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First Nations Early Learning and Child Care (FNELCC) provides guidance to support the development, expansion, and enhancement of Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) programs in all 63 First Nations in Manitoba. ELCC programs include child care, Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve, and a variety of parent-child programming for First Nations children 0-6 years of age and their families.

The strategic plan For FNELCC is informed by the collective wisdom of our partners, Elders, communities, leadership, parents, and families. The strategic plan centres on 8 priority areas of action, which we call our Beads. The work of implementing these beads is called our Beadwork, and is guided by the child-centred principle that every decision, every investment, and every action we take in the work of the First Nations Early Learning and Child Care mandate must be made with our children’s best interests in mind.

ABOUT

All Our Gifts, All Our Children

First Nations Early Learning and Child Care Conference 2026

 

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Inc. invites you to the 2026 First Nations Early Learning and Child Care (FNELCC) Conference, taking place February 24–25, 2026, at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Conference Theme:

Rooted in First Nations teachings, this gathering celebrates the diverse strengths and spirits our children bring into the world. Together, we will honour each child’s uniqueness, explore inclusive and culturally grounded practices, and strengthen the circle that connects us all.

Join us as we celebrate the beauty of our children, the resilience of our communities, and the truth that every gift matters — and every child belongs.
Through collaboration, learning, and shared stories, we continue to build a strong foundation for First Nations children and families across our nations.

 

Conference Details:

Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
1808 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba
February 24–25, 2026

Registration is open for child care and AHSOR in our 63 First Nations.
Registration is now open to all other participants.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!

Who Should Attend:

This conference welcomes those working in:

Childcare programs
Aboriginal Head Start programs
Early years and family support programs

 

Follow AMC for updates

REGISTRATION

 
 

REGISTRATION IS CLOSED!

Registration is open to Child Care and AHSOR in our 63 First Nations and Other Organizations.

 

NOTE: If you’ve been invited as a Sponsored Participant, please do not register here — you will receive separate instructions for your registration.

This registration page is for non-sponsored participants.

Please contact info@fnelccm.ca for sponsored status

 

Registration limit has been set at 600 delegates [currently 830 registered]

 

 If you have questions or have trouble with your online registration,
contact us at info@fnelccm.ca or call (204) 318-0080 (Toll Free 1 (800) 318-3398)

REGISTRATION CLOSED – CONFERENCE AT CAPACITY!

To Child Care and AHSOR in our 63 First Nations and other Organizations!

 

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 $100
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 $100
Full conference (both days) $200
Elders – Free (65 + or if you are considered an Elder from your First Nation community)

 

Payment Methods

  1. Authorized Purchase Order – Please include PO number on registration
  2. Certified Cheque or from an organization or band (no personal cheques)
  3. Cash
  4. Payment by credit card (Call)
  5. Online (Coming Soon!)

Please note: E-transfers are not accepted. Please use one of the payment methods above.

Please email info@fnelccm.ca or call (204) 318-0080 (Toll-free 1 (800) 318-3398) to arrange payment before the conference.

Please make all payments payable to “Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
and send to:

ATTN: FNELCC Conference Registration
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Inc. Secretariat
200 – 275 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B3
P: (204) 260-9826

 

WORKSHOP PROPOSALS

 

If you are interested in presenting a workshop, please complete the Workshop Proposals online form.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026
9:00 -12:00 12:00 – 1:00 1:10 – 2:25 2:45 – 4:00
Opening Ceremony & Keynote Speaker Lunch Session 1 Session 2

 

Wednesday, February 25, 2026
9:00 -10: 15 10:45 – 12:00 12:00 – 1:00 1:10 – 2:25 2:45 – 4:00
Session 3 Session 4 Lunch Session 5 Closing Ceremonies

 

Workshop Proposals will be accepted online up until January 9, 2026.
Workshop Proposals will be reviewed, and the primary workshop presenter will be notified by January 23, 2026.

If you have questions or trouble with your online submission, please contact us at workshops@fnelccm.ca or call (204) 318-0080 (Toll-free 1 (800) 318-3398)

Note: travel and accommodation are the sole responsibility of the presenter.

 

Conference Theme

All Our Gifts, All Our Children

Every child is a sacred gift. Rooted in First Nations teachings, this gathering celebrates the diverse strengths and spirits our children bring into the world. Together, we’ll honour each child’s uniqueness, explore inclusive practices, and strengthen the circle that connects us all. Join us in celebrating the beauty of our children, the resilience of our communities, and the truth that every gift matters — and every child belongs.

Conference Participants
Our target audience includes First Nations child care centres, Aboriginal Head Start On-Reserve (AHSOR) programs and other programs that support young children and families.

Date and Location
February 24 & 25, 2025
Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre
1808 Wellington Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba

 

Workshop Contact:

Email: workshops@fnelccm.ca
Tollfree: 1 (800) 318-3398

TRADESHOW

 

TRADESHOW

TRADESHOW IS NOW FULL – THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE ELCC CONFERENCE!

Our annual Tradeshow welcomes up to 600 First Nations ELCC participants, creating a vibrant space for learning, connection, and community. Educators, program leaders, and partners gather to explore resources, services, and innovations that support early learning and child care in First Nations communities.

We invite vendors, organizations, and service providers to join us as exhibitors. This tradeshow is an excellent opportunity to showcase your products, share your expertise, and connect directly with ELCC programs from across Manitoba. Whether you offer educational materials, cultural resources, wellness supports, or community services, your presence helps strengthen the network of tools available to children and families.

Tradeshow Applications will be accepted online until all tables are filled.

If you have questions or trouble with your online submission, please contact us at tradeshow@fnelccm.ca or call (204) 318-0080 (Toll-free 1 (800) 318-3398)

Costs    
Company Table – $250 Electrical Outlet – $20.00
Independent Table – $150 Electrical Outlet – $20.00


About the Independent Rate

FNELCC is committed to supporting and promoting small, locally owned First Nations businesses and independent entrepreneurs. The Independent Rate ($150) is available to small First Nations businesses, artists, and individual vendors who operate independently (not as part of a larger company or organization). This rate is designed to make participation in the tradeshow more accessible and to encourage representation of community-based enterprises that reflect the spirit of First Nations innovation, culture, and self-determination.

Payment must be received prior to participation in the conference.

Payment Methods

  1. Certified Cheque or cheque from an organization or Band (no personal cheques)
  2. Cash
  3. Payment by Square

 

Please email tradeshow@fnelccm.ca or call (204) 318-0080 (Toll-free 1 (800) 318-3398) to arrange payment to confirm your participation.

 

CONFERENCE LOCATION & INFORMATION

 

Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre
1808 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Phone: (204) 786-4801
Fax: (204) 786-1329
Toll Free 1-877-VIC-INNS or 1-877-842-4667

The Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre is a Canada Select 4 Star hotel. The hotel has 260 well-appointed standard guest rooms and specialty rooms including executive, Honeymoon, Queen and Kid Theme suites. More than 28,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space makes it the largest convention hotel in Manitoba. Hotel amenities include a Dino-Beach Family Water Park, fitness room, washers, dryers and a gift shop in the hotel lobby. The hotel also offers complimentary parking, local phone calls, internet computer in the lobby, wireless internet in guest rooms and 24-hour airport shuttle. Other conveniences include Chicago Joe’s Restaurant lounge, and VLT Gaming Room.

Accommodations
When booking your room, please mention that you are attending the FNELCC Conference to receive the discounted rates.  Book early as space is limited!

Travel
All travel arrangements are the responsibility of the individual.

Health and Safety
The AMC assumes no responsibility for any injury, theft, or personal liabilities. First Aid and emergency services will be available on location. The conference is an alcohol and drug free event (excluding any alcohol sold by host hotel at the restaurant and banquet).

 

CONTACT US

 

General Inquiries including Registration
email: info@fnelccm.ca
Phone: (204) 318-0080
Toll Free: 1 (800) 318-3398

Workshop Inquiries
Email: workshops@fnelccm.ca
Phone: (204) 318-0080
Toll Free: 1 (800) 318-3398

Tradeshow Inquiries
Email: tradeshow@fnelccm.ca
Phone: (204) 318-0080
Toll Free: 1 (800) 318-3398

Host Hotel Information
Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
1808 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, MB
Phone: 204-786-4801
Toll Free: 1-877-VIC-INNS
Fax (204) 786-1329