Manitoba First Nations School System (MFNSS), the first of its kind in Canada1, is a school system
designed for First Nations by First Nations. A leader in First Nations education in Manitoba,
MFNSS recognizes and meets the unique needs of First Nations students.
While respecting First Nations control, treaty and inherent rights, MFNSS supports schools to
improve the quality of education, improve academic standards, and increase student outcomes,
including retention, completion and graduation rates.
Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre (MFNERC), in partnership with First Nations,
established MFNSS to support student, staff and school administration, consistent with a
mandate from First Nations leaders through Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC).
In December 2016, MFNERC, First Nations leaders and Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
(INAC), now Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), signed Education Governance and Delegation
Agreements, authorizing MFNSS to provide educational programming and enhanced supports
to First Nations schools.
Fulfilling the vision of First Nation’s leadership to take back control of First Nations education,
MFNSS assumed responsibility for administering and managing elementary and secondary
education programs and services for 10 First Nations, with more than 2000 students, in July 2017.
First Nations have agreed to an initial five-year term, signaling the historic start of a partnership
strengthening language and culture within communities through holistic delivery and land-
based education from highly qualified First Nations education professionals.
1 Trudeau, Justin. Twitter Post, December 16, 2016, https://bit.ly/2NO3jsG.
MFNSS Partners | March 2019
Bloodvein First Nation – Miskooseepi School
Brokenhead
Ojibway Nation – Sergeant Tommy Prince School
Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation – Mahpiya Hdega School
Dakota Tipi First Nation
Fox Lake Cree Nation – Fox Lake School
Keeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation – Keeseekoowenin School
Lake Manitoba First Nation – Lake Manitoba School
Lake St. Martin First Nation -Lake St. Martin School
Pinaymootang First Nation – Pinaymootang School
Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation – Ginew School
York Factory First Nation – George Saunders Memorial School
