COVID-19 (coronavirus) Indigenous student supports

Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge closure

All offices in Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge (Indigenous Student Centre and Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs) are closed and students cannot access the building. Staff are available through email and phone appointments; main phone lines and emails continue to be monitored. Contact the Indigenous Student Centre at isc@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-8850, and Access and Aboriginal Focus Programs at accessafp@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-8000.

Personal and cultural support

Elders at UM are here to offer their support and can be reached via email or phone. Please call the Indigenous Student Centre at 204-474-8850 to make an appointment.

Student counselor Karla Penner and the counselling interns are available to meet virtually with students. Please contact ISC at 474-8850 or isc@umanitoba.ca to book an appointment.

Many counselling resources for students are available on- and off-campus. Additional supports for Indigenous students include:

  • Hope for Wellness Help Line, which offers immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. It is available 24-7 for counselling and crisis intervention. Call toll-free at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to its online chat.
  • MMF Mental Wellness Support Line, available to Metis Citizens. Call toll-free at 1-833-309-1041. Services available in French and English (7 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily).
  • Talk4Healing is a culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages all across Canada (formerly only offered in Ontario). Call toll-free at 1-855-554-4325.

Visit the COVID-19 information for students page for additional health, wellness and personal supports.

Academic support

Most staff and services are still available by email or phone, but all offices are closed and in-person services and appointments are suspended until further notice, due to social distancing directives. Check the website of the office you want to contact for details on how to access their services or contact their staff.

Indigenous Student Centre advisors and program coordinators are available for phone appointments and/or to answer questions via email. To book an appointment, call 204-474-8850 or email isc@umanitoba.ca. You can also connect directly with an advisor from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

Academic Learning Centre study skills and writing tutors are available to meet undergraduate and graduate students in live online sessions, or to review papers and offer feedback via email. Visit their website to make an appointment or for more information. 

Online learning resources are available and are designed to support you while studying remotely. 

For more academic resources, visit the COVID-19 information for students page.

Faculty-specific resources for Indigenous students

A summary of some Indigenous student resources within UM faculties is below; please call or email faculties directly to determine the best way to access their services. 

Financial support

The COVID-19 information for students page provides information on UM and general financial supports, including provincial and federal government resources (Canada Emergency Student Benefit, Manitoba Student Aid, Rent Assist, Employment Income Assistance, Canada Student Loans and Grants, etc.) and filing your taxes. 

Visit the Government of Canada website for information on Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) has compiled additional financial resources that may be useful if COVID-19 has impacted your work or income. 

  • Support from First Nations Bands, Tribal Councils and organizations – First Nations students can check with their Bands or Tribal Councils to see if they have created a COVID-19 emergency fund for people who are off-reserve.
  • Manitoba Metis Federation Bridging Financial Support – Students may qualify if they are a Métis citizen who meet certain eligibility requirements. Visit the MMF website for more information and to apply.
  • Manitoba Inuit Association – Though the Manitoba Inuit Association is closed, Inuit students may call the main line at 204-774-6848 and ask to be directed to Jenelle Sammurtok for urgent matters. 
  • Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre – Tunngasugit is closed until further notice, but Inuit Peoples can call their help line at 1-844-654-6848 and their outreach coordinator can answer questions and guide them to resources.

Please reach out to the ISC advisors and program coordinators with questions. To book an appointment, call 204-474-8850 or email isc@umanitoba.ca. You can also connect directly with an advisor from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit the ISC staff page for contact information.

A partner of the ISC’s EmpoweringU Financial Wellness Program, Community Financial Counselling Services provides free, confidential advice and support if you are concerned about your financial situation or need assistance filing taxes.

Information on local food banks is available on the COVID-19 information for students page. Métis students may be eligible to receive a food hamper from the Métis Nation. To inquire, contact the Manitoba Metis Federation.

A list of scholarships and bursaries for Indigenous students is available from Financial Aid and Awards. You can also read the Indigenous Student Newsletter for upcoming award deadlines.

Career Services provides career planning, employment resources, personal support and free career workshops (registration required). Be sure to check out their career resources for Indigenous students.

Indigenous Student Centre programming

All in-person programming offered by the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) is suspended until further notice. However, ISC staff are still available for support and assistance by phone or email. To book an appointment, contact the ISC at 204-474-8850 or isc@umanitoba.ca.

Visit each program’s webpage for more information:

Prospective students

The Indigenous Student Recruitment team can answer any questions you may have about UM.