On March 19 and 20, 2026, Érika Cairo-Luce, Director of Operations at Collège Nordique, participated in the Cross Perspectives symposium organized by Collège Éducacentre at the Paradox Hotel in Vancouver.

Made possible through the support of Association franco-yukonnaise, this participation reflects a commitment to actively contribute to discussions on the integration of artificial intelligence within Francophone minority postsecondary institutions.

A space for dialogue toward ethical and contextualized integration

This symposium builds on a year-long participatory and applied research project led by Collège Éducacentre, in partnership with Université de Saint-Boniface and Université de Hearst, focusing on the challenges, uses, and conditions for the ethical and contextualized integration of artificial intelligence.

Designed as a space for dialogue and co-creation, the event brought together experts, institutions, and organizations around a shared objective: to explore approaches adapted to the realities of Francophone minority communities.

In a context of rapid transformation in pedagogical, organizational, and institutional practices, the discussions helped deepen understanding of on-the-ground realities and identify concrete paths forward.

Rethinking AI as an institutional and human issue

Throughout the discussions, one idea became clear: artificial intelligence cannot be approached solely from a technical perspective. It involves institutional, political, pedagogical, and linguistic considerations.

The exchanges highlighted key issues related to governance, power dynamics, and dependence on major platforms, while emphasizing the need to develop clear frameworks adapted to local realities.

“What stood out to me is that we weren’t talking about tools, but about responsibilities. We’re really asking what role we want AI to play in our postsecondary institutions, and that completely shifts the perspective.”

Digital literacy challenges in Yellowknife

For Collège Nordique, these reflections resonate strongly within the context of Yellowknife, where levels of digital literacy vary significantly.

The integration of new technologies such as artificial intelligence carries a real risk of creating or widening gaps in access to and use of resources, both within teams and among students.

In this context, Collège Nordique aims to adopt a proactive approach by establishing clear guidelines and supporting teams in the thoughtful use of these tools. The goal is to ensure that these transformations remain inclusive and accessible, while avoiding the creation of new digital divides.

Co-developing frameworks to better support teams

Through workshops and discussions, participants were able to compare research findings with their own practices, challenges, and realities.

This process led to the identification of concrete conditions for action and contributed to the development of an institutional guide for Francophone institutions. Currently being developed by Collège Éducacentre, this guide aims to support the ethical, inclusive, and context-sensitive integration of artificial intelligence.

For Collège Nordique, this approach represents an important opportunity to better frame usage while maintaining the agility required to evolve in a rapidly changing environment.

The impact on Erika’s practices and leadership

This experience had a direct impact on Erika’s professional approach, particularly in her personal use of artificial intelligence.

Already part of certain practices, AI is now used more consciously, with greater attention paid to biases, limitations, and the implications of generated content.

“We often talk about speed, but using AI well takes time. You need to question it, refine it, and understand what it’s giving you. Otherwise, you miss what really matters.”

This reflection is now guiding a desire to support teams in adopting a more structured and critical use of these tools. The objective is to provide clear guidance and avoid automatic use that could lead to oversimplified thinking, cognitive shortcuts, or a loss of depth.

Feeding into the Pan-Territorial Lifelong Learning Summit

The reflections from this symposium will directly inform the Pan-Territorial Lifelong Learning Summit in Northern Canada, which will take place on June 3 and 4, 2026, in Yellowknife, in collaboration with partners from the three territories and the Réseau pour le développement de l’alphabétisme et des compétences (RESDAC).

This event will build on the discussions initiated in Vancouver by grounding them in Northern realities and exploring the role of artificial intelligence in pedagogical and institutional practices.

Collège Nordique also hopes to strengthen exchanges with recognized experts, including Daniel Baril, consultant in adult education and administrator at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, a specialist in the right to education and the impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

Structuring action with support from CanNor

This initiative is also supported by a funding request currently submitted to CanNor.

The objective is to support a thoughtful and structured integration of artificial intelligence by equipping Collège Nordique with a clear roadmap adapted to its realities.

In a context where digital tools already help sustain operations and maintain service quality, this approach aims to go further by supporting teams and strengthening internal practices.

“There’s a clear urgency to act, but also a need for guidance. We don’t just want to integrate AI, we want to do it consciously, in a structured way, and in alignment with our values.”

A turning point for action

Beyond the discussions, this symposium marks an important step in building a collective response among Francophone minority postsecondary institutions.

For Collège Nordique, the next step is to turn these reflections into concrete actions, ensuring that the integration of artificial intelligence strengthens pedagogical practices, supports teams, and remains aligned with the needs of the communities it serves.

Published on April 1st 2026