Blueprint Structure

The Blueprint is built upon diverse layers of experience and Indigenous knowledge. The Elders Council provides direction, the Steering Committee provides input and guidance, and the Management Team handles daily operations and advances collaborative work.

Elders Council

Our mission is to align strategic paths and foster the flourishing of Indigenous students’ potential. At the very core, the Elders Council directs us, tasked with the crucial role of advising the Steering Committee. This guidance ensures our Blueprint initiatives remain rooted in community values and meticulously attuned to the educational needs of Indigenous learners. In a milestone event, the Elders Council Launch convened in Winnipeg on August 30 and 31, 2023, marking a significant beginning. It was here that the council’s members connected, laying the groundwork for a relationship of mutual respect and shared objectives among themselves, the Steering Committee, and the dedicated Blueprint staff. It was an invaluable opportunity for everyone to delve into the rich legacy of the Blueprint, explore current endeavors, and strengthen their communal bonds. Join us on this visionary path as we endeavor to create a future where Indigenous education is not just a priority, but a celebrated model of success.

MCIEB Staff

Denise Tardiff

Blueprint Manager
204.599.3136

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Denise is a Franco-Métis woman from the Red River Valley who is deeply invested in education being the key to opening doorways. She is committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity and cross-cultural understanding. She has worked collaboratively across Manitoba’s Post-Secondary Institutions to form partnerships with external stakeholders, industry sectors, employers, governments, organizations, and councils on behalf of Manitoba’s Indigenous students to create substantive equality and build a vibrant, prosperous Manitoban landscape for all.

Katie Currie

Events & Special Projects Coordinator

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Katie Currie (she/they) is the Events and Special Projects Coordinator for the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint and assistant to Denise Tardiff. Formerly the Program Administrator for MCIEB, she has been working for the University of Manitoba since 2021. Katie came to MCIEB from Manitoba Industry-Academia Partnership (MI-AP) where she began working on Horizon Ecosystem Map in 2021: https://horizonmap.ca/ . Katie was born and raised on Treaty 1 Territory in Winnipeg. She has predominantly Irish and Scottish as well as English, French and Dutch ancestry. She is dedicated to working in good ways with Indigenous people and continually strives to be an effective ally and accomplice in many intersectional areas. Katie particularly loves the work she gets to do with Elders through the Blueprint Elders Council. She has a passion for yoga, cooking delicious healthy food, spending time with her family, being in nature, and hanging out with her cats.

Nicole LeClair

Communications Coordinator
204.509.6807

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Nicole LeClair was raised in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory and is Red River Métis ancestry. She is an experienced professional with over 25 years of expertise in advertising, marketing, and communications. She holds diplomas in Public Relations, Marketing, and Management from the University of Winnipeg.

Linda Thorlakson

Program Administrator
431.844.4511

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When Linda lived in Thailand for a year, she taught elementary school. After arriving back in Canada, she freelanced as an educator for various junior high courses. During these years she worked with parents of children with exceptional needs to assist in finding the resources to optimize their learning opportunities. Linda continues a role in education by working as a certified educational assistant with newcomers to Canada to assist in learning English and learning skills fundamental to living in Canada.

With over 12 years as a birth and postpartum doula and as a certified Lamaze instructor. Linda has been able to work alongside new parents to support them in self-advocacy through information and effective communication.

Linda has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English and a minor in linguistics from the University of Manitoba. Previously she worked at the University of Manitoba on the Horizon Ecosystem Map and as Partnerships and Events Coordinator with MIAP.

Most of Linda’s downtime is spent volunteering at various organizations. Some of her roles have included Volunteer Coordinator for the Western Canadian Fencing Cup, Keycon Website Developer and secretary, and Winnipeg Science Fiction Association member at large.

Steering Committee

Assiniboine Community College

Kris Desjarlais
Director, Indigenous Education
204.725.8700 ext. 6045

Blueprint Structure

Elders Council

MCIEB Staff

Steering Committee

Signatory Partners