January 14, 2026

The Government of Manitoba has reportedly shelved its plan to organize teacher exchanges that would address workforce shortages and help urban and northern professionals learn from one another. Part of the purpose of this plan was reportedly to address teacher shortages in the north of the province. “While there was some interest shown from teachers during information sessions, no interchange teaching agreements were finalized,” explained a government spokesperson in an email. “The pilot is not being pursued further at this time.” Instead, MB is reportedly focusing on developing a broader strategy to recruit and retain Indigenous, Indigenous-language, and northern teachers. University of Winnipeg Director of Student Teaching Wayne Davies told the Winnipeg Free Press that the key “is to get student-teachers north,” as “when they see the schools, they fall in love with them.”

The Behdzi Ahda’ First Nation Chief and Council recently met with the Government of Northwest Territories to discuss several initiatives, including planning for a new school in the community. Behdzi Ahda’ and NWT representatives signed a workplan for the Colville Lake School build project, which will see a new Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 school built in the community. NWT Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland stated that a new school would serve as not only a site for learning, but also as a community hub that supports culture, language revitalization, and student well‑being. “By signing this workplan with Behdzi Ahda’ First Nation, we are creating accountability on all sides and laying out a clear path to move this project forward,” said Cleveland.

Several members of the Indigenous community celebrated the opening of a new $38.5M affordable housing complex on Chancellor Drive, near the University of Manitoba. The apartments, 25% of which are earmarked for First Nations people, will offer 95 units at below-average rental rates. Border Land School Division Community Connector Lillian Fisher and University of Winnipeg Student Raina Alexander both told the Winnipeg Free Press that the dedicated housing is important to improving postsecondary attainment rates among Indigenous people. “If you know you have a safe place, you’re going to try,” said Fisher. “And if you don’t have a safe place to land, you go back to what you know — because that’s safe.” Residents were able to move into their new apartments on January 1.

The Salmon River Central School District in Akwesasne Mohawk Territory—which covers land in both Canada and the United States—has launched an investigation into photos circulated online of a wooden box allegedly used for student time outs. Former SRCSD Board Member Chrissy Jacobs stated that four parents came forward at a community meeting, stating that their children said they were “put in that box.” The SRCSD Board of Education issued a statement indicating that it had launched an independent investigation and placed several staff members on administrative leave. The board further acknowledged the incident as reopening “historical wounds and trauma” and extended an apology to all affected community members. The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council, which represents the community’s government on the US side of the border, has asked the board to issue a vote of no-confidence in the superintendent and to conduct an independent investigation.

At Elsipogtog School in Moncton, NB, an early intervention program is helping Mi’kmaw students to thrive and learn. CBC reports that the school—which serves 350 students from the Mi’kmaw community—implemented a program that draws on Indigenous-led principles to diagnose neurological conditions and provide specialized teaching to students. The school’s specialist team consists of about a dozen staff members who make a learning plan for teachers and parents according to a child’s unique needs and works with them until the student graduates Grade 8. The school also receives support from the Eastern Door Centre, an Indigenous centre for children’s assessment in the community. Elsipogtog First Nation Education Director Ivan Augustine explained that the program is helping students develop the resilience and skills they need to continue on into college or university. Additionally, Augustine explained that parents with children who have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and other conditions are “more inclined to bring their kids to school … knowing that there are supports when their kids require them.”

Sheridan College and Six Nations Polytechnic have signed an MOU that will bring Sheridan’s Construction Techniques program to SNP learners. Through this program, SNP students will be introduced to the trades of carpentry, millwrighting, plumbing and welding, developing the skills they need for in-demand careers. Eligible students will be able to study tuition-free. “SNP is thrilled to partner with Sheridan College on this Construction Techniques program. This program will provide a great training opportunity for local students and also respond to local employer needs in the area of skilled trades,” said SNP President Dr Richard Anderson.

The University of Winnipeg has officially launched its Anishinaabemowin Language Program (ALP). Funded by the Government of Manitoba, the program contains 15 hours per week of immersion in the Anishinaabemowin language. Students in the program will also share meals, take part in events with the community, and connect through conversation with an assigned mentor. UWinnipeg ALP Coordinator Aandeg Muldrew told CTV News that the program seeks to bridge the gap that was created when past generations were unable to pass down the language.

Saanich School District (SD63) recently collaborated with W̱SÁNEĆ Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to create a new course focused on Indigenous culture, teachings, and history. SD63 explained that the “idea for the course emerged from student voice meetings and early conversations with student leaders, who expressed a strong desire to learn more about the history, culture, and language of the W̱SÁNEĆ People.” The course was designed to reflect the voices and the priorities of the community and Indigenous student leaders. It features the SENĆOŦEN language throughout the class. Community members gathered yesterday at Stelly’s Secondary School to celebrate the new class, which will launch in February.

Humber Polytechnic has released a new Indigenous Education Plan called Biskaabiiyang: Returning to Ourselves, Reimagining the Future. The plan is shaped by four interconnected pathways: Being (Transforming), Knowing (Embedding), Relating (Sustaining), and Doing (Evolving). “Together, these pathways remind us that reconciliation is not a single act – it’s a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and reimagining,” said Humber Dean of Indigenous Education and Engagement Elijah Williams. “It calls on us to transform who we are, deepen what we know, strengthen how we relate and take meaningful action.”

Several Indigenous authors and editors have recently published books for or about the classroom. Plains Cree Knowledge Keeper and author Shelly Nelson of Onion Lake, Saskatchewan has published a children’s book called My Name is Kona. The book is written for readers from K–5 and draws on land-based imagery, descriptive storytelling, and Cree language. “It’s been really fun,” said Nelson, who has been reading the book at schools and community events. “The kids really connect with the stories and the teachings.” Na’kuset partnered with Judith Henderson to publish a children’s book called “I Am My Name” about her personal experience with the Sixties Scoop. She stated that she hopes her story will be used in classrooms to help children learn about the Sixties Scoop and start conversations about reconciliation. Meanwhile, authors Christine M’Lot and Kata Adamov Ferguson have published a book called Renewal: Indigenous Perspectives on Land-Based Education In and Beyond the Classroom. The book serves as a guide for educators who are interested in integrating Indigenous land-based pedagogies in the classroom and outdoor settings.