Aboriginal Education Research Forum 2018
Greetings and Welcome
On behalf of all the staff at the Indigenous Inclusion Directorate and the Aboriginal Education Research Forum Planning Committee. Welcome. Aniin, Tansi, Boozhoo, kakina awiya, Elders, presenters, delegates and volunteers to the 14th annual Shawane Dagosiwin or Aboriginal Education Research Forum. This year we have the pleasure of co-hosting Ongomiiziwin Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Bannatyne Campus, University of Manitoba on May 14 & 15, 2018. Our theme of this fourteenth year is “Health and Education research as interconnected paradigms for Indigenous Wellness: Cultural safety, relevancy and bridging for reconciliation” which will guide the 2018 agenda.
Manitoba is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Dakota, Dene, Ininew (Cree), Métis and Oji-Cree. We hope you enjoy your stay and renew acquaintances and friendships with colleagues, friends and family and make some new ones too. It is Manitoba’s privilege to host this Forum, which is rich in the knowledge and wisdom that our Elders from Manitoba and other Nations share with us every year.
A big thank you goes out to the Planning Committee, whose members work collaboratively and diligently throughout the year to bring you this eventful gathering. Their efforts are truly appreciated. Also, we would like to acknowledge the special contribution of our conference volunteers and elders; Susan Swan of Planners Plus, Inc. for all her tremendous hard work; and to the wonderful staff at the Ongomiiziwin Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences – University of Manitoba who provide a truly wonderful assembly space.
Shawane Dagosiwin would not be possible without the financial and in-kind support of our esteemed sponsors. University College of the North; University of Manitoba; United Way of Winnipeg; Manitoba Métis Federation, Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Center; Seven Oaks School Division; Brandon University; University of Winnipeg; Manitoba School Boards Association and Manitoba Education and Training.
Thank you to all our sponsors who contributed in so many ways and to the many staff, volunteers and friends who go that extra mile to make Shawane Dagosiwin a success for all!
To the Creator, thank you for gathering us here safely. Thank you for bringing us together and giving us the self-determination and liberty to join our voices together for the goodness and growth of our communities. Thank you for opening our minds and giving us the ability to think individually and as a collective and ask that our thoughts are pure so we are able to create new meaning, purpose and growth for ourselves, our families our communities and nations.
Helen Robinson-Settee and Staff at the Indigenous Inclusion Directorate, the Aboriginal Education Research Forum Planning Committee and the Ongomiiziwin Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.