Revisit Past Foundation Events in 2024
We hope that 2025 has started well for each and every one of you! Last year has been highlighted by a number of events, including several cohort-specific events, an Indigenous immersion retreat, master classes on various topics, and more events open to the community, active and alumni. These events allowed members of our community to get together, exchange ideas and further their knowledge.
In 2025, even more events are planned. We look forward to sharing these moments with you and continuing to build an engaged community.
From January 2024 to December 2024
January 6-10, 2024 – 2022 Cohort Event – Washington, USA
Members of the 2022 cohort participated in a rich networking program in Washington, DC, under the leadership of 2022 Mentors. Understanding Washington and public policy networks were at the heart of this event, with meetings at the World Bank and visits to embassies.
April 12-20, 2024 – 2022 Cohort International Institute – Buenos Aires, Argentina
The 2022 Scholars, Fellows and Mentors traveled to Argentina not only to discuss real-world challenges for the Argentine economy, but also to work closely with graduate students at the university.
April 25-26, 2024 – 2023 Cohort Event – Boston, USA
The 2023 cohort was able to participate in a conference on Canada's foreign policy, influenced by its allies and U.S. leadership. Researchers and non-academic representatives explored the challenges and options for Canada in key regions such as the Euro-Atlantic and Asia-Pacific.
May 13-18, 2024 – 2023 Cohort Institute – Halifax, NS
Scholars of the 2023 cohort discussed leadership with a program of 2023 Fellows and Mentors. They discussed sustainability, culture and diplomacy with university representatives, the Mi'kmaw Nation and NGOs. Discussions on art, history and Aboriginal voices took place at the Canadian Museum of Immigration, as well as exchanges at Grand Pré on the Acadians.
June 7-11, 2024 – 2024 Cohort Orientation Session – Paris, France
The new 2024 cohort was exceptionally welcomed in Paris (France) rather than in Canada, which ensured a rich cultural background for this first meeting. In partnership with the Association France-Canada, the Foundation planned a program that included visits to world-renowned NGOs and knowledge institutions.
June 12-15, 2024 - 2023 Cohort Event – Bordeaux, France
A few members of the 2023 cohort were able to discover one of France's most important cities. The city's role in the past, and especially its contribution to the slave market, were as much a part of the discussions as its current efforts to contribute to social justice with initiatives such as the Darwin Ecosystem.
August 19-23, 2024 – Indigenous Immersion Retreat – Mushuau-nipi, QC
Scholars, Fellows and Mentors from several cohorts were invited by the Mushuau-nipi Corporation to participate in an Indigenous Immersion Retreat. During this retreat, participants experienced a truly unique environment, immersing themselves in the nuances of Innu language and practices.
August 18-21, 2024 - Indigenous Circle - Saskatoon, SK
Current Indigenous members of the Foundation were invited by the Foundation's President for a first-ever Indigenous Circle. Meeting in Wanuskewin Park at the suggestion of one of the mentors, learning from the keepers of Indigenous knowledge, honouring and recognizing the importance of this knowledge and reflecting this in concrete steps to include knowledge and learning tools in the Foundation's activities were the objectives of this first meeting.
October 15 – 17, 2024 – Masterclass on Public Policy Development and Implementation – Montreal, QC
2021 Mentor Dr. Robert Blair organized the inaugural masterclass as part of workshops offered by the Foundation to Scholars. The event brought various cohorts together, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and experiences.
October 18 – 20, 2024 – Closing Conference of the 2021 Cohort – Wendake, QC
The conference, “Ripples of Impact: Reflexivity, Research and Community Engagement,” presented the research to date of the 2021 Scholars. This event served as a farewell to the 2021 cohort who finished their 3-year mandate with the Foundation.
Oct 30, 2024 – Masterclass on Media Relations – Montréal, QC (FR)
Presented by TACT, this all-day Masterclass introduced Scholars to best practices in media relations, various communication tools, interview preparation and presentation techniques, and strategies for ensuring an efficient online presence.
This workshop was held only French, allowing French-speaking scholars to fully understand the material.
November 20, 2024 – Masterclass/Stanfield Conversations, Dalhousie University – Halifax, NS
The Foundation built a partnership with the The Rt. Hon. Robert L. Stanfield Conversations which are held annually at Dalhousie University in the Fall. Last year, they were held slightly later to address the American election results. The Foundation launched this partnership to allow Scholars to participate in the Masterclass preceding the conversation and allowing Fellows and Mentors to join as well for the conversations as such. Future inclusion of Foundation members as speakers is planned.
November 27, 2024 – Masterclass on Media Relations – Toronto, ON (EN)
Presented by TACT once more, this all-day Masterclass introduced English-speaking Scholars to the same media relations material as the French masterclass held on October 30, 2024.
The Foundation plans to provide this kind of workshop at least annually in the future.