In Manitoba, it’s up to individual First Nations communities to decide how they approach the school year for on-reserve schools.
Lake Manitoba First Nation, along with Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation and Lake St. Martin First Nation, will keep schools closed to start the year and provide remote learning virtually and via take-home packages.
Pinaymootang First Nation and Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation have decided to delay the start of school but plan to welcome students back on a staggered schedule later in September.
The schools in Bloodvein, Brokenhead, Dakota Plains, Dakota Tipi, Fox Lake Cree Nation and York Factory will be opening on September 8th.
Most schools are adopting a model similar to that of the DRCSS, where half of the students will attend class two days a week and work remotely at home for two days a week. The difference here is some schools on reserves will be closing on Fridays for deep cleaning, whereas for the DRCSS, Fridays are designated as follow up/administration time for teachers to contact students and have preparation time.
One problem facing schools on First Nations is that most only go up to grade 8 or 9, so high school students have to travel off-reserve and that worries some parents.
Masks and personal protective equipment will be supplied for all students and staff by the Manitoba First Nation School System. Physical distancing guidelines and enhanced cleaning protocols will be in place.
If a staff member or student were to test positive for COVID-19, there’s a possibility of a temporary shut down for the school until everyone has been tested, isn’t showing symptoms, and the school has had a deep clean.
There has yet to be a confirmed case of COVID-19 on a Manitoba First Nation.
