National Indigenous Education Symposium (NIES) 2025 Outcomes Report

In 2025, Medow Consulting developed the outcomes report, Economic Reconciliation in Motion: Removing Barriers, Creating Opportunities, and Fostering Inclusive Growth, for the Indigenous Institutes Consortium (IIC). The report summarizes the key themes and directions for change from the National Indigenous Education Symposium (NIES).  

The annual NIES gathering, jointly hosted by the IIC and Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), brings together post-secondary leaders, industry, government, philanthropic organizations, and other partners committed to advancing Indigenous post-secondary education and training.  

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.