MEI: Fostering Inclusive Schools: 2SLGBTTQIA+ Learning & Empowerment

Register here: https://memberlink.mbteach.org/Event.axd?e=2966

MEI - Manitoba Educators for Inclusion

Conference Title: Fostering Inclusive Schools: 2SLGBTTQIA+ Learning & Empowerment

Location: Hybrid - In-Person: Nelson McIntyre Collegiate, 188 St. Mary's Road, Winnipeg, MB; Virtual

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Registration Deadline: October 20, 2025 at 12:00 am

MEI's professional development is designed for educators committed to creating safer, more inclusive learning environments. Our deep dive inquiry topic this year is supporting 2SLGBTTQIA+ students and spaces. Whether attending in person or online, participants will explore meaningful strategies to support 2SLGBTTQIA+ students through keynote sessions, collaborative discussions, and a powerful Living Library experience featuring diverse voices and stories. We are happy to share we are securing a blend of local and national talent and will are outsourcing technology needs to the Louis Riel Broadcast Media Program for stronger quality online engagement.

- Program -
09:00 am - 09:15 am - Opening Remarks
09:15 am - 09:50 am - SOGI & ARC
10:00 am - 10:50 am - From the Heart: Advocacy, Identify, and Inclusion in Education
11:00 am - 11:45 am - MEI Conversation Guide & Collab Chats
11:45 am - 01:00 pm - Lunch
01:00 pm - 03:10 pm - Mini Rotating Sessions
03:15 pm - 03:30 pm - Closing Remarks & Prizes

- Conference and Membership Fees -
MEI Conference Fee .............................................. $50
MEI Conference & Membership Fee ................... $51
MEI Membership Fee ............................................ $30
MEI Student Conference & Membership Fee .....$31 * Part-time staff and retirees can choose this option *
MEI Student Membership Fee ............................. $21

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations with refunds will be issued until October 20, 2025 at 12:00 am.

If you require any additional information about this conference, please email Jesse Thomaschewski at (204) 864-2868 or by email at jthomaschewski@g.prsdmb.ca.

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Sessions - 9:00 AM-3:30 PM

In-Person Session

09:00 am - 09:15 am - Opening Remarks: Uzoma Asagwara, Minster of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care

Uzoma Asagwara (they/them) is a trailblazing Canadian politician, currently serving as Manitoba’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care. Born in Winnipeg to Nigerian parents, Asagwara brings a unique perspective as both a psychiatric nurse and a former elite athlete. As an openly queer and Black leader, Asagwara is committed to equity and inclusion. They are a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ2S+ community—having founded Queer People of Colour Winnipeg to promote safety and visibility for queer and trans people of colour—and has long championed the needs of students and marginalized communities, working tirelessly to ensure access to quality healthcare, education, and affordable housing for all Manitobans.
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09:15 am - 09:50 am - Safeguarding SOGI-inclusive Schools: Proactive and reactive responses to resistance : Scout Gray, ARC Foundation

ARC Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to helping K–12 educators create inclusive, respectful, and welcoming schools for all students, with a focus on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) inclusion. Through its flagship initiative, SOGI 123, ARC Foundation provides teachers, principals, and school staff with the tools and knowledge they need to support 2SLGBTQ+ students and families. Their offerings focus on building inclusive policies, fostering safe school environments, and co-creating high-quality, inclusive teaching resources. ARC Foundation works in deep collaboration with educators, school districts, ministries of education, universities, and 2SLGBTQ+ organizations across Canada. Their work empowers educators to lead systemic change and ensure that all students can thrive as their authentic selves. Scout Gray (they/them) is the National Program Director and comes to us from their home on Vancouver Island.
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10:00 am - 10:50 am - From the Heart: Advocacy, Identify, and Inclusion in Education: Dene Guillas

Dene (he/they) is a proud Métis Two-Spirit, pansexual, transgender man, husband, and father who lives and works on Treaty One Territory. With over 20 years of experience in education and training, he is committed to creating inclusive, accessible learning environments for all. Dene has focused on advocacy, education, and creating safer spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ youth. He honours the teachings of the land’s original Knowledge Keepers by using storytelling and shared experiences to educate and inspire. Dene’s work is grounded in connection, community, and a deep passion for helping youth thrive.

11:00 am - 11:45 am - MEI Conversation Guide & Collab Chats

This collaboration time will allow folks to meet with others attending the conference. Participants will meet in early, middle and senior years focus groups to discuss inclusion success strategies and resources they have 1-1, within classrooms, schools and the community. Responses will be placed on a one page document and shared with all participants at a later date through MEIs website.

Scout (they/them) from ARC and Lauren(she/they) from Rainbow Resource will be floating by groups during this time as leaders in inclusion efforts.
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11:45 am - 01:00 pm - Lunch will be provided on site for those that purchased it. We also have numerous local, inclusive, organizations joining us with their booths to connect with participants.
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Attendees will rotate through the following sessions as small groups allowing questions and connection with the presenters.

01:00 pm - 01:25 pm - Running a Kick Ass GSA: Jen Wiebe

Jen Wiebe (she/her) has been an English and Social Studies teacher at École River Heights School for 18 years. Jen has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to education, including the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence after developing a middle years course on the topic of Truth and Reconciliation. In addition to her award-winning teaching, Jen Wiebe has run meaningful clubs like the social justice Butterfly Club, and the school's GSA, often reaching student club #s in the 40s. This GSA evolves year to year based on student needs, and the personalities that show up and shape the direction of the group. Regardless of each group's changing name, mascot, goals, activities, and overall vibe, Jen provides queer students and allies a safe space to belong and be themselves, no strings attached. Her award winning teaching, her leadership in equity and inclusion initiatives, as well as her commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all students, makes her a great teacher to talk about running a kick-ass GSA!
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01:35 pm - 02:00 pm - Don't Judge a Book by its Ban: Lisa Carlson

Lisa Carlson (she/her) is a passionate and creative educator who has been teaching Grades 9–11 at Elm Creek School for over 20 years. Known for her hands-on, inclusive approach to education—from agriculture classes with live animals to literature that sparks empathy and critical thinking—Lisa understands the power of diverse perspectives in the classroom. In her session, she will explore the dangers of book banning and advocate for the essential role of inclusive, representative literature in supporting all students. Lisa brings both rural and urban experiences to her work, making her a powerful voice for equity, education, and student empowerment.
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02:10 pm - 02:35 pm - Moving the Needle with Resistant Colleagues: Lindsay Brown

Lindsay Brown (they/them), a classroom teacher at Maples Collegiate in Winnipeg, is committed to fostering safer spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and staff. In addition to teaching English Language Arts, Lindsay holds a leadership role as a Member-at-Large on the Manitoba Teachers' Society Provincial Executive, where they have spent the past four years advocating for equity, inclusion, and justice.

Lindsay embraces challenging conversations where they can build on shared values. By keeping in mind the principle that a Member’s "first professional responsibility is to the Member’s students," they have engaged in productive and professional dialogue with colleagues who are hesitant about, or resistant to, 2SLGBTQIA+ expansive education. Lindsay is looking forward to connecting with - and learning from - fellow educators this MTS PD Day and thanks MEI for the opportunity!
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02:45 pm - 03:10 pm - LGBT Topics & Curriculum: Gaston Lopez Ficher

Gaston Lopez Ficher (he/him) is a multilingual elementary school teacher and community leader who brings a deep commitment to inclusion and education. As a proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Gaston has created and led a wide range of initiatives—from inclusive youth camps to school-based GSAs and cultural programs—that celebrate identity and build connection. His workshop focuses on how to authentically weave 2SLGBTQ+ topics into early, middle, and senior years classrooms using the Manitoba curriculum. With experience in both English and Spanish instruction, Gaston’s approach is rooted in community, compassion, and helping all students be their truest selves.
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03:15 pm - 03:30 pm - Closing Remarks & Prizes

We will wrap up our day of learning together at the main stage. Lauren Checkley (she/they) from Rainbow Resource will give some updates, how Rainbow supports all year round and how participants can connect with them as a local leader with 2SLGBTTQIA+ Inclusion.

Prizes will be available for participants that joined us in person.

Virtual Session