Tentative Agenda Now Live – 2025 AAISA Conference

2025 AAISA Settlement & Integration Conference, Navigating Change: Immigration Policy, Perceptions, and the Road Ahead | October 28 – 30, 2025 |

We’re happy to share our plenary session topics & speakers!

Dates: October 28-30 ,2025
Location: Wyndham Edmonton Hotel and Conference Centre, 4440 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 5C2

We’re excited to share the tentative agenda for the 2025 AAISA Settlement & Integration Conference including our plenary session & speakers!

Join sector leaders, policymakers, and front-line practitioners for a dynamic three-day program exploring the latest in immigration policy, integration practices, and community leadership.

Register for the Conference Now!

🎤 Plenary topics include:

• Shaping the Narrative: Building Support for Immigration | October 28, 2025 | 10:00 – 11:15 AM

This plenary will explore how we can effectively shape public narratives around immigration in ways that foster understanding, empathy, and social cohesion. As the Canadian public narrative around immigration grows increasingly politicized, there is an urgent need for cross-sector strategies to combat misinformation and fear. Panelists will explore how service providers, decision makers and community leaders can collaborate to combat harmful narratives, highlight newcomers’ contributions and engage in public education efforts that affirm the value of immigration. Together, we’ll highlight innovative and evidence-based approaches for shifting perception, challenging misinformation and promote informed public discourse to create a more welcoming Alberta for all. 

Speakers for this session:

1. Moderator: Kathryn Friesen, Executive Director, AAISA 
2. Lisa de Gara, Manager at Action for Healthy Communities (A4HC) 
3. Dr. Kathryn Dennler, Manager of Policy and Advocacy, World Education Services (WES) 
4. Meghan Cunningham, Policy Specialist, AAISA 

• Crossroads: Canada’s Shifting Immigration Policies and Impact on Newcomers  | October 28, 2025 | 2:15 – 3:30 PM 

This plenary will explore how we can effectively shape public narratives around immigration in ways that foster understanding, empathy, and social cohesion. As the Canadian public narrative around immigration grows increasingly politicized, there is an urgent need for cross-sector strategies to combat misinformation and fear. Panelists will explore how service providers, decision makers and community leaders can collaborate to combat harmful narratives, highlight newcomers’ contributions and engage in public education efforts that affirm the value of immigration. Together, we’ll highlight innovative and evidence-based approaches for shifting perception, challenging misinformation and promote informed public discourse to create a more welcoming Alberta for all. 

Speakers for this session:

1. Jatin Shory, Shory Law LLP 
2. Orysia Boychuk, President of Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Provincial Council (UCC) 

• Engaging Reconciliation in the Settlement Sector | October 29, 2025 | 9:00 – 10:15 AM 

Join Cheryl Whiskeyjack and Omar Yaqub, Edmonton’s past Co-Historian Laureates, for a workshop drawing on their experience building bridges between newcomer and Indigenous communities, Cheryl and Omar will share stories, frameworks, and actionable steps to help participants better understand their role in advancing reconciliation and belonging.  

Through interactive discussion and real-life examples, this session will explore: 

• The meaning and importance of reconciliation in the context of settlement work 
• How the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action relate to newcomers and service providers 
• Practical ways to build relationships with Indigenous communities and integrate reconciliation into daily practice 

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of historical context, inspiration for action, and tools to support reconciliation in their organizations and communities. 

Speakers for this session: 

1. Omar Yaqub, Executive Director, Islamic Family
2. Cheryl Whiskeyjack, Executive Director, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society 

• Inclusive Practices and Working with Vulnerable Newcomers  | October 29, 2025 | 2:15 – 3:30 PM 

This session will focus on how the Alberta settlement sector can better support vulnerable newcomers – particularly refugees, displaced individuals, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ and others from marginalized groups – through inclusive and intentional practices. We’ll explore how service providers, policymakers, and community organizations can work together to promote equitable access to services, support community integration, and foster long-term success for those facing additional barriers. Panelists will share practical insights on addressing systemic challenges, implementing trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration to create more inclusive support systems for newcomers. 

Speakers for this session:

1. Tanvir Turin Chowdhury, Associate Professor, Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences 
2. Carolee Turner, Centre for Newcomers (CFN) 
3. Boban Stojanovic, Centre for Newcomers (CFN)

Take a look at our tentative agenda—breakout sessions will be announced next week!

Register for the Conference Now!

If you have any additional questions or inquires, please visit our FAQ page.