Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

  • The International Indigenous Voices in Social Work Conference (IIVSW) is a global gathering that brings together Indigenous social work practitioners, scholars, and community leaders to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and explore Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing, and connecting within the field of social work.

  • The 7th IIVSW Conference will take place on the main campus of the University of Calgary in the MacEwan Conference and Event Centre in MacEwan Hall. Learn more about the venue

  • The conference is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous social work practitioners, educators, students, researchers, community leaders, policymakers, and anyone interested in Indigenous approaches to social work. Learn more about who can attend

  • The theme for this year’s conference is "One Child Every Child: Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Doing, Connecting, and Being for Advancing the Well-Being of Our Future Generations". This year’s conference will also align with the University of Calgary’s Indigenous Strategy, ii’taa’poh’to’p, which is Blackfoot for “a place to rejuvenate and re-energize during a journey.” This gathering will seek to create connections and memories that lead to action and systemic changes that benefit Indigenous children, communities, and families.

  • Because the program will start in the morning on August 12, we recommend that attendees arrive on August 11. The conference will wrap-up around noon on August 15.

  • View Program Overview

  • Many opportunities are available. Learn more about partnership and sponsorship

  • Dress Code and Packing Advice: There is no formal dress code for the conference. We encourage you to dress in whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident.

    Some workshops and excursions will include outdoor components. If you plan to participate, we recommend wearing closed-toed shoes.

    For those attending the gala evening, we expect most guests will wear traditional Indigenous dress or casual business attire. You are welcome to wear whatever feels right for you!

    Pipe ceremonies (7am daily): The pipe ceremonies are lead knowledge keepers who typical follow their traditional protocols. This includes wearing modest attire, such as ribbon skirts, moccasins, and the use of traditional blankets.

    For guests travelling to Calgary: Expect temperatures between 9°C and 24°C during the conference dates. Calgary is typically sunny in August but can experience occasional rain. Please pack layers and prepare for varying weather.

Registration and Fees (REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL)

  • Registration is now full

  • Registered attendees will receive both breakfast and lunch on August 12, 13, 14 – as well as breakfast on the morning of August 15. As part of your registration fee, attendees will also be invited to participate in excursions to Treaty 7 First Nations communities and/or local social work organizations on August 14.

    There will be an additional, optional fee of $75 for anyone who is interested in attending the gala on the evening of Thursday, August 14. Attendees can purchase up to 2 tickets (for themselves and a guest). If you would like to purchase more than 2 tickets for the gala, please email admin@iivsw.com at your earliest convenience and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
    Register here

    View conference fees

    Registration fees do not include on-site parking or hotel accommodation.

  • A limited number of scholarships or financial aid opportunities may be available for students and community members. Please stay tuned for details and application deadlines. Please email admin@iivsw.com if you would like to apply for any financial aid that may become available.

ACSW Professional Development Credits

  • Yes, attending the IIVSW conference will count towards your ASWB professional development credits as the University of Calgary is an approved provincial provider of ASWB PDUs. Visit the Alberta College of Social Workers website to learn more

Abstract Submissions

  • Abstract submissions are closed.

Accommodations & Travel

  • We have partnered with hotels in the conference area to offer discounted rates. Learn more about accommodation

  • As one of Canada's largest airports, YYC Calgary International Airport welcomes millions of visitors to Calgary each year. YYC is a hub for major Canadian airlines Air Canada and WestJet - and is conveniently located in the northeast of Calgary, approximately 25 minutes from the University of Calgary. Rental cars, taxis, limousines, and airport shuttles are available at the airport. 

  • Before finalizing your travel plans and prior to departure, please review your home country's official travel guidelines for information on travelling to Canada.

  • International attendees should check visa requirements for travel to Canada. A letter of invitation can be provided upon request. Please allow up to three weeks for us to prepare your visa invitation letter. While we are happy to provide registered attendees with an invitation letter, please note that we cannot advise you on the exact documents (visa, letters, etc.) that will be required for your travel to Canada. 

  • During your visit to Treaty 7 Territory, there are many opportunities to explore the rich cultural landscape and natural beauty of what is now known as Calgary and its surrounding areas. Tourism Calgary has created a special resource with comprehensive information about local attractions, dining options, cultural sites, and seasonal activities. While exploring this resource, we invite you to experience both the contemporary offerings of the city and to reflect on the enduring Indigenous presence that has shaped these lands since time immemorial. 

    Visit our Tourism Calgary microsite to discover options for your free time. We especially encourage visitors to explore Indigenous-led experiences and cultural sites during your stay, as these offer meaningful connections to the lands where we gather for this conference.

  • For Aug 12, 13, and 14 (8:30am-4:00pm), we are organizing a complementary camp for kids aged 5-14 years old, located in a green space near the main conference hall. We have thirty free spots available. If you are interested in registering your children, please email admin@iivsw.com your child’s full name (first and last name) and birthday (YYYY/MM/DD) – along with your address (city, province/state, country, postal/zip code, email)  and your preferred phone. For the phone number, we ask for the number where we can reach you while you are attending IIVSW.  Following receipt of this information, presuming space remains in the camp, we will send you a waiver and an additional request for information (dietary restrictions and accommodations for your camper(s,) etc.

    The camp should include active and science-based activities, a morning water bottle, and light boxed lunch. If you have an older kid, we may encourage you to supplement their lunch with a few extra snacks. We hope to host the camp outdoors so we would also ask that you provide you child with anything they might need to spend the day outside (i.e. a hat, sunscreen, light coat). If the weather is inclement, we will likely be able to move the camp indoors. More details to come. However, if you think you might be interested, please email admin@iivsw.com at your earliest convenience.

  • If you would like to work out, an option is Active Living Access. To purchase a half price entry pass (Adults $5.50) to the UCalgary Active Living Recreation facilities, please bring your conference name tag to the Client Services desk, in the Kinesiology building (KNA104, located by the change rooms). There are some age restrictions in some facilities. Please enquire before purchasing family, youth, or child passes. Visit Active Living site for hours and schedule

Accessibility & Inclusion

  • Yes, we are committed to ensuring accessibility for all attendees, including wheelchair access and other accommodations as needed. Upon registering for the conference, we will ask each attendee about any accommodations they may need to make their conference experience more joyful.

  • Because our conference brings people together for dialogue, experiential learning, and shared wisdoms, no hybrid options are available.

Contact Us

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