Wetutoskimetowin eNEWSLETTER

Saturday, December 21, 2024 is the first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest day and longest night of the year. For First Nations cultures, the winter solstice is a time to reflect on and thank the ancestors, share stories, and set intentions in preparation for the year ahead. It’s also a time to recognize life’s interconnectedness—with each other, Mother Earth, and the spirit world. Enjoy your winter break! See you in the new year!

Featured Teaching Resource

This student worksheet outlines the steps for students to create a territorial acknowledgement statement for an assigned Canadian city. Click the document to access. To learn more, read the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba's newest Land Acknowledgement Guide.

For more teaching and learning resources, click below.

Click Here

Treaty Sleuthing: Spaces + Places

First Nations quarried red ochre/hematite from Red Cliff on Black Island. This mineral deposit was a valuable resource for ceremonies, as the red rock was crushed to make to make pigment for body decorations and rock paintings. Black Island, located across from Hollow Water First Nation, is a three-hour drive north of Winnipeg on the East side of Lake Winnipeg. It remains an important ceremonial site.

Want to learn more about Treaty-significant sites?

Click Here

Treaty Terminology

Treaty Turning Points

What’s a turning point in history? It is a moment or event that significantly changes the course of history. Turning points can have broad scopes and far-reaching implications. They also can be local and their asssociated changes can be incremental.

At the heart of Treaties is relationships. Treaty turning points are those that result in a change in the relationship between First Nations and their Treaty partner, which includes not only the Crown, but all Canadians.

Each month the Treaty Education team will feature a Treaty turning point in history. This month the turning point centres on Treaty 1 Flag.

Click the document to preview.

Click Here to Download

We are incredibly honoured that the Agowiidiwinan Centre is included as a must-visit destination in the newly published book “111 Places in Winnipeg You Must Not Miss” by Donna Janke, with stunning photography by Gindalee Ouskun. We are so pleased to be featured alongside so many amazing spots in this vibrant city! Please check out the 111 Places Challenge.

Check out our new video Spirit of the Land and Water in Nawakwe, centred in Riding Mountain National Park/Clear Lake and featuring Treaty Commissioner Loretta Ross with Elders Harry Bone and Dennis White Bird.

Treaty Education Training, 2024 - 2025

TRCM is handling all registrations. Participants can register by clicking the link below.

Jan. 16 & 17: Flin Flon SD [IP]

Jan. 23 & 24: Open Regional #2 [V]

Jan. 31: Swan Valley SD, Day 2 [IP]

Feb. 10: Seine River SD [CT-led]

Feb. 10: Beautiful Plains SD [IP]

IP = In-person; V = Virtual;

CT = Catalyst Teacher

Feb. 14: MB Catholic Schools [IP]

Feb. 28: Mountain View SD, Day 2 [IP]

April 11: MB Catholic Schools [IP]

April 24 & 25: UW Collegiate [IP]

May 1 & 2: Independent Schools [V]

Aug. 20 & 21: Summer Institute [IP]

Email us to find out more.

Click Here to register.

Treaty Ed In-School Support Team

Our In-School Support Team is here to help! We can support you in the classroom in-person or virtually. We offer:

Co-teaching Treaty Education lessons.
Help in implementing Treaty Education Kit resources.
Tips on incorporating local Treaty history.
Support for PLCs and staff professional development.
We also offer French language support for Immersion and French classes. Make sure to note that you would like our French-speaking In-School Support teacher when you book.

Click Here to book In-School Support