Manitoba Government Hosts Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag Indigenous Parenting Gathering to Share and Celebrate Parenting Practices

Press Release

March 25, 2026

As part of its Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag: All Women Doing Well strategy, the Manitoba government is bringing together over 280 parents, grandparents, caregivers and community members at the first-ever Strong Spirits, Strong Families Indigenous Parenting Gathering, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for women and gender equity, announced today.

“Indigenous parenting has always been grounded in love, relationships to one another, and responsibilities to our children and communities,” said Fontaine. “This gathering is a testament to the enduring spirit, strength and unconditional love of Indigenous communities that keeps our children at the centre of everything we do.” When we support parents and caregivers, we lay the foundation for a brighter future for our children, families and nations.”

The two-day gathering brings together families, elders, knowledge keepers, community leaders and service providers from across the province to share and celebrate Indigenous parenting practices rooted in culture, kinship and collective responsibility.

The gathering will open with remarks from Premier Wab Kinew and Fontaine, and will feature a series of informational and inspirational addresses exploring themes such as intergenerational love, the limitless potential for goodness, building a good life and the importance of centring Indigenous joy in parenting.

Wisdom exchanges will feature moderated discussions around Indigenous motherhood, Indigenous fatherhood and queer parenting, with opportunities for participants to connect directly with panelists for shared learning sessions.

Additional speakers from across Turtle Island include KC Adams, Isaac Murdoch, Kevin Chief, Dr. Tasha Spillett, Candace Neumann, Melissa Brown Sveinson and Dr. Alayna Eagle Shield.

The gathering will close on Thursday afternoon with a ceremony that will include drumming and reflections to mark the completion of the two-day learning journey, led by elder Dr. Sandra DeLaronde.

The Strong Spirits, Strong Families Indigenous Parenting Gathering is supported through Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag: All Women Doing Well strategy, Manitoba’s provincial strategy dedicated to supporting the safety, protection and empowerment of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people. To learn more about the strategy, visit www.gov.mb.ca/wage/minoayaawag-ikwewag.html.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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