Indigenous

Student experience

Staff, faculty and Elders are well-equipped to ensure your university experience is as beneficial, accessible and successful as possible. 

Seven Indigenous students sit and stand together outdoors at two picnic tables at the Fort Garry campus.

Support Programs to help you succeed

We have academic, cultural, personal and financial support to help you make your way through your studies.

  • Métis inclusion programming

    Métis inclusion programming is currently on hold. When it resumes you will be able to join U of M Métis on Facebook or Instagram for opportunities to join the Métis Women's Circle, watch Métis focused lectures and tutorials or register for free beading or Michif lessons. In addition, your Métis inclusion coordinator supports self-identifying Métis students and educate non-Métis about our rich histories and presence in the Homeland culturally, politically, and academically. 

    • A student sits at a table with a Metis Inclusion coordinator inside Migizii Agamik.

    Student support at Migizii Agamik

    Migizii Agamik is the permanent home of the Indigenous Student Centre advisors, and several student support providers spend dedicated time at Migizii Agamik each week to make it easy for you to take advantage of the guidance they offer.

    • Indigenous Student Centre advisors

      Student advisors at the Indigenous Student Centre are here to help you achieve your academic goals. ISC student advisors can help you with: answering your questions about admission or registration, creating an academic plan, clarifying university policies, connecting you with important services, resources, programming and much more.

      Learn more about the Indigenous Student Centre advisors

      Join the Circle - Building Access

      Sign up to become a Circle member and gain access to Migizii Agamik's extended hours! Migizii Agamik is great for study space and for connecting with the community. Students have access to the computer lab and kitchen. Locker rentals are also available.

      Members can access the building by swiping their student card during the following hours (starting September 19, 2022):

      7 AM to 12 AM, 7 days a week (no entry between 12 AM to 7 AM)

      *Bearpaw Security will be present from 4:30 PM to 12 AM, Monday to Friday and 4 PM to 12 AM, Saturday to Sunday.

      Sign up to become a member

    • Two students stand outside of Migizii Agamik talking, several indigenous sculptures stand in the background.

    • Tutoring

      Antoanela Denchuk provides free tutoring in academic writing and study skills. Antoanela's office is located in room 108 of Migizii Agamik, beside the computer lab. Contact the Indigenous Student Centre to book an appointment with Antoanela.

      Students can also log into the Content and Writing Tutor system to book a tutor appointment: https://manitoba.mywconline.com/. Choose the Content and Study Skills Tutors and Migizii Agamik location.

    • Reading specialist

      Valdine Bjornson, the Indigenous Student Centre Reading Specialist, is available by phone, FaceTime or Zoom on a flexible basis to help you with your textbook readings and test preparation needs. Contact the Indigenous Student Centre to book an appointment with Valdine or email Valdine at Valdine.Bjornson@umanitoba.ca.

    • Reference librarian

      Lyle Ford, the Indigenous Reference Librarian, is available by phone, FaceTime or Zoom on a flexible basis to help you with your research and other library questions. Contact the Indigenous Student Centre to make an appointment with Lyle or email Lyle at Lyle.Ford@umanitoba.ca.

    • Student Advocacy

      Student Advocacy helps you navigate university processes related to your academic career. Student advocates are available in Migizii Agamik on a weekly basis (currently not available due to building closure). Contact the Indigenous Student Centre to book an appointment with Student Advocacy.

    • Career Services

      UM Career Services advisors are in Migizii Agamik on a weekly basis (currently not available due to building closure). They can help you choose courses and programs that will lead you to a fulfilling career. Contact the Indigenous Student Centre to book an appointment with Career Services at Migizii Agamik.

    • Student Counselling

      Karla Penner is the Student Counsellor from the Student Counselling office dedicated to the Indigenous Student Centre. She is committed to coming alongside students who are facing personal challenges, struggling with mental health concerns, feeling stress or experiencing conflict in inter-personal relationships, or who maybe just need someone to talk to. Karla is available Wednesday afternoons from 1-5 and from 9-5 on Fridays.  Due to Covid all sessions are currently via phone or video. Counselling interns are also available on Thursday afternoons. Students can book a session with Karla or the interns by contacting ISC at 204-474-8850 or emailing isc@umanitoba.ca.  

    Book an appointment

    To book an appointment with any of the people and resources located at Migizii Agamik, contact the Indigenous Student Centre at isc@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-8850 or come by Migizii Agamik in person. We are located at 114 Sidney Smith St. on UM's Fort Garry campus.

    Get involved

    Build community at UM by joining a campus group.

    Student groups

    Connecting with other students is an invaluable way of navigating your academic journey and feeling a sense of community during your studies. Several groups have been established by and for Indigenous students. Through them, you can explore peer-to-peer support as well as resources for academic, financial, emotional and spiritual needs.

    Paying for school

    We have resources to help you navigate financing your education.

    Scholarships and bursaries

    The Financial Aid and Awards Office is an important resource for a large number of programs designed to assist Indigenous students meet the costs of their tuition and living expenses while studying full and part-time. These programs are administered by both the University of Manitoba and several outside agencies in order to improve access to education and increase representation of Indigenous students in various programs of study.

     

    How to access Indigenous-specific funding

    We can help you navigate First Nations band funding, Manitoba Metis Federation funding and Manitoba Inuit Association funding.

    If you are starting to apply to UM, contact Indigenous Student Recruitment for help with Indigenous-specific funding.

    If you are a current student, contact the Indigenous Student Centre at 204-474-8850 or isc@umanitoba.ca for help with Indigenous-specific funding.

    EmpoweringU

    The Indigenous Student Centre recognizes the importance of financial wellness programming and is committed to providing students with the knowledge, skills and resources to make confident, responsible financial decisions.

     

    Self-declaration

    By self-declaring as an Indigenous student you will:

    • be considered for merit and need-based awards dedicated to Indigenous students such as scholarships, fellowships, prizes and bursaries
    • help the university to create, improve and communicate supports for Indigenous students
    • provide information for statistical analysis, which will assist the university in tracking its progress towards meetings its commitment to increase the recruitment and retention of Indigenous students

    Declare Indigenous Ancestry

    The UM is committed to Indigenous Achievement and to ensuring the success of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students and graduates. If you have not previously declared your ancestry or want to change your response:
    • Log in to Aurora
    • Select Enrolment & Academic Records
    • Select Declarations
    • Select Canadian Indigenous Self Declaration

    Log in to Aurora to self-declare

    Contact us

    Indigenous Student Centre
    Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge
    114 Sidney Smith St.
    University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
    Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

    isc@umanitoba.ca
    204-474-8850
    1-800-432-1960 ext. 8850
    204-275-3142