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Ottawa to Host Milestone 10th International Healing Our Spirit Worldwide Gathering
The Indigenous Health and Wellness Confederacy, in partnership with the International Indigenous Council for Healing Our Spirit Worldwide, is honoured to announce that the 10th International Healing Our Spirit Worldwide Gathering (HOSW10) will take place May 14 – 18, 2028, at Rogers Centre Ottawa.
Guided by the theme “Honouring Sacred Connections and Strengthening Indigenous Wellness through Collective Action” and the gathering statement “Gathered in Hope,” HOSW10 will bring together Indigenous Peoples, communities, healers, Elders, Knowledge Carriers, youth, health and wellness practitioners, researchers, leaders, governments, policy makers, and allies from around the world for learning, healing, cultural celebration, knowledge exchange, and shared action.
The Indigenous Health and Wellness Confederacy will lead the hosting of HOSW10, bringing together a collaborative alliance of national Indigenous organizations committed to strengthening culturally grounded health, wellness, mental wellness, and substance use services for Indigenous Peoples across Canada. The Confederacy includes Thunderbird Partnership Foundation (Thunderbird), First Peoples Wellness Circle (FPWC), First Nations Health Managers Association (FNHMA), and the Youth Substance Addiction Committee (YSAC), working in partnership with the International Indigenous Council for Healing Our Spirit Worldwide.
Ottawa was selected as the host city as it offers a meaningful gathering place on the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation, where the Ottawa River has long served as a route of connection, exchange, and relationship.
“HOSW10 is more than a conference; it is a global gathering of hearts, minds, cultures, and communities united in hope and healing. At this milestone 10th Gathering, we honour those who carried this movement forward and create space for new voices, new relationships, and renewed commitments to Indigenous health and wellness. As hosts, we are honoured to help welcome the world to Ottawa to strengthen sacred connections and turn shared knowledge into collective action for generations to come.”
The Gathering will feature keynote presentations, cultural programming, ceremonies, healing and wellness-focused workshops, research and practice presentations, youth engagement, networking opportunities, community showcases, and international dialogue.
Details on registration, sponsorship, exhibitor and volunteer opportunities, abstract submissions, and programming will be released in the coming months as planning continues with care, consultation, and respect for the spirit of the Gathering.
About Thunderbird Partnership Foundation
Thunderbird Partnership Foundation (Thunderbird) is a national non-profit organization and leading culturally centred voice for First Nations substance use and mental wellness services. Thunderbird works with First Nations to build community capacity, strengthen a continuum of care, advance Indigenous wellness research, develop culturally grounded resources and training, and promote wholistic approaches to healing rooted in culture, respect, community, compassion, Hope, Belonging, Meaning, and Purpose. Learn more at thunderbirdpf.org
About First Peoples Wellness Circle
First Peoples Wellness Circle (FPWC) is a leader in wholistic health and mental wellness that prioritizes traditional knowledge and evidence using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach by providing resources, training and advocacy to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Learn more at fpwc.ca
About First Nations Health Managers Association
The First Nations Health Managers Association is a national, professional association exclusively serving the needs of individuals working for or aspiring to positions with First Nations health organizations. The FNHMA prepares individuals to work with new knowledge and skills and assists its members and their organizations to set strategic goals, successfully implement business plans, and deliver quality health service programs. Learn more at fnhma.ca
About the Youth Substance Addiction Committee
Established in 1995, the Youth Substance Addiction Committee (YSAC) is a national network of 10 treatment centres providing addictions and mental health services to First Nations and Inuit/Innu youth and families in residential and outpatient settings. YSAC strengthens its Indigenous recovery network through shared strategic initiatives, research and prevention efforts, training, accreditation, governance, human resources, program support services, and culturally based, evidence-informed approaches that respect the autonomy and strengths of each member centre. Learn more at ysac.info
About the International Indigenous Council for Healing Our Spirit Worldwide
The International Indigenous Council for Healing Our Spirit Worldwide provides leadership and stewardship for the global Healing Our Spirit Worldwide movement. Held every four years in locations around the world, the Gathering brings Indigenous Peoples, communities, healers, leaders, health professionals, Knowledge Keepers, youth, and allies together to share knowledge, celebrate culture, strengthen relationships, and advance healing through learning, cultural exchange, and collective action.