Concerns are being raised about student safety and alleged racist bullying following what advocates describe as a serious assault involving an Indigenous student at Stonybrook Middle School in Steinbach. 

Community advocate Bambi Dawn with Mino Odewin says the incident has left a local family seeking accountability and stronger protections for Indigenous youth within the Hanover School Division. 

Mino Odewin, which means “People With Good Hearts,” is a Steinbach-based Indigenous community organization that provides cultural programming, advocacy and support for Indigenous youth and families in southeastern Manitoba. 

The allegations stem from an incident reported to have taken place last Wednesday and have prompted calls for an investigation, improved safety planning and broader conversations about how schools respond to bullying and racism. 

Allegations of assault and ongoing concerns 

Dawn says concerns about bullying had been building prior to the alleged assault, with the student’s mother frequently reaching out for support. 

"I'm a friend of Theo's mother, Melissa. She would often be texting me about some of these things in Facebook Messenger,  just a place for her to vent and talk. And I always felt really powerless. Like, what can I do about this?"  

According to a news release issued Monday by Mino Odewin, the most recent incident allegedly involved a physical assault that resulted in significant injuries. The release states the youth suffered a concussion, dental injury, facial wounds and had hair forcibly pulled out during the altercation. 

It further alleges that racist slurs were directed at the student, specifically targeting his Indigenous identity and cultural expression, including wearing his hair long. 

The allegations outlined in the release have not been independently verified. SteinbachOnline.com has contacted Hanover School Division seeking comment and clarification regarding the incident and the division’s response. 

At the time of publication, no response had been received. 

Advocacy group calls for formal investigation 

In its statement, Mino Odewin describes the situation as serious and calls for a formal investigation into both the alleged assault and any racist elements connected to it. 

The organization is requesting several actions from Hanover School Division, including: 

  • a formal investigation into the incident 

  • implementation of a comprehensive safety plan to protect the student at school 

  • a review of supervision policies during lunch hour, where the incident reportedly occurred 

  • trauma-informed supports for the affected student 

  • transparent communication with the family about disciplinary measures and next steps 

  • a demonstrated commitment to anti-racism and student safety 

The release also raises concerns about disciplinary consequences, alleging that the students involved received a two-day suspension despite the severity of the reported injuries. 

Timeline and reporting process 

Dawn says she became increasingly aware of the situation through conversations with the student’s family in the weeks leading up to the reported incident. She describes initially feeling unsure how to help but later becoming involved through her work with Mino Odewin. 

Dawn confirms the latest incident occurred last week Wednesday, Feb11th, only days before the advocacy meeting and news release were issued. 

Efforts are ongoing to obtain additional perspectives, including from the student’s family and school officials. 

Role of Mino Odewin in community response 

Dawn says Mino Odewin is focused on responding through support, education and community connection rather than confrontation. 

Mino Odewin, which translates from Anishinaabemowin as “People With Good Hearts,” is a community organization focused on supporting Indigenous people in Steinbach and surrounding areas through culturally grounded programming and advocacy. The group says its mission is to address gaps in culturally appropriate resources by fostering education, accessibility and connection while promoting understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Its work includes culturally rooted workshops, land-based education, healing practices and community gatherings aimed at supporting Indigenous youth, families and individuals while strengthening cultural identity and encouraging respect for Indigenous knowledge, traditions and ways of life. 

The organization regularly hosts gatherings and educational events aimed at building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents. 

"When we have a feast, there's lots of people that aren't Indigenous that come to the feast because they follow us on our page on Facebook and they find out about the feast and the feast is open to anybody. So we just want to make good connections."  

She says collaboration has been central to the group’s work, including partnerships with local organizations and outreach efforts within the broader community. 

"We've made really great connections with Outreach and with the Steinbach Arts Council, we've also had a meeting with the Mayor, Earl Funk, and he provided us some meat for our event on September 30th," Dawn said while describing recent initiatives.  

Dawn emphasized that strengthening relationships is a key step toward addressing difficult issues when they arise. 

"We just found that people are really willing open and willing to connect with us and come alongside us and work together, because if we're not working together, what do we have then?" 

The organization plans to host a community feast and gathering intended to provide cultural and emotional support for the student and his family. Event details are expected to be announced soon. 

Broader concerns about student safety 

The news release links the incident to wider conversations about bullying and the treatment of Indigenous youth within educational settings. Advocates say the situation raises broader questions about whether Indigenous students feel safe expressing their cultural identity in schools. 

The statement also references the recent death of an 11-year-old girl in Winnipeg following reported bullying, noting the timing has intensified concerns among families and community advocates. The release argues stronger preventative measures are needed to ensure student safety and well-being. 

While the circumstances surrounding each situation differ, advocates say the incidents have contributed to growing discussions across Manitoba about bullying prevention, mental health supports and culturally responsive education. 

Dawn says the immediate priority is ensuring the student involved feels safe returning to school while also encouraging constructive dialogue moving forward. 

She adds that many community members, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, want opportunities to learn from one another and contribute to safer environments for youth. 

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