YXE Cree Speakers Society: Keep Our Language Alive

10/01/2026

Good morning conference attendees!
We are still feeling the good energy each of you brought to the conference and we are already thinking about next year! You can still use the QR code on the agenda to complete the Conference Evaluation. Your feedback helps us to plan the next conference.

mitoni kinanâskomitinân. miyo kîsikanisik. ahkamêmok. kihtwâm mîna.

10/01/2026

👍🏽 Global News

09/27/2026

2026 Conference Attendees:
You can pick up your Conference Package and Nametag on Sunday, September 27th from 4 pm - 7 pm in the foyer by the restaurant at the Dakota Dunes Resort. Safe travels to all!

09/24/2026

Our 2026 Keep Our Language Alive Conference is now sold out. We thank everyone for their interest in attending, and we look forward to seeing all attendees next week!

09/24/2026

Our conference is only a few days away! We're excited to see everyone September 28 & 29 at the Dakota Dunes Resort and Conference Centre. Please see the Conference Agenda attached. Here you can scan the QR codes to access our Speaker Bios and, after the conference, an evaluation. Safe travels to everyone planning to attend!

09/23/2026

Are you attending our conference September 28 & 29? We're looking forward to seeing you!

Our Conference Agenda and Speaker Bios can be found on our website at the bottom of EVENTS page.

Learn and preserve the Cree language and culture with the YXE Cree Speakers Society. Discover more about our nonprofit organization on our site.

09/23/2026

We are so pleased that Elder Harry Lafond will be joining us at our Keep Our Language Alive Conference next week, taking part in a panel discussion entitled "Truth, Treaty & Foundations."

Elder Harry Lafond is from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. Harry Lafond is an indigenous leader who has used diplomacy, consensus building and friendship to work towards reconciliation. Harry has spent his life creating pathways for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to build trust, see strength in each other, and transform relationships. Harry served as Chief of the Muskeg Lake First Nation for 10 years. During that time, he was instrumental in negotiating and establishing an urban reserve in Saskatoon – the first ever in Canada. He also developed a custom election code, strengthening his community’s Indigenous laws and practices.

Harry also served as councillor on the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation Council for 15 years. Harry held the position of Executive Director in the Office of The Treaty Commissioner serving with Treaty Commissioners Bill McKnight and George Lafond and used the opportunity to advance reconciliation through teachings.

Academics has been important to Harry, having taught primary school, high school and post secondary courses. He successfully lobbied for a new school for the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. He has held the position of Indigenous Education Scholar at St. Thomas More College (University of Saskatchewan). As both a Cree leader and a Catholic deacon, Harry is serving on the Saskatoon Roman Catholic Diocese’s Council on Truth and Reconciliation and is an advisor to the Bishop of the Prince Albert Roman Catholic Diocese. Regional – Call to Action. He is an Order of Merit Recipient having received his award in 2022.

09/22/2026

Our 2026 Keep Our Language Alive Conference is coming up soon and we are pleased to announce that Chief Izaiah Swampy-Omeasoo will be participating in a panel discussion entitled "Innovation, Technology & Youth Leadership."

Chief Izaiah Swampy-Omeasoo (Maskêhkopwat-Omiyosîw) is a Cree leader and a language policy advocate from Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacîs, Alberta, Treaty No. 6 territory. Raised in Samson Cree Nation, he developed a deep commitment to Cree culture, identity, and the preservation and revitalization of Nêhiyawewin—the Cree language.

Chief Swampy-Omeasoo’s leadership journey began at a young age. At 21, he became the youngest councillor elected in Samson Cree Nation, using his position to advocate for youth, culture, and the increased use of Cree within community governance and public services, and education, establishing a multi-million dollar plan, for a fast tracked 20-year Cree language community revitalization plan.

09/22/2026

FSIN Vice Chief Fabian Head will participate in a session entitled "Language & Sovereignty" at our Keep Our Language Alive Conference coming up next week.

Vice Chief Fabian Head is a member of the Red Earth Cree Nation in Treaty Five territory in eastern Saskatchewan. Throughout his life, he has maintained a connection to his culture, language, and identity, the cornerstone of his personal and professional journey.

Vice Chief Head has an extensive background in leadership and education. He has served as Chief, Councillor, and educator and has demonstrated a commitment to the advancement and well-being of his people. His advocacy for the Treaty Right to Education emphasizes his deep understanding of its critical importance for the future of First Nation youth and communities.
Vice Chief Head holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Indigenous Studies from the University of Regina and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan. These academic achievements have equipped him with a solid foundation to support his leadership and advocacy efforts.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Vice Chief Head actively participates in and promotes initiatives that strengthen cultural identity and heritage, recognizing their vital role in the resilience and empowerment of First Nations communities.

Recently elected as the Third Vice Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), representing 74 First Nations and over 160,000 First Nations people, he passionately advocates for Treaty and Inherent Rights, ensuring these rights are upheld and respected for future generations. His dedication is driven by a vision of a thriving and self-sustaining future for all First Nations people.

09/21/2026

We are excited to announce that The Honourable Buckley Belanger will take part in a panel discussion entitled "Indigenous Languages Act Implementation, Enforcement and Accountability" at our Keep Our Language Alive Conference.

Buckley Belanger is serving as Secretary of State for Rural Development in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet. Elected in April 2025 as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, he is currently the sole Liberal MP from Saskatchewan.

Before entering federal politics, Belanger served for over 25 years in the Saskatchewan legislature, representing the northern riding of Athabasca from 1995 to 2021. He held several ministerial portfolios in the provincial government, including that of the Environment, Northern Affairs, and Aboriginal Affairs, during which time he vigorously advocated for the needs and priorities of remote and rural communities.

He previously served as Mayor of Île-à-la-Crosse and worked as a journalist and media leader with Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation, helping to expand access to Indigenous-language broadcasting. A lifelong champion for northern Saskatchewan voices, Belanger brings decades of hands-on experience to his current role, where he continues to push for stronger economic opportunities across rural Canada.