Explore UM

Indigenous community

Pursuing a university education is a great way to nurture your spiritual, physical, mental and emotional strengths and figure out where your passion lies. At UM, you’ll join a culturally rich and diverse community and learn in a way that celebrates your experiences, culture and history.

Get connected as soon as possible, there’s a welcoming Indigenous community waiting for you at UM. Watch as third year student Chloe discusses the impact being a part of the Indigenous community at UM has had on her academically, professionally, and personally.

There's a whole world to see outside of the reserve, and coming to the University of Manitoba was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Jesse McGregor Cree, U1/Access

Migizii Agamik—Bald Eagle Lodge

Migizii Agamik, located at the Fort Garry campus, was inspired by Indigenous world views and designed in collaboration with Elders and Indigenous architects who studied at UM. Migizii Agamik is smudge-friendly and hosts a computer lab, large study area, lockers, kitchen, and a Circle Room —a collaborative and sacred space for ceremonies, events and meetings. It is a place for you to network and make new friends; a place of pride; and a place that welcomes all nations.

“When you come into this place, you’re coming into a sacred space. It’s a feeling of contentment walking in, and a feeling of gratitude when you leave.”
– Elder Norman Meade

A Metis student sits on a bench and talks with Elder-in-Residence Norman Meade.

Elders-in-residence

Elders-in-residence provide personal cultural and spiritual guidance to Indigenous students and staff, and cultural oversight for the entire university. Elder Margaret Lavallee is based at the Ongomiizwin Education Centre on the Bannatyne campus, while Elders Norman Meade, Carl Stone and Wanda Murdock work out of Migizii Agamik—Bald Eagle Lodge on the Fort Garry campus.

All Elders-in-residence have open-door policies and readily share their wisdom, support and resources. They also host campus-wide cultural events that celebrate traditional teachings and practices.

Graduation Pow Wow

The Graduation Pow Wow is a time for our community to come together and recognize all of your hard work and accomplishments.

The day-long celebration includes an opening Pipe Ceremony, presentations to the graduates and a community feast in the afternoon.

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)

The University of Manitoba is committed to the journey of Reconciliation and to advancing Indigenous rights, research and scholarship. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) at UM was born out of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement to preserve the history of Canada’s Residential School system and legacy forever. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s sacred collection of statements, documents and other materials is at the heart of the NCTR. Reflecting the shared vision of Residential School Survivors, the NCTR serves as a place of learning and dialogue that honours the authenticity of the Survivors’ experiences and preserves their past for future generations.

In preserving this sacred collection of materials, the NCTR ensures that:

Survivors and their families have access to their own histories
Educators in the K-12, post-secondary, professional and public service sectors understand the shared experience of Indigenous peoples and Survivors
Researchers can explore the Residential School system and assimilation efforts
The public can access historical records and other materials to help foster reconciliation and healing
The history and legacy of the Residential School system will never be forgotten

We invite you to explore the materials at the NCTR and on the NCTR website in meaningful and personal ways. You are welcome to visit the NCTR anytime during operational hours.

Office of The Vice-President (Indigenous)

The Vice-President (Indigenous) leads the development and implementation of a university-wide strategy that promotes reconciliation, advances UM’s commitment to Indigenous engagement and achievement through initiatives, programs, curriculum and research and addresses anti-Indigenous racism.

Guided by Indigenous-focused principles, this work is done in partnership with executive leadership, deans and directors. The Vice-President (Indigenous) position was established in October 2019. Dr. Catherine Cook was appointed to the role for a period beginning Jan. 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022.