A Ceremony That Opened More Than a Conference

June 6, 2025 | 8:00–10:00 AM PT 1015IB and Zoom

Educating for Tomorrow: Social Work Values in a Global World

Before the first presentation, before the first academic idea was shared, this global gathering began with something far more profound: a ceremony of spirit, land, and love.

Elder Gwen Campbell-McArthur opened sacred space from Secwépemc territory with a prayer that transcended every digital boundary. Holding the Métis sash, she blessed the land, the people, and the work ahead. Her words: a call to remembrance, responsibility, and care.

Father Andrzej Wasylinko , from the Most Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church, offered spiritual greetings that travelled from Kamloops to Ukraine and beyond. His prayer was a bridge—uniting faith and justice, reminding us that social work is a sacred duty even in times of war.

From Thompson Rivers University came a wave of institutional welcome rooted in justice:

President Dr. Brett Fairbairn asked the question in his written remarks: “What does it mean to host a global dialogue on justice while occupying lands shaped by injustice?” His words invited accountability and truth.

TRU World AVP Justin Kohlman joined from convocation preparations to speak of partnerships grounded in care and cultural humility.

President-elect Dr. Airini joined from an airport tarmac. Her voice—amid travel—was a moving example of leadership rooted in presence and connection.

“Thank you, President Airini—joining us from the tarmac made your words even more meaningful.”

A special thank-you to Carole Carpot , Executive Director of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE-ACFTS), whose welcoming words helped anchor the ceremony in professionalism and solidarity. To Carole and all those who responded without hesitation—at the last minute—to be part of this global call for change, we are deeply grateful.

Then came a powerful cascade of global greetings, representing voices from across the world—often joining at great personal sacrifice:

Nigeria – Dr. Bose Makinde shared insights from Babcock University on inclusive education and autism awareness.

New Zealand – Dr. Renu Sisodia, originally from India, offered bicultural greetings grounded in Māori values and South Asian community practice.

Australia – Dr. Sharlotte Tusasiirwe reminded us that Australia is unceded Aboriginal land, and called for Indigenous knowledge to be central to social work.

Croatia – Jelena Ivelić Telišman offered a message on spirituality and student support, drawing from Fulbright experiences and regional healing.

Brazil – Prof. Alexandra Mustafá spoke of resisting far-right oppression and the role of social work in building democracy.

Philippines – Dr. Rosalinda Punzalan sent her greetings at 1:00 AM local time, showing commitment that transcends sleep and borders.

Bangladesh – Prof. Tulshi Kumar Das and Dr. Mohammad Mainuddin Mollah called for global collaboration to fight shared crises.

India – Nikhat Perveen from Sharda University spoke of compassion and pedagogy for inclusive societies.

South Africa – Honored through African diasporic reflections and decolonial calls from Dr. Tusasiirwe, affirming pan-African connections.

Ukraine – Educators from Kharkiv, Odesa, Lviv, and the Danube Institute shared powerful words despite bombings, blackouts, and ongoing war. Their courage and presence became the emotional center of the ceremony.

The chat came alive:

“Slava Ukraini!”

“Megwich, Elder Gwen.”

“From Brazil to Bangladesh, we are learning from one another.”

“This isn’t just a conference—it’s a spiritual gathering.”

The most accessible thing wasn’t a Zoom link—it was this:

A start grounded in blessing before business, land before lecture, and connection before credentials.

[In the photo: Elder Gwen, Juliana, Vira, Nina, and JSasha—the on-site organizing committee—gathered at the TRU International Building during the Opening Ceremony.]

Our deepest thanks to every organizing committee member—from across Canada and Ukraine—whose tireless efforts, care, and behind-the-scenes work made this sacred beginning possible.

And to the abstract review team—Juliana, Sasha, Vira, Nataliia, and Yuliia—thank you for your thoughtful attention to every voice. Your integrity made this conference truly inclusive.

20+ countries. 6 continents. No fees. Multiple time zones. Prayer, policy, pedagogy—and people—at the center.

This wasn’t just an opening.

It was a homecoming for justice-seekers around the world.