Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre

In 2012, a resolution from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs mandated the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC) to offer similar services as those in a provincial education system, including services for teachers (e.g. professional development or pedagogical support) while also continuing their work on developing other enhanced education systems for First Nations.

The establishment of the Manitoba First Nations School System (MFNSS) is the result of efforts by Manitoba First Nations to address the needs of First Nations students. The MFNSS formerly known as the Partnership Transition Initiative (PTI), is a First Nations-led initiative to create a new culturally relevant, high-quality education system. The purpose of the MFNSS is to establish a strong system that will support First Nations schools, improve the quality and relevance of education, improve academic standards, and improve student outcomes, including retention, completion and graduation rates.

The school system is the result of the Education Governance Agreement that was reached in December 2016, through a collaborative approach between the participating First Nations, the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre and the Government of Canada.  This agreement is an example of the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation through a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.

The agreement is consistent with the Truth and Reconciliation of Canada’s Calls to Action for:

-Improved levels of education funding
-Support for language programming
-Funding to support the improvement of student achievement rates
-Development of culturally-appropriate curricula
-Support for parental involvement

The agreement reflects aspects of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by supporting the development of a new school system under First Nations management and control; for example:

-Article 14.1. Right to establish and control educational systems and institutions providing education in their own languages in a manner appropriate to their cultural methods of teaching and learning.
-Article 15.1. Right to the dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories and aspirations which shall be appropriately reflected in education.
New Manitoba First Nations School System

New Manitoba First Nations School System

The Manitoba First Nations School System administers and manages elementary and secondary education programs and services for those First Nations participating. It is the first of its kind in Canada – a First Nations-designed school system, with funding comparable to provincial school divisions. The Education Governance Agreement will enable the MFNSS to provide education programming and supports over 1,700 First Nations students in Manitoba. Other First Nations may choose to join the system in the future.

The participating First Nations are:

-Bloodvein First Nation;
-Brokenhead Ojibway Nation;
-Dakota Plains Wahpeton First Nation;
-Fox Lake Cree Nation;
-Keeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation;
-Lake Manitoba First Nation;
-Lake St-Martin First Nation;
-Pinaymootang First Nation;
-Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, and;
-York Factory Cree First Nation.

Expected benefits of participating in the MFNSS include:

-More predictable, stable and sustainable funding to enable long-term planning;
-Enhanced quality of education;
-Competitive salaries for education staff – principals, teachers, other staff;
-More funding for school resources and ensuring that schools meet health and safety standards;
-More curriculum development/adaptation to meet the needs of First Nations learners; and
-Supports for high school students to meet their academic goals.