Indigenous student experience

The Indigenous Circle of Empowerment (ICE)

The Indigenous Circle of Empowerment (ICE) is a student leadership program rooted in Indigenous culture. It focuses on personal growth, professional development, and community involvement. ICE is designed for Indigenous students who aspire to be leaders in their communities, workplaces, and the world. With support from the EleV partnership, ICE is doubling the cohort size for the 2023-2024 academic year. Also, in 2024, we are planning to start an Indigenous Student Community Volunteer Program and introduce a version of ICE that focuses on leadership development for first-year students, addressing their specific needs.

https://umanitoba.ca/indigenous/student-experience/indigenous-circle-empowerment-ice

If you are interested in learning more and how you might be able to work with the ICE program, contact the Director Justin Rasmussen at Justin.Rasmussen@umanitoba.ca, or 204-915-8110.

Bison Spirit Indigenous Leadership

New in 2024, Bison Spirit is a dynamic co-curricular leadership development program specifically designed for new Indigenous UM students who have completed less than 30 credit hours of coursework who have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

This program provides a supportive, culturally enriching, and identity affirming space where Indigenous students can explore and develop their leadership potential while excelling academically. It is also an opportunity for new Indigenous student leaders to expand their networks by making friends with like-minded students.

Keep up to date on Bison Spirit News here https://umanitoba.ca/indigenous/student-experience/bison-spirit

For more information, please contact either Dr. Justin Rasmussen, Director, Indigenous Leadership Programming, Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous), Email: Justin.Rasmussen@umanitoba.ca or Sadie Lavoie, Program Coordinator, Indigenous, Leadership Programming, Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous), Email: Sadie.Lavoie@umanitoba.ca.

Joined EleV in 2024.

Two-Spirits Talking

Since 2021, Two-Spirits Talking has provided space for Indigenous, Two-Spirit students, staff, and faculty to gather, build community, and have meaningful dialogue on topics that explore interconnected Indigenous and queer identities. It seeks to foster belonging among the 2S community on campus and have real, honest conversations that matter, in a safe space. Open to Indigenous, non-cis/het students who may identity as Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, Non-Binary, 2SLGBTQPIA+, or reject these labels entirely. 

Two-Spirits Talking is hosted by Community Engaged Learning and supported by a new Indigenous Initiatives-funded project entitled Queering Indigenization at the University of Manitoba, which aims to bring Two-Spirit community members together and invite participation and input on the three-year project. For more information about Two-Spirits Talking, contact Lauren.Hallett@umanitoba.ca.

Joined EleV in 2024.

Where We First Stand Transition Camp

Where We First Stand Transition Camp is a program for first-year Indigenous students who are relocating to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba for the Fall 2024 term. This program is meant to provide support to students throughout their transition to living in Winnipeg to attend post-secondary at UM.

Where We First Stand Transition Camp is a week-long summer camp program taking place from July 21-27, 2024. Students will have the opportunity to live on campus and become familiarized with the services, supports, and Indigenous community campus before they start classes in September. They will also gain valuable skills for living in the city, such as living independently, adjusting to new transportation methods, and creating a monthly budget.

For more information, please contact Desiree Morrisseau-Keesick, Director of Indigenous Student Recruitment & Community Relations, Desiree.Morrisseau@umanitoba.ca, 204-474-6398.