FALL CONFERENCE SOLD OUT!
Morning Keynote
Marc Battle is an ECE Instructor at Red River College Polytechnique at the Exchange District Campus. He has been an ardent child advocate for almost 40 years and has spent his career trying to connect children’s voices to his practices. He is also a musician, playground designer, and creator of the children’s rights campaign, Nothing About Kids Without Kids.
Because it has a Song: Children’s Rights
“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” ~Maya Angelou
In my work and collaboration with kids, I have learned that the best adult in a child’s life is the one who listens to their songs and is moved by them and dances to them. Now I am not meaning their actual music but their ideas, wisdom and ways of being and living. A song so powerful that it makes you different than what you were before and deeply affects your practice and beliefs as an Educator.
We often hear how our work should be ‘child led’ but aside from curriculum and activities, where is the ‘child led’ in the rest of the child care community? How are their inherent rights listened to and manifested? How much of an influence do the children have on the physical space, routines, practices and experiences offered? How are children’s voices and songs inspiring and changing how we work today?
This workshop will explore, through stories, experiences and laughs, questions and songs, how we can evolve our 20th century standards and practice to support the rights, the needs and passions of 21st century kids simply by being willing accomplices who listen to them and answers with actions.
Marc Battle - Whakaoho Means Awakening, Startled: What New Zealand’s Te Whariki Could Mean for Us
Beauty awakens the soul to act.”
~Dante Alighieri
This past summer, 2023 I was fortunate enough to spend a little time in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and visit a few child care programs that followed the National curriculum and ideas of Te Whariki. This experience startled me and awoke a spirit in me that connected to the possibilities of what we can do as wonderful people in the lives of
children.
Session 1 Overview
This workshop using stories, photos and conversation and discourse will explore how we can be inspired by the work of educators in Aotearoa and what that could look like in Manitoba.
Nicole LeClair- "Kiwicimowin: We Learn Together"
Bio
Winnipeg Métis artist Nicole LeClair discovered her love of art as a child, captivated by the stories held within paintings. With training in Advertising Art from Red River College, she has developed a signature pointillism style that echoes traditional beadwork and celebrates Indigenous identity, culture, and strength.
Nicole now teaches Métis‑inspired art programs for all ages, inviting participants to explore creativity as a pathway to mindfulness, connection, and community. Her mission is to create art that uplifts the spirit and honours the stories of her ancestors.
Session 2 Overview
Participants begin with a light indigenous grounding meditation designed to quiet the mind, encourage mindfulness and create space for creativity. From this place of connection, participants are immersed in Metis storytelling, learning about Metis culture and exploring indigenous values of reciprocity through the teachings of the Circle of Courage and the Indigenous way of being. Participants will be introduced to the art of pointillism, learning its techniques and exploring its significance within Indigenous artistic expression. Guided by Nicole LeClir, each participant will create their own unique pointillism artwork to take home, while discovering strategies for building creative partnerships with children, using art as a tool for connection, collaboration and meaningful engagement.
Melanie Glaser - “So Who’s in Charge Here Anyway?”
Melanie Glaser has worked in the early learning and childcare field for 36 years. Throughout her career, she has been committed to supporting children, families, and educators while fostering connections, belonging, and lifelong learning. She is passionate about sharing experiences and practical strategies that strengthen professional practice. Nothing without Joy!
Session 3 Overview
This workshop explores what happens when we shift meaningful control from adults to children in school‑age programs. Melanie highlights how giving children real ownership can transform the environment, strengthen relationships, boost engagement, and build a stronger sense of community. She also offers practical strategies for balancing structure with autonomy and supporting children as capable leaders in their own space.
Kairos Blanket Exercise & Assiniboine Food Forest Tour
Dave is a retired teacher who has been passionate about nature and the outdoors all his life. He loves to sing and dance, make maple syrup, garden, and lead Nature Walks through the local riparian woodland.
Session 4
Note: This option is off-site and outdoors at the Assiniboine Food Forest (by Crow’s General Store). Participants will be bussed to the location. Dress for the weather!
Kairos Blanket Exercise
The Blanket Exercise uses hard facts (truths) and Indigenous methodologies to enhance understanding about our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada by walking through pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization and resistance. Everyone is actively involved as they step onto blankets that represent the land, and into the role of First Nations, Inuit and later Métis peoples. By engaging on an emotional and intellectual level, the Blanket Exercise effectively educates and increases empathy. The exercise concludes with a talking circle, offering space to reflect, listen, and honour the experiences shared.
Assiniboine Food Forest Tour with Dave Barnes
Dave Barnes This one-hour tour introduces early childhood educators to land-based learning through the lens of the Assiniboine Food Forest’s principles of ecological restoration, permaculture design, and community stewardship. We will explore how the land itself becomes a source of knowledge — offering opportunities to notice native species, understand habitat renewal, and build respectful relationships with the natural world.
Educators will consider practical ways to share this knowledge with children in authentic, meaningful ways that honour local ecosystems and Indigenous perspectives. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to integrate land-based learning into their environments and how nurturing a connection to place can support children’s sense of belonging, responsibility, and care for the land.
Morning Keynote
Marc Battle is an ECE Instructor at Red River College Polytechnique at the Exchange District Campus. He has been an ardent child advocate for almost 40 years and has spent his career trying to connect children’s voices to his practices. He is also a musician, playground designer, and creator of the children’s rights campaign, Nothing About Kids Without Kids.
Because it has a Song: Children’s Rights
“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.” ~Maya Angelou
In my work and collaboration with kids, I have learned that the best adult in a child’s life is the one who listens to their songs and is moved by them and dances to them. Now I am not meaning their actual music but their ideas, wisdom and ways of being and living. A song so powerful that it makes you different than what you were before and deeply affects your practice and beliefs as an Educator.
We often hear how our work should be ‘child led’ but aside from curriculum and activities, where is the ‘child led’ in the rest of the child care community? How are their inherent rights listened to and manifested? How much of an influence do the children have on the physical space, routines, practices and experiences offered? How are children’s voices and songs inspiring and changing how we work today?
This workshop will explore, through stories, experiences and laughs, questions and songs, how we can evolve our 20th century standards and practice to support the rights, the needs and passions of 21st century kids simply by being willing accomplices who listen to them and answers with actions.
Marc Battle - Whakaoho Means Awakening, Startled: What New Zealand’s Te Whariki Could Mean for Us
Beauty awakens the soul to act.”
~Dante Alighieri
This past summer, 2023 I was fortunate enough to spend a little time in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and visit a few child care programs that followed the National curriculum and ideas of Te Whariki. This experience startled me and awoke a spirit in me that connected to the possibilities of what we can do as wonderful people in the lives of
children.
Session 1 Overview
This workshop using stories, photos and conversation and discourse will explore how we can be inspired by the work of educators in Aotearoa and what that could look like in Manitoba.
Nicole LeClair- "Kiwicimowin: We Learn Together"
Bio
Winnipeg Métis artist Nicole LeClair discovered her love of art as a child, captivated by the stories held within paintings. With training in Advertising Art from Red River College, she has developed a signature pointillism style that echoes traditional beadwork and celebrates Indigenous identity, culture, and strength.
Nicole now teaches Métis‑inspired art programs for all ages, inviting participants to explore creativity as a pathway to mindfulness, connection, and community. Her mission is to create art that uplifts the spirit and honours the stories of her ancestors.
Session 2 Overview
Participants begin with a light indigenous grounding meditation designed to quiet the mind, encourage mindfulness and create space for creativity. From this place of connection, participants are immersed in Metis storytelling, learning about Metis culture and exploring indigenous values of reciprocity through the teachings of the Circle of Courage and the Indigenous way of being. Participants will be introduced to the art of pointillism, learning its techniques and exploring its significance within Indigenous artistic expression. Guided by Nicole LeClir, each participant will create their own unique pointillism artwork to take home, while discovering strategies for building creative partnerships with children, using art as a tool for connection, collaboration and meaningful engagement.
Melanie Glaser - “So Who’s in Charge Here Anyway?”
Melanie Glaser has worked in the early learning and childcare field for 36 years. Throughout her career, she has been committed to supporting children, families, and educators while fostering connections, belonging, and lifelong learning. She is passionate about sharing experiences and practical strategies that strengthen professional practice. Nothing without Joy!
Session 3 Overview
This workshop explores what happens when we shift meaningful control from adults to children in school‑age programs. Melanie highlights how giving children real ownership can transform the environment, strengthen relationships, boost engagement, and build a stronger sense of community. She also offers practical strategies for balancing structure with autonomy and supporting children as capable leaders in their own space.
Kairos Blanket Exercise & Assiniboine Food Forest Tour
Dave is a retired teacher who has been passionate about nature and the outdoors all his life. He loves to sing and dance, make maple syrup, garden, and lead Nature Walks through the local riparian woodland.
Session 4
Note: This option is off-site and outdoors at the Assiniboine Food Forest (by Crow’s General Store). Participants will be bussed to the location. Dress for the weather!
Kairos Blanket Exercise
The Blanket Exercise uses hard facts (truths) and Indigenous methodologies to enhance understanding about our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada by walking through pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization and resistance. Everyone is actively involved as they step onto blankets that represent the land, and into the role of First Nations, Inuit and later Métis peoples. By engaging on an emotional and intellectual level, the Blanket Exercise effectively educates and increases empathy. The exercise concludes with a talking circle, offering space to reflect, listen, and honour the experiences shared.
Assiniboine Food Forest Tour with Dave Barnes
Dave Barnes This one-hour tour introduces early childhood educators to land-based learning through the lens of the Assiniboine Food Forest’s principles of ecological restoration, permaculture design, and community stewardship. We will explore how the land itself becomes a source of knowledge — offering opportunities to notice native species, understand habitat renewal, and build respectful relationships with the natural world.
Educators will consider practical ways to share this knowledge with children in authentic, meaningful ways that honour local ecosystems and Indigenous perspectives. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to integrate land-based learning into their environments and how nurturing a connection to place can support children’s sense of belonging, responsibility, and care for the land.
