Welcome to the Indigenous Excellence website. Indigenous Excellence provides leadership and co-ordination for departmental initiatives in Indigenous education and training. Indigenous Excellence operates from within Education and Early Childhood Learning. The primary role of Indigenous Excellence is in research, policy development and strategic initiatives. This is accomplished in the spirit of cooperation and consultation with many groups and individuals, such as school administrators, educators, students, parents, Indigenous and community organizations and other government departments. Indigenous Excellence works in partnership with First Nations communities and organization in Manitoba. Indigenous Excellence’s lead work is supported by the guidance of two advisory councils from the Indigenous community.

Circle Graphic

Indigenous Excellence has developed a graphic that represents an authentic Indigenous perspective.

Truth and Reconciliation Week and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On September 29, early learning and child care providers and schools in Manitoba are encouraged to take time to think about, learn about, honour, and remember those who attended residential schools and those who did not come home.

Facing difficult truths helps us on our paths toward Truth and Reconciliation.

For further information visit: Truth and Reconciliation Week and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30

Mamàhtawisiwin: The Wonder We Are Born With – An Indigenous Education Policy Framework

What's New

On April 28, 2022, the Manitoba government launched Mamàhtawisiwin: The Wonder We Are Born With – An Indigenous Education Policy Framework and announced the provincial-wide expansion of the Elders and Knowledge Keepers in Schools Initiative.

Mamàhtawisiwin supports the holistic achievements of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners by helping Manitoba educators to incorporate Indigenous languages, cultures, and identities into their teaching and practices, setting Indigenous students up for success in school and beyond.

Figure 1. Niji Mahkwa Circle of Nations. Painting by Fred Beardy. Teaching and colours provided by Fred Beardy and Elder Myra Laramee. Used with permission.

Figure 1. Niji Mahkwa Circle of Nations. Painting by Fred Beardy. Teaching and colours provided by Fred Beardy and Elder Myra Laramee. Used with permission.

Next Steps

  • Distributing the Mamàhtawisiwin Supplement: Tools for Self Reflection, Planning and Reporting.
  • Launching orientation sessions for Manitoba Association of School Superintendents, Council Of School Leaders, Educational Organizations, community partners, and in partnership with the Manitoba Rural Learning Consortium training for teachers, Indigenous divisional leaders, and Superintendents.
  • Expanding the Elders and Knowledge Keepers in Schools Initiative to all school divisions including hosting a symposium.
  • Releasing provincial guidelines for school divisions/schools to support engagement with Elders and Knowledge Keepers in schools.