CAYC-MB: Their Voices Will Guide Us

Event is FULL - Currently not accepting registrations

CAYC-MB - Canadian Association for Young Children

Conference Title: Their Voices Will Guide Us

Location: O.V. Jewitt School, 66 Neville Street, Winnipeg, MB

Date: October 24, 2025

- Program -
08:15 am - 09:00 am - Registration & Coffee
09:00 am - 10:00 am - Keynote: Charlene Bearhead
10:00 am - 10:30 am - Break
10:30 am - 12:00 pm - AM Session
12:00 pm - 01:25 pm - Lunch (see note below)
01:30 pm - 03:00 pm - PM Session

- Conference and Membership Fees -
CAYC-MB Conference & Membership Fee ...... $70 full day ..... $35 half day *must be national member (see below)
CAYC-MB Non-Member Conference Fee ........ $110 full day ... $75 half day
CAYC-MB Student Conference Fee .................. $35 (must be full-time student)

***PLEASE NOTE: To become a National Member, you must first go to cayc.ca to become a member ($30). Once you have your national membership you are eligible for the Member Registration option. National memberships are renewed annually and allow you to attend national (online) PD sessions as well as local PD sessions for free or at discounted rates.***

*For Students: The same fee applies for the full-day or the half-day conference. Students can attend for free if they can volunteer some time to support the conference. Please contact melanie.janzen@umanitoba.ca to make arrangements.

Payment Options:
PayPal - caycmb.mtspdday@gmail.com
eTransfer - secretary.caycmb@gmail.com
Cheque - (payable to CAYC-MB) to CAYC-MB, C/O 155 Northcliffe Drive, Winnipeg, MB., R2C 4K4

Cancellation Policy: Please note that registration fees cannot be refunded after October 10, 2025. If you must cancel and do so prior to October 10, you will be refunded of your fees except for $10 which will be withheld to cover administrative expenses. Refunds will only be issued before Friday, October 10, 2025. When a refund is requested, the registration will be cancelled and a cheque will be issued for the refund.

Registration includes coffee and snacks. Please bring a travel mug for your beverage.

*** Lunch: You can either make your own arrangements for lunch OR you can pre-order a delicious and nutritious prepackaged lunch prepared by Lewis Catering. Each lunch order will be individually prepared, packaged, labelled with your name, and ready for pick up at lunch time. Each lunch includes a main dish, side dish, dessert, and canned drink - all for $20. Lunches MUST be preordered. You will receive a link in the registration confirmation email through which you can order your lunch . All orders must be received and paid for by October 17th at 5 pm. Payment of $20 (incl tax) can be included with your registration payment. ***

On-site registration is not encouraged as we cannot guarantee that there will be space available.

Parking is limited. Please consider carpooling and active transportation options.

If you need Conference or Registration Information, please email secretary.caycmb@gmail.com.

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Sessions - 9:00 AM-10:00 AM

FULL - Keynote Address by Charlene Bearhead: Their Voices Will Guide Us

Their Voicies Will Guide Us

Charlene Bearhead, Education Coordinator for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, will share the thinking behind the student and youth engagement guide by the same name. Charlene, an elementary educator and author of children's books will outline the importance of doing this heart work with very young children, noting that early years is the ideal time to plant the seeds of resilience and hope in children while nurturing and amplifying their voices. Early childhood educators will be empowered and inspired to take their place in the circle around our youngest of children, inviting and compelling all who need to be there to find their own place in that circle.

Charlene Bearhead is the Vice President, Learning and Reconciliation at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. She is an educator, Indigenous education advocate and author with over 35 years of regional, national and international experience. Recently named to the inaugural Board of Directors of the National Council for Reconciliation, Bearhead’s career has focused on education as a tool for reconciliation, having worked to establish the National Indigenous Education and Reconciliation Network Gathering since 2017. She has also been named to the Aunties Circle for the First Nations Women Transforming Conservation Fellowship program with the Indigenous Leadership Initiative and Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada. Charlene is the co-author of the children’s book series, Siha Tooskin Knows and contributor to multiple anthologies and reconciliation focused resources. Most recently Charlene served as a member of the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle for the National Film Board of Canada and in an advisory capacity with Nelson Education. Previously Charlene served as education days coordinator for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, education coordinator for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, education advisor for the Canadian Geographic Indigenous People’s Atlas of Canada and member of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Indigenous Education working group. Charlene also served as the first education lead for both the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba and the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC.

Sessions - 10:30 AM-12:00 PM

FULL - AM01: The Smallest of Voices Hold the Most Power

In this session, Charlene Bearhead, our keynote speaker, will engage participants in a workshop setting in order to delve more deeply into the concepts of loss, hope, trauma, and resilience with our youngest students. Together the group will explore the Early Years section of the guide, Their Voices Will Guide Us, reflecting on what it takes to call on leaders to support teachers in this work, to engage family and community and to truly give voice to young students.

Presenter: Charlene Bearhead, Education Coordinator for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

FULL - AM02: The Power of Storytelling

Story Vines capture the power of stories in our lives. In this session, Marlene will model the process involved in creating story vines with students of all ages. She will provide examples of story vines and discuss how this creative, multimodal form of storytelling offers a rich learning experience that connects to the four language arts practices. Marlene will share ideas and experiences from other educators who have used story vines in innovative and unique ways to empower learners to tell their stories and the stories of others.

Presenter: Marlene McKay is a retired teacher, consultant, and university instructor. She passionately believes in the power of children’s literature as well as the need to engage learners in meaningful learning processes and experiences.

FULL - AM03: The Red River Métis Sash Finger Weaving Workshop

The Métis Sash workshop will teach the importance of what the sash means to the Red River Métis, the history, the uses, the weaving styles, and the meaning of the colors that are weaved into the Métis sash. In addition, participants will learn how to finger weave a small sash, through a step-by-step process. The outcome will be the participants will gain an understanding of the Red River Métis sash and its rich history. They will walk away with the knowledge of how to finger weave a small Métis sash that can be used as a lanyard, bookmark, or bracelet. Includes presentation and instructions.

Presenter: Gavin Forbes is proudly part of the Red River Métis, Kirton family, which originates in Clandeboye, Saint Eustache, Poplar Point, and Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. He is a bright, neurodivergent, young man with burning passion for his culture and loves expressing it every way he can. As a theologian, Gavin is deeply spiritual and thoughtful, and doesn’t shy away from hard conversations. Gavin is a Cultural Educator for Louis Riel Institute and spends his time learning using his knowledge to share Red River Métis culture and history to everyone. Gavin is also a professional jigger and dances with the Asham Stompers.

FULL - AM05: The Stories We Carry: Teaching with Identity and Purpose

In this workshop, we will explore how identity can serve as the foundation for meaningful, student-centred curriculum and pedagogy. Grounded in our ongoing journey as educators learning about anti-racism practices and inspired by Being the Change by Sara K. Ahmed, this work invites participants to reflect on their own identities alongside those of their students. Together, we will choose and use identity texts, plan and implement classroom activities, and document culturally relevant teaching practices. This will be an opportunity to engage in honest reflection, collaborative learning, and to prioritize students' lived experiences as central to curriculum. Participants will leave with practical strategies, deeper self-awareness, and a shared commitment to equity in education.

Co-presenters:
Catlin Magus is a Kindergarten Educator in 7Oaks School Division and also a student in the PBDE Inclusive Education program.

Brittany Okatch has a PDBE in Inclusive Education and an M. Ed in Curriculum Studies. She is currently a Learning Support Teacher in 7Oaks School Division

Xiaoxiao Du, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in Language and Literacy in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba.

FULL - AM06: A Bear-y Special Project: Our Journey Towards Reconciliation

In this workshop we will share our experiences working with the The Caring Society calendar of events including Bear Witness Day, Elderbeary Day, Have a Heart Day and more. This will be an opportunity for participants to learn about the The Caring Society calendar and how to connect the calendar to learning opportunities for students. We will share many projects that we have completed in the last 3 years including a school-wide learning fair for our community. We will share how these projects have impacted our journey toward reconciliation in our schools.

Co-presenters:
Erin Clarke is a Grade 1 Teacher at Oakbank Elementary School in Sunrise School Division.

Tayllor Relph is a Grade 1 Teacher at Maple Leaf School in River East Transcona School Division.

FULL - AM07: The Future Speaks: Igniting Social Change Through Student Voices

In this session, educators will discover powerful ways to spark curiosity and critical thinking about local and global issues within their students. Together, we’ll explore the stories of young changemakers making a real-world impact and learn how to bring that same energy into the classroom. Participants will leave with practical strategies, curriculum connections, and ready-to-use resources that empower students to raise their voices and become agents of social change.

Presenter: Sydni Masiowski is a Grade 3 Teacher at Princess Margaret School in River East Transcona School Division.

FULL - AM08: Uncovering Curriculum through Inquiry and Play

This session is designed for kindergarten teachers looking to deepen their understanding of how to promote authentic curriculum learning experiences through inquiry and play. During this session, you will be walked through real-life classroom inquiry examples, from conception to execution, to assessment practices. You will leave this session having learned how by homing in on the voices, interests and curiosities of your students, inquiry and play can be a tool for not only rich and joyful learning, but also for revealing pieces of your students’ unique identities.

Presenter: Rachael is a Learning Support Teacher at Lord Nelson School in The Winnipeg School Division. Her specialty is in supporting students and staff in the early years. Prior to her time as an LST, Rachael spent nearly 8 years as a Kindergarten and Nursery teacher. She has an M.Ed from the University of Manitoba in Language and Literacy.

FULL - AM09: Forging Their Path: Supporting Children's Learning in Nature

In this workshop we will discuss the role Nature Based Learning plays for the whole child. Participants will learn some theory and practice of the Forest School ethos and how we can apply those concepts to the traditional classroom. Working through personal and systemic barriers to taking your class outdoors, educators will have the opportunity to brainstorm solutions.

Presenter: Leah Smith is the Director of Nature Based Learning at FortWhyte Alive.

FULL - AM10: Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach in our Manitoba Context

This session will provide a brief history and then the current context of how the Reggio Emilia Approach has framed values and governing policies for the families living in the city of Reggio Emilia, Italy. The city is involved in all aspects of the approach. A great deal of emphasis is put on community involvement and on understanding the culture in the context of where the children are from. Reggio Emilia inspired practices are based on a powerful “Image of Child”. Seeing children of any age as competent unique individuals who come to you with experience and knowledge. Being inspired by this approach has created our own pedagogical journey. Our pedagogical practices come from our own knowledge and experiences. We will share current stories of child care centres and schools that have been inspired by the Approach. We will share how this can relate to our Manitoba context and the way it affects the relations we have with children, families, colleagues and policy makers.

Co-presenters:
Bella Ulitsky is a classified ECE III. She has more than 20 years of experience as an Early Childhood Educator and has a Bachelor of Education in Special Needs. Bella is currently the Director of River Road Child Care, has worked as a Resource Teacher in a school setting, and is a certified Forest School Practitioner.

Gerrie Stolz is a classified Early Childhood Educator III and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Developmental Studies with an Advanced Diploma in Studies of Special Rights. Gerrie is a trained facilitator in Circle of Security® and a Forest School Practitioner. She has over 30 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood as floor staff, college instructor, policy analyst with the province of Manitoba, centre director and mentor.

FULL - AM11: The Transformative Power of Storytelling in Treaty Education

This session invites educators to explore the transformative power of storytelling in treaty education. Centering Indigenous voices and practices, participants will engage with diverse, age-appropriate books and resources for K–12, experience a model lesson on sharing personal treaty stories, and learn how to co-create classroom treaties that reflect respect, reciprocity, and community. The session provides practical tools to foster inclusive, relationship-based learning environments rooted in the spirit and intent of treaties.
By the end of the session, participants will:

• Understand the role of personal and community stories in treaty education.
• Explore curated books and resources to support treaty learning across all grade levels.
• Experience and reflect on a culturally responsive model lesson for sharing treaty stories.
• Learn protocols for safe and respectful storytelling in the classroom.
• Practice setting classroom norms that support co-created classroom treaties.
• Be equipped to implement treaty-based practices and facilitate similar learning in their own schools.

Presenter: Cora-Leigh Fast, Michif Language Program Teacher, St. James-Assiniboia School Division

Sessions - 10:30 AM-3:00 PM

FULL - FD1: Grounded & Growing: An Outdoor Journey for Educator Renewal and Connection

This is a full day session. The objective is to connect educator wellbeing in the morning session with educator well-being and becoming with (students) in the afternoon. All the above will be centred with an outdoor learning lens. Through engaging with outdoor S/spaces, P/places, and L/land, join in an emergent, experiential opportunity to replenish your creativity, sense of self through sit spot reflection and provocations, arts-based explorations and collaborative conversations. In the afternoon portion, you will have the opportunity to connect your morning un-coverings, through large group discussions and sharing circles in your educator/teacher/counselor/resource environments. Throughout the day, our presenters will offer and invite you to consider simple outdoor experiences with creative prompts that you can take back to your students. Come ready to ground yourself in place, grow your practice, and walk away inspired—inside and out.

Co-presenters:
Cheryl Ottenbreit is teacher/educator with 25 years of experience in Winnipeg School Division. She is currently a master's student at University of Manitoba in Contemplative, Holistic, Integrative Studies.

Hannelore Wurmann is an educator at large, previously with RETSD with an outdoor learning focus. She is also a master’s student at University of Manitoba in Contemplative, Holistic, and Integrative Studies.

Sessions - 1:30 PM-3:00 PM

FULL - PM01: Every Child Belongs Outside: Upholding Children’s Rights and Outdoor Disability Justice Through Inclusive Design

What does it mean to honour the rights of every child—especially those with disabilities—in outdoor spaces? How can we design outdoor environments and experiences where all children can fully participate, express themselves, and experience joy, wonder, and connection? In this session, we will explore how outdoor learning spaces can become powerful platforms for justice, belonging, and equity. Grounded in the belief that nature is for everyone, we will share stories, images, and practices from a team of educators whose work is guided by the identities and voices of the children in their care. We will look at what outdoor disability justice can mean in early childhood settings, and how educators can challenge barriers—both physical and attitudinal—to create responsive outdoor environments. You will gain ideas for adapting outdoor play to support diverse needs, strategies for co-constructing inclusive spaces with children, and inspiration for rooting your practice in the rights of the child. Whether you are just beginning to explore outdoor learning or looking to deepen your inclusive approach, this session will support you in seeing the land as a place of possibility for all children.

Presenter: Pat Furman (She/her) is the Executive Director at Inspired by Wonder Inc. She holds a MA, BA, ECE 3, and a Masters in Innovation in Early Childhood Education from the University of Colardo, Denver.

FULL - PM02: Soil, Stories, and Sound: Groundwork for Learning about the National Inquiry

This experiential learning session will layer soil art making, Manitoba stories, and music as arts-based ways respond to the ongoing crises of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This session is collaboratively designed by a group of Indigenous and settler scholar-educators to help participants learn more about the National Inquiry through engaging in individual and collaborative land-based art making experiences. This workshop reflects a small part of a collaborative multi-year decolonizing initiative between teacher and nurse educators in Manitoba and British Columbia working to mobilize the Calls for Justice.

Co-presenters: Katya Adamov Ferguson (Artist Intern), Dr. Francine Morin (Professor Emerita), and Rhonda Campbell (Instructor, College of Nursing)

FULL - PM04: Books! Books! Books!

In this workshop, we will explore the importance of read alouds, beautiful libraries and intentional text selection to support student learning. I will share some of my past experiences designing and curating an inclusive and diverse classroom library. We will also look at selecting text sets for supporting themes or areas of interest and inquiry and using read alouds to foster deeper understanding, critical thinking, and a love of learning. Participants are invited to share a few books that have inspired you and your students learning. My hope is you will be leaving with a new collection of book titles and ideas that will engage you and your students on your learning journeys. new ideas to enrich your classroom libraries and ways engage you and your learners in deeper learning.

Presenter: Jaime Carpenter is a grade 1/2 multiage at Amber Trails School in Seven Oaks School Division.

FULL - PM05: “They see you talking, but they don’t listen”: Insights for educators from former youth in care

In this workshop I will share findings from research which asked former youth in care about their school experiences in K-12. With a focus on their words and stories, themes of relationships, autonomy, and in/visibility will be discussed alongside their advice to educators. As a teacher researcher, I will highlight how reconceptualizing student experience and voice has informed my work in schools.

Presenter: Jessica Grant – Learning Support Teacher, Victory School, Seven Oaks School Division

FULL - PM06: A Bear-y Special Project: Our Journey Towards Reconciliation

FULL - PM08: Re-imagining Classroom Design: From Responding to Centering

** This session is off-site, at the nearby, James Nisbet School, 70 Doubleday Drive

Many children enter into our classroom spaces and engage with the learning, expectations and relationships therein with relative ease. But what about the children who do not, or cannot yet? Although well-intentioned, our measures of “success” in schools often presuppose that children are regulated, neurotypical, and have strong executive functioning skills. What if our classroom design, daily routines, relationships and pedagogical decisions started with these children in mind? What if we held their needs, strengths and rights at the heart of our daily life in the classroom? Join me for an afternoon visit to my classroom to explore how we may move from responding to centering. I will share stories and examples through pedagogical documentation from my classroom, as well as my perspective from my previous role as a learning support teacher. I will share strategies that I am currently trying in my classroom (including collaboration with our school Occupational Therapist). You will be invited to explore the space and engage with some of the routines, structures and materials that support this centering approach. My hope is to inspire you to re-imagine your own classroom design, while centering the children who are at the heart of your own teaching practices.

Presenter: Catherine Paul-Sawatzky is currently a Grade 1/2 teacher, James Nisbet School and was a former learning support teacher. She holds a PBDE in Indigenous Studies and an MEd in Curriculum Studies.

FULL - PM09: Relationships with Plants

**This session is off-site at the nearby “Aki Centre” 1985-A Grassmere Road

Audrey Logan will share her stories and strategies as a traditional foods teacher who shares knowledge through the West Broadway community gardens, her work on Dehydration Nations, and the Aki Centre. Audrey will prompt thinking about food sovereignty and new types of relationships with plants through stories and experiences living from sustainable food practices.

Presenter: Audrey Logan is a Nēhiyāwiskwēw (Plains Cree)/Métis woman and Knowledge Keeper from Northern Alberta who currently resides in Treaty 1 territory. Audrey Logan has spent decades living off the land without entering a grocery store.

FULL - PM10: Reggio Emilia Inspired Provocations using Loose Parts

Applying pedagogical values and approaches in our practice takes intention and purpose. This session will review how you can support skill development using loose parts for children of all ages in relevant, engaging and meaningful experiences. Loose parts materials are open-ended, foster creativity, problem solving and exploration and adaptable for any learning experience.
Our role as educators is to use our expertise, continued research and reflection to build on each child’s skills and abilities. You will leave this session with inspiration and excitement to support children’s learning experiences derived from your expertise in knowing their needs, abilities and interest.

Understanding the importance of early childhood development that shapes and scaffolds the human journey in life. There will be an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues on pedagogical documentation. As well as time to imagine and construct hands on invitations and provocations for children using loose parts materials.

Co-presenters:
Bella Ulitsky is a classified ECE III. She has more than 20 years of experience as an Early Childhood Educator and has a Bachelor of Education in Special Needs. Bella is currently the Director of River Road Child Care, has worked as a Resource Teacher in a school setting, and is a certified Forest School Practitioner.

Gerrie Stolz is a classified Early Childhood Educator III and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Developmental Studies with an Advanced Diploma in Studies of Special Rights. Gerrie is a trained facilitator in Circle of Security® and a Forest School Practitioner. She has over 30 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood as floor staff, college instructor, policy analyst with the province of Manitoba, centre director and mentor.

FULL - PM11: The Transformative Power of Storytelling in Treaty Education