Booklet

Event Program
EVENT PROGRAM
STUDENT WELL BEING:
Balancing of the Heart, Mind, Body, and Spirit

Student Well-Being:
Balancing of the Heart, Mind,
Body, and Spirit
MFNERC is proud to present this year’s Lighting the Fire Conference on May 19-21, 2021 which
will be held virtually. This year’s theme is Student Well-Being: Balancing of the Heart, Mind, Body,
and Spirit.
For students to succeed in school, community and life, it is their parents, family and community
leaders who guide them as their role models. Educators, whether it be a teacher, educational
assistant, or language teacher, can create profound experiences in the lives of our students. First
Nations youth thrive when there is a grounded connection with their family, school, community
and territory. Cultural identity is further strengthened with traditional activities whether it’s
learning on the land or from the Elders in the home or classroom.
The spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being of our children needs to be in
balance. The First Nations’ ways of healing and growing is a holistic approach, always considering
these four relationships. Daily practices of gratitude are one of the foundations of the First
Nations way of life and reclaiming and honouring our student’s well-being today will make for
healthy nations into the 21st Century and beyond.
This year’s professional development sessions will focus on three streams: Language & Culture,
Recovery Learning, and Student Wellness. Keeping in mind, the emotional, intellectual, physical
and spiritual aspects reflecting a healthy balance for one’s life as we consider the coming of the
new school year and how schools and First Nations may be moving forward.
@mfnerc
Welcome
Greetings to all Lighting the Fire Conference Delegates!
With great pleasure, I welcome you to the 2021 Lighting the Fire Virtual Event. As the
first of its kind, I am hopeful it will be a fulfilling and unique experience for each of you.
This past year has been a rare and challenging experience for everyone. Not only for
us as individuals but as educators, family, and community members. This year’s theme,
“Student Well-Being: Balancing of the Heart, Mind, Body, and Spirit,” reflects the need
for the spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being of our children to be in
balance.
Ensuring the use of community resources in languages and cultures is groundbreaking
work and is a responsibility inherent in what we all strive for in education. This focus on Traditional Knowledge
is the direction our Elders and First Nations leadership gave us early in the formation of MFNERC, as stated in the
MFNERC Vision: “Support First Nations to develop and implement a comprehensive holistic educational system inclusive
of First Nations languages, world views, values, beliefs and traditions with exemplary academic standards, under First
Nation jurisdiction.”
This year’s professional development sessions will focus on three streams: Language & Culture, Recovery Learning, and
Student Wellness. We will keep in mind the emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual aspects reflecting a healthy
balance for one’s life as we consider the coming of the new school year and how schools and First Nations may be
moving forward.
This online gathering will provide educators, educational leadership, classroom teachers, and parents from the
community the opportunity to see, understand, and experience what MFNERC staff have been developing and working
on in these new ways by ensuring students’ wellness is first and foremost. Workshops will differ from in-person sessions,
but MFNERC staff plans to make your participation informative, interactive, and fun. Keynote speakers, entertainment,
discussions, and opening ceremonies will make for as real of an event as possible!
MFNERC will continue to ensure accessibility, cooperation, and support to provide the best quality services for your
students, schools, and communities.
Miigwetch,
Charles Cochrane, Executive Director, MFNERC

Conference at a Glance
Keynote Speakers
Time
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Wednesday, May 19 Thursday, May 20
Friday, May 21
9:30 - 10:30
Opening Cermonies
Keynote Speaker Joshua
Whitehead
Opening Ceremonies
Keynote Speaker
Waneek Horn Miller
Opening Ceremonies
Keynote Speaker Tonia Jo
Hall & Joel Wood
10:30 - 10:45 Break
10:45 - 12:00 Keynote Speaker Recovery Learning Panel Sessions
12:00 - 1:00 Entertainment
1:00 - 2:15 Sessions
2:15 - 2:30 Break
Closing Ceremonies
2:30 - 3:45 Sessions
Master of Ceremonies
Tina Keeper
Joshua Whitehead Wednesday, May 19, 10:45am – 12:00pm CST
Joshua Whitehead (he/him) is a Two-Spirit, Oji-nêhiyaw
member of Peguis First Nation (Treaty 1) and an awardwinning
author, activist, and scholar. He is currently a PhD
candidate, lecturer, and Killam scholar at the University
of Calgary, where he studies Indigenous literatures
and cultures with a focus on gender and sexuality.
His dissertation, tentatively titled “Feral Fatalisms,” is
a hybrid narrative of theory, essay, and non-fiction
that interrogates the role of “ferality” inherent within
Indigenous ways of being (with a strong focus on
nêhiyawewin).
Whitehead is the author of full-metal indigiqueer (Talonbooks, 2017), which was shortlisted for an inaugural
Indigenous Voices Award and the Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry. He is also the author of Jonny Appleseed
(Arsenal Pulp Press, 2018), which was longlisted for the Giller Prize; shortlisted for an Indigenous Voices Award, the
Governor General’s Literary Award, the Amazon Canada First Novel Award, and the Carol Shields Winnipeg Book
Award; and won the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Fiction, the Georges Bugnet Award for Fiction, and CBC’s Canada
Reads 2021.
Whitehead is currently working on a third manuscript titled Making Love with the Land to be published with Knopf
Canada, which explores the intersections of Indigeneity, queerness, and, most prominently, mental health through
a nêhiyaw lens. Currently, Whitehead is premiering his newly edited anthology Love after the End: An Anthology of
Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Speculative Fiction. You can find his work published widely in such venues as Prairie Fire,
CV2, EVENT, Arc Poetry Magazine, The Fiddlehead, Grain, CNQ, Write, and Red Rising Magazine.
https://www.joshuawhitehead.ca
Tina Keeper is a Cree arts producer, award-winning actor, and former member of
Parliament. She is best known for her work on the hit television series North of 60. In
2010, Tina partnered with Buffalo Gal Pictures to create Kistikan Pictures, a film and
television production company that produces Indigenous content. Tina has produced
two feature films and a television drama series, and she co-produced a ballet with the
Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Kistikan Pictures currently has five TV series and a feature film
in development. Tina is a kokum and a mother, and she is a member of Norway House
Cree Nation.

Keynote Speakers
Entertainment
Waneek Horn-Miller Thursday, May 20, 9:30-10:30am CST
Wednesday, May 19 at 12:00 - 1:00pm CST
The journey of Waneek Horn-Miller does not begin and end with being
an Olympic water polo athlete. A Mohawk from the Kahnawake Mohawk
Territory near Montreal, Waneek was behind the lines during the Oka Crisis
in 1990 when a Canadian soldier stabbed her with a bayonet. It was a
near-death experience that marked a turning point in her life. Waneek has
overcome discrimination and violence to emerge as one of North America’s
most inspiring female Indigenous speakers, facilitators, and advocates with a
compelling perspective and dynamic stories to share.
Her presentations aim at bridging the gap and repairing relationships
between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. While she recently
stepped down from her role for the MMIWG Inquiry to focus on her family,
she supports the goal of the Inquiry and advocates on Indigenous issues in
other ways to help build healthy and prosperous communities.
Thursday, May 20 at 12:00 - 1:00pm CST
Waneek is an advocate for building Indigenous sport and has worked with the Assembly of First Nations to develop
their sport, fitness, and health strategy. Drawing on her experiences as the former co-captain of Canada’s Olympic
women’s water polo team, Waneek shares her story and teaches how to build self-esteem through a balance of
education and sport. Waneek travels extensively from border to border, speaking to Indigenous and non-Indigenous
audiences on reconciliation, sport, and why we all must strive for our dreams.
Tonia Jo Hall & Joel Wood Friday, May 21, 9:30-10:30am CST
Tonia Jo Hall (Lakota/Hidatsa, Fort Yates, ND, US) is a comedian most
notably known for her comedic character, Auntie Beachress. Joel Wood
(Cree, Maskwacîs, AB, CA) is a member of the nine-time Grammynominated
powwow drum group Northern Cree. Joel will share about
his travels across powwow country and beyond. “Our goal is to bring
healing through laughter, prayer, and song.”
Friday, May 21 at 12:00 - 1:00pm CST

Session Descriptions
This year’s conference sessions will focus on three streams: Language & Culture (LC), Recovery Learning (RL), and
Student Wellness (SW). Each session below has been organized under which stream it will touch on
Languages and Culture (LC)
May 19- 2:30-3:45
B4-LC- Respecting Traditional Languages and Community Dialects –
Supporting Language and Literacy for Our Students
Presenters: Rina Urish, Kelly Ring-Whiklo, MFNERC
Audience: Teachers, resource teachers, school administrators, parents, caregivers, and school staff
First Nations English Dialects (FNED) are as unique and numerous as the First Nations in which they developed.
Dialects are valuable versions of a language. Participants of this workshop will learn:
• The importance of FNED for students’ academics and identity
• How teachers can support language, literacy, and the use of FNED in their
schools and First Nations
• Strategies for supporting language and literacy for students
May 20– 1:00-2:15
C2-LC- Activating a First Nations Approach to Teacher Education
Presenters: Bobbi Pompana, Dr. Betty Lynxleg; Elder Shirley Myran, Elder Margaret Scott
Audience: Potential educators, educators, administrators, post-secondary directors, student funders, and leaders
Indian Control of Indian Education (ICIE) was grounded on the vision of Wahbung, Our Tomorrows, which initiated the
local-control school system in First Nations. Although a solid step forward for First Nations, the education of teachers
was never fully addressed, and teacher education programs developed for First Nations continue to be governed
and regulated outside of First Nations control. Yellowquill University College (YQUC) is the only First Nations higherlearning
institute in Manitoba that offers the First Nations Bachelor of Teaching (FNBT) degree program. Anyone who
is invested and interested in First Nations right to education and First Nations teacher education should attend this
workshop; it will inspire you. Participants can expect an overview of:
May 20- 1:00-2:15
C7-LC - Collective Approach to Language Revitalization
Presenters: Judy Doolittle, Agnes Carlson, MFNERC; Elder Shirley Roulette, Elder Lillian Lynxleg
Audience: All
Embedded in First Nations languages are teachings on ways of knowing, being, doing, and having a balanced way
of life. By introducing different methodologies while focusing on developing speaking skills (oral proficiency), the
presenters aim to explore ways to revitalize and maintain First Nations language acquisition for all levels of learners.
This workshop will present effective strategies and activities to link First Nations people and their languages.
Participants will have opportunities to share and learn from each other in networking sessions. The Elders’
perspectives will touch on the value of our ways through First Nations languages and language retainment.
May 20– 1:00-2:15
C6-LC- Land-Based Education
Presenters: Terry Stagg, Melloney Francois, Elder Mary Stagg
Audience: Land-based educators, teachers, students, and Elders
This workshop will connect land-based education with activities such as hunting, fishing, and gathering medicines.
The presenters will share information on how to prepare kill and turn it into a traditional meal. Through videos,
biographies, and an Elder interview, presenters will introduce participants to Lake Winnipeg and Dauphin River First
Nation, known to be rich in medicines, the fishing industry, hiking, tourism, hunting, etc.
May 19- 2:30-3:45
B1-LC- Four Sacred Medicines
Presenter: Gertrude Johnson, MFNERC
Audience: All
This workshop will provide participants with an introduction to the Four Sacred Medicines, tobacco, sage, cedar and
sweetgrass. The presenter will explain what the medicines can be used for, how to care for each of them, and will
demonstrate how to make a medicine bowl. This workshop capacity is limited to 15 people.
• The FNBT program and why it is critical to the First Nations local-controlled education
system
• The FNBT program and its intentions for delivery

May 21– 10:45-12:00
E2-LC- Indigenization: Language and Culture/Student Wellness
Presenters: Darlene Ross, Anna McGillivary, MFNERC; Elder Ida Bear and Elder Annie Boulanger
Audience: Students, teachers, First Nations members, and Elders
This workshop will share knowledge relative to the conference streams of Language & Culture, Recovery Learning, and
Student Wellness. We will explore topics such as: How to identify helpers and First Nations resources for addressing
problems associated with safety and well-being, What the roles and responsibilities of family are at different stages of
life. This workshop will share information about:
• How stories and visual text can be used in teaching
• Various ways of telling stories, including mythology, oral history, science, mathematics, and other disciplines
• The use of repetitive synchronizing of stories and knowledge
May 19- 1:00-2:15
A2-LC-Looking Forward: Family Engagement in our First Nations Schools
May 20- 2:30-3:45
D1-LC-Looking Forward: Family Engagement in our First Nations Schools
Presenters: Brenda Delorme and Bonnie Monias, MFNERC
Audience: Parents, Elders, teachers, and community partners
The workshop will facilitate conversations revisiting family engagement and its importance to the holistic
development of children. Workshop presenters will offer support and strategies to participants related directly to
this year’s conference themes: Language and Culture, Recovery Learning, and Student Wellness. The workshop will
emphasize that positive partnerships are built on trust and respect and are needed to ensure student well-being.
May 19- 2:30-3:45
B6-LC- Sayisi Dene Relocation and Resiliency
Presenters: Jessie Thomas, Diane Powderhorn, MFNERC; Knowledge Keeper Roger Thorassie
Audience: Teachers, administrators, First Nations members
The Sayisi Dene Relocation and Resiliency workshop will tell the story of the forced relocation of the Sayisi Dene
from their homeland of Duck Lake, MB, in 1956 to being dumped on the shores of Hudson Bay in Churchill, MB.
Participants will learn the historical background of the Sayisi Dene, the social and emotional impact of the relocation,
the intergenerational trauma that ensued, and the ongoing resiliency of the Sayisi Dene People. Roger Thorassie,
a Knowledge Keeper, will recount touching and humourous stories of how he survived life in Dene Village and
overcome many years of addiction to become the survivor he is today.
Recovery Learning (RL)
May 19- 1:00-2:15
A7-RL- Community Based Recovery- Learning Planning using PLCs
(Professional Learning Communities) and RTI (Response to Intervention)
Presenters: Margaret Hart, Charles Fontaine, MFNERC; Elder Ruth Norton
Audience: K-12 administrators and teachers
As we anticipate transitioning back to in-class learning and restoring school routines, many of us consider the
following: What can we focus on within the new normal? What are the potential challenges? How can we lessen
the now heightened learning gaps that existed before COVID- 19? This workshop will focus on Community-Based
Recovery-Learning Planning as a responsive process with adaptations and differentiation and will introduce
participants to the following:
How to use Professional Learning Communities (PLC) for schools to collaborate and how to enact proactive
approaches for students during this difficult time
Understanding Response to Intervention as an educational approach to instruction, assessment, and intervention
designed to provide effective, data-based interventions for all students
May 19- 1:00-2:15
A5-RL- Math Tool Kits & Routines K-6
Presenters: Virginia Birch, Pamela Courchene, and Chun Ong, MFNERC
Audience: K-6 teachers, educational assistants
Participants of this workshop will be provided a copy of the Math Tool Kits document and suggestions for routines.
The key to getting students’ mathematics education back on track over the new academic school year will be
working with them through calm, focused teaching and prioritizing the essential math topics, concepts, and skills to
reinforce key knowledge and ideas. The plan is to support student confidence and to build learning on strong math
foundations.
Math Tool Kits are an organizational item for math tools and manipulatives used regularly during mathematics
classes to support students when they solve problems or engage in math games. Math Tool Kits aim to select tools
readily available to support students’ thinking and learning as they develop skills such as reasoning, visualizing,
communicating, and making connections with mathematical concepts and their thinking.

May 20- 1:00-2:15
C1-RL- Math Tool Kits & Routines - Grades 7-12
Presenters: Virginia Birch, Pamela Courchene, and Chun Ong, MFNERC
Audience: 7-12 teachers, educational assistants
Participants of this workshop will be provided a copy of the Math Tool Kits document and suggestions for routines.
The key to getting students’ mathematics education back on track over the new academic school year will be
working with them through calm, focused teaching and prioritizing the essential math topics, concepts, and skills to
reinforce key knowledge and ideas. The plan is to support student confidence and to build learning on strong math
foundations.
Math Tool Kits are an organizational item for math tools and manipulatives used regularly during mathematics
classes to support students when they solve problems or engage in math games. Math Tool Kits aim to select tools
readily available to support students’ thinking and learning as they develop skills such as reasoning, visualizing,
communicating, and making connections with mathematical concepts and their thinking.
May 20- 1:00-2:15
C4-RL - Microsoft Teams for Business
May 21– 10:45-12:00
E7-RL- Microsoft Teams for Business
Presenters: Erik Reimann and Quincy Wai, MFNERC
Audience: Principals and school staff
Microsoft Teams for Business is a digital collaboration tool that builds bridges between educators and educational
technology. This workshop is designed for participants who currently have an organizational instance of Microsoft
Teams for Business and would like to know some general usage recommendations and valuable tips and tricks!
Topics will include Activity Tab, Chat, Calendar, Meetings, managing a team as an owner, sharing, collaborating, and
document management.
May 19- 2:30-3:45
B7-RL- Setting Students Up for Success: Recovery Learning Strategies
May 21– 10:45-12:00
E4-RL- Setting Students Up for Success: Recovery Learning Strategies
Presenters: Lindsey Fingland and Ali Jansen, MFNERC
Audience: Resource teachers, teachers, and educational assistants
Participants will review what the health profession of occupational therapy involves and how occupational therapists
can help with recovery learning using Response to Intervention (RTI). Participants will learn about self-regulation
and how COVID-19 has impacted students returning to school. Presenters will discuss classroom strategies for socialemotional
well-being and self-regulation. The development of these skills is necessary for all students to learn and
experience academic success. By focusing on the building blocks of academic skills, students can meet their academic
goals.
May 19- 2:30-3:45
B3-RL- What is the MFNERC Digital Learning Environment
Presenters: Deborah Tegg-Asidao, Don Monkman, and Gary Page, MFNERC
Audience: Focus on MFNERC partner schools teaching staff and administration
The Digital Learning Environment (DLE) is a flexible online-learning community that addresses student learning by
supporting First Nations educators’ capacity building. As MFNERC develops a new digital learning environment, we
need your expertise to help guide us. Learn about what digital tools are available to empower you as an educator.
May 19- 1:00-2:15
A3-RL- Wictowin - Strengthening Our Schools Through Recovery Learning
May 20- 2:30-3:45
D2-RL- Wictowin - Strengthening Our Schools Through Recovery Learning
Presenters: Donna Prince, Evannah Braun, MFNERC
Audience: School leaders, principals, and vice-principals
Recovery learning is a responsive process that will enable our First Nations teachers and students to transition back
into classroom learning. This responsive process can include assessments of learning, adaptation, and differentiation
coordinated collaboratively and intentionally for accelerated learning. This workshop focuses on the social-emotional
well-being of school staff and students, how to address student learning gaps, and how to build and sustain the
instructional capacity to accelerate student learning.

May 20- 2:30-3:45
D4-RL- Say Your Stories by Drawing
Presenter: Alberto Mansilla, MFNERC
Audience: Teachers
Studies have shown drawing taps into the visual, kinesthetic, and linguistics areas of the brain simultaneously. So,
information is processed in three different ways, establishing more connections and ensuring deeper learning.
Children draw to create, develop, communicate, and record their thoughts and ideas. Whether it’s to play or express
feelings and meaning, drawing enables them to learn about the world, explore their imaginations, and invent and
present new ideas.
A drawing aid, Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding. Attend this workshop to
learn about the program used by teachers, kids, hobbyists, and designers to imagine, design, and make anything.
Student Wellness (SW)
May 19- 2:30-3:45
B5-SW- Anyone Can Play! Movement Is Part of Every Student’s Well-Being
Presenters: Elan Chochinov, Katherine West, Knowledge Keeper Norbert Mercredi, MFNERC
Audience: Physical education teachers, school-age educators, Jordan’s Principle staff members
Students who participate in physical activity experience a balanced heart, body, mind, and spirit. The key to student
well-being is making participation accessible for everyone. This workshop will introduce participants to the history of
First Nations traditional games, the concept of accessibility, and opportunities for activity in Manitoba. Participants
will get an overview of the following:
• A First Nations perspective on the meaning and benefits of First Nations traditional games
• An introduction to accessible sport and the Special Olympics and opportunities
• An introduction to sledge hockey and the sledge hockey loan program through MFNERC
May 19- 2:30-3:45
B2-SW- Building Wellness During COVID-19
Presenters: Beverly Kithithee, Gabrielle Peterson, MFNERC
Audience: Educators and First Nations members
May 19- 1:00-2:15
A4-SW- Deaf Culture, Mental Health, and Wellness for Deaf and Hard of
Hearing Students
May 20- 2:30-3:45
D5-SW- Deaf Culture, Mental Health, and Wellness for Deaf and Hard of
Hearing Students
Presenters: Vernon Jebb, Destiny Cordell, MFNERC; Knowledge Keeper Mar Koskie
Audience: School staff, Jordan’s Principle staff, parents, families, and First Nations members
This workshop will focus on the importance of American Sign Language and Deaf culture within the school and home
and related to Jordan’s Principle and our First Nations. We will explore ways to raise awareness of potential social and
emotional issues related to being Deaf or Hard of Hearing (HofH), in language acquired and language deprivation
within Deaf and HofH students, and how to help create balance in the lives of Deaf and HofH students. Participants
can expect a deeper understanding of:
• The tree of life for Deaf and HofH students and how we can come together as First Nations to help children
become balanced and successful in life
• The tools and strategies to promote positive well-being and balance the heart, mind, body, and spirit for the
Deaf and HofH
• The meaning of mental health and well-being
May 19- 1:00-2:15
A8-SW- Grief and Loss
May 20- 2:30-3:45
D8-SW-Grief and Loss
Presenters: Michelle Sanderson and Brandee Albert, MFNERC
Audience: Adults, caregivers, children, and youth
This workshop will look at the impacts of grief and loss on children, youth, and the adults who support them.
Participants will come away with an understanding of how-to best support youth who are dealing with traumatic loss
and an understanding of how they grieve. We will explore ways adults can support youth transitioning from loss to
normalcy and suggest ways to help them move through the grieving process in a healthy way.
Participants will learn what “wellness” using a holistic approach means during this unique time of COVID-19.
Participants will explore strategies for supporting student wellness at home, including connecting to the land, coregulation,
making the best of their home environment, and other general ways of learning and staying well.

May 20- 2:30-3:45
D3-SW- Ironman 2021: Using the Medicine Wheel for Training and Personal
Growth
Presenter: Jonathan Courchene, MFNERC
Audience: All
An Ironman triathlon is not for the faint of heart. With a 17-hour cutoff to complete the 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, 112-
mile (180.25 km) bike, and the 26.2-mile (42.20 km) run, reaching the finish line requires countless hours of training
and preparation. Sounds pretty tough, doesn’t it? Even so, you will find thousands of amateur athletes at the start line
with hopes of hitting the finish line’s magic red carpet to hear the words of “You are an Ironman.” The presenter of this
workshop will share his experience completing an Ironman triathlon and will frame his expertise within the Medicine
Wheel: Mind, Body, Spirit, and Emotion. The target audience will learn:
• The importance of a well-balanced Medicine Wheel
• How the Medicine Wheel contributes to achieving goals and how it can support a student’s academic
journey.
The presenter plans to, one day soon, share his experience with schools and hopes to inspire staff and students
to pursue their goals, big or small, as goals are integral to personal growth and healing. Jonathan Courchene will
dedicate his Ironman training and event experience to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
May 20- 1:00-2:15
C5-SW- Spiritual Ways of Knowing and Schizophrenia
Presenters: Chantal Wiebe, Jessica Finucane, MFNERC; Elder Gertie Ballantyne, Elder Bill Ballantyne, Tanya McDougall
Audience: Teachers, parents, clinicians
Current medical and psychological services lack awareness about First Nations worldviews and spiritual ways of
knowing. As a result, some behaviours and experiences of First Nations young people are attributed to psychiatric
disorders, including schizophrenia. This session will be a conversation with Elders and First Nations members about
their experiences, contrasting spiritual ways of knowing with the Western protocol of assessment and diagnosis.
Participants can expect a deeper understanding of:
• Spiritual knowledge and experiences, including visions
May 20- 1:00-2:15
C3-SW- Strategies to Nurture Emotional Intelligence in Children
May 21– 10:45-12:00
E6-SW- Strategies to Nurture Emotional Intelligence in Children
Presenters: Brandee Albert, Michelle Sanderson, MFNERC
Audience: Educators, counsellors, parents, caregivers, and others who work with children
The presenter will share practical strategies on promoting healthy child development by incorporating knowledge
of the brain to support optimal growth and development. Information will be presented with knowledge from
both Western and First Nations perspectives. Participants will take away key strategies to teach and help children in
overcoming challenges and obstacles in their lives.
May 19- 1:00-2:15
A1- SW– Success with Hearing Loss is a Community Affair
May 20- 1:00-2:15
C8-SW- Success with Hearing Loss is a Community Affair
Presenters: Arden Brown, Andrea Richardson-Lipton, MFNERC
Audience: School staff, community members
Hearing loss can be very isolating no matter what age we are. This isolation has been present even before COVID-19.
Hearing loss at any age can affect the balance of heart, mind, body, and spirit. At times, we all feel isolated and in our
own little worlds; but in truth we are part of a community, and the more involved we are, the more we feel that we
belong, and we will thrive. People with hearing loss are cut off from their friends, family, and culture.
Newly diagnosed children are always in a recovery learning process because of the developmental time that was lost.
Adults with new hearing aids need time to practise their listening skills. This presentation will provide information
about hearing loss to help foster growth, health, and gratitude. With community acceptance and encouragement,
people with hearing loss can thrive.
“Blindness cuts us off from things, but deafness cuts us off from people.” -Quote by Helen Keller
• Impact of trauma and psychiatric language, including realities
• Assessment and diagnosis
• Suggestions for culturally appropriate service

May 19- 1:00-2:15
A6-SW- What is Co-Regulation?
May 21– 10:45-12:00
E1-SW- What is Co-Regulation?
Presenters: Susy Komishin, Jennifer Waytiuk, Dawn Flood, MFNERC; Dr. Susan Hopkins
Audience: Teachers, resource coordinators, educational assistants, and childcare directors
The early years lay the foundation for health and well-being throughout an individual’s life. As an educator of young
children, you play a vital role in helping children develop the self-regulation skills they need to succeed in school and
life. It is essential to examine and identify how self-regulation plays an important role in children’s early development.
The daily interactions that educators have with children help them to regulate. Co-regulation is an interactive process.
Through co-regulation, adults can help children develop self-regulation skills. If you want to learn more about how
you can support children to develop self-regulation skills, please join us for the co-regulation session.
May 21- 12:00pm - During lunchtime LIVE stream
HeartSmart Kids – A Free Heath Literacy Program
Presenter: Amanda Nash
Audience: Educators, educational assistants, administrators, and counsellors
This 20 minute break time presentation on the free HeartSmart Kids program and downloadable HeartSmart Kids at
Home (HSK at Home) activities will focus on enhancing lessons related to health behaviours for children, including:
• Nutrition, physical activity, screen time, nature, and mindfulness
• Recognizing anxiety
• Reframing anxious thoughts
• Creating a calming tool kit
• Addressing fears in small steps
This presentation fits within the Student Wellness stream, as the goal is for adults to build capacity in recognizing and
supporting anxious thoughts and feelings in children and teens. Dealing with anxiety is a central component to socialemotional
well-being and holistic wellness. Presenters will share resources for additional information.
May 21- 10:45-12:00
E8-SW- Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom
Presenters: Nicole Buck, Brittany Klassen, MFNERC
Audience: Teachers and support staff
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many unexpected changes and challenges, including school closures, First
Nations lockdowns, physical distancing guidelines and isolation. Students are experiencing high levels of stress
that affect mental health and wellbeing, with students already coping with mental health conditions or unstable
home environments being especially vulnerable. Considerable efforts will be needed to ensure that students’ socialemotional
needs are met and feel physically and emotionally safe returning to school. This presentation will offer
an overview of trauma and adversity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, trauma responses, and strategies for
creating a trauma-sensitive classroom to support the transition back to school. Specifically, the strategies include
creating safe learning environments, building supportive relationships, supporting healthy coping, and addressing
stress behaviour.
• Vaping awareness, connection to the community, and understanding feelings
HeartSmart Kids program and HSK at Home resources are free of charge, include phrases, and encourage the use of
traditional First Nations languages. If educators register and order free books for their classroom by the end of May,
they can win one of 25 prize packages, including 25 pieces of equipment for their school gym.
May 20- 2:30-3:45
D7-SW-Supporting Anxious Thoughts and Feelings in Children and Teens
Presenters: Alex Holt, Erin Paupaupanekis
Audience: School staff, parents, caregivers
This workshop will discuss ways to support anxious thoughts and feelings in children and teens. First, participants will
learn what anxiety is, common childhood anxiety disorders, possible symptoms of anxiety, and ways to distinguish
helpful and unhelpful anxiety. Then, participants will learn four strategies to support individuals with anxiety that they
can use at home or school. Strategies include:

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