2026 Speakers

Celine Latulipe
You are going to die. You need to plan for what will happen to all of your digital accounts and assets so that you control your own digital legacy. A provocative and practical talk on how to manage your online life, data, and memories before it’s too late.
Tyler Sneesby
A DJ’s deeply personal story about sight loss and redefined purpose through creativity and self-expression.
Laura Cote
Queer educator and community organizer living and working on Treaty 1 Territory, and a 2026 graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Bachelor of Education program, Laura’s work is rooted in belonging, representation, and creating spaces where students feel seen, affirmed, and safe to be fully themselves.
Peter Denton
Misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) by students in schools is driven by three things: lack of literacy skills; lack of time to develop them; and fear of failing. How artificial intelligence is transforming learning and what educators, students, and parents need to know to stay ahead.
Frank Deer
This talk will explore the importance of Indigenous spirituality, its role in the reconciliatory journey, and the value of embracing its teachings as a guide for personal and societal well-being. A powerful exploration of how spirituality can guide healing, understanding, and reconciliation in a post-colonial world.
Emily Erickson
Imagine if universities harnessed their strengths—programs, research, resources, networks—to invest in Indigenous community-based education. Meeting learners where they are could spark transformative change, turning reconciliation from rhetoric to action. A bold vision for how universities and Indigenous communities can move from symbolic reconciliation to true partnership and shared power.
Monica Huisman
Acclaimed for a voice that “embodies both flawless technique and dramatic impact,” Dutch-Canadian soprano Monica Huisman has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages from Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw to Rio de Janeiro’s Teatro Lírico. Celebrated for her expressive depth and musical integrity, she has performed with major opera companies and orchestras across Canada and abroad, […]
Marika Schalla
After years of trauma and a nervous system in survival mode, the Land became my teacher, guiding me toward ancestral, trauma-responsive pedagogy. Showing me the protective patterns and stories children carry in their bodies. A deeply grounded talk on how reconnecting with the land can support healing, education, and Indigenous youth wellbeing.
Ian Bawa
Your culture is not a limitation, it is a path: When I stopped hiding my culture and started sharing it with honesty and vulnerability, my films finally connected. The parts we think are too personal are often the ones that unlock our strongest work. A filmmaker’s moving reflection on identity, courage, and the liberating power […]
Rebecca Krowelski
In a world full of chaos and division, honey bees show us how communication and shared purpose can lead to great things.A beekeeper’s talk on what we can learn from the complicated life inside the hive. These practical lessons will help us make better decisions and take action to light up our corners of the […]
Laurel Tolchinsky
Laurel is the founder of Honest Fitness and a certified personal trainer on a mission to make movement simple and accessible, especially for women who’ve been told fitness has to be complicated. She’s the force behind your TEDxWinnipeg Brain Break, because your brain deserves a reset as much as your body does.
Rizwan Manji
Medical error is the #3 killer because human brains cannot handle modern data loads. My ingenious idea is that the “best doctor” isn’t human or robot, but a symbiotic partnership that fixes our cognitive blind spots to save lives and billions in waste. A fascinating look at how medicine must combine technology and human empathy […]
Laura Loewen
Praised for her expressivity and virtuosity, Dr. Laura Loewen is one of Canada’s most celebrated collaborative pianists, having performed throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. She is Professor of Collaborative Piano and Vocal Coach at the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music, where she also serves as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs. […]
Jayanne English
Viewers can explore science in the public outreach images made by astronomers. Not only are they striking, they illuminate discoveries. A breathtaking journey into how stunning space images reveal the hidden science of our universe.
Xiaoxiao Du
Being different is more than okay! Our unique names are integral to our identities and carry meaningful stories that may not always be ready to be heard but deserve to be told in our own ways, using multiple languages and our authentic voices. A powerful argument for why honouring people’s names is about more than […]
Farshid Ghiyamihoor
The Art of Brain Sculpting – An exploration of how our thoughts and habits shape the brain, and how we can intentionally rewire ourselves for growth and resilience.
Krista Boryskavich
Pets are family, but not all families can stay together due to a shortage of pet-inclusive housing. Government can make policy choices to meet the need for pet-inclusive housing, and keep families together – I’ll tell you how! An innovative look at how housing policy, compassion, and creativity can prevent families from being separated from […]
Suzi Friesen
A compelling look at how slowing down, reflecting, and truly seeing ourselves can unlock clarity, healing, and stronger leadership.