MATAWA EDUCATION HOST 12TH ANNUAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE
THUNDER BAY, ON: Matawa Education, in partnership with Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education (KOBE) will host the 12th Annual Matawa Education Conference from March 5 – 7 this week at the Valhalla Inn in the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation. The theme is: Gi-chi-inen-da-gon ga-ishi pi-matisi-yang Ish-shii-kii-shi-wey-win Kaayay Mino-pii-ma-tii-si-win (Language and Wellness: Honoring our Way of Life). It is registered as an event of the United Nations 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages.
Teachers, staff and others involved in community schools/education from Matawa and KOBE will engage in workshops together as excellent opportunities to create meaningful connections, share their successes and celebrate their learning experiences. The focus of the conference is on building positive relationships with students in order to support their learning. Professional learning opportunities will be provided through 70 workshops in the areas of: cultural curriculum, assessment and evaluation, early learning, First Nation language/immersion programing, anti-bullying, technology, teaching strategies for literacy and numeracy, mental health, child development, nutrition, language revitalization, and first aid training—amongst others.
Highlights of the conference include 3 keynote addresses, one on each day, including from His Excellency Mr. Daniel Mellsop, the New Zealand High Commissioner; Niigaanwewidam Sinclair, Associate Professor with the University of Manitoba, and; co-authors of ‘The Third Path’ Lori Carson and Dr. David Tranter, Associate Professor with Lakehead University. A panel discussion on the topic of Innovative Methods involving a number of Matawa schools and the YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada Program will also take place on March 5 in the afternoon.
Members of the media are cordially invited to attend the opening ceremonies (agenda attached).
Date: Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Location: Valhalla Inn Ballroom, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Time: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
For more information, please contact Carol Audet, Communications Manager – Matawa First Nations Management at (807) 632-9663 or by email at caudet@matawa.on.ca