Thursday, February 8, 2024 @ 8:00 am – Friday, February 9, 2024 @ 1:30 pm

AGENDA PROGRAM GUIDE REPORT

The Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint

Victoria Inn and Convention Centre, Winnipeg
1808 Wellington Ave
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3H0G3Canada
View Venue Website

Our second annual Indigenous Education Gathering took place on February 8 & 9 at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre, located at 1808 Wellington Avenue. We were thrilled to see such a full house – a testament to the collective spirit and commitment towards Indigenous education, as registration had reached capacity.

To those who wanted to join us but couldn’t secure a spot, we understand your disappointment. Please consider emailing [email protected] with your name and details to be added to our contact list and receive updates for future events.

During the gathering, we gathered a diverse mix of educators, students, community leaders, and advocates. Throughout the event, we engaged in enriching dialogues, exchanged a wealth of knowledge, and worked together to deepen our understanding and address the evolving landscape of Indigenous education.


The Gathering, aptly themed “Indigenous Education Pathways: Sharing Our Way – Our Gifts,” resonated with the energy of anticipation. The agenda delivered enlightening moments with our esteemed keynote speaker Sheila M. North, a captivating fireside chat with Ashley Richard featuring guest Mihskakwan James Harper, and a compelling student panel that gave a voice to Indigenous students’ educational experiences.


Our breakout sessions dived into the creative and unique career pathways that had emerged through strong partnerships between Manitoba’s post-secondary institutions, K-12 educators, industry partners, and Indigenous communities. As the day wound down, attendees were invited to unwind at our reception, explore the Indigenous Artisan Market, and enjoy a performance by the Frontier Fiddlers.
Together, we made these days count with every conversation, connection, and shared insight paving the way for a brighter future in Indigenous education.


Warmest regards,
The Indigenous Education Gathering Team


Sheila M. North, also known as Wikahsko Iskwew, is a Cree Leader, Policy Advocate, Activist, Journalist, and Author from the Bunibonibee Cree Nation in Treaty 5 Territory. She made history in 2015 by becoming the first woman to serve as the Grand Chief of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, MKO. Throughout her life, Sheila has been a dedicated activist for the Treaty, Title, Inherent, and Human Rights of First Nations Peoples. Under her leadership, MKO played a significant role in a Landmark Economic Impact Study that revealed Indigenous contributions of approximately $9.3B to Manitoba’s Economy and GDP in one year. Sheila has been a strong advocate for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and she continues to push for the implementation of the 231 Calls To Justice released in the final report of the Inquiry. She has also been instrumental in raising awareness about this issue through the creation of the hashtag #MMIW. Currently, Sheila serves as the Director at the International Commission on Missing Persons [ICMP], where she focuses on Missing Children, Residential Schools, and Engagement. She is dedicated to achieving Accountability, Justice, and Restitution for Missing Children & Unmarked Graves both internationally and in Canada. Sheila is also an award-winning journalist and co-produced a documentary called 1200+, which sheds light on the systemic issues that make Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited people more vulnerable to violence and exploitation. She recognizes that this issue affects all Relatives, which is why she uses the hashtag #MMIR.

Ashley Richard is a proud Ojibway, Métis, and Filipina woman residing in Treaty 1 Territory. Her family roots are from the Richard Family from Pine Creek First Nation, the McLeod Family in Camperville, MB.
Ashley has over 12 years experience working with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in both the private and not for profit sectors. She completed her Masters in Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University. Her background and passion lie in design thinking as well as the teachings from her grandmother, Mary Richard.
Ashley’s current projects include leading two federally funded grant projects with the Asper School of Business (Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub Indigenous Strategy and The 50 – 30 Challenge), the Indigenous Workforce Development Strategy with the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters of Manitoba, and planning the 3rd Annual Reclaiming Our Future: Economic Development Youth Conference 2024 for Norway House Cree Nation.

Mihskakwan James Harper, a proud citizen of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation on Treaty 8 territory, is passionate about creating a world that future generations can enjoy.
While studying engineering at the University of Manitoba, Harper served on the student council for the Engineering Access Program (ENGAP), which supports Indigenous engineering students, and built an energy-efficient car that competed in the International Shell Eco-marathon Americas.
Since graduating, Harper has shared his knowledge about clean energy at international conferences, including the United Nations Climate Conferences COP 26 and COP 27. He credits his innate drive to protect the earth to his cultural values.
Harper further honours his Indigenous identity by giving back. He has lectured on decolonizing engineering, mentored Indigenous youth relocating to Winnipeg for education, and presented a national policy resolution addressing the Indigenous youth suicide crisis.