About Us

Purpose

The Manitoba Aboriginal Languages Strategy (MALS) was created to revitalize, retain and promote the seven Aboriginal Languages of Manitoba. MALS is committed to sharing, developing, and promoting Aboriginal language resources throughout the province.

MALS Brochure (

PDF)

MALS Language Symposium – May 31 - June 1, 2023

Ki kiikidowininaand Maamawi’opiwin: E mamawiya aski Gathering on the Land

MALS Gathering for Our Languages Symposium – June 2-3, 2022 poster cover — Symposium Poster ( PDF)

The purpose of MALS is to promote, revitalize, and retain the Aboriginal Languages in Manitoba based on ancestral knowledges of our Grandparents. Understanding the connectedness of generations and the importance of Indigenous languages teach us who we are as a people. Language ensures a strong connection from the past to the present in a positive way. Our land is where our language is learned and we as Indigenous people need to learn beyond the walls of a classroom.

Keynote speakers and workshop sessions for this symposium will focus on promoting, revitalizing, and maintaining Indigenous languages throughout Manitoba, and other provinces. Individual sessions may include, but are not limited to:

Indigenous writing systems
Teaching language in the digital age
Language apps
Teacher apprenticeships & Indigenous language immersion programming
Local initiatives and best practices
Sharing research and policy related to Indigenous languages

Grandparents and our languages
Teaching Indigenous languages
Community based Indigenous language programs
Language and the land
Language program models
Language resources
Stories, songs, and teachings

Memberships and representatives consists of Grandparents from each of the Manitoba Languages groups, and representatives of leaders from the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) education organizations, provincial school divisions and post-secondary institutes.

To register and/or submit an abstract form, please visit: https://mfnerc.org/manitoba-aboriginal-languages-symposium/

Structure and Organization

Partnership Agreement

A Partnership Agreement was signed on September 21, 2015 by four lead organizations including the Indigenous Inclusion Directorate, Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC), University College of the North (UCN), and the Indigenous Languages of Manitoba (ILM).

The Manitoba Education and Training–Indigenous Inclusion Directorate (IID), Indigenous Languages of Manitoba (ILM), Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Center (MFNERC) and the University College of the North (UCN) provide Aboriginal language education, teacher training, develop education programs and provide services in Aboriginal languages.

Membership and representatives consists of Grandparents from each of the Manitoba Aboriginal Languages groups, and representatives of leaders from the First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) education organizations, provincial school divisions and post-secondary institutions.

Partner Co-Lead Organizations:

Partner Representatives:

Indigenous Languages of Manitoba Inc.
Brandon University
Manitoba Metis Federation–Louis Riel Institute
Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre
Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre Inc.
Manitoba Inuit Association
Red River College
School District of Mystery Lake
University of Winnipeg
University of Manitoba
University College of the North
Winnipeg School Division
Frontier School Division
Indigenous Inclusion Directorate/Manitoba Education and Training

Intent of the Partners

Recognize the importance of working together to achieve positive outcomes for all partners
Build strong relationships with each other in a consistent and positive manner
Ensure cooperative and meaningful consultation around issues or opportunities of mutual concern
Explore joint work and resource sharing in areas of mutual interest to achieve our stated goal
Participate in forums and events around key committee issues as opportunity presents
Commit to working constructively and collaboratively with partners to achieve our stated goal

Guiding Principles

We will be open, honest and truthful in our relationships with our respective work organizations and with each other.
We will provide accurate and timely reports of our activities to our respective organizations and partner working groups.
We will respect each partner’s autonomy and responsibilities while recognizing the partnership may require change and innovation.
We will build relationships that celebrate achievements, address challenges and acknowledge contributions.

MALS Grandparents Council

The Manitoba Aboriginal Language Strategy (MALS) is privileged and honoured to receive ongoing guidance from the MALS Council of Grandparents comprised of fluent speakers and sacred traditional knowledge keepers. These Grandparents represent each of the seven Aboriginal language groups found in Manitoba.

It is important to recognize that the Grandparents are the foundation of MALS. Grandparents’ provide knowledge, experiences and the first hand information required for the implementation of MALS actions and Strategy. Grandparents support and validate decisions recommended by MALS Working Groups. When needed, the Grandparents will provide mentorship to the various working groups within MALS.

Grandparents Protocol

The MALS Grandparents Council holds four meetings per year, which are a part from all other MALS meetings. These meetings provide the Grandparents with the opportunity to consult with each other, to discuss issues of concern, to communicate in their languages, to share stories, and to promote an atmosphere of collaboration and camaraderie in the Council.