CIEM Conference, Oct. 20, 2017 - WinnipegAll My Relations: Relating to Mother Earth8:30 a.m. Optional Cleansing Ceremony with Wanbdi Wakita - Gym9 a.m. Opening Address: Dave Courchene - Gymnasium9:15 a.m. K1 Keynote: Winona LaDuke - Gymnasium10:15 a.m. Break - see vendor tables in main floor hallways10:30 a.m. Morning Workshops – see back of program for locations11:45 a.m. Lunch/CAEM AGM - Gymnasium1 p.m. Afternoon Workshops – see back of program for locations2:15p.m. Break - see vendor tables in main floor hallways2:30 p.m. K2 Keynote: The Earth is Our Future Youth Panel moderated by Niigaan Sinclair with Tasha Spillett, Kevin Settee, Sadie Phoenix-Lavoie, Tye McIvor, Tatiana Schwenzer 3:30 p.m. Raffle Prizes and Closing - Gymnasium

8:30 a.m. – Optional Cleansing Ceremony:  Join Wanbdi Wakita for a cleansing ceremony with sacred medicines to start your day in a good way with prayer. Wanbdi is a Dakota elder who makes prayers for people. He is a Sundance leader who has spent a lifetime supporting healing and unity. He is the longest serving Elder in a Correctional Institution in Manitoba, business owner of Bear Paw Tipi and co-founder of non-profit, Wanbdiska Oyate Inc. In 2016, Wanbdi received the Order of Manitoba for his life-long efforts at reconciliation.

9 a.m. Opening Address: Dave Courchene is an Elder from Sagkeeng First Nation and founder of the Turtle Lodge, well known for his advocacy and outreach on environmental and cultural issues. Dave Courchene – Nii Gaani Aki Inini (Leading Earth Man) has travelled internationally, carrying a message of hope and peace.  Dave shares the ancient knowledge of the Original Peoples of Turtle Island. He and other Elders believe ancient knowledge is a foundation to support a New Life for Mother Earth.

9:15 a.m. K1 Keynote: Winona LaDuke –Indinaway Muganidoog: Fulfilling Our Responsibilities to Creation. Winona LaDuke is an internationally renowned activist working on issues of sustainable development, renewable energy, climate change and cultural reclamation. She lives and works on the White Earth reservation in Northern Minnesota and is Director of Honor the Earth and founder of the White Earth Land Recovery Project.

Morning Sessions (see back of program for locations):

A01 Complex Indigenous and Racialized Poverty: We Can Make a DifferenceDuane Brothers, PhD., Louis Riel School Division SuperintendentDuane will present his Doctoral Thesis comparing approaches of several Winnipeg School Divisions towards issues of poverty, race and community building.

A02: Walk a Mile in Our Moccasins: A Colonization Simulation ActivityRebecca Chartrand, Darren McIvor, Anna Neil, Kaylah Chartrand Like the Blanket Activity, this workshop simulates the effects of colonization through role-playing, with adaptations by 7 Oaks School Division. It’s a very powerful activity for all ages.

A03: Moving Forward - Treaty Education at LRSDFlora-Lee Trueman, Indigenous Education Support Teacher – Treaty Education, LRSD What does Treaty education look like moving forward within Louis Riel School Division? Join us as we have a look at the hard work and planning of our teachers to support Treaties divisionally.

A04 & P04: Land-based Education, Science Perspectives & Treaty Right to Food Sovereignty/Security Jeremy Bender/LRSD, Patti Sayies/LRSD, Angela Fey/PTSD, Rose Bird/LRSD, Shirli Ewanchuk/LRSD, Michael Anderson/MKO. (Full day workshop) We will learn about Indigenous perspectives related to the land and the gifts of mother earth. We will prepare indigenous food; harvest plants for medicines, receive a gr.9/10 science lesson from an Indigenous perspective, and discuss treaty rights related to food sovereignty and food.

A05: Leather and Rawhide: Working with WildlifeCarl Froese, Robert Caribou The original art and science of tanning hides is unique and valuable. We will go through the hide tanning process as we have learned it from people in many regions working with different species. There is a rich history of hide tanning and drum making that goes back forever, and the all-natural product is superior in quality and integrity.

A06: Reconciliation: Human Rights and Attitude ChangeKatherine Starzyk and Aleah Fontaine

Psychology can help us understand how people think about reconciliation and how education may influence attitudes about reconciliation. Learn about a cross-Canada research project comparing Indigenous and non-Indigenous attitudes to reconciliation and what affects attitudes.

A07: Hybrid IndianBuffy Handel Discover what a Hybrid Indian can mean. What has affected Indigenous people and walking with balance between today’s world and our ancestral gifts. Buffy will guide the participants and suggest approaches to enhance the delivery of education for our future.

A08: Indigenous Perspectives in Environmental Science and BiologyJoel Bryce, Louis Riel Institute, MMF This workshop will look at traditional perspectives and modern inter-relationships between First Nations, Metis and Inuit groups and the earth, environmental stewardship and human rights.

A09: Growing Our Own Food: The Medicine Our Bodies and Minds NeedSara McIvor-Prouty & Kathryn MacKenzie, Fort Whyte Farms We celebrate a connection to the land, animals, water and pollinators and engage in growing food, raising animals and cooking while linking to the sustainable development curriculum in Math, Science and Phys. Ed. We model Circle of Courage ideas: belonging, mastery, independence and generosity.

A10: Land RightsPeter Kulchyski, Native Studies, University of Manitoba

Attitudes towards the land, rights, treaties, stewardship and negotiation.

A11: Aki-Onaakonigewinan - The Natural Laws of the EarthRon Indian-Mandamin, Shoal Lake First NationA scientific and culturally driven approach to the exploration of the origin of the earth and the origin of life. It gives the listener the opportunity to listen to stories and historical data of the understanding of the importance of the natural world in supporting the proper function of all living things.

A12 moved to P17

A13 – Connections between Land and Culture: Learning from the North’s Cultural LandscapeAlyssa Schwann, Ass’t Professor, Environmental Design & Landscape, University of Manitoba, Key identifiers of a cultural landscape – such as place names, sacred vegetation, vistas, or the sound of rushing water – reinforce connections to landscape and place. Place grows from ideas, memories, cognition, narrative – as much as sight, sound, and smell. The erosion of place, of landscape, is an erosion of culture.  How the land was governed and managed is a visible trace generating a powerful aura of a very special landscape.

A14: Métis History, Culture and HeritageShane Bostrom and Terri-Lynn Habinski, MMF Learn about the history of the Métis in Manitoba. Takeaways include a Métis scavenger hunt for the Manitoba Museum, internet Prezi Timeline on the Métis, an interactive game on the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, and an App for android and iPhone users. In addition, information will be shared on school programming and tours offered by the Louis Riel Institute and the Manitoba Métis Federation.

A15: Eliminating the Erasure and Annihilation of Indigenous PeoplesHanwakan Blaikie Whitecloud, Central Regional Manager, In.Business Wichii Wakanaak CentreWe will explore Indigenous peoples’ erasure from Canadian history and how Indigenous youth are writing themselves off from specific career paths. Solutions including how to live up to the Calls to Action from the Truth & Reconciliation report, including Indigenous youth in mentoring programs, and talking points for going forward will be discussed.

A16: Integrating the 7 Teachings into School CultureAndrea Leach, Darlene Tomsic, LRSD teachers This session will focus on providing concrete examples and activities that support the implementation of the Seven Teachings into your classroom and/or school. You will walk away with a plan on how to incorporate the Seven teachings as well as activities and resources that will help you teach each of the teachings in a meaningful way to a variety of ages. In this session you will also receive assessment and curricular strategies that will allow you to easily include these teachings into ELA and Social Studies.

A17: Treaty Education Lesson Plans K-8Renée McGurry, Indigenous Education Consultant, Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba.This workshop will be a hands-on demonstration of some of the K-8 lessons that are in the TRCM education kit that is given out at the 2-day training sessions.

Afternoon Sessions:

P01: Anishinaabe Meanings through Woodlands ArtVictoria Guimond McIntosh The Artists had their place in ceremony, not only as Shamanic teachers, but also knowledge keepers of storytelling.  The Symbolism in the art work and every shape held its meaning with the people. The Workshop will

introduce basic shapes with description of colours and their meanings. Some of the Anishinaabe language will be used to give meaning as the participants start to create.  With the “follow me” method, every participant will be proud of their creations and amazed at what they can put together just by observing.

P02: Seven Principles of Nationhood and SustainabilityBrian McLeod When we talk about a sacred relationship to all living things we talk about the breath of life, where we begin in our prayers to the Creator. When we talk about self-determination as Indigenous people I look towards the 7 principles of nationhood and sustainability. The two go hand in hand. If we are to live by sacred laws/teachings we must do so in a respectful way so that all life can work in balance with one another. In today’s terms this is a strong direction for environmental stewardship.

P03: Clean Water for AllWendy Ross, H2O Create multi-disciplinary project Director, Centre for Human Rights, UofMWendy will describe how water touches all life, therefore many subject areas! She will explore recent research on providing clean water for all at UofM.

P04: Land-based Education & Food Sovereignty/Security, See A04, All Day, Birds Hill Park

P05: The Other End of the Line: Hydropower and Indigenous People Ellen Cook and Will Braun, Interchurch Council on HydropowerWhat are the effects of hydro dams on First Nation communities? Ellen Cook (Misipawistik Cree Nation/Grand Rapids), will share about how the dam and the flooding turned their lives up-side-down. Participants receive a one-week curriculum package entitled “Dams and Dilemmas”.

P06: Red Rising Magazine EducationChristine M’Lot, Teacher, David Livingstone School, WSDAfter hearing from teachers about the struggle to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the classroom and to engage both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, Red Rising has been working on creating authentic Indigenous resources for grades 7-12 which will be unveiled for the first time here! As a bonus, participants will receive a free copy of Issue 6 “Revolt” to take home with them. 

P07: Elder Teachings about the TreatiesHarry Bone, Keeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation, former Chief and Director of Education Elder Harry Bone from the Speakers Bureau of the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba will speak on the importance of Treaty Education and the Spirit and Intent of the Treaties. Elder Bone is currently Chairperson of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Elders Council.

P08: Meditation – Calming the Mind for Self-Awareness and LearningDebra Barrett, Manitoba Youth Centre teacher, Student of Vipassana Meditation Debra will lead you through basic meditation practice and show how it connects with Aboriginal principles and many philosophies to help students feel centred, calm, aware and ready to learn without stress and monkey-mind.

P09: Anishinaabe Star and Map Knowledge Darren Courchene, University of Winnipeg Lecturer Respect, relationship, and reciprocity are the three key principles in understanding Indigenous knowledge. Activities and resources will be shared on how best to implement Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) star and map knowledge in the classroom.

P10: Ojibwe Bilingual ProgramRebecca Chartrand, Gloria Barker, Shirley Roache, Iris Chartrand, 7 Oaks School Division How elders, teachers, administration and community work together to bring Ojibwe language into the classroom, summer camp and community.

P11 – Science Technology Engineering and Math in Interdisciplinary Indigenous DesignProf. Ralph Stern, Associate Prof. Dr. Marcella Eaton, University of Manitoba. Learn how landscaping, science, technology, ecology, math, architecture and art combine to help plan indoor and outdoor spaces and include creative learning potential, Indigenous philosophy, balance, and environmental stewardship. The work presented highlights the importance of design both as a potential career path and in addressing complex issues in a holistic framework.

P12: Indigenous Youth LeadershipCorey Kapilik, LRSD Through mentorship, youth leadership groups, and other leadership opportunities, students gain a better understanding of who they are and what potential they can achieve. Also, their voice brings a greater understanding of Indigenous perspectives, issues, and reconciliation for ALL students. We use the Circle of Courage as a model for youth development and success.

P13: Working with the Mirror in Emotional ReactivityJennifer Oborne Crolly, Teacher, CBTPAll of Life is a mirror…what we admire in others, what we detest or fear, and what we seek to destroy all stem from stories held hidden on the inside. In a political world where we often point fingers and see ‘The Other’ as problematic, a conceptual Four Directions walk helps empower an alternative to a state of emotional reactivity. In revealing and attending to these stories using language, body response and imagery, this pathway offers an inspiring tool for personal transformation and cultivating peace.

P14: How to Start a Cleansing CirclePahan Pte San Win, Bear Paw TipiLearn the benefits and methods of setting up a Cleansing Circle with sacred medicines for daily focusing, calming and preparation for learning. P15: Land Based Education – This is not a Field TripHeather Cook, Charity Cooper, Kathleen Kelson, Mystery Lake School DivisionThis workshop will demonstrate how to effectively use Land Based Education as a tool for teaching elementary and middle years students, in and outside the classroom. Geared towards achieving Manitoba curriculum outcomes and with a First Nations perspective, lessons and interactive activities will be held outdoors to provide a fulfilling land based experience.

P16: cancelled

P17: Learning about the Land: Pictures and Stories we learn from the Land Written in StoneRichelle Scott, Early Years Indigenous Lead, SJSDManitou Ahbee is a sacred place known as the Bannock Point Petroforms. Using the Grandfather and Grandmother rocks, come and learn about this teaching place. We will build formations and talk about ways we could incorporate these formations into our classrooms as writing and sketching opportunities.

2:15 p.m. Break 2:30 p.m. K2 Keynote, The Earth is our Future: Keynote Youth Panel moderated by Niigaan Sinclair. Panelists include Tasha Spillett, Kevin Settee, Sadie Phoenix-Lavoie, Tye McIvor, Tatiana Schwenzer

Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair is a Professor of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba and former teacher. He is the co-editor of the award-winning Manitowapow: Aboriginal Writings from the Land of Water and Centering Anishinaabeg Studies: Understanding the World Through Stories.  He is a regular commentator on Indigenous issues on CTV, CBC, and APTN, and his written work can be found in the pages of The Exile Edition of Native Canadian Fiction and Drama, newspapers like The Guardian, and online with CBC Books: Canada Writes.

Tye McIvor is a Cree/Metis/Irish graduate of West Kildonan Collegiate. In the Sustainable Living Academy Manitoba (SLAM) he explored sustainability, social justice, environmental conservation and culture and completed internships in sustainable living.

Sadie-Phoenix Lavoie is co-founder of Red Rising Magazine and speaks passionately about Standing Rock and other environmental concerns. As Vice-President External Affairs on the University of Winnipeg Student Association, and the National Aboriginal Caucus she lobbied the federal government on Indigenous student issues. As a teen she got involved with Idle No More, and more recently was a spokesperson for Winnipeg Indigenous Rock the Vote. She also organizes with the Indigenous 2 Spirited Council at the Circle of Life Thunderbird House.

Kevin Settee is an advocate for the environment, culture and language through Red Rising Magazine, Thunderbird House and other organizations. As the first Indigenous President of the University of Winnipeg Students Association he was able to convince the University of Winnipeg to require all students to take an Indigenous Studies class before graduation.

Tatiana Schwenzer is an Ojibway-German grade 12 student at West Kildonan Collegiate. With SLAM she was part of a National Climate Change Project through Greenlearning.ca, where students reduced food waste, and started a school composting program. Through virtual town halls, she shared this project with other Canadian students and made recommendations to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.

Tasha Spillett is a Cree/Trinidadian woman with a Masters degree in Indigenous Land-Based Education. She teaches for both University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg (Faculty of Education). Tasha infuses cultural knowledge into her teaching methodology to strengthen cultural identity of Indigenous students, while building relationships between all communities.

3:30 p.m. Raffle Prizes and Closing - Gymnasium