Please be advised that the Annual Keewaywin Conference has been confirmed for August 11, 12, 13 2026 to be held at Apitipi Anicinapek Nation.

CONFIRMATIONS/REGISTRATION

Registration is now open Chiefs/Proxies are asked to complete a registration form to confirm attendance on the link provided here: Register Here

PROXIES

If you are unable to attend, a proxy may be sent.  Proxy notice must be sent in advance on your First Nation letterhead and signed by the Chief and Council or a quorum of the Council.  This letter will ensure that the proxy has full conference privileges to act on your behalf.  The designated proxy must bring the original letter to the meeting. A sample proxy letter is attached.

Please send proxy letters to the attention of Lorie Vanbuskirk via email lvanbuskirk@nan.ca or by fax (807) 623-7730.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Travel will be covered for Chiefs/Proxies. Travel days are Monday August 10, 2026, and Friday August 14, 2026.  Air travel will be booked by NAN staff or for the use of a personal vehicle; mileage will be covered and based on the NAN rate.  As required by NAN Chiefs Finance Committee, the most economical arrangements will be made to keep the overall costs to a minimum.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations for the Chiefs/Proxies, Elders, Women & Youth Councils will be booked by NAN Staff.

NAN ELDERS, NAN WOMEN’S COUNCIL AND NAN YOUTH COUNCIL

The NAN Elders Council, Women’s Council and the Oshkaatisak (Young Peoples) Council are invited to attend.  NAN will cover their travel expenses and accommodations.  NAN staff will contact NAN Elders, Women and Oshkaatisak members directly to make travel arrangement.

First Nation & Tribal Councils bringing additional Elders are responsible for all expenses incurred including travel, accommodations and honorarium.

Elders Council registration contact is Sarah Kerr, she can be reached by email skerr@nan.ca or by phone at 1 (800) 465-9952.

Women’s Council registration contact is Karissa Michano, she can be reached by email kmichano@nan.ca or by phone at 1 (807) 700-9005.

Oshkaatisak Council’s registration contact is Hailey Chum, she can be reached by email  hchum@nan.ca

RESOLUTIONS – DEADLINE:  MONDAY July 20, 2026

Resolutions to be considered at the Keewaywin Conference can be forwarded electronically to Luke Hunter at lhunter@nan.ca or via fax at (807) 623-7730.

OPEN CALL TO CHIEFS FOR AGENDA ITEMS – DEADLINE:  FRIDAY July 24, 2026

If there are any priority issues or items that you wish to discuss at the Keewaywin Conference, please contact Charlene Yerxa by email cyerxa@nan.ca  or by phone at 1 (800) 465-9952. Open call for agenda items is for Chiefs only.

KEEEWAYWIN AWARD & BANQUET – NOMINATIONS DEADLINE: FRIDAY JULY 3, 2026

The Keewaywin Awards nomination form is now available and downloadable from the NAN website at www.nan.ca. The following awards are available:  Emile Nakogee Award for Outstanding Leadership, NAN Elder Award, Helen Cromarty Memorial Award for Women, Shannen Koostachin Youth Leadership Award. The criteria for each award is included in the attachment.

The Keewaywin Awards and Banquet will be held on the evening of Wednesday August 12, 2026.

If you require any additional information or require clarification, please contact Charlene Yerxa by email cyerxa@nan.ca or cell (807) 621-6175 / 1(800) 465-9952.