12th Annual Matawa Education Conference – Language & Wellness, Honouring Our Way of Life

Matawa (Education), in partnership with Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education (KOBE) hosted the 12th Annual Matawa Education Conference from March 5 – 7, 2019 in the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation, part of the Ojibwe Nation in Canada. The theme in the Ojibwe language was: 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).

Teachers, staff and others involved in community schools/education from Matawa and KOBE were engaged in workshops together as excellent opportunities to create meaningful connections, share their successes and celebrate their learning experiences. The focus of the conference was on building positive relationships with students in order to support their learning. Professional learning opportunities was 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 included 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 also took place.

Matawa is proud supporter of the International Year of Indigenous Languages and is working with many partners in this event to acknowledge the year.