student holding a diploma Mamàhtawisiwin: Indigenous Education Policy Framework

Implement Mamàhtawisiwin: The Wonder We Are Born With—An Indigenous Education Policy Framework in partnership with the Indigenous Inclusion Directorate Advisory Council

What's New

On April 28, 2022, the Manitoba government launched Mamàhtawisiwin: The Wonder We Are Born With – An Indigenous Education Policy Framework. This is a provincial policy directive and conceptual framework that supports the holistic achievements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners by assisting Manitoba educators in incorporating Indigenous pedagogy, languages, and cultures into their teaching and practices. Orientation sessions have been held with the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents, Council of School Leaders, and the Manitoba Teachers’ Society to advance implementation of the Mamàhtawisiwin policy framework.


The Commitment

Mamàhtawisiwin includes principles to guide actions at all levels in the Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system and lays the foundation for an Indigenous-inclusive education system, articulated through four policy directions:

  • Authentic involvement
  • Putting students at the centre
  • Understanding world views, values, identities, traditions, and contemporary lifestyles
  • Inclusive and culturally safe learning environments

What This Means for Manitobans

Manitoba students and parents will see increased focus on engagement of students through authentic connection with families, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers. In engaging with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, there will be a growing focus on mental health and well-being at school, as students and families are encouraged to work with a good heart and mind for learning and relationship building.

Putting students at the centre will allow educators and families to highlight student strengths and to build on those strengths, while supporting literacy and numeracy with Indigenous perspectives at all levels. Being student-centred demonstrates respect for students and families, and acknowledges the diverse needs for understanding worldviews, values, identities, traditions, and contemporary lifestyles in a culturally safe way.

This framework outlines guiding principles, strategies, and actions for closing achievement gaps and realizing improved learning outcomes, not only for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit learners but also for all students in Manitoba.


Next Steps

  • Orientation sessions will continue to be held with stakeholders to advance implementation of the Mamàhtawisiwin policy framework.
  • In partnership with the Manitoba Rural Learning Consortium, training for teachers, Indigenous divisional leaders, and superintendents will occur.
  • A self-reflection tool will be released in December 2022 to inform continuous improvement planning across all school divisions.

To view the full document, please visit Mamàhtawisiwin: The Wonder We Are Born With.

Advisory Bodies: Indigenous Inclusion Directorate Advisory Council

News Releases