Indigenous

Engagement

This page outlines how the Indigenous campus community and others at the University of Manitoba are working collaboratively with First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners to co-design programs and initiatives that support Indigenous students, to highlight and share Indigenous research and knowledges, and to celebrate the successes of Indigenous students, faculty, staff and alumni. You’ll also learn more about how we are working together to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

Participants in Orange Shirt Day march together at the University of Manitoba Fort Garry campus.
artwork of a blue sky, green grass and white trees

Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony at UM

The Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony (RRRC) involves returning Indigenous Ancestors and Belongings - that were taken and/or held by the university without consent - to First Nations, Inuit and Métis descendant communities.

In late 2020, the Department of Anthropology at UM contacted Elders, Grandmothers, Grandfathers and Knowledge Keepers who work at the university to apologize; and to ask for their help and ongoing guidance and direction regarding Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation of Indigenous Ancestors and Belongings.

The group received the department's apology, and agreed to form the Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony Council (RRRC Council) to assist the university in this work.

The exterior view of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba Fort Garry campus.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is located on UM's Fort Garry campus and is a valuable resource for those interested in learning further about the lasting legacy of Indian Residential Schools. As the permanent home for all statements, documents and other materials gathered by the TRC, the NCTR has played an important role in guiding the UM in its commitment to reconciliation.

Two students gather around a laptop, looking up and smiling.

EleV Partnership

The support from the Mastercard Foundation EleV program is helping to transform the lives of thousands of Indigenous youth through revolutionary initiatives developed in partnership with Indigenous communities, governments and organizations, and post-secondary institutions across the province. All initiatives share one common goal: to lead systemic change.

Carl Stone and several others work on constructing a teepee at the Fort Garry campus.

Our progress

Through the years, the Indigenous community at UM has led the integration of Indigenous perspectives, knowledge(s) and cultures into programs, curriculum, research and spaces. Many allies and partners have supported this work and together we recognize that there is more to be done. Learn about the progress we are making as we continue to advance reconciliation, foster Indigenous achievement and engagement, and address anti-Indigenous racism. 

Members of the Engineering and Architecture faculties stand together in front of a ceremonial structure they have built at Shoal Lake 40.

Indigenous Initiatives Fund

The University of Manitoba created the Indigenous Initiatives Fund to support unit-based projects that further the university's goals and priorities associated with Indigenous achievement as stated in Taking Our Place, the University of Manitoba's Strategic Plan, 2015-2020. Faculties, schools, colleges, libraries and administrative units are invited to submit proposals to the fund.

Learn more about the Indigenous Initiatives Fund

Community partners Working together

Working collaboratively with external partners to create opportunities for all to understand the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, to advance research on Indigenous matters and to develop meaningful and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous peoples are all part of UM’s commitment to reconciliation.

  • University of Manitoba President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. David Barnard signs the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint.

  • Indigenous Education Blueprint

    Manitoba's post-secondary institutions and public school boards are working together to make our province a global centre of excellence for Indigenous education, research, languages and cultures. Together we have developed and committed to the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint, making excellence in Indigenous education a priority. 

    On Friday, December 18, 2015 Manitoba's six universities, three colleges, and the Manitoba School Boards Association came together on Treaty One Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation to sign the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint.

    Since the signing of the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint a steering committee has been established to  direct the development of the Five-Year Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint Implementation Plan: 2016-2021. Members of the Steering Committee are representatives of the educational partners who signed the blueprint, the Manitoba Federation of Independent Schools, the Louis Riel Institute, the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre, the Manitoba Inuit Association, and the government of Manitoba.

  • Manitoba Aboriginal Languages Strategy

    This strategy was created to revitalize, retain and promote the seven Aboriginal languages of Manitoba. UM is a partner representative, working with the four co-lead organizations and other partner representatives including grandparents from each of the Manitoba Aboriginal languages groups, representatives of leaders from the First Nations, Inuit and Métis education organizations, provincial school divisions and post-secondary institutions. Together this partnership explores joint work and resource sharing, identifies key issues and opportunities for ensuring Aboriginal language education, teacher training and the development of education programs and services in Aboriginal languages.

  • President Barnard signs the City of Winnipeg Indigenous Accord on behalf of the University of Manitoba during the Oodena Celebration Circle at The Forks.

  • Winnipeg's Indigenous Accord

    On June 20, 2017, David Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor joined Mayor Bowman and dozens of partners at the Oodena Celebration Circle at The Forks, where he signed the City of Winnipeg Indigenous Accord on behalf of the University of Manitoba.

    The Accord is aligned with the vision that the University of Manitoba’s role in reconciliation and its commitment to Indigenous achievement are central to the kind of future the university seeks to create.

    The partner guide for the Accord states that it is not a single event, rather an ongoing responsibility accepted by key individuals – and the communities they represent – who sign the Accord to report the success of their commitment and future goals for reconciliation every year.

Events

Reconciliation happens when we gather, share stories, share traditions and learn more about what it means to reconcile with our past while moving forward together in a good way. Check out our events calendar for events. Most are open to all and free to attend.

Visit our events calendar 

Contact us

Indigenous Student Centre

isc@umanitoba.ca
204-474-8850
1-800-432-1960 ext. 8850

Indigenous Engagement and Communications

indigenous.engagement@umanitoba.ca

Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)

VPindigenous@umanitoba.ca