Indigenous Education in the 21st Century
The conference is based on the fundamental principle of Indigenous control of Indigenous education. This principle enables education to become a means of protecting, preserving and developing Indigenous cultures, rather than an instrument of colonization. To recognise the role of education in the historical destruction of Indigenous societies and cultures draws attention to racism and the responsibilities of non-Indigenous people to play supporting (not leading) roles in Indigenous education. Indigenous education surfaces ethical questions, and opens space for feminist, gender and rainbow perspectives.
WIPCE 2025 Themes
Click to explore the themes below.
Studies of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment for Indigenous peoples
The nexus between science and technology and the traditional knowledges of Indigenous peoples
The natural and built environment - Indigenous strategies and solutions for emerging environmental harms to our societies
Indigenous knowledges and practices for health of the whole person - physical, emotional and spiritual, and extending to the wellbeing of families and communities
Political projects and aspirations of Indigenous peoples for self-determination and sovereignty
The revitalisation of Indigenous languages and cultures
Infusing Indigenous values and cultures in to creative arts and endeavours
The voices and aspirations of young and emerging Indigenous scholars
WIPCE 2025 Keynote Speakers
Information on our keynote speakers is available here.
WIPCE 2025 Programme
WIPCE 2025 will run from Rātapu (Sunday) 16th through to Rāpare (Thursday) 20th in Whiringā-a-Rangi (November) 2025. Upon the sacred land Takaparawhau that watches over the Waitematā harbour of Tāmaki Makaurau, the waters that shine and gleam in the sun beneath the foreboding and loving shadow of Rangitoto. The guardians of the sacred fires of Tuperiri, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, will formally welcome our guests to the shores of Aotearoa with the traditional Māori pōwhiri (welcome ceremony).
The four-day conference will include:
- A range of national and international keynote and inspirational global speakers from all Indigenous nations.
- Abstract presentations, with an Academic Committee appointed to ensure a robust selection is achieved. Only Indigenous voices will be selected. The final selection will be endorsed by the WIPCE International Council specific to their countries/nations.
- Knowledge cafe – allowing delegates to network and to be involved in discussion groups on subjects such as language revitalisation, Indigenous traditions, culture, and rights.
- Symposiums, such as those for kaumatua (elders) and rangatahi (youth).
- Panel discussions.
- Seminars and workshops.
- Poster sessions.
- WIPCE village, with an art exhibition and stalls to promote Indigenous art, crafts and artists.
- Designated areas for kaumātua (elders).
- Daily catering for delegates, including morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea.
- Cultural excursions featuring local marae, Māori schools, significant Māori sites, cultural and art organisations, attractions, and Māori and Pacific communities and businesses.
- Parade of nations, recognising all our manuhiri (visitors) to the conference.
- Cultural extravaganza and closing ceremony, a finale concert showcasing a selection of national and international performances.
| Sunday 16 November | Monday 17 November | Tuesday 18 November | Wednesday 19 November | Thursday 20 November | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Location |
Auckland |
Aotea – Te Pokapū | Aotea Centre, Auckland CBD |
Aotea – Te Pokapū | Aotea Centre, Auckland CBD |
Aotea – Te Pokapū | Aotea Centre, Auckland CBD |
Aotea – Te Pokapū | Aotea Centre, Auckland CBD |
8:30am - |
Welcome & housekeeping |
Welcome & housekeeping |
Welcome & housekeeping |
Welcome & housekeeping |
Welcome & housekeeping |
8:40am - |
Registrations open at |
Karakia (opening prayer) |
Karakia (opening prayer) |
Karakia (opening prayer) |
Karakia (opening prayer) |
8:50am - |
Opening Welcome WIPCE 2025 - WIPCE 2025 Chair |
Keynote address |
Keynote address |
Keynote address |
|
9:20am - |
Opening address: Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith |
Panel discussion |
Panel discussion |
Panel discussion |
|
10:00am - |
Kapu ti (morning tea) |
Kapu ti (morning tea) |
Kapu ti (morning tea) |
Kapu ti (morning tea) |
|
11:00am |
Pōwhiri (Welcome ceremony) - 11:00am til 2pm |
||||
10:30am - |
Break-out sessions |
Break-out sessions |
Break-out sessions |
Break-out sessions |
|
1:10pm |
Kai Hakari (lunch) |
Kai Hakari (lunch) |
Kai Hakari (lunch) |
Kai Hakari (lunch) |
|
2:00pm |
Keynote address |
Keynote address |
Keynote address |
Keynote address |
|
2:30pm |
Panel discussion |
Panel discussion |
Panel discussion |
Inspirational speaker |
|
3:00pm |
Registration open at Horizon Hotel Foyer |
Break-out sessions |
Break-out sessions |
Break-out sessions |
Closing address |
3:40pm |
Kapu ti (afternoon tea) |
Kapu ti (afternoon tea) |
Kapu ti (afternoon tea) |
Karakia (closing prayer) |
|
4:00pm |
Break-out sessions |
Break-out sessions |
Break-out sessions |
||
4:40pm |
Inspirational speaker |
Inspirational speaker |
Inspirational speaker |
||
5:10pm - |
Karakia (closing prayer) |
Karakia (closing prayer) |
Karakia (closing prayer) |
||
TBC |
Parade of nations, finale concert |