Where We First Stand Transition Summer Camp

As part of the University of Manitoba’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation’s EleV Program, the Where We First Stand Transition Summer Camp helps rural and northern Indigenous students who have applied to the UM to Transition to post-secondary, as well as living in an urban setting. This week-long camp blends cultural workshops, campus and city orientation, and independent living skills, with ongoing support throughout the year.

Camp Schedule  Is This Camp for You?  Voices from Camp

UM Fort Garry Campus.

Camp details

The Transition Camp offers a week of academic, cultural and community activities to support students as they prepare for life at UM. The schedule below highlights the planned themes and activities for each day.

 Day  Morning  Afternoon  Evenning  Focus
  1Dorm check-in, free time and settling into your dormsIcebreakers, bannock making and campus tourGym / leisureGetting comfortable and meeting peers
  2Indigenous games, bookstore visitALC "8 to be Great," campus scavenger hunt, living-alone checklistMovie nightAcademic skills + campus exploration
  3Navigating Winnipeg Transit training (UM→The Forks→St. Vital→UM)Career workshop (resume), Indigenous Leadership activitiesStudent panel, group outingCity navigation, career prep, peer stories
  4SEAD Experience Catalogue & Record introAttend lectures, budgeting & writing workshopsEscape room activityClass experience, budgeting, teamwork
  5Land & water walk on campus and tobacco wellness teachingIndigenous Youth Mentorship Program introduction, tipi teaching from Elder Norman Meade, Healthy U workshopBowlingCulture, wellness, sense of belonging
  6Study Abroad info, reflection & goal-settingFortWhyte Alive: kayaking, canoeing, hikingGroup dinner at The ForksGoal setting, nature, community bonding
  7Departure prep, check-outBoxed lunches, group chat for staying connected-Safe return & ongoing connections

Note: This is a sample schedule. Actual activities may change depending on facilitators, venues, weather and participant needs. The final schedule will be sent out to participants before the camp. Accessibility support is available—please indicate in your application form.

Students must submit and pay for their UM application before submitting an application for the summer camp. 

Camp offerings

The transition camp focuses on building independent living skills for Indigenous students, including budgeting, living alone, experiencing campus residence life and learning about safety, helping them prepare for relocation and university.

A group of Indigenous students stand in front of a tipi decorated with purple flowers during the Transition Summer Camp.
Camp participants gather in front of a tipi, celebrating culture and community. Beyond the summer experience, the Transition Camp continues to provide follow-up support for Indigenous students throughout their first academic year.
Five students sitting cross-legged in a circle on the floor of a bright classroom, listening attentively.
Through icebreaker games and team activities, campers got to know each other and built trust within the group.
A group of students and mentors sitting together at a long restaurant table, smiling at the camera.
Group meals are one of the most popular activities at the Transition Summer Camp. Over a relaxed meal, participants share their Indigenous cultures and traditions from their communities and reflect on their hopes for university life.
Camp participants play basketball in a university gymnasium as part of evening recreation activities.
Winnipeg Transit is likely to be the main way students get around. Giving campers the chance to learn the transit system helps them adjust more quickly to university life after leaving their home communities.
Students play billiards together at IQ’s Café and Billiards during the Transition Summer Camp evening activity.
Campers unwind with a game of pool, building friendships and enjoying time together outside of workshops.

Open to incoming Indigenous students (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) from rural or northern communities who have applied to the University of Manitoba for Fall 2026, with a focus on first-time relocations to Winnipeg.

Voices from camp

I’m really glad I attended this camp—it gave me valuable skills, long-term support, and the chance to make great friends. Without it, I would’ve felt lost starting university. It was such a great opportunity, and I’m grateful I took part.
Bree Racette Ebb and Flow First Nation
I loved the activities we participated in with the group throughout the week, especially in the evenings like Activate and bowling.
Anonymous 2025 Where We First Stand Transition Summer Camp
Having to experience what it was like being a student in a lecture. I also liked when we spent time at the Migizii Agamik with Karen.
Anonymous 2025 Where We First Stand Transition Summer Camp
I’ve totally discovered a lot about my strengths and weaknesses, a lot of public speaking and being social.
Anonymous 2024 Where We First Stand Transition Camp
"Banner with heading 'UM's Partnership with the Mastercard Foundation's EleV Program,' a short paragraph about supporting Indigenous students through education and leadership programs, and the Mastercard Foundation and EleV logos on the right.

Contact us

Transition Program Coordinator
Migizii Agamik (Bald Eagle Lodge)
114 Sidney Smith Street
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2
Indigenous Student Recruitment and Community Relations

indigenous_recruitment@umanitoba.ca
204-299-9500