Indigenous

Student experience

Staff, faculty, Elders and Knowledge Keepers are available to ensure your university experience is as valuable, 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

Academic, cultural, personal and financial support is available to help you on your academic journey.

  • University of Manitoba Métis inclusion

    In collaboration with the Manitoba Métis Federation and broader campus, UM offers Métis inclusion programming. Check out the Indigenous Events Calendar for upcoming events centred around the acknowledgement and celebration of Métis culture. Your UM Métis inclusion coordinator also offers support to help self-identifying Métis students access financial and cultural supports; and educate non-Métis people about our rich histories and presence in the Homeland.

    For more information contact Indigenous.Culture@umanitoba.ca.

       

    • A statue of Louis Riel outside a building in winter
    • Ashley Edson

    • Indigenous graduate student supports

      Ashley Edson is the Indigenous graduate student success coordinator of the Supporting Indigenous Graduate Student Enhancement (SAGE) programming through the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous), Scholarship, Research and Curriculum. She is committed to working alongside students throughout their journeys in graduate studies, including guidance around admissions, clarifying UM policies, and connecting students to important services, programming, supports and more.

      These supports are available to all self-identifying Indigenous students enrolled in a master's or doctoral program or any Indigenous students considering graduate studies. Students can stay connected and updated about available opportunities by joining the mailing list or private Facebook Group (SAGE-Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement-University of Manitoba).

      Email Ashley at Ashley.Edson@umanitoba.ca to book an advising appointment or to join the SAGE mailing list.

    Student support at Migizii Agamik

    Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge is the home of the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) student advisors and several student service providers. The student service providers all spend dedicated time at Migizii Agamik to make it easy for you to access the resources 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 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

      Join the Circle - Building Access

      Sign up to become a Circle member and gain access to Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge after hours*! Migizii Agamik is a great place to study and connect with the community. Circle members can access the computer lab and kitchen. Locker rentals are also available each September.

      Migizii Agamik is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

      *For community safety, Bearpaw Security is on site from 4:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., Monday to Friday, and 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday and Sunday. Their team is in addition to UM Campus Security walk-throughs to provide a sense of security for those studying late and for after-hours programming. They generally provide 10 minutes' notice before midnight to prepare people ready to leave.

      Sign up to become a member

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

    • Tutoring

      Content and Study Skills Tutoring Coordinator Antoanela Denchuk provides free tutoring in academic writing and study skills. Antoanela's office is located in Migizii Agamik in room 108, 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

      Caroline Chatman, 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 Caroline or email Caroline at Caroline.Chatman@umanitoba.ca

    • Student Counselling

      Karla Penner is the student counsellor from the Student Counselling office dedicated to the Indigenous Student Centre. She is committed to working alongside students who are facing personal challenges, struggling with mental health concerns, experiencing conflict in inter-personal relationships, or who just need someone to talk to.

      Karla is available at Migizii Agamik on Thursdays and Fridays. Students can book a session by contacting ISC at 204-474-8850 or isc@umanitoba.ca.  

    • Career Services

      A UM Career Services Indigenous Career Consultant provides drop-in services at Migizii Agamik on a bi-weekly basis (September to April). They can help you plan your career, find occupational information, as well as identify and help you apply for job and volunteer opportunities.

      Visit the Indigenous Events Calendar for drop-in dates or contact Jordan Robinson directly at Jordan.Robinson@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.

    Cultural learning opportunities

    The Indigenous community at UM offers many opportunities to engage in social, cultural and spiritual programs and events as part of your campus experience.

    • Fireside Chats
      These talks on Indigenous knowledges are an opportunity for all to learn from Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Fireside Chats take place bi-weekly during the academic year and are open to all.

      Tea with Auntie
      An opportunity for students and staff can learn about culture, ceremony, identity, and language in a safe space. These monthly sessions are open to all.

      Full Moon Ceremony
      A time to honour ourselves as women and gender diverse people and our relationship with Grandmother Moon. This monthly ceremony is for girls, women, folks who identify as women and girls, gender diverse people and people who are on their Moon Time.

      Zongiigabowin Men’s Group
      A weekly online gathering of Indigenous men coming together to explore their strengths and place in the university and society. The group is open to those who are Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) and identify as male, including those who are Two-Spirit.

      Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow
      A celebration of culture and achievement, the graduation pow wow at UM is a way for UM staff, students and faculty to connect with the next generation of Indigenous leaders. 

    Get involved

    Build community at UM by joining a campus group.

    Student groups

    Connecting with other students is highly recommended as a way to gain a sense of community and belonging on campus. Several student groups have been established by, and for, Indigenous students. Through them, you can explore peer-to-peer support as well as the resources, events and activities they offer, including the opportunity to join a student council.

    Contact

    • Ishkode Catcheway poses for camera. She has dark hair, glasses and is wearing a black shirt.

    • The Indigenous Student Representative is an active position on the University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU) Board of Directors. They help plan Indigenous Students Month each November, work closely with UMSU executives and the Indigenous Student Centre (Migizii Agamik) to help advocate for students and ensure Indigneous voices are being heard. They host monthly community assemblies from September to April. 

      If you're interested in getting involved or have any questions: 

      This year's UMSU Indigenous Students' Representative is Ishkode Catcheway.

    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