Manitoba Metis Federation

Minister: Leah LaPlante

The Provincial Education Portfolio, under the direction of the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) Education Minister, supports issues and initiatives at the local, provincial and national levels. One of the local issues dealt with this year includes the potential school closure in St. Eustache. The Education Portfolio supports and enhances the work being done by an MMF affiliate, the Louis Riel Institute (LRI), which gives feedback on provincial curriculum, provides cultural programming and supports grants and bursaries for post-secondary studies. One of the provincial education programs that the MMF has been actively supporting at the kindergarten to Grade 12 level is the Standing Tall Program.

Standing Tall Program

This education initiative, which supports Metis students and builds capacity in our communities, has been very successful. In fact, at our last Annual General Assembly, Premier Gary Doer made a commitment to continue the support of the project. The pilot project was extended, with the MMF receiving an additional year of funding from the Winnipeg Partnership Agreement for the two existing sites in Winnipeg. A variety of workshops were held for the existing Standing Tall staff, including a reading and book signing by Metis author Maria Campbell.

An external analysis of the program was completed to evaluate its success. Early indicators showed that expansion of the project would benefit a larger portion of Metis learners across Manitoba. These benefits are explained further in the Standing Tall Final Research Report, which is now available. To begin the expansion process, a new Provincial Coordinator was hired in May, and her first role was to take part in a planning retreat.

Click here to view Standing Tall brochure

Standing Tall Retreat

This retreat was held in May and provided an opportunity for several MMF leaders and staff, including members of the LRI and Tripartite Self-Government Negotiations, to create a strategic plan. The 18-month plan outlines an expansion of the project across Manitoba. The plan was unveiled at the MMF board meeting in June 2009 and an advisory committee announced. A Standing Tall working group has been established with key people and departments within the MMF. A Standing Tall Program package is also being developed and will include a variety of resources, such as a training manual and recruitment strategy. Updates will be provided as plans develop.

MMF Education Policy

One of the new initiatives of the MMF Provincial Education Portfolio is the creation of an Education Policy. Currently, work is being done to explore the future direction of education at the MMF. This work includes an assessment of the current situation, the identification of overlaps and gaps in current services and the development of a position paper. Input is being derived from the Metis National Council’s special report on Metis education to the Summit on Aboriginal Education, as well as collaboration with other consultants and departments within the MMF. A draft policy is in development.

MMF Recognition in Education

Another initiative that resulted from the spring retreat was the development of the MMF Recognition in Education Award. This award will be given annually to an individual who has contributed to Metis education in Manitoba.