Support for the University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills (UnBQ) upcoming World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium (WINHEC) Conference is growing across the region, with both the Town and County of St. Paul recognizing the international event as more than just a conference—it is an opportunity to showcase northeastern Alberta to hundreds of visitors from around the world.

The conference, taking place July 6-10 at the UnBQ, will bring together Indigenous universities, researchers, educators and organizations from Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and other countries.

Over the past two weeks, both municipal councils discussed the event and how it could benefit the local economy, tourism and future regional partnerships.

The Town of St. Paul approved a $1,000 contribution through its public relations budget, while the County of St. Paul also welcomed representatives from STEP Economic Development to discuss the conference and broader regional opportunities connected to UnBQ.

More than a conference

During the Town council meeting, administration described the conference as a significant event not only for the UnBQ but for the entire region.

Council also discussed how local businesses could benefit from hundreds of visitors staying in hotels, eating in restaurants and exploring the community.

Town Councillor Norm Noel suggested organizers provide businesses with more information ahead of the conference so they can prepare.

He noted that hotels had already begun booking rooms and said businesses would benefit from knowing how many delegates were expected and when they would be arriving.

Council also discussed the possibility of showcasing more of St. Paul during the week-long event.

Administration noted delegates are expected to tour the community, prompting discussion about whether the Town’s community bus could be used to help transport visitors to local attractions if schedules can be coordinated.

Administration agreed to follow up with organizers to gather more information regardless of council’s funding decision.

County sees broader regional potential

At the County of St. Paul meeting, representatives from STEP Economic Development highlighted the conference as another opportunity to strengthen partnerships with UnBQ and to showcase the region to an international audience.

The discussion is also connected to broader conversations already underway among the County, STEP, and UnBQ regarding future economic development initiatives, including the university’s previously proposed Indigenous aviation training program.

Several councillors noted that while provincial funding for the aviation proposal was unsuccessful, they continue to see value in supporting UnBQ’ long-term vision and encouraging future opportunities that could create jobs, attract students and strengthen the regional economy.

Rather than viewing the conference as a one-time event, councillors described it as another opportunity to build relationships that could benefit northeastern Alberta well beyond July.

International attention comes to northeastern Alberta

WINHEC is one of the world’s largest gatherings focused on Indigenous higher education, research and community development.

Hosting the conference places the UnBQ—and the St. Paul region—on an international stage while welcoming delegates from Indigenous institutions across several countries.

Both councils ultimately agreed the conference represents an opportunity not only to support UnBQ, but also to introduce visitors to the businesses, communities and partnerships that make northeastern Alberta unique.