On behalf of Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome back all the educators and staff to the schools, and wish you a great 2014-15 school year. I hope you had an enjoyable and restful summer break.

There are many things to take note of as the school year gets underway. Our school planning teams will soon be back in the schools, and there are many training sessions and events scheduled to take place this year. Please check the online MFNERC calendar for regional gatherings, specialty meetings and other activities such as roundtables. The calendar is a great way to keep up to date on upcoming activities.

This year’s First Nations Circle of Knowledge & Practices Conference is almost upon us. The theme is Traditional Knowledge & Languages: Moving Forward Through Our Past. We are experiencing a strong movement towards cultural reclamation, and at this year’s conference we will look at how we can integrate First Nations languages and traditional ways of learning into classroom instruction, while acknowledging and using complimentary western approaches. The conference will once again take place at the Victoria Inn Hotel in Winnipeg, on October 9 and 10. You can visit our website to learn more and to register.

It is my hope that you enjoy this issue of The Arrow. It includes many interesting and informative stories, including what’s coming soon from our new publishing unit, a celebration of First Nations high school graduates, and a close-up look at the Reading Recovery Program soon to be launched at Peguis Central School.

Please feel free to contact MFNREC’s offices at any time: 1-866-319-4857 or email info@mfnerc.com

Sincerely,
Lorne C. Keeper, Executive Director