This two-day conference provides valuable professional development opportunities for educators working within the early years sector, focused on enhancing their knowledge and ability to integrate Métis culture within their educational settings. Each year explores a new focus, bringing various knowledge to early learning professionals.
About the 2025 Early Learning and Child Care Conference
Date and Time:
Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday, March 2, 2025, | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location:
White Oaks Resort and Spa
253 Taylor Rd SS4, Niagara On The Lake Ontario, L0S 1J0
Accommodation
Hotel rooms at White Oaks Resort and Spa are limited. Please book your room for the conference registration.
Alternatively, you can make a reservation at nearby hotels, including:
- Hilton Garden Inn Niagara-on-the-Lake | 500 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0
- Holiday Inn Express Niagara-on-the-Lake | 524 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0
- Staybridge Suites Niagara-on-the-Lake | 524 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0
Certificate of Completion
Following closing remarks, Professional Development certifications will be available on Sunday, March 2.
Agenda
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Registration (Optional)
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Kitchen Party (Optional)
Description: Join us for an unforgettable Kitchen Party hosted by the Early Learning and Child Care team! This lively event features networking opportunities, traditional Métis games, and a delectable array of hors d’oeuvres. Listen to live music from a Métis youth, hit the dance floor, and learn to jig with us! Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
7:30 am – 9:00 am | Registration & Breakfast
9:00 am – 9:15 am | Welcome/Opening Remarks
9:15 am – 9:45 am | Métis 101 Presentation
9:45 am – 10:00 am | Health Break
10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Madelaine McCallum “The Fire Within”
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Lunch
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm |Breakout Sessions
2:30 pm – 2:45 pm | Health Break
2:45 pm – 4:15 pm | Breakout Sessions
4:15 pm – 5:00 pm | Vendor Fair and Networking
7:30 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast
9:00 am – 9:30 am | ELCC Presentations
9:30 am – 10:30 am | Métis ALIVE, Felice Gladue
10:30 am – 10:45 pm | Health Break
10:45 – 12:00 pm | Breakout Sessions
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Lunch
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Closing remarks, Conference Evaluation & Certificate Pick Up
About Madelaine McCallum
Madelaine McCallum is a dynamic Métis talent—an exceptional dancer, motivational speaker, facilitator, and MC. She brings a unique blend of passion and a gentle yet commanding presence to every stage she graces, whether delivering an inspiring talk, performing a dance, or hosting an event.
In her powerful Fire Within presentation, Madelaine shares her most vulnerable moments with her audiences, revealing a profound lesson: “As I am, is Enough.” Prepare for an emotional journey as Madelaine’s raw honesty and emotional depth leave you captivated and inspired, guiding you toward discovering your self-worth and acceptance.
About Felice Gladue
Felice Gladue, the vibrant founder of Métis ALIVE, is celebrated for her exceptional talent in bringing Métis history, culture, dance, and traditional arts to life through immersive, multi-sensory, and interactive learning experiences. With over 27 years of experience, Felice captivates audiences of all ages with her engaging storytelling and infectious humour.
Her presentation, “The Voice of a Voyageur,” offers a dynamic exploration of Métis history, culture, and lifestyle through interactive learning that immerses participants in the Métis experience.
Target Audience
Below is a list of the target audience for the Annual Early Learning and Child Care Conference. The following Early Years Sector roles include, but are not limited to:
- Registered Early Childhood Educators through the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators.
- Early Childhood Educators working in other provinces
- Early Childhood assistants working in childcare centres
- Early Childhood Educators working in home childcare centres
- Post-secondary students attending a program focusing on early childhood or child and youth studies.
- Post-grad students with a focus on the early years.
- Staff working in extended-day programming (before and after school)
- Early years staff working for a municipality or District Services Area Administration Board
- Professionals working in CAP-C or Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Programs
- Professionals working in Indigenous-run early learning programs, supporting children 0-6.
- Educators working in EarlyON or Head Start programs
- Professionals working for the Ministry of Education, regulatory colleges (CECE & OCT), and Federal ELCC secretariat who support the early years sector.
- Professionals working in childcare advocacy associations
- Ontario College of Teachers working in the Full-Day Kindergarten Program or Grade 1
- District School Board Early Years Leads
- District School Board Indigenous Leads
- Educational Assistants working with children 0-6
- Childcare Site Supervisors
- Early Years Resource Consultants & OCT resource teachers supporting FDK and grade one
- Early Years Pedagogical specialists
- Paraprofessionals working within the early years sector (speech therapist, developmental services, occupational therapy, etc)
- Post-secondary instructors, professors, and support staff whose primary focus is within the early years.
- Professionals working in early childhood intervention and family support programs.
- Professionals working in early literacy programs
This list is ever-evolving. If you feel we have missed a key role, please email elccevents@metisnation.org, and we will work to update this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
This event is in-person only and is not offered in a virtual format.
No, day-of registrations will not be accepted at this event. Registration will close on December 28th, 2024, or when it reaches capacity.
Due to limited spacing capacity, participants cannot change sessions once registered.
Although we cherish children’s presence, some conference content may not suit them. Please make childcare arrangements to ensure you can fully engage and enjoy the event.
Accommodations will be made so the event is accessible. When registering, please let us know if you require accessibility accommodations so we can ensure they are set up and ready for you upon arrival at the conference.
Yes. When registering, please let us know if you have dietary restrictions.
No. If you are not staying at the venue, you must travel to and from White Oaks Resort and Spa.