Council for Indigenous Education in Manitoba MTS PD Day
October 23, 2026
Healing Relationships with and through Land
Viscount Gort Hotel – 1670 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Program
9:00: Arrival, Optional Smudge, Registration
9:30: Welcome and Opening Prayer
9:45: Keynote Presentation
11:45: Break
12:00: Lunch and AGM
1:00: Networking Time and Resource Fair
1:30: Afternoon Sessions
2:30: Closing and Door Prize Draws
Morning Keynote
Elder Allen Sutherland is an Anishinaabek Historian, Knowledge Keeper, and Healer. Allen Sutherland, also known by his spirit name Waabshkii Masinazoot Michtaatim (White Spotted Horse), of the Bizhiw Doodem (Lynx Clan), Anishinaabe, and member of Skownan First Nation, Treaty 2 Territory.
Allen is an esteemed Anishinaabe Elder, Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Healer, and Historian whose work in the public has made a generational difference in Canada. Allen’s strong Anishinaabek roots run deep and always present, leaving him in the unique position of being a connection between both Traditional and Contemporary World. Allen had the opportunity of working within First Nations, Federal and Provincial Governments, including grassroots community work for over 30 years. Allen provides facilitation and training where he is often a sought-after resources person on the history and culture of the Anishinaabe of Turtle Island. He is well known for his creation of the Canadian Indigenous Timeline Posters and the Red River de Metis posters. Allen is living out his life purpose as Anishinaabek Historian, Traditional Knowledge Keeper and as a Healer with his growing healing bundles. llen is currently the Knowledge Keeper East of 2 Child & Family Service Agencies with Treaty 2 Territory. Allen is the Lodge Keeper of his Ginew Healing Lodge, and lives in Treaty 1 Territory, Cooks Creek, Manitoba.
Breakout Sessions
| Session A1: Land-based Education Presenter(s): Peguis Land Consultation Royal AB Room (75 maximum) We provide year-round Land-Based Education programs for schools, communities, and organizations seeking meaningful learning experiences grounded in Indigenous knowledge, traditional arts, and relationships with the land. Our teachings follow the seasonal cycles, recognizing that each season brings unique opportunities to learn about local plants, animals, waterways, weather, and cultural practices connected to the territory. Our team brings generations of lived experience on the land through hunting, trapping, fishing, gathering, hide work, and traditional skills. We offer workshops for all ages, from preschool children to adults, and work closely with local Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural teachers to ensure teachings remain community-centered, respectful, and practical. Our goal is to support the revitalization and continued practice of Indigenous cultural knowledge. |
| Session A2: Dog Sledding Presenter(s): Unique Adventures Shanna and Matt Royal C Room (40 maximum) Unique Adventures is a Metis-run outdoor adventure business located just 40 minutes south of Winnipeg in beautiful St. Malo, Manitoba. Founded by Metis musher Matthew Legal, who has over 10 years of experience working with world champion mushers, the business started after COVID-19 halted sled dog races. To keep his sled dogs active, Matthew began offering rides for friends and family, eventually turning his passion into a business. Joined by his partner, Shanna, who also became a musher and business owner, they now offer a variety of mushing excursions, from guided sled rides to self-driving experiences. Unique Adventures also travels to winter festivals and remote communities, providing sled rides for hundreds of guests. Future plans include expanding to summer dune buggy excursions and offering kennel tours, with hopes to add a warm-up hut, fire pits, and a puppy petting area. |
| Session A3: Spirit North Presenter(s): Spirit North Viscount A Room (40 maximum) Spirit North connects Indigenous youth to sport, play, the outdoors and the land. Through these connections, children are empowered to learn, grow, thrive and contribute to the health, strength and vibrancy of their communities. Spirit North transforms the lives of Indigenous youth. By inviting them to discover their strengths through sport and play, we help youth find the courage to take on any challenge, develop leadership skills, improve their health and wellness, discover new talents and unlock their limitless potential. |
| Session A4: Ecology and the Environment Presenter(s): Taylor Galvin Viscount B Room (40 maximum) Taylor Galvin Ozaawi Mashkode-Bizhiki from Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (Manitoba). Galvin’s work blends Indigenous science, sturgeon conservation, and youth mentorship. She serves as the Brokenhead Wetland Ecological Reserve Chair and is the community coordinator for an Indigenous-led environmental monitoring project in Tataskweyak Cree Nation. Her Master’s thesis at the University of Manitoba explores lake sturgeon conservation through Indigenous science and storytelling. |
| Session A5: Minwahkotowin Presenter(s): Demien Lawrenchuk Hanover Room (35 maximum) Demian Lawrenchu is an Inniniw educator, speaker, and foundr of Mino Wahkotowin Indigenous Development Corp. Through his work with schools, youth-serving organizations, and community partners across Manitoba, he develops and delivers Indigenous education programs focused on identity, leadership, land-based learning, and cultural connection. Grounded in over a decade of learning alongside Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders, Demian’s work bridges traditional knowledge and contemporary education. He is the creator of programs including The Sweetgrass Road and The Warrior’s Path, which engage youth through storytelling, land-based experiences, reflection, leadership development, and hands-on learning. Demian is a 2024-2026 NDN Collective Changemaker Fellow and has facilitated learning experiences for educators, school divisions, leadership teams, and community organizations across the province. His work focuses on helping young people strengthen their sense of identity, belonging, responsibility, and purpose while supporting educators in creating meaningful and sustainable Indigenous learning experiences. His vision is to help build Indigenous education systems that foster intergenerational health, wisdom, leadership, and strong relationships for future generations. |
| Session A6: Painted Horse Ranch Presenter(s): Jake Shingoose Kensington Room (35 maximum) Painted Horse Ranch is a land-based learning and wellness organization located on 132 acres of boreal forest just east of Winnipeg, offering transformative experiences rooted in Indigenous knowledge and connection to the land. Through Anishinaabe land-based learning, Indigenized equine-assisted programming, and Indigenous awareness training, the Ranch creates space for healing, personal growth, and cultural understanding. Grounded in Indigenous beliefs and practices, its programs are designed to foster deeper relationships with self, community, and the natural world, supporting individuals and groups on journeys of discovery, connection, and reconciliation. |
| Session A7: Medicines Presenter(s): Rhonda Cook Windsor Room (35 maximum) Join Rhonda Cook for a powerful and grounded session that explores the role of land-based practices, cultural teachings, and language revitalization in healing and wellness. Drawing on extensive experience as a Cultural Worker, Educational Assistant, and Land-Based Culture Mentor, Rhonda shares practical approaches to reconnecting individuals and communities with traditional ways of knowing. This session highlights the importance of Indigenous cultural identity in supporting addiction recovery, mental wellness, and community resilience. Participants will learn how seasonal land-based activities, traditional teachings, and the Nehiyaw language can foster belonging, strengthen identity, and support holistic healing. Rhonda brings lived experience, over 30 years of sobriety, and a deep commitment to cultural revitalization. Through storytelling and real-world examples, this session offers practical insights for educators, health workers, and community leaders looking to incorporate culturally grounded approaches into their work. |
Walks-ins are welcome, until we reach our maximum allowed capacity. Thank you for understanding.
The Manitoba Teachers’ Society
191 Harcourt Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3J 3H2
Phone: (204) 888-7961