from researchers, archaeologists, community leadership, and peer technicians the year before.
This most recent 2025 Gathering expanded nationally after the growth of interest the previous two years, and shifted to a more central location in Ottawa, and increased attendance, nationally recognized speakers, and representatives from communities and tribal organizations from across Turtle Island.
We hope to make our 2026 Forum even better as we shift towards the future of this work, and welcome back familiar faces along with new communities, territories, and representatives.
Including movement and grounding breaks, and breakout and signup sessions for physical, mental and creative self care activities including reflexology, cedar foot baths, and reiki.
Visit our Indigenous makers, artisans, and organizations sharing resources, teachings, and handcrafted works.
Opportunities to hear from and connect with those carrying forward Survivor stories, lived experiences, and community histories.
A dedicated session featuring researchers, technical experts, and project partners whose work supports community-led investigations and site search efforts.
Hear directly from leaders including the representatives of the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, & the Office of the Chief Coroner alongside community voices as they discuss protocols, jurisdiction, memorialization, and pathways for dignified care.
This year’s gathering builds on technical knowledge-sharing while deepening relational accountability, cultural grounding, and collective care.
