Red River Métis Circle of Educators
Honouring Identity, Empowering Teachers
Louis Riel Institute | ITE Grant Recipient | $251,806 | Retain Stream
Region:
With the historic passing of the Louis Riel Act, Manitoba has taken a bold step in recognizing and honouring the Red River Métis Nation. All K–12 educators are now mandated to teach the history, language, and lasting contributions of Louis Riel and the Métis people, establishing a more honest, inclusive, and culturally rich education for students across the province.
To meet this moment, the Louis Riel Institute—supported by the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Indigenous Teacher Education (ITE) Initiative —is launching the Red River Métis Circle of Educators project. This province-wide initiative will support Red River Métis teachers, amplify their voices, and strengthen cultural education in schools across Manitoba.
The Red River Métis Circle of Educators: Key Focus Areas:
Professional Development, Métis-Led
An online peer network and annual PD seminars will offer Red River Métis educators opportunities to learn from one another and build confidence in delivering culturally grounded curricula. Topics will be shaped by Red River Métis educators themselves—ranging from teaching Michif, to resource development, to classroom leadership.
Mentorship & Peer Support
Educators will connect through a virtual community hub to share tools, troubleshoot challenges, and mentor one another. In-person events with cultural programming and shared meals will further strengthen these ties and create a lasting sense of community.
Curriculum Implementation Leadership
Educators will co-create classroom-ready materials that bring Red River Métis culture, history, and heritage into core subjects—starting with Manitoba’s Social Studies curriculum and expanding alongside the province’s curriculum renewal process.
Language Preservation through Teaching
With fewer than 1,000 fluent speakers, Michif is at risk. Educators will work with Elders and fluent speakers to develop accessible, age-appropriate language learning materials that support intergenerational transmission of Michif in the classroom.
Why It Matters: Representation and Leadership
The Red River Métis Circle of Educators will support up to 250 Red River Métis educators, equipping them with resources, peer networks, and leadership opportunities. The long-term goal: inspire more Red River Métis citizens to enter and thrive in the teaching profession and ensure that all students in Manitoba see Métis history and identity reflected in their learning.
When Red River Métis educators are empowered to lead, students benefit—through stronger engagement, deeper cultural understanding, and inclusive, community-rooted education.
We are confident this initiative will be a positive force in attracting and retaining Red River Métis teachers, and ensuring Red River Métis students see their culture and identity reflected among their teachers and in their day-to-day learning activities.”
– Joan Ledoux, Chair of Louis Riel Institute and Manitoba Métis Federation Minister of Provincial Education.
About the Indigenous Teacher Education Initiative
The Rideau Hall Foundation launched the Indigenous Teacher Education Initiative to grow and support a representative, culturally rooted Indigenous education workforce. Through a national Open Call, projects were selected through a rigorous peer-review process led by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis education experts.
Two funding streams—Reinforce and Retain—respond to urgent priorities in Indigenous teacher education, from scaling successful training programs to improving teacher retention and support. This project is funded through the Retain Stream, which supports scalable Indigenous-led solutions that help First Nations, Inuit, and Métis educators stay in the profession—and grow as leaders in their communities and classrooms.
Learn More
Explore how Indigenous communities across the country are leading education transformation.
This is just one of many regions taking bold steps. Read more about other ITE grant recipients.