Global Indigenous Languages Summit
Rogers Centre Ottawa, August 11-14, 2025
Welcome message from Stsmél̓qen, Ronald E. Ignace, Commissioner
Welcome to WAVES 2025, the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages’ first Global Indigenous Languages Summit. This event celebrates the work of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. It brings together language champions and supporters worldwide, including Elders, Knowledge Keepers, youth, researchers, and leading Indigenous artists and performers.
WAVES 2025 is an immersive and interactive mix of main stage keynotes, workshops, panel discussions, collaborative and public spaces, social networking events, an experiential tradeshow, Indigenous art, music, dance, and cultural performances.
This is your opportunity to stand with a multitude of Indigenous nations, languages, and cultures and join the waves of voices committed to bringing Indigenous Languages out of the shadows and into the light.
Register now to share your voice and inspire new thinking, facilitate conversations and connections, and drive ambitious solutions and actions toward revitalizing and strengthening Indigenous languages in Canada and worldwide.
WAVES 2025 is the place where words can create a new world.
WAVES 2025 Agenda
Our Hosts & Speakers
Many of the biggest names in Indigenous Languages revitalization come together in an engaging fashion at WAVES 2025
to inspire new thinking and drive ambitious solutions around three major themes: Traditional Ecological Knowledges, Technology, and
Community – all with one goal: to bring Indigenous Languages out of the shadows and into the light.
Join them in Ottawa this August.
Many more speakers and panelists will be announced in the coming days and weeks.
Follow us on social media and come back to this site to find out more!
World-Class Performances
Waves 2025 showcases diverse Indigenous languages and cultures from across Canada, and celebrates the creativity of outstanding First Nations, Métis and Inuit musicians, artists, actors, writers, poets designers, and dancers. Join them in Ottawa this August.
Headline entertainers will be announced in the coming days and weeks.
Follow us on social media and come back to this site to find out more!
Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities
Order Your Passes Today
WAVES 2025 is your opportunity to stand with a multitude of Indigenous nations, languages, and cultures and join the waves of voices committed to bringing Indigenous Languages out of the shadows and into the light. Come to inspire new thinking, facilitate conversations and connections, and drive ambitious solutions and actions toward revitalizing and strengthening Indigenous languages in Canada and worldwide.
One opening evening. Three full days. Three powerful themes
• Land & Language • Technology & Language • Community & Language
All-Access Pass
$850
This general Pass provides full access to all events on the WAVES 2025 schedule.
Cancellation Policy:
• Before June 1: Refund on registration fee (minus a $100 administration fee), and hotel room is fully refunded
• Between June 1 and July 6: Refund on the registration fee (minus a $100 administration fee), and the attendee will pay for 1 night of the hotel accommodation
• July 7 until event date: Full registration fee and hotel accommodations are non-refundable.
• Substitutions are allowed at any point minus $100 administration fee
Youth All-Access Pass
(Ages 25 and under)
$400
WAVES 2025 offers youth a full access pass at a discounted price. This Youth Pass provides full access to all events on the WAVES 2025 schedule.
Cancellation Policy:
• Before June 1: Refund on registration fee (minus a $100 administration fee), and hotel room is fully refunded
• Between June 1 and July 6: Refund on the registration fee (minus a $100 administration fee), and the attendee will pay for 1 night of the hotel accommodation
• July 7 until event date: Full registration fee and hotel accommodations are non-refundable.
• Substitutions are allowed at any point minus $100 administration fee
Please note that attendees of all ages will need to pay a registration fee to attend this event.
Registration fees are non-transferable, and childcare is not provided.
