Lighting the Fire Conference: A History

Held in the spring, the Lighting the Fire Conference has always been the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (Resource Centre) premiere conference for professional development and teaching the latest information and skill sets to the administrators, educators, and other staff that support First Nation schools.

Since its formation in 1998, the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (Resource Centre) has remained committed to its Vision to “Support First Nations to develop and implement a comprehensive, holistic education system inclusive of First Nations languages, world views, values, beliefs and traditions with exemplary academic standards, under First Nation jurisdiction.” Fulfilling the Resource Centre’s mandate included creating the Manitoba First Nations School System (MFNSS) in July 2017, a system that provides education delivery for 13 First Nations in Manitoba. Starting with a handful of First Nations education professionals, the Resource Centre and MFNSS now collectively employ over 700 people devoted to making the education experience for First Nations youth a positive and holistic journey. The Resource Centre’s services support students’ dreams for the future, with a focus on their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

Our Story

Established in 1998 by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre Inc. (MFNERC) provides the province’s leading education, administration, technology, language and culture services to First Nations schools in Manitoba.

The AMC established MFNERC through resolution to provide coordinated second and third level education services to Manitoba’s First Nations schools. To date we provide services and support to 58 First Nations schools from 49 Manitoba First Nations.

Over the years, MFNERC has evolved from its humble beginnings, providing service on demand with a handful of employees, into a multifaceted organization that meets the needs of Manitoba’s First Nations schools with a variety of services and support.

Respecting the diversity of Manitoba’s First Nations is an essential facet of the Centre’s ability to support the schools in our communities. Best practices informed by academic research and extensive experience working with First Nations, are promoted through the various departments, using a service delivery team approach.

Professional development training is provided for school board members, administrators, teachers and teaching assistants. MFNERC works in partnership with Manitoba First Nations to ensure the highest standards of education are achieved in First Nations schools.

MFNERC promotes and encourages First Nations involvement in all aspects of the development and implementation of educational change.