[November 14, 2023] Leaders in Education Take Part in Inaugural Mamàhtawisiwin Symposium to Support Health and Well-Being of Manitoba Students and Children
Up to 800 attendees are expected to gather in Winnipeg today for the first-ever Mamàhtawisiwin Symposium, which will highlight putting students and children at the centre of the education system with a particular focus on inclusive Indigenous education, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Nello Altomare announced today.
“Every learner in Manitoba deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or where they live,” said Altomare. “Today’s symposium brings together Manitoba educators to share the work already being done and learn from each other, with the goal of supporting Indigenous learners and building respectful and inclusive learning communities.”
The symposium, which takes place Nov. 14 and 15, focuses on understanding world views, values, identities, traditions and contemporary lifestyles, and providing an inclusive and culturally safe learning environment for all Manitoba students.
Participants will learn from and discuss Manitoba’s Indigenous education policy, entitled Mamàhtawisiwin: The Wonder We Are Born With. This framework supports First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners by helping Manitoba educators incorporate Indigenous languages, cultures and identities into their teaching to set up Indigenous students for success, the minister said.
Attendees include Elders, Knowledge Keepers, school division Indigenous education leads, early childhood educators, school support teams, superintendents, school division leaders, principals and vice-principals, and school trustees.
The symposium will provide opportunities for educators to share what they have learned from implementing the policy framework and build networks of care to achieve successful outcomes for Indigenous students and children, the minister noted.
“Our government is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous governments and communities,” said Altomare. “Part of this work includes of creating an assistant deputy minister for Indigenous excellence in education, a role which will provide leadership and knowledge in developing inclusive, culturally safe learning environments for Indigenous students across Manitoba.”
To learn more about Mamàhtawisiwin: The Wonder We Are Born With, visit https://edu.gov.mb.ca/iid/mamahtawisiwin.html.
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