Education
AMC Education Directorate
The AMC Education Directorate is mandated to advance the overall vision and mission of the AMC in the Education of First Nations in Manitoba. The Directorate continues to promote, support and advocate for First Nations’ inherent and Treaty right in education. The objective is to increase funding for the education of First Nations and ensure that First Nations students have access to quality education.
Under the direction of the Chiefs Committee on Education (CCOE), activities have included developing a regional education funding formula/model for K-12 and developing a post-secondary education (PSE) strategy. Following the regionalization of Special Education, Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) by ISC, AMC is now responsible for the regional management of these programs.
The AMC resolution of March 18.05, which reinstated the Education Directorate lays the foundation for this work.
To advance First Nations education, the Directorate collaborates with First Nations leadership and other stakeholders such as the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC), First
Nations education directors, National Indian Education Council (NIEC), and Indigenous Services
Canada (ISC). Also, the Directorate continues to seek guidance from the Post Secondary Education
Regional Table, the Post Secondary Education Partnership Program (PSPP) Selection Committee
and the Regional Education Agreement (REA) Negotiation Technical Support Team in the development of strategies in a range of issues related to education and for transformative changes
across First Nations education.
Chiefs Committee on Education (CCOE)
The Directorate facilitates monthly meetings for the CCOE, whose mandate is to provide oversight in developing a renewed approach in First Nations education. Kindergarten through grade 12, adult education, and post-secondary education are included. The CCOE continues to work to outline paths that ensure better systems are in place for First Nations learners. They coordinate with other
First Nations leadership to assert First Nations’ positions in Canada. In doing this, the Education Directorate provides technical services and support in the various options developed.
Membership of the CCOE includes the following:
- Chief Derrick Henderson, Sagkeeng First Nation, Chair
- Chief Glenn Hudson, Peguis First Nation -Independent;
- Chief David Manias, Pimicikamak Cree Nation – Independent;
- Chief Wayne Desjarlais, Ebb & Flow First Nation – Independent;
- Chief Craig Alexander Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation;
- Chief Clarence Easter Chemawawin Cree Nation;
- Chief Vera Mitchell, Poplar River First Nation
- Chief David Crate, Fisher River Cree Nation;
- Chief Trevor Prince, Sandy Bay First Nation; and
- Chief Murray Clearsky, Waywayseecappo First Nation;
- Chief Larson Anderson, Norway House Cree Nation
The CCOE builds upon, maintains and affirms First Nation rights as peoples to exercise and practice self-determination and self-government; it protects the integrity and authority of each First Nation’s
customs, laws, and practices; promotes, preserves, and protects Aboriginal and Treaty rights in Manitoba; it preserves and enhances the rights and freedoms of First Nations in Manitoba. The objectives are to provide leadership and advocacy for change in education policy and legislation affecting First Nations citizens in Manitoba.
The Directorate holds monthly meetings with First Nations education directors and post-secondary counsellors. During these meetings, ideas to improve education and the overall social and economic conditions of First Nations are discussed. These meetings also serve as information sessions to inform First Nations about funding opportunities from the federal government. They encourage engagement with First Nations and ensure they are included in ongoing policy formulation and implementation processes.
Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC)
The Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre Inc. (MFNERC) was established in 1998. The AMC established the MFNERC through a resolution to provide coordinated second and third-level education services to Manitoba’s First Nations schools. It provides services and support to 58 First Nations schools in 49 Manitoba First Nations.
The MFNERC provides the province’s leading education, administration, technology, language, and cultural services to First Nations schools in Manitoba. As mandated by the Chiefs-In-Assembly, the MFNERC is also working on the development of the Manitoba First Nations School System, which is a First Nations-led strategy for a culturally relevant, high-quality education system.
Over the years, MFNERC has evolved from its humble beginnings, providing service on demand with a handful of employees, into a multifaceted organization that meets the needs of Manitoba’s First Nations schools with various services and support.
Respecting the diversity of Manitoba’s First Nations is an essential facet of the Centre’s ability to support the schools in our communities. Best practices informed by academic research and extensive experience working with First Nations are promoted through the various departments, using a service delivery team approach.
Professional development training is provided for school board members, administrators, teachers and teaching assistants. MFNERC works in partnership with Manitoba First Nations to ensure the highest educational standards are achieved in First Nations schools.
MFNERC promotes and encourages First Nations involvement in all aspects of developing and implementing educational change.
To view the MFNERC Annual Report, visit https://mfnerc.org/about-us/reports/