2024 Métis Early Years Conference

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Bringing early learning and child care professionals together to celebrate Métis culture and language in early childhood settings.

This year’s focus is “Creating Strong Roots for the Future of our Children through Language, Literacy and Storytelling."

About this event

Date and Time:
Friday, October 4, 2024 | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (PST)
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (PST)

Location:
Delta Grand Okanagan Resort & Conference Centre
1310 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9P3

Delta Grand Okanagan Resort

Accommodation

Participants of the Métis Early Years Conference may receive discounted rates at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort. These rates ($289 CAD/night) are available until September 3, 2024, after which regular rates will apply. Click the link below to book online.

Alternatively, you can make a reservation through the Reservations Department by calling 1-888-236-2427. Please quote Métis Early Years Conference to obtain the group rate.

Reimbursement for Accommodation

MNBC is offering Métis Nation BC registered citizens who are certified ECE's, ECEA's, and Métis ECE students currently enrolled in a post-secondary program a reimbursement for accommodation only UP TO $500 per person in attendance.

Click the link below for more information and to obtain the application form. Applications must be received by MNBC before October 28, 2024.

Certificate of Completion

Professional Development certificates will be available Friday and Saturday following closing prayers.

Conference attendees will receive certificates for sessions attended. Up to 6 hours on Friday and up to 7 hours on Saturday.

Agenda

About Samson LaMontagne

Samson LaMontagne is a Métis/Michif Educator from Regina Saskatchewan. Samson began learning Michif while attending SUNTEP (Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program) at the University of Saskatchewan over 10 years ago. Samson now teaches Grade 4 at Georges Vanier School of Fine Arts in Saskatoon during the day. In his free time Samson enjoys creating resources and supporting communities from all over Canada with his Michif Zoom Classes. Samson also provides free Michif content on Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube at michifwithmonoksamson. Samson’s goal is to help with the preservation and revitalization of the Michif Language. Samson believes every person that learns Michif not only helps breath life back into the Language but also answers the ‘Calls to Action’ with Truth and Reconciliation! Samson would like to thank all of the Language Keepers that have helped him along his learning journey.
Raina Lutz

About Raina Lutz

Raina received her diploma in natural nutrition from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition in 2011. She currently runs a full-time private practice in nutrition and spirit medicine healing work. Raina was awarded a Top 40 Under 40 in Penticton in 2014 and in 2018 was nominated in the Penticton & Wine Country Chambers’ Business Excellence Awards for Young Business Leader of the Year. She uses systems based on psychology and energy medicine, not harmful diets or calorie counting. Raina teaches a traditional, whole foods education, emotional work and mindful eating. She has been training in spirit medicine (shamanic healing) work since 2016 and blends her natural nutrition education with the spiritual lens to craft “food and healing” for her clients and followers. She is passionate about working with local Metis and Indigenous communities in the form of “back to the land” traditions that communities need support with. Her delivery is calm, gentle and effective and her medicine and magic is delivered both online and throughout British Columbia, Canada.

About Leah Dorion

Leah Marie Dorion is an interdisciplinary Métis artist raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. A teacher, painter, filmmaker and published writer, Leah views her Métis heritage as providing her with a unique bridge for knowledge between all people. Leah holds a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Arts degree. She has numerous creative projects to her credit, including academic papers for the Royal Commission of Aboriginal Peoples, books for children, gallery showings of her art works, and numerous video documentaries that showcase Metis culture and history. Leah’s paintings honour the spiritual strength of Aboriginal women and the sacred feminine. Leah believes that women play a key role in passing on vital knowledge for all of humanity which is deeply reflected in her artistic practice. She believes women are the first teachers to the next generation.

About Madelaine McCallum

Madelaine McCallum is a gifted dancer, motivational speaker, facilitator, and MC — a true, multi-faceted creative. She is from Ile a la Crosse, Saskatchewan and brings passion with a gentle yet powerful presence to the stage whether she is there to share one of her inspiring Speaks or she has been asked to dance, or MC.

Through sharing her most fragile moments with audiences across Canada in her Fire Within presentation, Madelaine discovered the most crucial lesson there is to learn: “As I am, is Enough.” Taking you through an emotional roller coaster, Madelaine will leave you speechless with her realness and vulnerability as she helps you to discover the importance of finding self-worth and acceptance.

About Elder Stella Erasmus-Johnson

Stella Johnson, nee Erasmus was born in McLennan, Alberta and raised by her grandmother from the age of 5 and was taught the Cree language. Stella worked as a Registered Care Aide in Dawson Creek, BC before moving to Nanaimo in 1987 where she worked at Traveler’s Lodge for sixteen years. Upon retiring in 2006 Stella spent four months exploring Canada coast to coast. In 2006 Stella was hired by Duncan Métis Nation as a Métis support worker and worked in the Lake Cowichan District. In August 2012 Stella began a new journey as an Elder at VIU.

Special Mention: “Sapo Miskisik,wa Ohci Atim“ “Through the Eyes of a Dog" by Nicole Lodge, Cree Translation is by Stella Erasmus-Johnson.

About Nicole Lodge

Nicole Lodge (B.S.W., B.Ed., M.Ed.) is a Métis author and animal enthusiast from the beautiful community of Fort St. James, British Columbia. Nicole holds two Bachelor's Degrees with specializations in Indigenous Education. To support her aspirations and leadership, Nicole obtained a Master’s of Education and Multidisciplinary Leadership, where she graduated with honours. Nicole works with children on learning and sharing messages of equity, inclusion, and identity. 

About Andrea Menard

Andrea Menard is an accomplished Métis singer/songwriter, actor, speaker, wellness trainer, and the founder of the Sacred Feminine Learning Lodge. As seen in USA Today, Andrea is an influencer in feminine leadership and was named one of WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner in 2020. An advocate for rematriation and reconciliation, Andrea helps all-gendered people to reclaim and embody the qualities of the Sacred Feminine. She is also the author of the Seeds from the Sacred Feminine Wisdom Cards, (Mango Publishing) which contains 52 gentle, land-based teachings and beautiful paintings by Métis painter, Leah Dorion.

Born in Manitoba, Andrea is a proud Metis woman. Her Metis family originates from St. Laurent, Manitoba in Treaty 1 territory. Andrea currently lives in the unceded traditional territory of the Squamish, Tsleil Waututh, and Musqueam peoples, also known as Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

About Kim Hodgson

Kim Hodgson is a proud Métis Nation BC Citizen and a descendant of the Red River Settlement and Hodgson, Manitoba. Kim has extensive experience as an educator and a community leader, and she is currently an Early Years - Métis Family Connections Navigator. She is passionate about Métis culture, connecting to the land and sharing Métis traditional knowledge. Métis beadwork has been passed down through generations and is an artistic and cultural expression of Métis people. Kim is a contemporary Métis artist creating beadwork using traditional concepts and techniques.

“My beading is an artistic expression of my culture I am inspired by connecting to the land and reflecting on the natural environment. Métis traditional beading creates wellbeing and a sense of belonging. I bead with gratitude for the Métis artists that came before me and those that create alongside me.”

Kim is grateful to live in Vernon on the traditional unceded lands of the Syilx/Okanagan People and home of the Vernon & District Métis Association.

We're hosting a Kitchen Party!

Are you attending conference solo and/or want to network with other early learning professionals over dinner? Join our Kitchen Party on Friday, October 4th from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm where we'll be joined by special guest Madelaine McCallum!

Space is limited, so register now to reserve your spot.

I want to be added to the waitlist
I want to register for the Kitchen Party
I want to book a room at Delta Grand Okanagan Resort
I want to learn more about the ECE Métis Citizen Accommodation Bursary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you have any questions, please contact us at metisearlyyears@mnbc.ca or events@mnbc.ca