Students walking through forest

Overview

The Land and Water program runs from October through to Summer. Drop in events take place in September and from June to August. The Land and Water Program is an Indigenous land-based education program that brings together Indigenous, and other students, community members, knowledge holders, and elders to participate in immersive urban land-based experiences, as well as engaging online workshops and activities. This year’s programming explores Indigenous land-based knowledge systems from a seasonal lens. This program is a great opportunity for urban Indigenous youth and students, 2S/LGBTQ+ youth and students, UM students and others to learn about Indigenous peoples enduring relationships with land and place.

Participants will:

  • Learn on, from and about the land,
  • Explore Indigenous land-based knowledge systems from a seasonal lens,
  • Develop a sense of place and belonging, and
  • Spend time with elders and knowledge holders, and engage in ceremonies.

Scroll down to see the application form!

Schedule

Tentative Schedule

Applications are reviewed after September 30th. The program kicks off in mid-to late October with an orientation and day of programming. Participants will engage in online workshops and in-person programming led by Indigenous elders, knowledge holders, artists and educators throughout the four seasons. Summer programming is offered on a drop-in basis, and Land and Water participants are encouraged to participate!

Programming is generally offered in the evening (online workshops) and on the weekend (in-person programming). Participants’ schedules will be taken into consideration when setting the calendar.

Fall (September-October-November)

  • September (Date TBD) drop-in walk and talk (Fort Garry Campus): Indigenous Land and Place-Making
  • September 30: Application deadline
  • Early October: Application review
  • Mid-to late October (Date TBD): Land and Water orientation (in-person)
  • November (Reading Week): Land and Water programming (in-person)
  • November (Reading Week): Online workshop

Winter (December-January-February)

  • December 21 (Date TBD): Winter Solstice event
  • January: Online Workshop
  • February (Reading Week): Land and Water programming (in-person)
  • February (Reading Week): Online workshop

Spring (March-April-May)

  • March programming (in-person)
  • April: Online workshop
  • May: Program Celebration (in-person)

Summer (June-July-August)

  • Drop-in programming (in-person): Two-Spirit Sundance support and learning

Our past experiences

The Land and Water program is different every year! Programming and activities take participant interests into account, as well as an annual theme. Past in-person and virtual programming has included:

Immersive land-based experiences

  • a guided medicine walk through the urban Assiniboine Forest
  • an elder-led tour of the Bannock Point petroforms in Whiteshell Provincial Park
  • a day trip to Shoal Lake 40 First Nation
  • building a Sweat Lodge

Community-building events

  • making bannock and three sister's soup
  • snow-shoeing and Indigenous games
  • beading, painting, moccasin-making, screen printing and more
  • attending art galleries and museums

Themes

  • Climate Change and Land-Based Ways of Life
  • Queering Land-Based Education
  • A Seasonal Lens

About our partners

This program benefits from the guidance and involvement of dedicated elders and grandmothers, such as Albert McLeod, Charlotte Nolin, Barbara Bruce and others. Other elders, knowledge holders, artists and cultural teachers have also led past and future programming, including:

  • Elder Audrey Logan (Indigenous foodways) and others
  • Knowledge holders Jenna Vandal (plant identification), Justin L’Arrivee (historical perspectives), and Kakeka Thundersky (youth engagement) and others
  • Artists Annie Beach (paint), Bronwyn Butterfield (beading) and others
  • Language teachers Quinton Delorme (Cree, n dialect), Carol Beaulieu (Anishinaabemowin) and others (Michif)

Our coordinators

Meghan Young, Program Assistant, is a Métis student currently working towards an Advanced Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies.

Nicki Ferland (she/her) is a two-spirit Métis land-based educator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

All UM students and Indigenous youth may apply. Indigenous UM students, urban Indigenous youth, 2S/LGBTQIA+ students and youth will be given priority access to Indigenous land-based programming. While the majority of participants will be Indigenous students and youth, domestic and international students, full- and part-time students, graduate and undergraduate students, and others are also encouraged to apply.

Are there any hidden costs?

Programming is entirely free. Any supplies or materials needed will be distributed to participants for online programming. In-person activities, including delicious Indigenous-made meals, are covered too!

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Meghan Young, Land and Water Program Assistant, at Meghan.Young@umanitoba.ca

Land and Water Application Form