HYBRID
OCT. 28 & 29
ONLINE: YOUTUBE LIVE
For the last three decades, the River Symposium has provided a unique platform for researchers, educators, students, environmental professionals, policymakers, and members of the public to connect and share knowledge in support of freshwater ecosystem conservation and sustainable resource management.
This year’s theme invites us to engage in discussions to explore the interconnectedness of diverse ecosystems and communities. We aim to bring together different ways of knowing to strengthen our protection of freshwater ecosystems and empower communities.
Meet our Plenaries
Catherine Febria, PhD - Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor
Febria is a Pinay/Filipina immigrant settler to Turtle Island who conceptualized and launched the Healthy Headwaters Lab in 2019 when she joined the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research at the University of Windsor. She is a tenured Associate Professor in the Dept of Integrative Biology and holds a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Freshwater Restoration Ecology. She had previously conducted community-engaged research in Aotearoa-New Zealand at the University of Canterbury, and held a postdoctoral role at the University of Maryland (USA). She received her PhD in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Toronto, with certificates in Environmental Studies, and, Teaching & Learning in Higher Education. She earned a MSc in Geography from Simon Fraser University, and, earned an HonBSc in Environmental Science from the University of Toronto Scarborough. She is currently a member of the UN supported intergovernmental platform on biodiversity and ecosystem services, IPBES, where she is serving a second term on the Multidisciplinary Expert Panel and former co-chair of the Indigenous and Local Knowledge Task Force.
Abraham Francis - Indigenous Arts Collective
Teharonhiathe ionkiats (My name is the colour of the sky at dawn), kanienkeha:ka niwakonhwentsio:ten (I am Mohawk), wakeneniothro:non (I am Deer Clan), ta:non Akwesasne kena:kere (and I live in Akwesasne). My english name is Abraham Francis. I have spent my life loving and committed to caring for all of my relations. My love for the water began at the edge of the Kaniatarowanenneh (St. Lawrence River) as a young kid and has carried me to a place in my life where so much of my work revolves around this river. I am grateful to all the love and care that I have received from my community, and I work diligently to give back. They instilled in me the desire to help protect creation for tahatikonhsetonkie (the coming faces), which has and will continue to shape my education and career. I believe in the power of my people’s knowledge to care for the land and the ability to call home all the knowledge stolen from us, which can improve the health of our community and all of creation.
River Symposium Registration
Registration is required to attend the 2026 River Symposium in-person at the DEV Hotel & Conference Centre on October 28th & 29th. Registration fees include access to all sessions, plenary talks and exhibits, and include a light breakfast and lunch each day.
October 28th registrants are also invited to the Symposium Social after 4 pm in the lounges outside of the main presentation theatre. This event will feature small bites and a cash bar.
Due to a limited number of seats, registrations will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. For those unable to attend in person, this event will be streamed live on YouTube at no cost.
Registration Closes October 20th 2026
General Admission
Full Conference Pass
Single Day Pass
Student & Senior Admission
Full Conference Pass
Single Day Pass
Indigenous Admission
Full Conference Pass
Single Day Pass
Coming from out of town? Book your stay at the DEV Hotel on October 27th & 28th
The River Symposium’s room block reservation deadline is October 20th, 2026.
Special Events
Indigenous Data
Sovereignty Panel
Date: Thursday, October 29th at 1:00pm
Location: DEV Hotel & Conference Centre Theatre
Join us for this interactive panel to learn about Indigenous data sovereignty and tools to enact it. This panel will feature Kahsennaró:roks Deom from the Kahnawake Environment Protection Office, Kahla Campbell from the Research and Data Management Sector at Chiefs of Ontario, and Catherine Febria from the University of Windsor.
Aquatic Invasive Species
Art Workshop
Date: Wednesday, October 28th at 11:00 am
Location: DEV Hotel & Conference Centre Theatre
Additional Details: 2026 River Symposium Admission required to attend
Join us for an engaging workshop where you can learn about aquatic invasive species in the St. Lawrence River and how they can be used through an artistic activity. In this activity, you can try your hand at printmaking, drawing, and writing with plant-based ink and paper from invasive plant species in the region.
Bacteria Busters Workshop
Date: Wednesday, October 28th at 11:00 am
Location: DEV Hotel & Conference Centre Theatre Lounge + outside
Additional Details: 2026 River Symposium Admission required to attend
Join us for this hands-on workshop where you can learn how to use some of the new Water Rangers volunteer monitoring tools. This workshop will start in the theatre lounge and walk down to the river to take some samples. Please bring suitable attire for the weather.
7th Annual Fish Tank Competition
Date: Wednesday, October 28th, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Location: DEV Hotel & Conference Centre Noorduyn Room
Questions about this event? email Cristina Charette at ccharette[at]riverinstitute.ca
The River Institute is excited to host the 7th Annual Fish Tank Competition this fall, as part of our River Symposium. Taking place on October 28th at the DEV Centre in Cornwall, this free and interactive event invites grade 11 and 12 high school students to dive into the world of science, problem-solving, and environmental innovation.
Teams of two students, accompanied by a teacher or parent chaperone, will participate in an engaging workshop and a real-world case competition. Students will explore the scientific method, collaborate like working scientists, and tackle current environmental challenges head-on.
Spaces are limited — register your team early to secure a spot!
Symposium Social
Date: Wednesday, October 28th at 4:30 pm
Location: DEV Hotel & Conference Centre Theatre Lounge
Additional Details: 2026 River Symposium Admission required to attend
Questions about this event? email us at symposium[at]riverinstitute.ca
Join us for the Symposium Social after the first day of the River Symposium hosted in-house in the lounge outside of the main theatre. This event will feature light appetizers, informational exhibits, and a cash bar.
Whether you’re catching up with friends or networking, this event offers the perfect setting to unwind after day one of the River Symposium.
Karaoke🎤
Date: Wednesday, October 28th at 7:30 pm
Location: Jet Set Pub (DEV Hotel)
Additional Details: 2026 River Symposium Admission and/or talent NOT required to attend
Questions about this event? email us at symposium[at]riverinstitute.ca
After a full day of inspiring presentations and discussion about the St. Lawrence River, join us at Jet Set Pub for a fun-filled evening of karaoke to express your inspiration through song!
St. Lawrence River Strategy Annual General Meeting
The St Lawrence River Strategy hosted its Annual General Meeting as a part of the 33rd Annual River Symposium.
Symposium admission is not required to attend this meeting.
Questions about this meeting? email Emilie DeRochie at ederochie[at]riverinstitute.ca
Date: Tuesday, October 27th, 2026 @ 1:00pm-4:00pm
Location: DEV Centre & Online via Microsoft Teams
Description: You’re invited to the River Strategy’s Annual General Meeting.
This meeting is taking place in conjunction with the 33rd Annual River Symposium and will include updates from the Steering Committee, subcommittees and working groups, member lightning round presentations, and group discussion. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, get in the know, and get involved in this initiative.
Pike Sponsors
Bass Sponsors
Perch Sponsors
Organizing Committee
Emilie DeRochie
(co-chair)
Erin Smith
(co-chair)
Leigh McGaughey
Georgia Bock
Cassey O’Connor
Mary Ann Perron
Wren Gravelle
Zachary Zwanenburg
Elsie Lewison
Sarah Greenwood