Where to Watch
A live broadcast will be available on the day of the conference (September 26). The broadcast will be embedded on this page at that time. If you continue to see this message on or after September 26, RELOAD the page.
Below is a table of important dates and times for the 2025 AGM and Conference.
NOTE: A more comprehensive schedule will be given during the 2025 AGM and Conference, or can be found within the 2025 Summary of Reports.
Crawford Killian
Born in New York City in 1941, Crawford Kilian grew up in Los Angeles and Mexico City. He graduated from Columbia University in 1962, served in the US Army from 1963-65, and moved to Canada in 1967. While teaching at Capilano College (1968-2008), he earned a Master’s degree in Canadian literature and began a prolific career as a writer involving novels, non-fiction books, magazine articles, and newspaper columns. Since his retirement in 2008, Crawford has written for The Tyee, a Vancouver-based online magazine.
Teaching from the Stone Age to AI
Using his own 40-year teaching career as a starting point, Crawford Kilian looks back to the pedagogy that kept our ancient ancestors alive for hundreds of thousands of years, the revolution of the Sumerian classroom, the functions of education in evolving societies, and the enigmatic promise of artificial intelligence. Much of what we consider progress, he argues, is really an attempt to cope with the problems of progress. The teachers of the late 20th century, he says, were the beneficiaries of unusual demographics: a baby boom enjoying great social mobility, followed by generations aware that they are unlikely to enjoy the freedom and opportunities their parents took for granted. Artificial intelligence now presents a challenge to educators not seen since the invention of writing itself, and we can hope that future generations of teachers will at least cope with the problems of AI.
Devona Putland
Devona Putland is a retired teacher/administrator from Moosomin, Saskatchewan. She is currently the chairperson of Age Friendly Moosomin, serves on the provincial executive of the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan (STS) as a councillor, and is a subdivision one trustee on the South East Cornerstone Board of Education. When not in meetings or volunteering or substitute teaching, Devona enjoys travel, gardening, golfing, and goofing around with her enormous family.
Sustaining Age-Friendly Programs
Age Friendly, One Community’s Journey: Age Friendly is an international movement developed by the World Health Organization in 2006. While all communities are unique, Age Friendly communities all follow the development of 8 domains including outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services. Research tells us that most individuals desire to “age in place”, and the development of Age Friendly communities will help make “aging in the right place” realistic. In this presentation, you will hear about the Age Friendly organization and the journey experienced in the town of Moosomin, Saskatchewan.Â
Vicki Robinson
Beyond education, Vicki has committed decades to supporting people in crisis and grief. She volunteered for seven years with the Fraser Valley Crisis Line, five years with the Provincial Suicide Line, and over 17 years as a hospice volunteer, including 10 years leading grief groups for families.
Gift of Knowledge – Steps to Consider before the End
Combining her background of education, grief support, and hospice work, Vicki Robinson provides unique insights on what everyone should know when facing life’s final chapter. Covering the “musts” of preparation, it explores palliative care and hospice—what they are, how they work, and how to access them. The session also provides an overview of Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) legislation, including current laws, access, and key considerations. With honesty and compassion, the talk encourages individuals and families to understand their options better, plan, and approach end-of-life decisions with clarity.
Speakers Schedule
Presentations will take place on the day of the Conference – September 26
| Crawford Killian: Teaching from the Stone Age to AI | 9:15AM |
| Devona Putland: Sustaining Age Friendly Programs | 10:45AM |
| Vicki Robinson: Gift of Knowledge, Steps to Consider before the End | 1:00PM |
The 2025 Summary of Reports can be found at the link below for online viewing. To save a PDF copy of the summary to you computer, use the “DOWNLOAD NOW” button at the bottom of the page.
