ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 - MFNERC › wp-content › uploads › 2019 › 10 › ... · staff, Elders, parents, and First Nations leadership that a strong and healthy educational environment

ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017

Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre Inc. is guided by the following vision and mission statements:

VISION

Support First Nations to develop and implement a comprehensive holistic educational system inclusive of First Nations languages, world views, values, beliefs, and traditions with exemplary academic standards, under First Nation jurisdiction.

MISSION

To help First Nations improve education for all learners to achieve: mino-pimatisiwin. Cree, Ojibwe, Ojibwe-Cree

To help First Nations improve education for all learners to achieve: honso aynai.Dene

To help First Nations improve education for all learners to achieve: tokadakiya wichoni washte. Dakota

CONTENTS

MESSAGES ................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 MFNERC Board .......................................................................................................................................................... 1Executive Director ....................................................................................................................................................... 2

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

SERVICE REPORTS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Bloodvein First Nation ............................................................................................................................................... 4Brokenhead Ojibway Nation ..................................................................................................................................... 5Bunibonibee Cree Nation ........................................................................................................................................... 6Canupawakpa Dakota Nation.................................................................................................................................... 8Chemawawin Cree Nation ......................................................................................................................................... 9Cross Lake First Nation ............................................................................................................................................ 10Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation ............................................................................................................................. 12Ebb and Flow First Nation ....................................................................................................................................... 13Fisher River Cree Nation .......................................................................................................................................... 14Fox Lake Cree Nation ............................................................................................................................................... 15Garden Hill First Nation .......................................................................................................................................... 16God’s Lake First Nation ............................................................................................................................................ 18Keeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation ........................................................................................................................... 19Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation ................................................................................................................................. 20Lake Manitoba Treaty 2 First Nation ...................................................................................................................... 21Lake St. Martin First Nation .................................................................................................................................... 22Little Grand Rapids First Nation ............................................................................................................................. 23Little Saskatchewan First Nation ............................................................................................................................. 24Long Plain First Nation ............................................................................................................................................ 25Manto Sipi Cree Nation ........................................................................................................................................... 26

Mathias Colomb First Nation .................................................................................................................................. 27Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation .................................................................................................................................. 28Northlands Denesuline First Nation ...................................................................................................................... 30O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation .......................................................................................................................... 31Opaskwayak Cree Nation ......................................................................................................................................... 32Pauingassi First Nation ............................................................................................................................................. 34Peguis First Nation .................................................................................................................................................... 35Pinaymootang First Nation ...................................................................................................................................... 36Poplar River First Nation ......................................................................................................................................... 37Red Sucker Lake First Nation .................................................................................................................................. 38Rolling River First Nation ........................................................................................................................................ 39Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation ................................................................................................................... 40Sagkeeng First Nation ............................................................................................................................................... 41Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation.............................................................................................................................. 44Sapotaweyak Cree Nation ........................................................................................................................................ 45Sayisi Dene First Nation ........................................................................................................................................... 46Shamattawa First Nation .......................................................................................................................................... 47Sioux Valley Dakota Nation ..................................................................................................................................... 48St. Theresa Point First Nation .................................................................................................................................. 50Swan Lake First Nation ............................................................................................................................................. 53Tataskweyak Cree Nation ......................................................................................................................................... 54Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve ....................................................................................................................... 55Wasagamack First Nation......................................................................................................................................... 56Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation ..................................................................................................................................... 57York Factory First Nation ......................................................................................................................................... 58Southeast Collegiate .................................................................................................................................................. 59

A HISTORIC SIGNING: INTRODUCING THE MANITOBA FIRST NATIONS SCHOOL SYSTEM ........................................60

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ...........................................................................................................................................61

PROGRAMS ...............................................................................................................................................................................62

SPECIAL EDUCATION ..............................................................................................................................................................66

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................................................................68

OPERATIONS.............................................................................................................................................................................70

FINANCE ....................................................................................................................................................................................73

www.mfnerc.org 1

MESSAGE FROM MFNERC BOARDThis year marks 18 years since Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC) began working with Manitoba First Nations. MFNERC continues to provide second and third level services to 54 elementary and secondary schools in 44 First Nations throughout the province to enhance the quality of education for thousands of First Nations students.

During the 2016–17 fiscal year we realized successes in critical program areas such as Special Education, First Nations Language and Culture, Early Learning, Science and Technology, and Research and Development. MFNERC assists schools to provide education rooted in the traditional knowledge, values, and wisdom of our people.

Of course, it is not just MFNERC staff that works towards excellence in education. We acknowledge the many partners in education for their continued sup-port and collaboration, including Elders, leadership, education directors, school administrators, teachers, local school boards, parents, and community members.

All of us play an integral role in providing a strong edu-cation system for students which ensures they achieve mino-pimatisiwin, a complete and fulfilling life. We hope you enjoy reading about how a focus on education makes a difference for our students and communities.

Annual Report 2016-20172

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORI am honoured and proud to share the successes and progress made by MFNERC this past year. Now in our 18th year, this organization and the schools we serve have made great strides in helping to improve the educational outcomes and experiences for First Nations students.

We continue to work in partnership with communities to ensure a quality education for students, whether it is through our three annual conferences, the science fairs, in-class training, Special Education staff ’s work within the schools, or any of the other important work our staff does.

We are grateful for the support from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC), MFNERC Board, commu-nities, and our staff who are working hard to fulfill our vision of supporting First Nations to develop and implement a comprehensive holistic educational system inclusive of First Nations languages, world views, values, beliefs and traditions with exemplary academic stan-dards, under First Nation jurisdiction.

As many of you are aware, MFNERC is expanding its role, soon to provide school division-type services to several First Nations schools in Manitoba. We are excited to see the Partnership Transition Initiative expand into a First Nations-operated school division, the Manitoba First Nations School System.

I thank everyone who made this landmark achieve-ment possible through hard work and dedication over the past few years. Through this work, schools, teach-ers, and students will have additional supports and resources. We are looking forward to this next challenge and the benefit it will bring to our students.

It is through continued partnerships between MFNERC staff, Elders, parents, and First Nations leadership that a strong and healthy educational environment is strength-ened. Education is our Treaty and inherent right. It strengthens identity and leads us into a brighter future through the success of our youth.

Ekosani.

LORNE C. KEEPER, M.EDNISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION

www.mfnerc.org 3

MFNERC provides direction and leadership for long-term education transformation, including the development of a First Nations Curriculum. Staff pro-vide training, guidance, and support to school staff and educational leadership for them to build on their strengths and successes.

MFNERC focuses on programming that meets the needs of First Nations students in areas that include First Nation Language and Culture, Literacy and Numeracy, Science and Technology, Special Education, Early Learning, Research and Development, Data Management, and Information Technology.

The organization remains guided by the vision, mis-sion, and goals developed with Manitoba First Nations education directors and leadership.

GOVERNANCE

The Board of Directors consists of two Chief represen-tatives and six education directors:

Chief Clarence Easter, Chemawawin Cree Nation

Chief Nelson Houle, Ebb and Flow First Nation

Barry Bone, Keeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation

Irene Rupp, Bloodvein First Nation

Davin Dumas, Fisher River Cree Nation

Bev Fontaine, Opaskwayak Cree Nation

Freddie Wood, St. Theresa Point First Nation

Alfred Beardy, Tataskweyak Cree Nation

INTRODUCTIONMFNERC was established in 1998 to provide profes-sional support services to First Nations-operated schools in Manitoba. The organization has a com-munity-based, grassroots approach to providing educational services to staff of 54 elementary and secondary schools on 44 First Nations.

GOALS• Support First Nation Language and Culture

programming including land-based education

• Facilitate program and curriculum development to address the learning needs of First Nations students

• Provide programs and services to assist in the areas of literacy, numeracy, science, physical education/health, early learning, instructional resources, and the virtual collegiate

• Provide special education services including speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, special education facilitators, Deaf and Hard of Hearing facilitators, literacy coaches, and a reading clinician

• Provide special development and training including conferences, workshops, seminars, online training, and other training opportunities


BLOODVEIN FIRST NATIONBloodvein First Nation is located 193 kilometres north of Winnipeg on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, directly north of the Bloodvein River. Bloodvein First Nation, an Ojibwe community, has a total population of 1,890 registered members with 1,185 living on-reserve.

N-9GRADES

56 # OF SCHOOLDAYS SERVICED 37 # TOTAL

SERVICE VISITS

MISKOOSEEPI SCHOOL 173 Students

29 % OF SCHOOLDAYS SERVICED

REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSCircle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Lighting the Fire Conference

Educational Assistant Training Program Middle Years Literacy Working Group

Education Directors Meetings Partnership Transition Initiative Principals’ Meeting

First Nation Early Learning Conference Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate Student Enrollment

Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training

Note: Service statistics based on Service Report Tracking System (SRTS) database reports; First Nations population statistics from Department of Indigenous Services Canada (DISC)

PROGRAM AREA VISITS DAYSACADEMIC 14 26

Early Learning 2 3

First Nation Language and Culture 3 3

Literacy 3 7

Numeracy 1 2

Science and Technology 5 11

CLASSROOM RESOURCES/DEVELOPMENT 1 1Research and Development 1 1

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1 2Data Management 1 2

PROGRAM AREA VISITS DAYSMFNSS TRANSITION PLANNING 6 6

Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment 1 1

Human Resources 2 2

School Performance Management 3 3

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION 3 3School Success Plan 3 3

SPECIAL EDUCATION | CLINICAL SERVICES 12 18Deaf and Hard of Hearing 1 2

Special Education Program Support 3 3

Speech and Language 6 9

Training Initiatives 2 4

www.mfnerc.org 5

BROKENHEAD OJIBWAY NATIONBrokenhead Ojibway Nation is located off Highway 59, only 65 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. Brokenhead Ojibway Nation is home to 2,110 registered members with an on-reserve population of 800.


Early Learning 6 6


Literacy 9 11

Numeracy 5 5




MFNSS TRANSITION PLANNING 9 12Human Resources 1 1

Operations and Maintenance 1 1

School Data Management 3 6


Transportation 1 1


Literacy Coaching 1 1



PROGRAM AREA VISITS DAYSSCHOOL ADMINISTRATION 3 3

School Board Training 1 1

School Success Plan 2 2

REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSCircle of Knowledge and Practices Conference

Cree, Ojibwe, Ojibwe-Cree Youth Language Cultural Camp

Educational Assistant Training Program

Education Directors Meetings

FNCF Community Engagement

First Nation Early Learning Conference

Language and Culture Technology Training

Lighting the Fire Conference

MFNERC/UCN Aboriginal & Northern Counselling Skills

Resource Teachers Meeting

Middle Years Literacy Working Group

Partnership Transition Initiative Principals’ Meetings

Seeds of Empathy Program Support

Special Education Clinical Services Regional

Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate Student Enrollment


SERVICE VISITS43 % OF SCHOOLDAYS SERVICED

SERGEANT TOMMY PRINCE SCHOOL

N-9GRADES 96 Students


BUNIBONIBEE CREE NATIONBunibonibee Cree Nation is located along the east-ern shore of Oxford Lake, 950 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. Bunibonibee Cree Nation has a total popu-lation of 3,194 registered members with an on-reserve population of 2,628. This community has two schools with a combined student population of 754.

OXFORD HOUSE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL


First Nation Lanuage and Culture 1 2

First Nations Studies 1 1

Literacy 3 7

Numeracy 1 3





PROGRAM AREA VISITS DAYSINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 2 4

Data Management 2 4



Occupational Therapy 1 2


MFNERC | BUNIBONIBEE CREE NATION

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1972 MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL




Learning Assessment 1 1

Literacy 1 2

Numeracy 4 7



INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1 4IT Support 1 4







7-12GRADES 309 Students



REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS (ALL SCHOOLS)Education Directors Meetings Northern Language Teacher Training Session

First Nation Early Learning Conference Special Education Clinical Services Regional

Grade 12 ELA Marking Session Lighting the Fire Conference

Northern High School Principals’ Round Table


CANUPAWAKPA DAKOTA NATIONCanupawakpa Dakota Nation is located in southwestern Manitoba along Highway 83, only 72 kilometres south-west of Brandon. Canupawakwa Dakota Nation is home to 684 registered members with 334 living on-reserve.


Early Learning 6 6



Literacy 4 5

Numeracy 4 4


SERVICE VISITS

WAMBDI IYOTAKE SCHOOL


Data Management 5 5




N-KGRADES 16 Students

REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSFirst Nation Middle Years Health Project Elders Gathering


www.mfnerc.org 9

CHEMAWAWIN CREE NATIONChemawawin Cree Nation is located at Oleson Point on the south shore of Cedar Lake, west of Easterville. Chemawawin Cree Nation has a total population of 1,933 members with 1,568 living on-reserve.


Early Learning 2 2




Library Services - IRC 1 1

Literacy 6 6

Numeracy 11 15

Physical Education 1 2



SERVICE VISITS

PROGRAM AREA VISITS DAYSCLASSROOM RESOURCES/DEVELOPMENT 1 2

Research and Development 1 2



Reading Clinician 3 7




N-12GRADES 549 StudentsCHEMAWAWIN SCHOOL

REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSEducation Directors Meetings Northern Language Teacher Training Session

Grade 12 ELA Marking Session Northwestern Regional High School Principals’ Gathering

High School ELA Marking Session Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate Student Enrollment



CROSS LAKE FIRST NATIONCross Lake First Nation is located 190 air kilometres south of Thompson and 520 air kilometres north of Winnipeg. Cross Lake First Nation, a Cree commu-nity, is comprised of 8,724 members with 6,255 living on-reserve. This community has two schools with a combined student population of 1,597.





Early Learning 3 4




Literacy 4 6

Numeracy 10 16




School Administration 7 10



PROGRAM AREA VISITS DAYSSPECIAL EDUCATION | CLINICAL SERVICES 15 30

Deaf and Hard of Hearing 4 11




OTTER NELSON RIVER SCHOOL

REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS (ALL SCHOOLS)Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training

Educational Assistant Training Program Lighting the Fire Conference

Education Directors Meetings MFNERC/UCN Aboriginal & Northern Counselling Skills

Family Literacy Facilitator Training - Mentorship Northern High School Principals' Round Table

First Nations Curriculum Framework Community Meeting Northern Language Teacher Training Session


Systems Funding Working Group

MFNERC | CROSS LAKE FIRST NATION

www.mfnerc.org 11




Early Learning 3 3





Literacy 3 4

Numeracy 1 1



Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate 1 1




SPECIAL EDUCATION | CLINICAL SERVICES 9 10Literacy Coaching 1 1




SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION 4 6School Board Training 1 1


9-12GRADES 400 StudentsMIKISEW SCHOOL


DAKOTA PLAINS WAHPETON NATIONDakota Plains Wahpeton Nation is located in south central Manitoba, 32 kilometres southwest of Portage la Prairie, and 121 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg. Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation is home to 256 regis-tered members with an on-reserve population of 173.

K-8GRADES 89 Students





Numeracy 2 4




Human Resources 1 1


SPECIAL EDUCATION | CLINICAL SERVICES 4 4Special Education Program Support 2 2


MAHPIYA HDEGA SCHOOL

REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSEducation Directors Meetings

Partnership Transition Initiative Principals’ Meeting

www.mfnerc.org 13

EBB AND FLOW FIRST NATIONEbb and Flow First Nation is located in western Manitoba, 240 kilometres from Winnipeg. Resting on the west side of Lake Manitoba and off Highway 278, this Ojibwe community has a total population of 3,201 members with 1,844 living on-reserve.





Early Learning 5 5



Literacy 7 12

Numeracy 16 20



CLASSROOM RESOURCES/DEVELOPMENT 2 2Library Services - IRC 1 1

Publishing and Communications 1 1


Data Management 2 5

IT Support 1 1






EBB & FLOW SCHOOL

REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSCircle of Knowledge and Practices Conference First Nation Early Learning Conference

Educational Assistant Training Program Grade 12 Math Achievement Tests Marking Session

Education Directors Meetings Lighting the Fire Conference

First Nation Middle Years Health Project Elders Gathering Special Education Clinical Services Regional


FISHER RIVER CREE NATIONFisher River Cree Nation, or Ochékwi Sípí Cree Nation, is located 193 north of Winnipeg and is comprised of two reserves, Fisher River 44 and Fisher River 44A. Fisher River Cree Nation is home to 3,952 registered members with 1,984 living on-reserve.




Early Learning 2 2




Literacy 11 12

Numeracy 9 10

Science 3 5


PROGRAM AREA VISITS DAYSSCHOOL ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT 5 5


SPECIAL EDUCATION | CLINICAL SERVICES 15 17Occupational Therapy 1 1



N-12GRADES 449 StudentsCHARLES SINCLAIR SCHOOL

REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSCircle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training

Education Directors Meetings High School Round Table Discussion

ELA Training for High School Teachers Indigenous Writers ELA Reading Kit Development

First Nation Middle Years Health Project Elders Gathering Lighting the Fire Conference

First Nation Early Learning Conference Reading Recovery Training

Grade 12 ELA Marking Session Seeds of Empathy Training

Grade 12 Math Achievement Tests Marking Session System Funding Working Group


www.mfnerc.org 15

FOX LAKE CREE NATIONFox Lake Cree Nation, part of the Lower Nelson River area, is located 192 air kilometres northeast of Thompson and 1,023 kilometres north of Winnipeg. Fox Lake Cree Nation is home to 1,262 registered mem-bers with 233 living on-reserve.





Early Learning 2 4



Literacy 3 7

Numeracy 4 10




Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction 1 2

Human Resources 1 1


Transportation 1 1



SPECIAL EDUCATION | CLINICAL SERVICES 4 6Speech and Language 2 3


FOX LAKE SCHOOL


Education Directors Meetings Middle Years Literacy Working Group

Family Literacy Facilitator Training Partnership Transition Initiative Principals’ Meetings

First Nations Curriculum Framework Community Meeting


GARDEN HILL FIRST NATIONGarden Hill First Nation is located on the northeast-ern shore of Island Lake, accessible only by air or on winter ice roads. Garden Hill First Nation, an Ojibwe-Cree community, is home to 4,798 registered members with 4,081 living on-reserve. This community has two schools with a combined student population of 1,179.

KISTIGANWACHEENG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL





Early Learning 5 5

Literacy 3 9

Numeracy 2 2



INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1 5IT Support 1 5






MFNERC | GARDEN HILL FIRST NATION

www.mfnerc.org 17

GARDEN HILL FIRST NATION HIGH SCHOOL





Literacy 3 4

Numeracy 5 11


CLASSROOM RESOURCES/DEVELOPMENT 2 6Library Services - IRC 2 6


IT Support 1 2


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS (ALL SCHOOLS)Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference High School ELA Marking Session

EDI Regional Training Session, Early Years Teachers Island Lake Regional Science Fair



Grade 12 ELA Marking Session Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate Student Enrollment

Grade 12 Math Achievement Tests Marking Session


GOD’S LAKE FIRST NATIONGod’s Lake First Nation is located 1,037 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. God’s Lake First Nation, a Cree community, is home to 2,784 registered members with 1,540 living on-reserve.




Early Learning 4 8




Literacy 3 7

Numeracy 7 12






GOD’S LAKE NARROWS FIRST NATION SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training


Education Directors Meetings Seeds of Empathy Training


www.mfnerc.org 19

KEESEEKOOWENIN OJIBWAY NATIONKeeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation is located near Elphinstone, south of Riding Mountain National Park and only 105 kilometres northwest of Brandon. This community is home to 1,293 registered members with 492 living on-reserve.




Early Learning 9 10



Literacy 4 5

Numeracy 9 10







MFNSS TRANSITION PLANNING 7 7Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment 1 1

Human Resources 1 1



Transportation 1 1

KEESEEKOOWENIN SCHOOL




Education Directors Meetings Partnership Transition Initiative Principals Meetings

First Nation Early Learning Conference Residential Schools Reading Kit Development

Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training Resource Teachers’ Meeting


KINONJEOSHTEGON FIRST NATIONKinonjeoshtegon First Nation is located in the Interlake Region of Manitoba, 225 kilometres north of Winnipeg. This Ojibwe community is home to 774 registered members with 362 living on-reserve.




Early Learning 5 5




Literacy 7 8

Numeracy 9 10






LAWRENCE SINCLAIR MEMORIAL SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS Education Directors Meetings Indigenous Writers ELA Reading Kit

First Nations Curriculum Framework Community Meeting Lighting the Fire Conference


Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training Special Education Clinical Services Regional

www.mfnerc.org 21

LAKE MANITOBA TREATY 2 FIRST NATIONLake Manitoba Treaty 2 First Nation is located on the northeast shore of the south basin of Lake Manitoba, 185 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. This Ojibwe community is home to 2,111 registered members with an on-reserve population of 1,265.




Early Learning 5 5


Literacy 10 10

Numeracy 6 10





Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction 1 1

Human Resources 1 1



Transportation 1 1





LAKE MANITOBA SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference First Nation Early Learning Conference


Education Directors Meetings Resource Teachers’ Meeting





Early Learning 1 1


Literacy 4 4

Numeracy 2 3

Science 8 10


Human Resources 1 1











LAKE ST. MARTIN SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Lighting the Fire Conference

Education Directors Meetings Middle Years Literacy Working Group

Educational Assistant Training Program Resource Teachers’ Meeting


LAKE ST. MARTIN FIRST NATIONLake St. Martin First Nation was primarily located approximately 225 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg until 2011. After surviving a massive flood, this Ojibwe community’s temporary base became the urban centre of Winnipeg. Lake St. Martin First Nation’s registered population is comprised of 2,812 registered members with an off-reserve population of 1,700.

www.mfnerc.org 23

LITTLE GRAND RAPIDS FIRST NATIONLittle Grand Rapids First Nation is located 257 kilo-metres northeast of Winnipeg and spans along eight kilometres of lakeshore. This Ojibwe community is home to 1,730 registered members with an on-reserve population of 1,357.






Numeracy 1 2





ABBALAK THUNDERSWIFT MEMORIAL SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training




LITTLE SASKATCHEWAN FIRST NATIONLittle Saskatchewan First Nation is located in central Manitoba, between Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba, and is 217 kilometres north of Winnipeg. This Ojibwe community is home to 1,307 registered members with 714 living on-reserve.




Classroom Technology 5 8

Early Learning 5 5




Literacy 6 7

Numeracy 6 6

Science 7 14







LITTLE SASKATCHEWAN H.A.G.M.E. SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Lighting the Fire Conference

Education Directors Meetings Seeds of Empathy Training

First Nations Curriculum Framework Community Meeting Special Education Clinical Services Regional



www.mfnerc.org 25

LONG PLAIN FIRST NATIONLong Plain First Nation is centrally located along the city limits of Portage la Prairie, 115 kilometres south-west of Winnipeg. This Ojibwe community is home to 4,524 registered members with 2,394 living on-reserve.




Early Learning 4 5


Numeracy 3 3

Science 1 2

LONG PLAIN SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSCircle of Knowledge and Practices Conference




MANTO SIPI CREE NATION Manto Sipi Cree Nation, or God’s River First Nation, is located 585 air kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. Manto Sipi Cree Nation is home to 956 registered mem-bers with an on-reserve population of 823.






Literacy 3 6

Numeracy 4 8






AMOS OKEMOW MEMORIAL SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference First Nation Early Learning Conference

Education Directors Meetings Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training

FNCF Community Engagement

www.mfnerc.org 27

MATHIAS COLOMB FIRST NATIONMathias Colomb First Nation is located 210 kilome-tres north of The Pas and 819 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. This Cree community is home to 3,841 registered members with an on-reserve population of 2,518.




Early Learning 3 3




Literacy 5 10

Numeracy 5 10

Physical Education and Health 1 2








SAKASTEW SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Middle Years Literacy Working Group

Education Directors Meetings Northern Language Teacher Training Session

First Nation Early Learning Conference Northwestern Regional High School Principals’ Gathering

First Nation Middle Years Health Project Elders Gathering Grade 12 Math Achievement Tests Marking Session

High School ELA Marking Session


NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATIONNisichawayasihk Cree Nation, or Nelson House First Nation, is located 80 kilometres west of Thompson and 813 kilometres north of Winnipeg. Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation has a total population of 5,245 registered members with an on-reserve population of 3,173. This community has two schools with a combined student population of 964.




Early Learning 6 10





Literacy 5 9

Numeracy 4 7









OTETISKIWIN KISKINWAMAHTOWEKAMIK


MFNERC | NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION

www.mfnerc.org 29




Early Learning 1 1



Literacy 3 4

Numeracy 4 4







NISICHAWAYASIHK NEYO OHTINWAK COLLEGIATE


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS (ALL SCHOOLS)Cree Language and Culture Program Engagement Session High School ELA Marking Session


Family Literacy Facilitator Training Northern High School Principals' Round Table

First Nation Early Learning Conference Northern Language Teacher Training

Grade 12 ELA Marking Session Grade 12 Math Achievement Tests Marking Session

Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate Student Enrollment


NORTHLANDS DENESULINE FIRST NATIONNorthlands Denesuline First Nation is located in northwestern Manitoba at Lac Brochet. This Dene First Nation is home to 1,108 registered members with an on-reserve population of 942.




Early Learning 1 1




Literacy 4 10

Numeracy 7 12









PETIT CASIMIR MEMORIAL SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSEducational Assistant Training Program MFNERC/UCN Aboriginal & Northern Counselling Skills

Education Directors Meetings Northern High School Principals' Round Table

Elder and Youth Culture Camp Northern Language Teacher Training Session

First Nation Middle Years Health Project Elders Gathering Grade 12 Math Achievement Tests Marking Session


www.mfnerc.org 31

O-CHI-CHAK-KO-SIPI FIRST NATIONO-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation is located 225 kilo-metres northwest of Winnipeg. O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation, an Ojibwe community, has a total popu-lation of 1,185 registered members with an on-reserve population of 573.




Early Learning 6 6





Literacy 7 8

Numeracy 4 4




Data Management 2 3



SPECIAL EDUCATION | CLINICAL SERVICES 11 13




DONALD AHMO SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS

Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference First Nation Early Learning Conference



OPASKWAYAK CREE NATIONOpaskwayak Cree Nation is adjacent to The Pas, along the Saskatchewan River, and is 626 kilometres north-west of Winnipeg. This community is home to 6,180 registered members with an on-reserve population of 3,387. This community has two schools with a com-bined student population of 1,141.




Early Learning 3 3




Numeracy 3 5




Data Management 6 13

IT Support 1 3






JOE A. ROSS SCHOOL


MFNERC | OPASKWAYAK CREE NATION

www.mfnerc.org 33

OSCAR LATHLIN COLLEGIATE








Literacy 1 1

Numeracy 6 9




Data Management 1 5

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION 1 1






REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS (ALL SCHOOLS)Cree Language Gathering Lighting the Fire Conference

Education Directors Meetings MFNERC Portable Planetarium, Summer Institute


First Nation Early Learning Conference Northern Manitoba Principals' Round Table

First Nations Language Instructor Training Northwestern Regional High School Principals’ Gathering

Grade 12 ELA Marking Session Seeds of Empathy Training




PAUINGASSI FIRST NATIONPauingassi First Nation is located north of Little Grand Rapids, nearly 280 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. This Ojibwe community is home to 667 registered members with an on-reserve population of 607.





Literacy 3 6

Numeracy 3 6


PROGRAM AREA VISITS DAYS





OMIISHOSH MEMORIAL SCHOOL




www.mfnerc.org 35

PEGUIS FIRST NATIONPeguis First Nation is located 190 kilometres north of Winnipeg and is the largest First Nation in Manitoba. Consisting of both a Cree and Ojibwe population, Peguis First Nation is home to 10,260 registered mem-bers with an on-reserve population of 3,649.




Early Learning 7 7




Literacy 11 16

Numeracy 9 18











PEGUIS CENTRAL SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSCanada-Wide Science Fair Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training

Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference High School ELA Marking Session

Education Directors Meetings High School Round Table Discussion

ELA Training for High School Teachers Lighting the Fire Conference


First Nation Middle Years Health Project Elders Gathering Special Education Clinical Services Regional

Grade 12 ELA Marking Session Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate Student Enrollment


PINAYMOOTANG FIRST NATIONPinaymootang First Nation is part of the Interlake Region of Manitoba, located on Highway 6, 220 kilo-metres northwest of Winnipeg. This Ojibwe community is home to 3,292 registered members with an on-reserve population of 1,335.



PINAYMOOTANG SCHOOL



Early Learning 1 1



Literacy 5 7

Numeracy 5 6



INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1 1

Data Management 1 1

MFNSS TRANSITION PLANNING 5 5


Human Resources 1 1



Transportation 1 1








REGIONAL GATHERINGSCircle of Knowledge and Practices Conference


First Nations Curriculum Framework Community Meeting


Grade 12 ELA Marking Session

Jordan’s Principle Services Community Meeting


Middle Years Literacy Working Group

Partnership Transition Initiative (PTI) Principals Meetings

Provincial Grade 12 Math Achievement Tests Marking

Resource Teachers' Meeting



www.mfnerc.org 37

POPLAR RIVER FIRST NATIONPoplar River First Nation is located 400 kilometres north of Winnipeg, on the east side of Lake Winnipeg, at the mouth of the Poplar River. This Ojibwe commu-nity has a total population of 1,914 registered members with an on-reserve population of 1,346.




Early Learning 1 2


Literacy 4 7

Numeracy 4 6

Science 1 1


IT Support 2 6




POPLAR RIVER SCHOOL



Education Directors Meetings Mino Pawawanwin “Good Dreams” Networking Session




RED SUCKER LAKE FIRST NATIONRed Sucker Lake First Nation is located nearly 350 air kilometres northeast of Winnipeg and 285 air kilo-metres southeast of Thompson. This Ojibwe-Cree community is home to 1,117 registered members with an on-reserve population of 984.





Literacy 3 4

Numeracy 1 1



IT Support 1 2






RED SUCKER LAKE SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSEducation Directors Meetings High School ELA Marking Session

Grade 12 ELA Marking Session Lighting the Fire Conference


www.mfnerc.org 39

ROLLING RIVER FIRST NATIONRolling River First Nation is located 64 kilometres north of Brandon and 216 kilometres west of Winnipeg. This Ojibwe community has a total population of 1,092 reg-istered members with an on-reserve population of 462.




Early Learning 3 3


Numeracy 1 1




WAPI-PENACE SCHOOL

NGRADES 40 Students

REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSCircle of Knowledge and Practices Conference First Nation Middle Years Health Project Elders Gathering

Educational Assistant Training Program Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training



ROSEAU RIVER ANISHINABE FIRST NATIONRoseau River Anishinabe First Nation is located 98 kilometers south of Winnipeg, just 24 kilometers north of Emerson. This community is home to 2,689 regis-tered members with an on-reserve population of 1,224.




Early Learning 4 4



Literacy 8 9

Numeracy 3 4


CLASSROOM RESOURCES/DEVELOPMENT 3 3Publishing and Communications 2 2



Data Management 3 3

IT Support 1 1







GINEW SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSFirst Nations Curriculum Framework Community Meeting Partnership Transition Initiative Principals’ Meetings

Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training PATH Planning Session - School Board

Middle Years Literacy Working Group Resource Teachers' Meeting

Lighting the Fire Conference Special Education Clinical Services Regional

www.mfnerc.org 41

SAGKEENG FIRST NATIONSagkeeng First Nation is located on both shores of the Winnipeg River, 120 kilometres north of Winnipeg. This Ojibwe community is home to 7,962 registered members with an on-reserve population of 3,586. This community has three schools and a combined student population of 1,209.




Early Learning 3 3


Literacy 3 3

Numeracy 3 3




Data Management 1 1

MFNSS TRANSITION PLANNING 4 4Operations and Maintenance 1 1

School Performance Measurement 3 3




SAGKEENG ANICINABE COMMUNITY SCHOOL



MFNERC | SAGKEENG FIRST NATION

SAGKEENG CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL







Numeracy 4 6







SPECIAL EDUCATION | CLINICAL SERVICES 7 8Literacy Coaching 2 2



MFNERC | SAGKEENG FIRST NATION

www.mfnerc.org 43

SAGKEENG ANICINABE HIGH SCHOOL






Literacy 2 2

Numeracy 6 7






Data Management 3 3

MFNSS TRANSITION PLANNING 3 4Human Resources 1 1





REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS (ALL SCHOOLS)Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Land-Based Education Youth Gathering


First Nations Curriculum Framework Community Meeting MFNERC Portable Planetarium - Annual Cultural Gathering

First Nation Early Learning Conference Middle Years Literacy Working Group

Grade 12 Math Achievement Tests Marking Session Partnership Transition Initiative Principals’ Meetings

Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training Resource Teachers’ Meeting


SANDY BAY OJIBWAY FIRST NATIONSandy Bay Ojibway First Nation is located on the west-ern shore of Lake Manitoba, 165 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg and 90 kilometres from Portage la Prairie. The community has a total population of 6,785 regis-tered members with an on-reserve population of 4,204.




Early Learning 4 4



Literacy 9 12

Numeracy 11 13










ISAAC BEAULIEU MEMORIAL SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSBrain Tanning Video for School Initiated Course First Nations Curriculum Framework Community Meeting

Canada-Wide Science Fair First Nation Early Learning Conference

Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Grade 12 ELA Marking Session

Education Directors Meetings Grade 12 Math Achievement Tests Marking Session

First Nation Middle Years Health Project Elders Gathering Lighting the Fire Conference

www.mfnerc.org 45

SAPOTAWEYAK CREE NATIONSapotaweyak Cree Nation is located in central Manitoba, just under 600 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. Sapoteweyak First Nation, a Cree and Ojibwe speaking community, is home to 2,591 registered members with an on-reserve population of 1,030.




Early Learning 2 2




Literacy 9 14

Numeracy 10 17









NEIL DENNIS KEMATCH MEMORIAL SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSCircle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Grade 12 Math Achievement Tests Marking Session



First Nation Early Learning Conference Northwestern Regional High School Principals’ Gathering



SAYISI DENE FIRST NATIONSayisi Dene First Nation is located in northern Manitoba, approximately 320 kilometres north of Thompson. Accessible by air or winter ice roads, Sayisi Dene First Nation is home to 846 registered members with 320 living on-reserve.




Early Learning 3 7



Literacy 3 8

Numeracy 4 4







PETER YASSIE MEMORIAL SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSCircle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Northern High School Principals’ Round Table

Education Directors Meetings Wapaskwa Virtual Collegiate Student Enrollment


www.mfnerc.org 47

SHAMATTAWA FIRST NATIONShamattawa First Nation is located approximately 320 kilometres west of Thompson and 750 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. Accessible by air or winter ice roads, this Cree community is home to 1,631 registered members with an on-reserve population of 1,469.




Early Learning 1 3




Literacy 2 5

Numeracy 3 5






Reading Clincian 1 1



KISEMATTAWA KISKINWAHAMAKEW KAMIK SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSCircle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Northern Language Teacher Training

Education Directors Meetings Special Education Clinical Services Regional




SIOUX VALLEY DAKOTA NATIONSioux Valley Dakota Nation is located roughly 43 kilo-metres northwest of Brandon and 261 kilometres west of Winnipeg. Sioux Valley Dakota Nation has a total registered population of 2,634 registered members with an on-reserve population of 1,481. This community has two schools with a combined student population of 325.




Early Learning 5 5




Numeracy 2 3



Data Management 1 2




TATIYOPA MAZAWAYAWA TIPI - SIOUX VALLEY SCHOOL


MFNERC | SIOUX VALLEY DAKOTA NATION

www.mfnerc.org 49






Numeracy 7 7




Special Education Program (SEP) Support 3 7


SIOUX VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS (ALL SCHOOLS)Bookmates Family Get Together Event First Nation Middle Years Health Project Elders Gathering

Education Directors Meetings Growing Indigenous Families Together Guide Training

ELA Training for High School Teachers Grade 12 Math Achievement Tests Marking Session



ST. THERESA POINT FIRST NATIONSt. Theresa Point First Nation is located on the west shore of Island Lake, approximately 610 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, and is accessible by plane and boat in the summer and winter road in the winter. This Ojibwe-Cree community is home to 4,325 registered members with an on-reserve population of 4,034 and has three schools with a student population of 1,284.




Early Learning 4 7



Literacy 2 4

Numeracy 5 9








ST. THERESA POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL


MFNERC | ST. THERESA POINT FIRST NATION

www.mfnerc.org 51




Literacy 1 2

Numeracy 3 3



IT Support 1 3




ST. THERESA POINT MIDDLE SCHOOL



MFNERC | ST. THERESA POINT FIRST NATION




Early Learning 1 1


Literacy 2 3

Numeracy 2 3




IT Support 3 12




ST. THERESA POINT HIGH SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS (ALL SCHOOLS)Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference Grade 12 Math Achievement Tests Marking Session


Education Directors Meetings High School ELA Marking Session

First Nation Early Learning Conference Island Lake Regional Science Fair (Host)

First Nation Language IT Training MFNERC/UCN Aboriginal & Northern Counselling Skills

First Nation Middle Years Health Project Elders Gathering STP Community Meeting: Language and History Gathering

Grade 12 ELA Marking Session Special Education Clinical Services Regional


www.mfnerc.org 53

SWAN LAKE FIRST NATIONSwan Lake First Nation is located in south central Manitoba, approximately 155 kilometres southeast of Brandon and 161 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg. This Ojibwe community has a total population of 1,433 registered members with 506 living on-reserve.



PROGRAM AREA VISITS DAYSACADEMICS 13 14

Early Learning 1 1



Literacy 3 3

Numeracy 3 4




Data Management 1 2





INDIAN SPRINGS SCHOOL




TATASKWEYAK CREE NATIONTataskweyak Cree Nation is located 160 kilometres west of Gillam and 143 kilometres west of Thompson. Tataskweyak Cree Nation is home to 3,960 registered members with an on-reserve population of 2,491.




Early Learning 6 7





Literacy 7 9

Numeracy 13 17









CHIEF SAM COOK MAHMUWEE EDUCATION CENTRE


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSEducation Directors Meetings Integrating Tech with Land-based Education Gathering

Family Literacy Facilitator Training - Mentorship Lighting the Fire Conference

First Nations Curriculum Framework Community Meeting Northern Language Teacher Training

First Nation Early Learning Conference Grade 12 Math Achievement Tests Marking Session



www.mfnerc.org 55

TOOTINAOWAZIIBEENG TREATY RESERVETootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve is located 320 kilo-metres northwest of Winnipeg. Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve, an Ojibwe community, has a total pop-ulation of 1,499 registered members with an on-reserve population of 681.




Early Learning 3 3



Literacy 6 11

Numeracy 5 7










CHIEF CLIFFORD LYNXLEG ANISHINABE SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSEducation Directors Meetings First Nation Early Learning Conference



WASAGAMACK FIRST NATIONWasagamack First Nation is located on the west shore of Island Lake, roughly 600 kilometres north of Winnipeg. This Ojibwe-Cree community is home to 2,208 regis-tered members with an on-reserve population of 1,995.




Early Learning 4 8

Literacy 4 8

Numeracy 5 9




IT Support 1 1







GEORGE KNOTT SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSCircle of Knowledge and Practices Conference First Nation Middle Years Health Project Elders Gathering

EDI Regional Training Session, Early Years Teachers Island Lake Regional Science Fair

Educational Assistant Training Program High School ELA Marking Session


First Nation Early Learning Conference MFNERC/UCN Aboriginal & Northern Counselling Skills

Principals’ Northern Regional Gathering


www.mfnerc.org 57

WUSKWI SIPIHK FIRST NATIONWuskwi Sipihk First Nation is located 500 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, along the western shore of Swan Lake. Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation, a Cree com-munity, is home to 640 registered members with an on-reserve population of 169.




Early Learning 3 3




Literacy 1 1

Numeracy 3 4








CHIEF CHARLES THOMAS AUDY MEMORIAL SCHOOL


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTS





YORK FACTORY FIRST NATIONYork Factory First Nation is located along the eastern bank of the Nelson River, roughly halfway between Lake Winnipeg and Hudson Bay, and it is located 116 kilometres from Thompson. York Factory First Nation has a total population of 1,442 registered members with an on-reserve population of 495.




Early Learning 7 21


Literacy 3 10

Numeracy 6 20






Human Resources 2 2



Transportation 1 1




GEORGE SAUNDERS MEMORIAL SCHOOL



Partnership Transition Initiative Principals Meetings

www.mfnerc.org 59

SOUTHEAST COLLEGIATESoutheast Collegiate, located on 1269 Lee Boulevard in Winnipeg, provides sound academic standards and a holistic balance of quality education that includes traditional, and academic teachings for the benefit of First Nations students. Unique in its form, the school creates an opportunity for First Nations from remote communities to access high school while also living on-site.





Literacy 3 4








Speech and Language 4 4MFNERC partners with a variety of organizations that support the advancement of First Nations

youth and schools.

SOUTHEAST COLLEGIATE


REGIONAL GATHERINGS & OTHER SUPPORTSLighting the Fire Conference



MFNERC | A HISTORIC SIGNING

A HISTORIC SIGNINGINTRODUCING THE MANITOBA FIRST NATIONS SCHOOL SYSTEM

In December 2016, the Education Governance Agreement signed between MFNERC and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) authorized the creation of the Manitoba First Nations School System (MFNSS). As a First Nations-driven initiative, MFNSS marks the start of an innovative, culturally relevant, and high-quality education system for Manitoba First Nations youth. Its purpose is to build a strong system to support First Nations schools by improving academic standards and all student outcomes including retention, completion, and graduation rates. Partnered with 10 First Nations for an initial five-year term, MFNSS will administer and manage programs and services for elementary and secondary education programs.

MFNSS is the first of its kind in Canada, designed by First Nations, with funding comparable to provincial school divisions. First Nations that have joined MFNSS include:

Bloodvein First Nation | Miskooseepi SchoolBrokenhead Ojibway Nation | Sergeant Tommy Prince SchoolDakota Plains Wahpeton First Nation | Mahpiya Hdega School

Fox Lake Cree Nation | Fox Lake SchoolKeeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation | Keeseekoowenin School

Lake Manitoba Treaty 2 First Nation | Lake Manitoba SchoolLake St. Martin First Nation | Lake St. Martin SchoolPinaymootang First Nation | Pinaymootang School

Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation | Ginew SchoolYork Factory First Nation | George Saunders Memorial School

HIGHLIGHTSMFNERC’s annual First Nations Circle of Knowledge and Practices (CKP) and Lighting the Fire (LTF) confer-ences saw hundreds of delegates attending professional development sessions that focused on land-based edu-cation, language integration, and traditional knowledge. The CKP conference had 672 participants from 34 First Nations schools, organizations, and communi-ties; participants had access to 27 unique workshops. The LTF conference had 1,141 total participants, and approximately 700 of the participants were from 40 of our Manitoba First Nations schools. Participants were welcomed to 36 unique workshops.

ATTENDANCECONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS

LIGHTING THE FIRE

A New Era: Cultural Renaissance in Indigenous Education

1141

CIRCLE OF KNOWLEDGE & PRACTICES

Language Revitalization: An Elder’s Vision

672

EARLY LEARNING

Knowing Our Gifts: Guiding Our Path to mino-pimatisiwin; honso aynai; tokatakiya wichoni washte

236

www.mfnerc.org 61

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

First Nations have long understood that education and learning are both lifelong journeys, inclusive of a person’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual self. To assist in supporting the holistic vision and goals for First Nations educational success, MFNERC provides a broad range of professional development opportunities that reflect the ethos of First Nations schools.

Three annual regional conferences including First Nations Circle of Knowledge and Practices, Lighting the Fire, and the First Nations Early Learning Conference are only some of the professional development resources that MFNERC provides. Other professional development learning opportunities include regional training sessions, summer institutes, and in-school training.

FIRST NATIONS LANGUAGE & CULTURE AND FIRST NATIONS STUDIESMFNERC is committed to the revitalization, preservation, and promotion of First Nations languages and cultures. The five First Nations languages in Manitoba, Cree, Dakota, Dene, Ojibwe, and Ojibwe-Cree, reflect the worldviews and ancestral teachings of First Nations people. The First Nation Language and Culture and First Nations Studies team consists of facilitators who specialize in these languages, as well as technology, teacher training, curriculum, and resource development. Partnership between MFNERC, schools, and community members allows us all to move towards a common goal: to ensure First Nations students have a strong identity, knowledge, and skills for living a complete and fulfilling life.

HIGHLIGHTSYOUTH AND ELDER CULTURE CAMPSYouth and Elder Culture Camps provided an oppor-tunity for First Nations students to participate in land-based, hands-on cultural learning experiences. Students’ knowledge was enhanced by Elders’ guidance, which deepened youths’ understanding of First Nations history, traditional teachings, and practices.

COMMUNITY-BASED FIRST NATIONS STUDIES AND LANGUAGE PLANNINGCommunity gatherings and round tables brought Elders, community leaders, educators, and youth together to discuss the importance of language and culture. These gatherings were a critical step in develop-ing strategies to implement and enhance language and culture programming. A main focus of these gatherings and round tables was language revitalization.


PROGRAMSRAB SUBEDAR, M.ED DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

MARCELLA MCCORRISTER, M.ED ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

FIRST NATIONS LANGUAGE TEACHER TRAININGFirst Nations language teachers were invited to attend MFNERC’s province-wide training to build on their existing skills and resources. Through regional ses-sions and a summer institute, participants from each of the five language groups were represented. Together, instructors were equipped with skills to increase their effectiveness as First Nations language educators.

TECHNOLOGY TRAININGRegional sessions for language teachers provided train-ing in technology, particularly iPads, SmartBoards, SmartTables, and tablets. Training was also provided through a language software program, Before You Know It (BYKI).

FIRST NATIONS LANGUAGE TEACHER MATERIAL DEVELOPMENTInstructional documents and resources, created in-house, helped to support Language and First Nations Studies teachers.

CHALLENGES Late registrations for gatherings, and cancellations due to poor weather, caused delays in getting information and reimbursements to participants in a timely manner.

SUCCESSES• Youth and Elder Culture Camps successfully imple-

mented, each incorporating many land-based, hands-on activities

• Increased participation by First Nations teachers who were interested in developing or enhancing technology skills

• Representatives from each of the five language groups were in attendance at the summer institute and regional training sessions

• Increased instructional support documents and resources for school language programs

MFNERC | PROGRAMS

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WAPASKWA VIRTUAL COLLEGIATEWapaskwa Virtual Collegiate (WVC) was created to help Manitoba’s First Nations students access new sources of education and learning opportunities. WVC uses the newest, most effective interactive instructional tools and course content available. Committed to students’ academic success, staff research, test, and implement instructional tools and interactive simulation software. Programs like Adobe Connect and Brightspace (by Desire2Learn; D2L) are part of WVC’s learning management system, and together they work to offer a supportive and comprehensive online learning environment.

HIGHLIGHTSEXPANDED eLEARNING-BASED CURRICULUMAddressing the goals of WVC’s First Nations part-nered schools, staff met regularly with administrators to develop an enriching eLearning-based curriculum. An expanded eLearning-based curriculum offered the enhanced capacity for networking, giving school administration the opportunity to participate in course development based on students’ unique needs.

LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMWVC created a fully immersive and interactive class-room, allowing for a reliable learning experience for staff and students alike. Maintaining and updating the learning management system was part of the process, and students received an effective education through both live and archived web-conferences in online classrooms.


MFNERC | PROGRAMS

ENROLLMENT 2016-2017SEMESTER 1: 110 STUDENTS | SEMESTER 2: 106 STUDENTS

WVC REBRANDINGIn line with several updates to the online learning envi-ronment, WVC launched a rebranding with a focus on the school’s website, creating a user-friendly platform with crisp graphic design and technical excellence.

CHALLENGES Many schools require upgrades to bandwidth and/or a more dedicated network in communities with lim-ited connection speeds. Bandwidth concerns could potentially be addressed with the purchase of dedicated satellites, but doing so was often not feasible in most First Nations due to the cost.

Other barriers faced by WVC included vastly different timetables that some schools cited as reasons for not enrolling, along with a shortage of available space in their building. Course developers/instructors also stated that increased workloads created less time for curric-ulum development due to instructional obligations. Lastly, the fiscal year and school year operate on two different timelines, which was an additional challenge.

SUCCESSES• WVC’s learning management system, D2L,

remained functional and operational with no downtime as a result of seamless upgrades to the learning management system

• WVC experienced low employee turnover, allowing for a greater understanding of course development and instructional roles for involved educators

• WVC currently has 30 developed courses that are open for student enrolment and an increased repository of videos

• Maplewood was regularly used to implement School Success Plan through effective data management

MFNERC | PROGRAMS

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SPECIAL EDUCATIONMARGARET SCOTT, M.ED DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Special Education Department consists of a team of facilitators who develop programs and provide supports to educators working with special needs children in First Nations schools. The team includes speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, special education facilitators, Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) facilitators, literacy coaches, and a reading clinician. The program continues to provide enhanced services in three main areas: Special Education Services, Training Initiatives, and Clinical Services (school-based). Clinical Services provides much needed support for students with special needs, who require specialized intervention from the clinicians.

The department builds on special education pedagogies that reflect the unique needs and values of First Nations in Manitoba. The primary function of the Special Education team is to support school staff, students, and parents as they address children’s needs by recommending and facilitating interventions and remedial strategies.

HIGHLIGHTS SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT Facilitators are assigned to schools to provide support to school staff and administration in areas such as Special Education Program (SEP) planning, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) training, and remedial programming.

ANNUAL SPECIAL EDUCATION SUMMER INSTITUTEThe department hosted the 18th Annual Special Education Summer Institute for resource teachers on August 8–12, 2016. Twenty-six participants from 20 First Nations schools attended the five-day workshop,

which focused on topics such as autism strategies, NVCI training, implications of hearing loss, facilitat-ing vocabulary building and adapting curriculum, and American Sign Language (ASL).

ASSESSMENT TRAINING WORKSHOPSThe department hosted four assessment tool training sessions to train resource teachers on how to adminis-ter standardized assessments for diagnostic purposes. Thirty resource teachers benefited from these sessions and were able to use results to develop more appropriate programming for students with special needs.

MFNERC | SPECIAL EDUCATION

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DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING SERVICESHearing loss has a profound impact on the learning needs of students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in First Nations. The department recently hired two DHH facilitators who liaise with Manitoba Education and the Manitoba School for the Deaf to provide DHH services to First Nations schools. MFNERC also continued to provide training and screening protocols for school staff to conduct hearing screenings. This initiative has resulted in school staff, families, and community mem-bers, as well as MFNERC staff receiving ASL Beginner 1-2-3 instruction.

TRAINING INITIATIVESWe are extremely proud of our partnership with the University of Manitoba for an Inclusive Language and Literacy Master’s Program. In response to the lack of qualified resource and special education teach-ers in First Nations schools, our Training Initiatives Department developed the Resource Inclusive Special

Education (RISE) cohort. Seventy First Nations elemen-tary, middle, and high school teachers were recruited for the program. Once completed, these students will earn a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Education.

CHALLENGES This year, one barrier faced by the department included difficulties in addressing community needs due to a lack of resources. A second challenge included minimal time for program recruitment, which impacted the start date of various training initiatives.

SUCCESSES• Purchase of much needed resources and materials

• Clinical and Special Education Programs developed

• A specialized Master’s program was devised through collaboration of experts in the field of Inclusive Language and Literacy, along with edu-cators working in Special Education

TRAINING INITIATIVES PARTICIPANTS 2016-2017

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT TRAINING PROGRAM: 61 PARTICIPANTS FROM 7 FIRST NATIONSINCLUSIVE LANGUAGE AND LITERACY MASTER’S PROGRAM: 24 PARTICIPANTS FROM 13 FIRST NATIONSRESOURCE INCLUSIVE SPECIAL EDUCATION COHORT: 66 PARTICIPANTS FROM 28 FIRST NATIONS

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENTVIOLET OKEMAW, M.ED DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

The Research & Development (R & D) Department is responsible for many projects and initiatives, with the goal of developing First Nations curriculum resources reflective of First Nations perspectives. These resources, in print, audio, and video, are created in partnership with, or on request, from the educational leadership in First Nations schools. Staff consult with, and gather data from, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and individual First Nations members. Priority is given to culturally appropriate and language-based content.

HIGHLIGHTSCURRICULUM DEVELOPMENTAs a continued goal, the department prioritized com-munity engagement and supported ethical methods of research, facilitation, and development of curriculum resources related to First Nations languages and culture. The department’s projects were inclusive of all First Nations in Manitoba and helped to guide students as they explored their own understanding of First Nations history.

FIRST NATIONS CURRICULUM FRAMEWORKIn 2015, the team was tasked with developing the K–12 First Nations Curriculum Framework (FNCF) to guide the education of First Nations students. MFNERC staff, the leadership and Elders of First Nations, and repre-sentatives of five First Nations participated in various advisory groups and community information sessions. Round tables continued to inform the development of the FNCF, and based on the feedback, the draft frame-work was reviewed and revised accordingly.

LAND-BASED CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENTRegional gatherings provided the opportunity for land-based educators to develop and enhance their programs by networking and sharing ideas, resources, and pro-gram designs. The goal of the regional gatherings was to create a new land-based curriculum that can be adapted and used by First Nation schools.


PARTNERSHIPS

Partnerships continued to increase awareness and pro-moted resources and materials to support First Nations education. Partnerships included organizations such as the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Manitoba Education Research Network, and Aboriginal Education Research Forum.

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTThis year, the department’s publications continued to provide rich content centring on First Nations traditions and languages and culture. New titles included: First Nations Perspectives (Volume 8), Grassroots Elders & Role Models, Voices of the Future: Manitoba First Nations Youth Anthology, Terminology and Rights Handbook, and Interdisciplinary Activity Handbook on Indigenous Thought.

CHALLENGESFirst Nations participation in the land-based education regional gatherings and other gatherings was sometimes limited due to poor weather conditions and the melting of winter roads. Staff turnover within the department was a challenge to the flow of implementing work plan activities. However, the department is committed to improving staffing requirements for both R & D work plan tasks and framework development.

SUCCESSES• Consistent participation of education leadership,

including principals, vice-principals, education directors, and Chief and Council, in the FNCF regional gatherings

• Collaborative meetings organized among five First Nations regarding land-based education program-ming—locally, regionally, and provincially

• R & D resources produced and distributed to First Nations upon request

MFNERC | RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

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OPERATIONSHOWARD BURSTON, B.ED DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Operations consists of Information Technology (IT), Data Management, Publishing and Communications, Conference Coordination, Reporting, and Office Management. The overall goal of Operations is to create the highest level of efficiency across the organization.

DATA MANAGEMENT

With an effective, accurate, and reliable Student Information System (SIS), school leaders can make decisions, establish priorities, support their school’s needs, and produce required reports. MFNERC’s Data Management Program and the First Nations schools have implemented an SIS, Maplewood, that has had many positive impacts on the current operation of the schools. The Data Management Program supports First Nations schools’ collection and use of data by providing replenishment hardware and licensing, technical on-site and remote support, and training for school staff/local capacity development.

HIGHLIGHTSMAPLEWOODMaplewood is a web-based application that manages data collected on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. MFNERC and Maplewood work together to develop a system to effectively meet the unique needs of First Nations throughout Manitoba. The SIS ensures data integrity and availability with minimal system downtime.

SERVICE DESK MFNERC and First Nations schools have access to a Service Desk that is the central point of contact for IT support. Service requests are logged and entered into an efficient system that assigns tasks to the appropriate technician or department.

Service Desk employs a technician who serves the Island Lake region, making regular trips to First Nations schools in the area a priority, ultimately increasing tech-nical support and effective data management.


CHALLENGES This year, MFNERC worked with First Nations schools to upgrade Internet bandwidth. Poor bandwidth in isolated schools provided challenges performing scheduled updates to Maplewood and its local servers. Northern schools faced unique barriers due to infra-structure limitations and restrictions, and updating local Maplewood services was often time-consuming and resource intensive.

Staff turnover in teaching and school administration placed a higher demand on training and scheduling, and a lack of IT resources in isolated communities placed a heavy demand on MFNERC technicians to travel. However, MFNERC will continue to invest resources and staff time in supporting the use of tech-nology throughout the province.

SUCCESSES• First Nations schools’ increased use of additional

Maplewood functionality (i.e., Discipline, Library, Markbook, and IEP)

• Minimal technical issues related to Maplewood’s year end

• Student Information System stability (i.e., no unplanned downtime)

• Reduced Maplewood service requests from schools

MFNERC | OPERATIONS

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MFNERC | OPERATIONS

PUBLISHING AND COMMUNICATIONS MFNERC envisioned a printing, publishing, and video production department to develop First Nations resources in print, electronic, and video formats. Today, the Publishing and Communications Department is the in-house production hub for the Centre. All resources focus on First Nations content, with particular attention given to First Nations languages, cultures, and histories. The department ensures all of its material is suitable for classroom use, both in a First Nations environment and otherwise, and is accessible to MFNERC partnered schools. The department has a growing list of books, posters, multimedia projects, and other resources it is excited to share with all who are interested.

HIGHLIGHTSBOOK PUBLISHINGPublishing and Communications continued to bring high-quality books to First Nations schools. Publishing achievements this year included the completion of the following resources:

• Our Tomorrows, Today: Wahbung 1971 (a teacher’s guide and DVD) by contributors Dave Courchene Jr., Janet Fontaine, and Kathi Avery Kinew

• Warren Whistles at the Sky (an illustrated resource about traditional constellation stories) by author David A. Robertson

• Weenipeeg (an illustrated story) by Elder Bill Ballantyne

CHALLENGES While the team accomplished and met their work objec-tives, challenges included meeting deadlines for larger projects due to staffing capacity. Staff participated in professional development to enhance their job-related skills.

SUCCESSES• Ensured a wide distribution of in-house created

resources to over 2,000 people

• Increased community engagement across all online platforms (e.g., MFNERC website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

• Assisted at MFNERC and community-led events as requested

FINANCEGEORGE MERASTY B.COMM. (H) CA, CPA, CAFM DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

SARAH COOK B.COMM. (H) CA, CPAASSISTANT DIRECTOR

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The Finance Department implements the financial plans and policies of MFNERC. The department oversees entrusted funds through cost-effective management of MFNERC’s internal financial operations, efficient nego-tiations, monitoring of funded projects, and strategic handling of the organization’s investments.

HIGHLIGHTSThe department ensures the integrity, reliability, and transparency of the financial operations of MFNERC by establishing budgeting control and reporting sys-tems. Finance also assists in the development of policies and budgets, providing the necessary information and financial analysis required. The team ensures that funding expenditures are in accordance with the terms and conditions of all contribution agreements-by con-ducting financial assessments of the progress of funded projects.

REVENUE 2016-2017

New PathsSpecial EducationFNSSPEPPOther Contribution AgreementsSurplus ReturnedRRFN - Ginew SchoolOther Revenue


MFNERC | FINANCE

TWO YEAR FINANCIAL SUMMARYManitobaFirstNationsEducationResourceCentreInc.Actual Actual

2015 - 16 2016 - 17

INACREVENUE

NEWPATHS $ 4,878,280 18% $ 4,661,715 12%

SPECIALEDUCATION $ 1,892,000 7% $ 4,027,324 11%

FNSSP $ 14,711,513 54% $ 20,203,165 53%

EPP $ 1,432,977 5% $ 1,363,993 4%

OTHERCONTRIBUTIONAGREEMENTS $ 751,831 3% $ 2,888,916 8%

SURPLUSRETURNED $ (16,703) 0% $ (156,669) 0%

TOTALINAC-MFNERC $ 23,649,898 $ 32,988,444

RRFN-GINEWSCHOOL $ 2,708,943 10% $ 2,782,977 7%

GRANDTOTAL-INAC $ 26,358,841 $ 35,771,421

FNIHB-JORDANSPRINCIPAL $ - $ 50,000 0%

OTHERREVENUE $ 869,821 3% $ 1,905,987 5%

GRANDTOTALREVENUE $ 27,228,662 $ 37,727,408

EXPENSESBYPROGRAM

SALARIES&BENEFITS 13,959,022$ 51% 14,676,842$ 39%

TRAVEL 2,380,529$ 9% 3,042,498$ 8%

PROJECTS,RESOURCES,ADMIN&OTHER 9,092,646$ 34% 18,905,234$ 51%

EDUCATIONALRESOURCESTOSCHOOLS 1,689,508$ 6% 533,000$ 1%

GRANDTOTALEXPENDITURES $ 27,121,705 $ 37,157,574

SURPLUS(DEFICIT) $ 106,957 $ 569,834

MFNERCSTAFF 147 154

INFORMATIONWORKERS 14 14

MFNSS(Inc.GINEWSTAFF) 30 31

TOTAL 191 199

INFORMATIONWORKERS(total#) 45 45

2YEARSUMMARY

www.mfnerc.org 75

Head Office120-200 Alpine Way

Headingley, MB R4H 1C8 Fax: (204) 831-1301

2-1100 Waverley StreetWinnipeg, MB R3T 3X9

Phone: (204) 594-1290 | Fax: (204) 942- 2490 Toll Free: (866) 319- 4857 | Thompson Toll Free: 1-877-506-1568

[email protected]

Thompson Sub-Office69-C Thompson Drive North

Thompson, MB R8N 1Z7Fax: (204) 677- 0938

Waverley Sub-Office200-1090 Waverley Street

Winnipeg, MB R3T 0P4Fax: (204) 477-4314

Documents

ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 - MFNERC › wp-content › uploads › 2019 › 10 › ... · staff, Elders, parents, and First Nations leadership that a strong and healthy educational environment