Knowing the "Unknown": Indigenous Educational Reclamation in Manitoba — 1969–1974

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Eleven
  In Roundtable Session: Indigenous Values and Experiences in Reclaiming Education (Table 8)

Abstract

The half decade between 1969 and 1974 demonstrated a significant moment in educational history. This period marked a point in how education was controlled, designed, and funded since the demise of the numbered treaties and implementation of the Indian Act in 1876. Verna Kirkness, a Cree educator from Fisher River Manitoba and now Professor Emeritus from the University of British Columbia’s critical work in this decade laid the foundation for reclamation that was firmly grounded in language, land, family, and culture. This paper, argues that Kirkness’ work through Manitoba Education, the Manitoba Indian Brotherhood, and the National Indian Brotherhood outlines a pathway for the Indigenization of public schools.

Author

• Matt Henderson, Winnipeg School Division
  Presenting Author