Thursday, February 5, 2026 @ 8:00 am – Friday, February 6, 2026 @ 3:30 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 4th annual Indigenous Education Gathering, Attausikuuluta – Working All Together was a huge success with 348 people registered. Attendees represented government bodies, industry partners, 11 post-secondary institutions, 12 community organizations, 14 First Nations, and 10 school divisions.
It took place on February 5th and 6th at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre, located at 1808 Wellington Avenue. As seems to be our pattern, we had a wonderful full house and were sold out within a short time of announcing registration was open.
To those who would like more information on all of our events please email [email protected] with your name and details to be added to our contact list and receive updates for future events.
The Gathering is a confluence of Elders, educators, students, community leaders, policy makers, and advocates, invested in fostering important dialogue, exchanging knowledge, and cultivating partnerships centered on Indigenous education.
 
The focus of this year’s gathering, entitled “Working All Together” were the following priority
areas:
1. Honouring Indigenous / Traditional Knowledge and the academy.
2. Language Revitalization, Proficiency, and Education.
3. Mino-Pimatisiwin (The Good Life) – wiŋtȟa oȟpȟá (“to do well”) – wiĉozani waste
(living the good life).
We were fortunate to have 3 incredible keynote speakers. Writer David A. Robertson shared In Pursuit of The Good Life. Nicki Ferland spoke before the post-secondary student panel with Reflections on Land-Based Learning in a Post-Secondary Context. Elder Gerry Oleman gave us the potent and final words in his sharing of “Are you Indigenous?”.
As dynamic as the keynotes were the gift of ceremony and our panels. The MCIEB Elders Council grounded us in a multi-nation ceremony on Thursday morning.  On Thursday afternoon we were treated to our first student panel with the Mikisew High School cohort from Pimicikamak Cree Nation and the great group leaders from Waterways. They shared laughter and stories about their land-based camp experience in their panel Learning through Play, Curiosity, and Creativity! Closing the day on Thursday was the Post-Secondary Land-Based Student Panel with students from across the Manitoba post-secondary institutions. More laughter, some tears and some amazing insights were shared. Friday morning’s panel was the Keepers of the Language Panel with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Language keepers sharing, from their lived experience, vast knowledge and from the heart the crucial importance of language and it’s impact on culture and ways of knowing, being and doing. Before lunch on Friday was an uplifting presentation and performance by Kelsey Halldorson and Giinawind Riverbend Community School – Elementary Student Choir. Their program uses song to create engaging Anishinaabemowin learning experiences. They got the whole room singing with absolute joy.
We had 11 amazing breakout sessions which reflected the strong partnerships between Manitoba’s post-secondary institutions, K-12 educators, industry partners, and Indigenous communities.
Throughout the two days attendees also enjoyed exploring the fabulous Indigenous Artisan Market.
We are grateful for an inspiring gathering where educators, students, community partners, and advocates met to exchange knowledge and cultivate partnerships centered on Indigenous education.  Thank you to all who attended for making this gathering a place of connection and dialogue; thank you to all the outstanding speakers and facilitators for sharing your knowledge; thank you to the volunteers who made this event run smoothly; and our deepest thanks to the Elders who shared their knowledge and guidance and ceremony so generously.
Warmest regards,
The Indigenous Education Gathering Team

David A. Robertson is one of Canada’s most influential voices in literature and public
discourse. The member of Norway House Cree Nation is a celebrated author, graphic
novelist and podcaster. His work offers profound insights on Indigenous themes,
mental health and freedom of expression. His extensive body of work has earned him
widespread acclaim, including two Governor General’s Literary Awards and honorary
doctorates from the University of Manitoba and University of Lethbridge. On the world
stage, he is Canada’s nominee for the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award.
At the heart of David’s work lies a deep commitment to sharing Indigenous stories and
perspectives. His celebrated novels, such as the Theory of Crows, explore profound
human themes. Similarly, his powerful memoir Black Water delves into family, legacy,
and cultural reconnection. He also created the award-winning podcast Kiwew to further
explore these narratives. In every medium, he tackles essential conversations with
honesty and grace. Consequently, his work reflects the resilience and love that anchors
Indigenous communities.
As a keynote speaker, David translates these powerful narratives into unforgettable live
experiences. He shares deeply personal insights drawn from his own life to connect
authentically with his audience. With this platform, he educates and inspires people on
crucial topics like Indigenous rights and mental health awareness. His presentations
are not merely informative; he designs them to spark genuine dialogue and encourage
empathy among colleagues. Ultimately, this approach empowers teams and leaves them
with a renewed sense of connection and shared purpose.
Beyond his creative pursuits, David actively builds a legacy for future generations. He
serves as the editorial director for Swift Water Books—the first Indigenous-led imprint at a
major Canadian publishing house. This leadership role cements his status as a vital and
forward-thinking force for change in the arts.

Nicki Ferland is a two-spirit Red River Métis mother, wife, auntie and helper. She is an educator, writer and researcher whose work focuses on Métis women and two-spirit people and their
relationship with land in Winnipeg. Her parents are both descended from scrip-bearing
Métis families with ancestral roots in St. Vital and St-Boniface (Winnipeg), and Lorette,
Manitoba. Her relations include the Lagimodière, Goulet, Poitras, Beauchemin, Grant,
Ducharme, Harrison, and Fisher families. She is a harvester registered with the Manitoba
Métis Federation and vice-chair of the Two-Spirit Michif Local. Nicki completed her
master’s degree in Indigenous land-based education at the University of Saskatchewan
and is currently working on her PhD in education. She is the Director of Land Based
Education and Indigenous Curriculum at the University of Manitoba (UM).

Elder Gerry Oleman is a member of the St’at’imc Nation from British Columbia, located
in the coast mountains between Whistler, the Fraser River and interior of B.C. Gerry is
an Elder, traditional knowledge keeper, mentor, storyteller, healer and educator. He is a
former chief, band councillor, tribal director and counsellor.