Our team

Desiree Morrisseau-Keesick (she/her) is an Anishinaabe woman and a member of Grassy Narrows First Nation in Treaty 3. She was born and raised in Winnipeg’s North End and has maternal ties to Crane River, MB. Desiree has been with the University of Manitoba for eight years, previously as Lead for the Indigenous Student Recruitment team and then as a Student Advisor with the Indigenous Student Centre. Since May 2022, Desiree took on the role as Director of Indigenous Student Recruitment and Community Relations through the Office of Vice-President Indigenous. Desiree has always had a love for being a community helper. Her passion for cultural and community based programming was intensified after running the Indigenous Post-Secondary Club for six years. Desiree looks forward to expanding the work of ISRCR and ensuring Indigenous students and their families feel supported as they navigate their journey through post-secondary.

Desta Tataryn is Métis with family ties to Swampy Cree Nation. She grew up in Selkirk, Manitoba and moved to Winnipeg when she began her degree at the University of Winnipeg, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Sociology. Desta has been working at the University of Manitoba for over five years and is currently the Assistant to Directors for Cultural Integration and for Indigenous Student Recruitment + Community Relations. Prior to this role, she has worked in various UM units, including the Indigenous Student Centre, Inner City Social Work Program, and Community Health Sciences. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, camping, and reading, and is currently learning to bead.

Jesse McGregor (he/him) is a member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation (Grand Rapids, Manitoba), with close ties to the Kinisao Sipi Cree Nation (Norway House, Manitoba), located in Treaty 5 territory. In 2022, Jesse graduated with a Bachelor of Health Sciences from UM. Through his experiences of living both on-reserve and in urban settings, Jesse developed a passion for helping Indigenous youth and communities. In his role as program coordinator at the UM, Jesse hopes to work with and learn from Indigenous youth – walking together as aspiring students transition from high school to post-secondary. 

Cindy is an Asini Iska Iskwew (Rocky Cree Women) from O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, treaty 5 territory (South Indian Lake, MB). Cindy was born in Thompson, Manitoba but spent her summers as a child in O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation. She recently graduated with her Advanced BA with a major in Native studies, minor is Sociology. Cindy held prior positions as an Administrative Assistant at the NCTR and Administrative assistant for MCIEB at Indigenous Engagement. Cindy has also worked a term as Events Coordinator assistant for the Indigenous Student Centre and work study student for both IE and ISC.

Cindy is a single mother of two teenage children, ages 17 & 14, who are very busy in sports such as football and basketball. Cindy is very passionate about health and fitness and loves running, CrossFit and going to the gym. Her passion in life is to empower Indigenous peoples in any way she can from her experiences in life.  As an Indigenous woman and a previous student, Cindy had faced many challenges and wants to encourage, inspire, motivate, and support students in helping them achieve their goals. She truly believes education is power and can change your life.

Autumn is a proud Cree woman from Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation (Norway House, MB) in Treaty 5 territory with maternal ties to Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross lake, MB). Autumn will be graduated spring 2024 with her undergraduate degree with a Bachelor of Kinesiology at UM. Through her experience of moving to Winnipeg from northern Manitoba to complete post-secondary, she aims to assist incoming Indigenous students living in rural and isolated communities to help with their transition. During her experience at UM, she encountered various challenges, from cultural adjustments to academic expectations. However, through the support of mentors and Indigenous student services, she navigated these obstacles and completed her undergraduate degree with a deep appreciation of learning. She hopes to foster a supportive environment and provide the tools and resources necessary for academic success. One of her key goals is to curate a summer camp tailored to Indigenous students, providing guidance, encouragement and a sense of community as they begin their post-secondary journeys.

Savannah Hart (Wasko Waskiwew Iskwew - She Moves the Clouds Woman) is a Cree/Ojibway woman from Kinisao Sipi Cree Nation (Norway House) with paternal ties to Waanibiigaaw Ojibway Nation (Hollow Water). Savannah was raised in Winnipeg, and in Norway House Cree Nation, with strong ties to her community. She is a jingle dress dancer and enjoys participating in the pow wow trails in the summer. Savannah received her Bachelors of Science, majoring in Biology from the University of Winnipeg. She also acquired a diploma from the Red River College in the Chemical and Biosciences Technology Program. She previously worked as a microbiologist with Emergent Biosolutions, and now is excited to start her new journey with the University of Manitoba. Savannah is a single mother to two wonderful children, and they are the source of her daily inspiration. Savannah has stated that attending University and College as a single mother was challenging but, was some of the best experiences she has ever had.

Ashley Riazanov (she/her) is an Anishinaabe woman from the Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation in Treaty 1 territory. Adopted as an infant, she was raised in Winnipeg by a supportive and loving family. Ashley’s educational journey began at the University of Manitoba, where she enrolled in University1 before discovering her passion for early childhood education at Red River College. She graduated with Honours in Early Childhood Education and began her career in the childcare sector. A lifelong learner, Ashley sought opportunities to deepen her knowledge and broaden her impact, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Studies from the University of Winnipeg. Throughout her career, she has excelled in various roles, including Coordinator for the Morden Parent and Child Resource Centre, Child Support Worker with Winnipeg Child and Family Services, and Youth Support Worker in a high school setting. In each of these positions, Ashley has valued the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and make a positive difference in the lives of others. As a proud mother of four, Ashley is passionate about community, family, and youth development. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and is an enthusiastic soccer mom. Ashley is excited to contribute to the University of Manitoba by inspiring and supporting students as they navigate their educational journeys and find their unique path.

Carla is a proud member of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation and an alumna of the UM [BEd/01, BA/03, MEd/16]. Her master’s degree was in adult & post-secondary education with a thesis project about student retention and student development theory in relation to peer mentoring for Indigenous students and its connection to first-year student success. She has been working at the UM since 2005, first as an academic advisor with the University 1 First Year Centre and then the Indigenous Student Centre to be one of the student advising team and oversee the Qualico Bridge to Success program. Passionate about the power of peer mentoring, Carla believes that students who feel they are part of the Indigenous campus community and get involved on campus is key to having a rewarding university experience and her goal is to encourage students to do what they need to do have the university experience they want. Carla has made many connections with students, faculty and staff through programming. She is considered a formidable leader and a trusted colleague who works with integrity and humility. 

Melanie has more than 15 years of experience in administration and customer service at the University of Manitoba through her work with the Information Services and Technology (IST) office. She is a proud member of the Métis Nation and looks forward to collaborating with the Indigenous Student Centre team and to support and empower Indigenous students in their journeys. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys sewing, spending time with family/friends, camping, and reading. Melanie is passionate about supporting, and empowering students to reach their goals. She believes in the importance of belonging; she hopes to provide a space and the opportunity for Indigenous students to feel welcome and connected.

Denise Proulx is Métis from Winnipeg and is a proud first-generation alumna of the University of Manitoba, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology. Denise is responsible for the development and implementation of the Blankstein Momentum Program and has successfully completed the Letter of Accomplishment in Academic Advising. She is a graduate of the University of Manitoba Leaders Learning Program, has completed the Prosper Canada Financial Literacy Facilitator Training and is certified by SEED Winnipeg Inc. as a Money Management Trainer. Denise is passionate about providing opportunities that aim to support Indigenous student success and is an advocate for celebrating achievements.

Bailey (she/her/hers) is Métis/Scottish and was born and raised in rural Treaty 1 territory. She is a first-generation UM alum [BHEcol/20] and enjoys spending her off time birding and beading.

As someone with experience in mental health and peer-to-peer programming, Bailey is passionate about supporting, uplifting, and empowering students to reach their goals and aspirations using a holistic and strengths-based lens. She believes in the importance of belonging and how a sense of relation to one’s community can improve well-being.

Driven by this in her work, she hopes to provide a space and the opportunity for Indigenous students to feel welcome and connected to the UM Indigenous community through her role as an advisor and the coordinator for the Qualico Bridge to Success Program and the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program.

As a passion project, Bailey also co-founded and co-leads the UM Indigenous Birding Club to promote traditional Indigenous ecological knowledge, share birding as a means for self-care, and encourage UM students, faculty, staff and alumni to engage in environmental stewardship.

Isca Spillett (She/Her/Iskwew) is mixed heritage of Inninewak (Cree), Metis and Trinidadian bloodlines and was born and raised in Winnipeg. Isca is a UM alumnus, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and has a continuing interest in promoting Indigenous Wellness including plant medicine.

Trained by Knowledge Keeper, Josephine Big George to conduct Cedar Bath Ceremonies, Isca weaves this ceremony along with Focusing Orientation Therapy and Harm Reduction approaches when supporting folks.

Isca participates in ceremony at both the Sprucewoods Sundance and Gathering of Sacred Pipes Sundance (Pipestone, MN). She is a mother to her 4-year-old daughter, Northstar, and enjoys spending her free time harvesting medicines from the land and passing teachings down to her daughter.

Isca is dedicated to supporting students using the Medicine Wheel teachings (intellectual, emotional, physical, spiritual) to ensure that students achieve academic success while being a part of a community on campus.

Storm (he/him) is a member of Attawapiskat First Nation located within Treaty 9 territory on the remote James Bay coast. He also has paternal ties to Cumberland House located in Treaty 5 territory. Storm holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Winnipeg, with a specialization in Criminal Justice. Storm’s career journey has been marked by roles that underscore his commitment to serving communities and individuals in need. His previous experience includes working as a Hearings Advisor Assistant within the Refugee Influx Processing Centre for the Canada Border Services Agency. Storm also served as the Governance Secretary at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) where he supported the Executive Director in all aspects of their responsibilities to the Governing and Survivors Circle. Storm’s journey is marked by a commitment to listening to and understanding the perspectives of those he serves.

Storm is honoured to be part of the Indigenous Student Centre team and looks forward to working closely with students to support their academic and personal goals. He will coordinate the EmpoweringU financial wellness program in addition to student advising.

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.

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. 

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. 

Tracey (she/her) is a member of the Peguis First Nation and is of settler English/Scottish decent. Tracey is the granddaughter of a Residential School Survivor and spends a lot of time piecing together this lost part of her family history. She graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science. Tracey also graduated from the ASL/English Interpreter Training Program at Red River College.

Tracey began her career at UM as an ASL/English Interpreter for 12 years and then moved to an administrative position at the Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship. Since 2010, Tracey has worked at the Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management.

Tracey and her husband, Allan, are the proud parents of Mariah and Jordan. Tracey loves dogs and is currently spoiling and adoring little mixed-breed Rosie. She is also a proud supporter of the Bison Football team as her son has been a member of the team now for four seasons. As the secretary for the MB Bisons Football Boosters - Tracey organizes opportunities for the football players to continue an ongoing learning journey in regard to Truth & Reconciliation, Indigenous history and Residential Schools to name a couple of topics. Tracey loves helping and supporting her daughter, who is a skilled Mètis beader and artist, in her quest to learn more about her culture and share her artwork.

Gabrielle is a proud Métis woman who grew up in the community of St. Boniface, situated on Treaty 1 territory. As a graduate from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Kinesiology, Gabrielle has developed a strong background in sport event planning and has made contributions to Indigenous sport events at a provincial and national level. Gabrielle is a Métis entrepreneur and co-owner of Prairie Owl Beads, a company she runs alongside her three sisters in an effort to stay grounded to her Métis roots through traditional beadwork.  Her passion for community engagement and involvement contribute to her excitement in hosting successful events on campus.

Chelsey Hill grew up in Winnipeg, MB with treaty ties to Peguis First Nation, MB and on her paternal side affiliated with a reserve in B.C. called Lil' Wat First Nation. Chelsey graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Oct '22 with a major in Indigenous Studies and minor in Family Social Sciences from UM. She enjoys helping promote Indigenous events and Indigenous supports to students just as she utilized these supports when she was a student. 

Chelsey and her partner Axel have a 3-year-old daughter named Serenity and two cats, Lucy and Ruby.

Denise is a Franco-Métis woman from the Red River Valley who is deeply invested in education being the key to opening doorways. A UM alum, she is committed to promoting inclusivity, diversity and cross-cultural understanding. She has worked collaboratively across Manitoba’s Post-Secondary Institutions to form partnerships with external stakeholders, industry sectors, employers, governments, organizations, and councils on behalf of Manitoba’s Indigenous students to create substantive equality and build a vibrant, prosperous Manitoban landscape for all.

Emily was born and raised in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory and is of mixed Red River Métis-European ancestry. Her paternal Métis family comes from Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan and has ties to St. Francois Xavier in the Red River settlement. Since graduating with her Bachelor of Education from UM in 2018, Emily has instructed and coordinated community-based educational programming at an Indigenous nonprofit and post-secondary level. Emily accredits these experiences for teaching her the values of generosity, reciprocity, and meaningful engagement with community. Now pursuing her Master of Education, Emily carries these values into her academics and career to advance education for surrounding Indigenous communities.

Christina Courcelles was born and raised in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory and is registered with Little Grand Rapids First Nation. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Psychology from the University of Winnipeg. She has worked over 10 years in an Indigenous school setting and is a strong believer in the importance of education. She is excited to start her new career with the Office of Indigenous Engagement and Communications at the University of Manitoba. Christina lives outside of Winnipeg with her husband Rob and their two cats and dog – Charlie, Fox and Bear.

Nicole LeClair was raised in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory and is Red River Métis ancestry. She is an experienced professional with over 25 years of expertise in advertising, marketing, and communications. She holds diplomas in Public Relations, Marketing, and Management from the University of Winnipeg. Nicole is passionate about planning and executing high impact storytelling and is committed to Indigenous engagement and communications. With her experience and educational background, she is well-equipped to enhance communication and engagement efforts in her community.

Christine was born on Treaty 1 territory. She is a UM alumna, earning a B.Comm (Hons) and later attaining a CPA, CGA.  She started at UM Extended Education in 2016. Before that, she worked at First Nations Inuit Health at Health Canada, with Indigenous community health centres at the WRHA and has experience working in many First Nations communities in a financial role . Christine is honoured to be part of the department as Financial Administrator.

Jerilyn is a member of the Métis Nation in Manitoba with roots embedded in the Red River region. Family, community and ceremony is where she finds her strength and inspiration. Jerilyn was raised in a small, rural community southwest of Winnipeg and has lived in Edmonton, Winnipeg, and at present she resides outside of Winnipeg with her family. Living rurally with open spaces is important to Jerilyn and her family as they enjoy spending time outdoors with their pets, gardening and connecting with nature.

In 2010, Jerilyn graduated from the University of Manitoba ACCESS Programs with her B.A., B.Ed., where she began working for the following ten years in the field of Adult Education at the Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD). Jerilyn began her teaching career at CAHRD where she moved into an administrative role as the Assistant Director of Education. She accredits many of her skills, knowledge and connections in various Indigenous communities to the experience she gained from working within CAHRD. At present, Jerilyn is completing her Masters from Brandon University in the Educational Administration program.

Jerilyn began working at The University of Manitoba at The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning in 2020 as an Indigenous Initiatives Educator where she worked alongside Leah Fontaine in providing consultations, research, resources and workshops related to Indigenous education, methodologies, pedagogies, epistemologies and support in approaching reconciliation in teaching and learning for faculty and graduate students at the UM.

Indigenous education and initiatives have long been a passion for Jerilyn, and she is excited to work and collaborate with colleagues, communities and partnerships to create equitable and inclusive learning opportunities for Indigenous students.