Faculty of Education voices take the stage at TEDx Winnipeg 2026

Faculty of Education

The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Education is proud to celebrate four inspiring community members who have been selected as speakers for TEDx Winnipeg 2026. Representing diverse experiences, research interests, and identities, these students and faculty members will take the stage to share ideas that challenge assumptions, spark dialogue, and inspire change.

MEd student Emily Erickson will present: "Partners in Sovereignty: Reimagining Reconciliation in Postsecondary Institutions"

Emily is a citizen of the Red River Métis Nation. Her Métis family comes from Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, with ancestral scrip ties in St. Francois Xavier. She supervises the University’s Learning Hubs program, bringing postsecondary education and training to Indigenous learners in their home communities. Her thesis research explores the values of Indigenous women in senior university leadership.

What does it mean to you to present at TEDx?

To me, presenting at TEDx is an opportunity to challenge how we think about the education systems we work and learn within—especially in terms of how they serve Indigenous learners. TEDx offers a platform to elevate these conversations in a meaningful and public way. Personally, it allows me to share a bold, long-term vision that invites collaboration across sectors and highlights our shared responsibility to support Indigenous communities’ self-determination through education.

TEDx is an opportunity to challenge how we think about the education systems we work and learn within.

Emily Erickson

Faculty member Dr. Frank Deer will present: "Indigenous Spirituality and the Reconciliatory Journey in Canada"

Frank Deer is a professor in the Faculty of Education of the University of Manitoba. Frank is Kanienkeha’ka from Kahnawake, a community that lies just south of Tiotia’ke in the eastern region of the Rotinonshón:ni Confederacy. Frank studies Indigenous language education and Indigenous religious and spiritual orientations in schools.

How will you prepare for your TEDx talk?

I will be in the care of a great set of speech coaches. I’ve already begun working with a fellow called Matthew and will also be working with another coach called Mary Anne – both are wonderful and know their stuff! Also, I will be attending the rehearsal sessions every few weeks practicing. I’m looking forward to this experience!

I will be attending the rehearsal sessions every few weeks to practice. I’m looking forward to this experience!

Dr. Frank Deer

B.Ed. student Laura Côté will present: "The Queer Teacher You Never Knew You Needed"

Laura Côté is a Métis queer woman living and working on Treaty 1 Territory and a 2026 graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Bachelor of Education program. As a queer educator, Laura’s work is grounded in belonging, representation, and the belief that students learn best when they are seen, affirmed, and invited to show up as their full selves.

What inspired you to apply for TEDx presentation?

I was really inspired by past Faculty of Education speakers, specifically Dr. Robert Mizzi who was a TEDx speaker in 2025. Dr. Mizzi's 2SLGBTQ+ research in education continues to inspire and motivate me as a teacher. Queer topics in education are still treated as “too much,” “too political,” or “not appropriate.” I believe that silence is not neutral, and that sharing queer stories in educational spaces is not only necessary - it’s transformative.

Sharing queer stories in educational spaces is not only necessary - it’s transformative.

Laura Côté

Faculty member Dr. Xiaoxiao Du will present: "Names Tell Stories: Why Keeping Them Is a Radical Act of Inclusion"

Xiaoxiao Du 杜肖潇 is a mother of three, an educator, and a researcher passionate about language, culture, and identity. Her work promotes asset-based, culturally responsive, and equity-oriented education for all learners.

What was the application and audition process like?

The application process focused on providing the selection committee with insights into who I am, what I do, why there is a need to discuss my chosen topic, and how I work with others. The audition was less nerve‑wracking than I had anticipated, for it allowed me to speak about something close to my heart and to listen to the inspiring ideas shared by other candidates.

The audition allowed me to speak about something close to my heart and to listen to the inspiring ideas shared by other candidates.

Dr. Xiaoxiao Du

TEDx Winnipeg is Thursday, May 28, 2026

Get your tickets today

Did you know?

UM Education Professor Dr. Robert Mizzi’s 2025 TEDx talk was selected as an editor’s pick, an honor that is given to only 1% of all talks.