Matawa
Education
Conference

Matawa First Nations Management (MFNM), in partnership with Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education (KOBE), hosted the 12th Annual Matawa Education Conference from March 5 – 7, 2019 at the Valhalla Inn on the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation.

we work together to make a change

Language and Wellness: Honouring Our Way of Life

This year’s theme was: Language and Wellness: Honouring Our Way of Life. This year’s conference theme also acknowledged the UN International Year of Indigenous Languages. Teachers from Matawa and KOBE schools engaged in a variety of workshops together while making meaningful connections, sharing their successes and celebrating their learning experiences. The conference focused on building positive relationships with students in order to support their learning. Professional learning opportunities for school staff were provided through 80+ workshops in the areas of: cultural curriculum, assessment and evaluation, early learning, First Nation language/immersion programming, anti-bullying, technology, teaching strategies for literacy and numeracy, mental health, child development, nutrition, language revitalization, and first aid training, amongst others. This year, the conference program was pleased to announce three keynote sessions, one each day. On Tuesday, His Excellency Mr. Daniel Mellsop, New Zealand High Commissioner shared his insight regarding his work. On Wednesday, Niigaanwewidam Sinclair delivered the morning keynote. He is an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba and a regular commentator on Indigenous issues on CTV, CBC, and APTN. On Thursday, Dr. David Tranter and Lori Carson explored how educators can have a powerful impact on their students’ lives through relationship-based education.