The University of Waterloo will host the Turtle Island Indigenous Science Conference (TIISC), a three-day event focused on Indigenous Science, from May 24 - 26, 2026. The conference explores how Indigenous science engages with and transforms fields such as ecology, health, technology, and sustainability. By bringing together diverse voices and knowledge systems, TIISC invites learning from experts in their fields.
Here are four reasons you won't want to miss it:
1. It is the only event of its kind
TIISC is a grassroots effort bringing people together to discuss Indigenous science, and it is the only conference dedicated to exploring Indigenous pedagogical approaches to science in North America (Turtle Island).
This is a unique opportunity to be immersed in a learning environment where Indigenous ways of knowing are shared and discussed across scientific disciplines.
2. Learn from Indigenous knowledge keepers and scholars
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn directly from Indigenous knowledge keepers and scholars who will share their expertise rooted in lived experience, land-based knowledge and academic research. Throughout the conference, there will be collaborative presentations from institutions in partnership with Indigenous communities.
In addition to learning from Indigenous knowledge keepers, attendees can explore how these principles are being applied within national research systems during a session by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). NSERC’s session, Innovation in peer review of Indigenous science proposals: Modelling Indigenous-led decolonization of research assessment at the federal funding agencies, will focus on how federal funding agencies are implementing processes to better recognize Indigenous knowledge systems in research.
3. Bridge Indigenous and Western knowledge systems
Indigenous science offers critical perspectives and solutions to address pressing environmental challenges. On day one, keynote speaker Janna Wale will share how Indigenous-led approaches to climate action help re-establish our relationships with the land and one another.
In addition, Science’s Associate Director of Indigenous Initiatives, Savannah Sloat, will lead a plenary workshop alongside Professors Brenda Lee and Vivian Dayeh. The session will explore how Indigenous learning circles can be thoughtfully integrated into STEM courses, highlighting a model for incorporating Indigenous pedagogical approaches into classroom settings.
4. Build connection and community
When the conference was first held in Manitoba in 2022, it was a response to a growing movement of Indigenous inclusion across post‑secondary institutions. However, STEM disciplines often lacked meaningful integration of Indigenous knowledge beyond environmental sciences.
At its core, TIISC was established to bring together community members and Knowledge Keepers from across Turtle Island to enhance community connections and strengthen awareness of Indigenous perspectives and traditions across all science disciplines. The University of Waterloo is proud to continue to build connections and community in this space.
Interested in attending?
Visit the conference registration page to secure your spot in a growing movement to advance Indigenous perspectives across science. TIISC also offers meaningful sponsorship opportunities for organizations looking to demonstrate leadership in Indigenous inclusion in STEM. Contact the Faculty of Science’s Director of Advancement, Meaghan Middleton, for more details on how to make an impact.