Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)

Ms. Bruce brings significant experience in Indigenous research as a leader on projects for the Government of Canada, Government of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the Manitoba Métis Federation, with a focus on Indigenous-led processes and program delivery.

While with the Nókwewashk sector, Ms. Bruce grew the Indigenous Natural Resource Program to $100 million and supported the first natural resources international missions that highlighted Indigenous-led partnerships and business around the world. Ms. Bruce also led the development of an Indigenous Research Ethics policy for the department, changing the way scientists engage and partner with Indigenous Nations across Canada.

Previously, Ms. Bruce was Deputy Minister in Manitoba's Indigenous and Northern Relations and Municipal Relations departments. During that time, she led the highest number of Treaty Land Entitlement land transfers in Manitoba's history. She has also held senior positions with the Legacy of Hope Foundation and the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, organizations that worked to support the funding of healing programs in communities for Residential School Survivors and intergenerational Survivors.

Ms. Bruce will advance policy, research and programming that bolsters Reconciliation and Indigenous self-determination, and continue the legacy of exemplary leadership for the Vice-President (Indigenous) portfolio.

Some of the community work Christine has done includes volunteering with several Boards and committees, sitting as Chair of the United Way of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Relations Council, member of United Way’s Board of Trustees, Chair of the Circle on Aboriginal People and Philanthropy’s 3rd Annual All My Relations Gathering, and Vice-Chair of Career Trek.

In 2014, Christine received the Future Leaders of Manitoba Award as well as the Service Award from the University of Manitoba for her outstanding work in the field of Indigenous education and for her commitment to the community.

In 2015, Christine was one of only nine Manitoban's selected to attend the Governor General’s Leadership Conference and spent 16 days travelling across Canada learning about governance, economies, cultures, businesses and other sectors.

Christine is a traditional woman who attends, participates in, and leads ceremonies. She lives in Winnipeg surrounded by her husband, four children and eight grandchildren.

She currently co-leads project work in creating a supportive environment for Indigenous students, faculty, staff, and guests including the creation of an anti-Indigenous racism policy, recognizing and compensating the contributions of Indigenous staff and faculty, and the recruitment and retention of Indigenous staff, faculty, and students.

As someone who is dedicated to amplifying and strengthening the Indigenous community at UM, Cyr has developed and led programs like the Post-Secondary Club that advance the recruitment of Indigenous high school students in Manitoba. She also co-created the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment (ICE) leadership program, and established the Métis Working Group and the new position of Métis Inclusion Coordinator.

An accomplished mentor and leader, Cyr received the Future Leaders of Manitoba Award in 2013 and the Service Award from UM in 2014. Her volunteer work has included sitting as Chair of the United Way of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Relations Council, member of United Way’s Board of Trustees, Chair of the Circle on Aboriginal People and Philanthropy’s 3rd Annual All My Relations Gathering, and Vice-Chair of Career Trek.

Christine is active on the Red Road - attending, participating in, and leading ceremonies.

Vanessa Lillie is Cree and Métis. Her family is from St. Peter’s/Peguis Reserve along the banks of the Red River. Vanessa has roots in Peguis First Nation, a community in Manitoba’s Interlake. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Manitoba. Her thesis research focused on the effect of socio-cultural factors leading to Indigenous high school graduation.

She has worked at the University of Manitoba as the first Academic Advisor for Indigenous Students in the Faculty of Arts and a Student Advisor in the Indigenous Student Centre overseeing the cultural portfolio.

As an alumnus of the University of Manitoba, Vanessa works to walk in the footsteps of those who came before her seeking possibilities to make our collective space more accessible, inclusive, and healing. Relationships, listening, and learning are integral to Vanessa as she strives to co-create respectful, community-informed restorative practices. Inclusion and integration of Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing widen the path for generations to come reclaiming spaces within all aspects of education.

She is a strong advocate and an active grass-roots community member who balances her time so she can learn from Elders, Traditional Knowledge Keepers and spend time on the land. She is honoured to be a daughter, mother, sister and auntie.

Kristen Hudym is a settler of Polish, Scottish, and Scandinavian decent, born on Treaty 2 territory, now residing on Treaty 1 land. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration with Great Distinction from the University of Regina and holds her Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

Prior to her role at the University of Manitoba, Kristen was contracted as the Senior Accountant for the Kahkewistahâw Economic Management Corporation, which develops economic opportunity on behalf of Kahkewistahâw First Nation. While contracting with Kahkewistahâw, she simultaneously held the role of Manager of Support Services at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in her hometown, Estevan, Saskatchewan. Kristen started off her career in audit and has worked as both an External Auditor with KPMG in Calgary, and as an Internal Auditor with Viterra in Regina.

In her spare time, Kristen enjoys painting, travelling, and spending time with her boyfriend, Ryan, and their Pomeranian, Beanie.

Karla grew up in Northern Manitoba and is a member of Sagkeeng First Nation. She has family roots in Wasagamack and Sagkeeng First Nation.

With over 15 years’ experience in professional office executive/administrative assistant positions. Karla takes pride in providing the best service and support, she approaches all aspects of any job with a positive, hardworking mindset, and is passionate about helping find solutions to any challenges. Prior to joining the Office of Vice-President Indigenous, Karla worked at Ongomiizwin, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Danielle Lang, Executive Assistant to Dr. Cary Miller, Associate Vice-President (Indigenous). Danielle is a White Settler of French European descent who grew up in La Salle, Manitoba but has spent the majority of her adult life in Fort Richmond. She attended the University of Winnipeg and graduated from Herzing Career College with a Medical Secretary/Transcriptionist diploma. She most recently has worked as the executive assistant to the Department Head, Department of Pediatrics, at the Bannatyne Campus. Danielle and her husband Louis have two small dogs (Larry and Bella) and three adult children. In her spare time Danielle has a passion for puzzling, reading, spending time at her cabin where she and Louis enjoy exploring nature and foraging for raspberries, blueberries and mushrooms!

Desta Tataryn is Métis with family ties to Swampy Cree Nation. She grew up in Selkirk, MB and moved to Winnipeg when she began her degree at UW, where she graduated with a BA, majoring in Sociology. Desta has been working at UM for more than five years and is currently the Assistant to Directors for Cultural Integration and for Indigenous Student Recruitment + Community Relations. Prior to this role, she has worked in various UM units, including the Indigenous Student Centre, Inner City Social Work Program, and Community Health Sciences. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, camping, and reading, and is currently learning to bead more.

Misko Banaishe (kwe/she/her) is an Inuk, Anishinaabe woman from Qamani'tuaq (Baker Lake, in Nunavut) and Bkejwanong (Walpole Island, in Ontario) of the Marten clan, who grew up in south-western Ontario.

In the fall 2024, Misko graduated from Western University, in London, Ontario with her Bachelor of Arts, while at Western she was a prominent student leader on campus and active in the Indigenous community.

During her time at Western Misko was a part of the Indigenous Student Association, where she helped the voices of Indigenous students on campus be heard and plan educational, traditional and social events for the Indigenous community. This experience has equipped her with the understanding of the importance for Indigenous leaders in different professions with diverse experiences.

Misko is excited about her new role at UM as the Cultural Integration Lead. She is enthusiastic about using her cultural knowledge and personal experience to contribute to UM's efforts in fostering inclusivity and supporting Indigenous students and initiatives. Misko is looking forward to working with the rest of the team and creating a more inclusive and equitable environment at UM.

Outside of work, Misko enjoys spending time with her corgi, Bella, or crafting such as beading and sewing. In the warmer months, Misko is out on the land picking medicines and berries, or at a Pow Wow.