National Indigenous Education Symposium (NIES) 2025 Outcomes Report

Since 2023, Medow Consulting has developed annual National Indigenous Education Symposium (NIES) Outcomes Reports for the Indigenous Institutes Consortium (IIC).

These reports capture key themes and insights from the annual NIES gathering jointly held by the IIC and Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). NIES brings together hundreds of post-secondary leaders, industry, government, philanthropic organizations, and other partners committed to advancing Indigenous post-secondary education and training.  

The 2025 Symposium
In 2025, Medow Consulting developed the outcomes report, Economic Reconciliation in Motion: Removing Barriers, Creating Opportunities, and Fostering Inclusive Growth, summarizing key themes and directions for change from the symposium.  

NIES 2025 was held October 26-28 in Calgary, Alberta, on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy) and home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta Districts 5 and 6. Approximately 250 participants from 58 organizations attended.  

Key Directions for Change
The report identifies ten key directions for change — from leveraging strategic partnerships for economic reconciliation, centring Indigenous voices in AI and technology development, to prioritizing Indigenous women in leadership, advancing Indigenous language revitalization, and building early career pathways for youth.