Category: What’s New

Have you ever heard the word ode’imin? It means “strawberry” in Ojibwe. Ode’imin combines the words ode (heart) and min (berry). The term ode’imin originates from its heart shape. Also, First Nations have always connected the benefits of delicious, juicy berries to heart strength.

Continue reading “February is Heart (Ode) Month here in Canada.”

Michael Hutchinson is a member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation. As a teen, he pulled nets on Lake Winnipeg, fought forest fires in the Canadian Shield, and worked at the Whiteshell Nuclear Research Station’s Underground Research Lab. As a young adult, he worked as a bartender, a caterer for rock concerts and movie shoots, and, eventually, as a print reporter for publications such as the Calgary Straight and Aboriginal Times. After being recruited by the Indian Claims Commission (ICC), Michael moved from journalism to the communications side of the desk and worked for the ICC in Ottawa as a writer.

Continue reading “Introducing the new Communications Manager for MFNERC”

What an exciting kick-off to I Love to Read Month! MKO Grand Chief Garry Settee shares his recommendations on First Nations authors to pick up this month for yourself and for your children. You can find the children’s titles in our shop: www.mfnerc.org/the-shop and take a look at many other titles or various reading levels and interests.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2ldeuHE3L8

MFNERC values the mental and emotional well-being of our First Nations students and communities. We strongly believe in our role of helping First Nations improve education for all learners to achieve mino-pimatisiwin (the good life). Mental illness affects one in five people in Canada, across all ages and walks of life. We believe everyone should be able to access help and support without the stigmatization of living with mental illnesses. That is why MFNERC supports Bell Let’s Talk Day. https://letstalk.bell.ca

It is with great sadness that the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC) learns that Nitamabit/Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Elder Dave Courchene) has begun his final journey. A spiritual and community leader, his loss will be felt throughout the country, if not the world, and the staff and management at MFNERC send their deepest condolences to his family, friends and the community he loved, Sagkeeng.

Continue reading “Passing of Elder Dave Courchene”

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and this year will mark the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin. We can’t wait another hundred years to change life for all those affected by diabetes. Help us End Diabetes.

Continue reading “National Diabetes Awareness Month”

Our virtual Circle of Knowledge and Practices Conference was dedicated to creating student engagement. What better way to explore this theme than through conversations with educators around Canada, made possible with the online format.  

Continue reading “Circle of Knowledge and Practices”

News Release from Manitoba Aboriginal Language Strategy Group:

The Manitoba Aboriginal Languages Strategy (MALS) Partnership Agreement is set to be renewed by four lead organizations, including; Manitoba Education – The Indigenous Inclusion Directorate (IID), Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC), University College of the North (UCN), and the Indigenous Languages of Manitoba (ILM). The signing ceremony took place on October 7, 2021.

Continue reading “Manitoba Aboriginal Language Strategy Group Set to Renew Agreement”

It is with great sadness that MFNERC management and staff send condolences to the family and community of Itancan (Chief) Orville Smoke of Dakota Plains Wahpeton Oyate. Chief Smoke was a highly respected leader who dedicated his life for the self-determination and autonomy for the people of Dakota Plains Wahpeton Oyate. Having served his community with passion and resilience for over twenty-seven years, Itancan Orville Smoke will be deeply missed by all.

Please join us over on our Facebook page Thursday, October 7th, 2021, 10 AM CST to celebrate the virtual book launch of Wahbanang — The Resurgence of a People: Clearing the Path for our Survival.  Included in the launch is a video presentation created by the Turtle Lodge International Centre of Indigenous Education and Wellness.

Continue reading “Wahbanang: The Resurgence of a People: Clearing the Path for our Survival Launch”