Indigenous Leadership Programming (ILP)

Sadie Lavoie (They/Them) is a proud Anishinaabe Two-Spirit from Sagkeeng First Nation in Treaty 1 territory, and a member of the Turtle Clan. They graduated from the University of Winnipeg in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and Political Science. Since the emergence of the Idle No More movement, Sadie has been actively involved in their community as a community organizer, campaign coordinator, graphic artist, published poet, and education facilitator. Their primary focus is advocating for Indigenous rights and culture, with an emphasis on Two-Spirit and Indigenous matriarchal perspectives. Sadie also encourages Two-Spirit youth to embrace their talents and engage in Indigenous leadership guided by the Anishinaabek seven teachings. 

During their time at the University of Winnipeg, Sadie held various leadership roles, including National Executive Representative for the Circle of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Students of the Canadian Federation of Students, Vice-President of External Affairs for the University of Winnipeg Students' Association, Aboriginal Student Commissioner for the Canadian Federation of Students-MB, and Co-President of the UW Aboriginal Student Council. They contributed to student-led initiatives like the Indigenous Course Requirement and the Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign. Additionally, Sadie represented the Canadian Climate Youth Coalition at the UN COP22 in Marrakech in 2015 and co-founded Red Rising Magazine, amplifying Indigenous youth voices. 

After graduating, Sadie worked as a Community Coordinator with Waniskatan: An Alliance of Hydro Impacted Communities at the University of Manitoba, facilitated art workshops with Art City, and served as a Research Assistant at the University of Saskatchewan, working on social media and website communications with One House Many Nations. Simultaneously, they pursued their passion as an independent graphic artist designer with Bloom + Brilliance. 

In recognition of their exceptional leadership, Sadie Lavoie received the Dr. Tobasonakwut Kinew Leadership Award at the University of Winnipeg in 2017 and the Next Generation Peacemaker Award from the Peace and Social Justice Studies Association of Canada in the fall of 2019. 

Misko Banaishe (kwe/she/her) is an Inuk, Anishinaabe women from Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake Nunavut) and Bkejwanong (Walpole Island, Ontario) the Marten clan, who grew up in south-western Ontario.

Misko has recently graduated from Western University, in London Ontario with her Bachelor of Arts, while at Western she was a prominent student leader on campus and active in the Indigenous community.

During her time at Western Misko was a part of the Indigenous Student Association, where she helped the voices of Indigenous students on campus be heard and plan educational, traditional and social events for the Indigenous community. This experience has equipped her with the understanding of the importance for Indigenous leaders in different professions with diverse experiences.

Outside of academia Misko works with LEVEL Justice to facilitate programs for Indigenous youth, educating them about the Canadian legal system and its impact on their communities. This hands-on experience not only enhanced her understanding of legal issues but also underscored the importance of empowering Indigenous youth with knowledge and advocacy skills.

Misko is excited about her new role at the University of Manitoba. She is enthusiastic about using her organizational skills and personal experience to contribute to the university’s efforts in fostering inclusivity and supporting Indigenous students and initiatives. Misko is looking forward to working with the rest of the team and supporting the next generation of leaders, supporting them in amplifying their voices and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment.

Outside of work, Misko enjoys spending time with her corgi, Bella, or crafting like beading and sewing. In the warmer month’s Misko is out on the land picking medicines and berries, or at a powwow. 

Born and raised in Ile Des Chênes, Manitoba, Justin Rasmussen is a proud member of the Red River Métis nation. His pronouns are he, him, his.

With a diverse academic background, Justin holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. He also completed Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Zoology from the University of Manitoba, along with a Bachelor's degree in Geography from the University of Winnipeg. Justin is also an alum of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference (2017).

Since 2014, Justin has been serving as an advisor to students, offering guidance and support. In 2016, he took on the role of coordinator for the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment student leadership development program, creating safe spaces where students could develop their strengths and build community.

Justin's commitment to community and education led him to chair the Indigenous Student Affairs Network (ISAN) with ACPA from 2021 to 2023. He continues to serve as the Chair of the ISAN Awards committee, recognizing the accomplishments of Indigenous Student Affairs Professionals.

Currently, Justin holds the position of Director within the Indigenous Leadership Programming team at the University of Manitoba, which is a team that creates opportunities for Indigenous students to discover and develop their strengths.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Justin co-leads the UM Indigenous Birding Club, blending his love for nature, student affairs, and Indigenous knowledge.