Honouring the Indigenous Campus Community

The Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) is excited to recognize members of the Indigenous community across the University of Manitoba's campuses. 

In 2023, the Indigenous Awards of Excellence evolved to be more reflective of the diverse gifts that the Indigenous campus community members share. The call for nominations from the campus community no longer has to align with specific criteria. Instead, it is a request to bring names forward of anyone deserving recognition. In 2025 we will celebrate the ninth year of recognizing students, staff and faculty in a blanketing ceremony.

Honouring 10 Stories at a Blanketing Ceremony 

At this year's ceremony, 10 individuals representing the diversity of the Indigenous campus community will be honoured. Six (6) students, two (2) staff, one (1) faculty member and one (1) legacy honouree will be celebrated in a blanketing ceremony as part of our recognition of Indigenous inspiration throughout the UM Campus Community. 

We recognize that inspiration takes many forms, and every story is unique. When reviewing submissions, we take a holistic approach that honours a person’s gifts, contributions and impact. This isn’t about checking boxes or assigning scores, it is about celebrating the meaningful ways Indigenous people in our campus community are making a difference. 

The 2025 honourees will be celebrated at the Honouring the Indigenous Campus Community recognition ceremony in June 2025.

The nomination period opens on February 21, 2025 and closes on March 21, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

Indigenous Students

  • Honourees lined up to shake hands, draped in their star blankets.

  • Up to six (6) students will receive this recognition. Students must be enrolled at the University of Manitoba at the time of their nomination. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of 18 credit hours over fall and winter term, while graduate students must be active in their studies. If a student withdraws before the blanketing ceremony in June 2025 ceremony, they will no longer be eligible. If a student is also a faculty or staff member, the person submitting the nomination can decide which category they would like to apply. 

    Note: Student recipients will also receive $250.00 and acknowledgment on their Experience Record.

Indigenous Faculty

  • Honouree smiling at podium, wrapped in star blanket

  • One faculty member will receive this recognition. The faculty member must have been employed by the University of Manitoba for at least one year at the time of nomination and continue their employment until recognition (June 2025). In the Faculty category, any self-declared Indigenous University of Manitoba employee in the following positions (UMFA positions) can be nominated:

    • Professors
    • Associate Professors
    • Assistant Professors
    • Full-Time Lecturers
    • Senior Instructors
    • Instructors II
    • Instructors I
    • Librarians
    • Associate Librarians
    • Assistant Librarians
    • General Librarians

     

Indigenous Staff Members

  • Elder being wrapped in star blanket

  • In the staff category, a self-declared Indigenous University of Manitoba employee who does not fall into the Faculty category can be nominated. Up to two Indigenous staff members can be honoured: one to a staff member who has served at least one year, but fewer than 10 years, and one with 10 or more years of service. A staff member must be employed by the University of Manitoba at the time of nomination and recognition (June 2025). 

    Elders and Knowledge Keepers are eligible to be nominated in either Faculty or Staff categories.

Indigenous Legacy

  • Honouree wrapped in star blanket

  • The Legacy category is for any former self-declared Indigenous University of Manitoba Faculty, staff member, or alumni, who has made a positive impact on the campus community and is worthy of recognition. This individual must have been employed by the University of Manitoba for at least five years.

    The honouree cannot be employed by the University of Manitoba at the time of nomination and recognition (June 2025).

Sharing Someone's Name and Story

The nomination period for 2025 has now closed.

There are many ways we inspire one another. We want to hear stories of individuals from the Indigenous Campus Community and celebrate their incredible contributions! 

Do you know someone who has made a meaningful impact on campus, demonstrated strength and leadership, or is doing amazing things in the community? 

Here’s your chance to share their story and how they are making a difference! Here are some ways someone might be inspiring – but remember, they don’t need to be everything to everyone – these are just examples to spark ideas: 

  • Serves as a role model or mentor and demonstrates integrity and respect 
  • Achieves personal growth or success in any area (life, academics, sports, work—you name it!) 
  • Fosters a sense of belonging for Indigenous students, staff, faculty, alumni, or guests 
  • Breaks down barriers and creates pathways for others 
  • Builds bridges with Indigenous communities, groups, and organizations 
  • Promotes positive learning environments 
  • Encourages a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge, cultures, and traditions 
  • Strengthens relationships and community 
  • Demonstrates courage or leadership 
  • Creates spaces where Indigenous students, staff and faculty thrive 
  • Goes above and beyond to advance Indigenous engagement at UM 
  • Supports or leads Indigenous teaching, research and scholarship

Preparing Your Nomination

Step 1: Get Permission 

  • Contact the person who you would like to nominate to get their permission (individuals may only be nominated once per year). 
  • Only those who have not previously received this recognition are eligible. 

Step 2: Prepare the Submission 

  • Download and fill out the submission form PDF (linked) 
  • Prepare a letter (up to 2 pages) that includes: 
    • An Indigenous connection statement helps selection committee to understand the nominee’s kinship ties and responsibilities to their nation (which might include family lines, community relationships, connections to place, citizenship, etc. 
    • Sharing the person's story and impact on the UM campus community. Be specific and provide examples. If a person is a part of a program or group, provide clear examples of their contributions. 
  • Collect Support Letters (Optional) 
    • You may attach up to two one-page support letters from staff, faculty, students or community members.
    • These letters offer an opportunity to show the contribution of the individual from different perspectives.
    • The impact of the letter is not weighed by the status of the individual providing the letter, but their ability to speak about the contributions the Indigenous campus community member has made.

Step 3: Make the Submission 

The selection committee will only review information included in the package. Please ensure all the details are complete. 

News & Stories

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Contact us

Indigenous Engagement 
406-55 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

Indigenous.Engagement@umanitoba.ca