Bison Spirit Indigenous Leadership Program

Ignite your leadership potential at the University of Manitoba (UM) with the Bison Spirit Indigenous Leadership Program.

Bison Spirit is a dynamic co-curricular leadership development program specifically designed for new Indigenous UM students who have completed less than 30 credit hours of coursework.

This program provides a supportive, culturally enriching, and identity affirming space where Indigenous students can explore and develop their leadership potential while excelling academically. It is also an opportunity for new Indigenous student leaders to expand their networks by making friends with like-minded students.

A herd of bison standing in a field. One of the bison is facing and staring toward to observer.

Bison Spirit Indigenous Leadership Program

If you have completed more than 30 credit hours of course work and you are looking for leadership development opportunities and community, consider joining the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment.

Empowering Indigenous Leaders: The Bison Spirit Way

Bison Spirit gathers twice a month during the academic year. Each gathering begins with a shared dinner, followed by sessions on Indigenous leadership led by esteemed guests, engaging team-building activities, professional workshops, and/or check-ins to ensure the well-being and success of all participants.

With Bison Spirit you will:

  • Explore your potential as a leader on campus and in your community.

  • Learn from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous leaders about leadership in various sectors of our society.

  • Connect with other student leaders on campus and discover leadership opportunities.

  • Expand your capacity as a leader by participating in skill building workshops.

  • Elevate your leadership proficiency through regular one-on-one check-ins with Bison Spirit leaders. 

Are You Bison Spirit Ready?

Bison Spirit is for you if you are a full-time Indigenous (First Nations, Métis & Inuit) students that have completed less than 30 credit hours of coursework. If you have completed any university courses, you will need a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Become part of Bison Spirit

Start or continue your leadership journey with Bison Spirit this upcoming academic year. Fill out the online form to get started. Eligible candidates will be contacted for an interview after the application deadline.

Applications are being accepted until September 16 for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Indigenous students walking proudly at UM
Photo by Adam Dolman - UM IST

Bison Spirit is a strengths-based leadership program primarily for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis & Inuit) students looking to improve their leadership skills while attending university. We highly encourage concurrent enrolment in support programs such as the Qualico Bridge to Success Program, Blankstein Momentum Program, Indigenous Business Education Partners, Access Programs, Wawatay, Pathways to Indigenous Nursing Education, or Engineering Access Program.

EleV Program Partnership - Mastercard Foundation

We want to express our sincere gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation's EleV program for their generous support of the Bison Spirit Indigenous Leadership Program. Your contribution has been instrumental in helping us empower Indigenous youth and promote positive change within our communities. Thank you for being a valued partner in our mission.

Miigwech! Pidamaya! Kinanâskomitin! Marsi! Nakurmiik! Mąsi chok! Thank you! Merci!

  • EleV logo
  • MC Foundation logo

Indigenous Leadership Programming

This program is proudly presented by the Indigenous Leadership Programming team. Learn more about us here.

Bison Spirit News

Contact us

If you're interested in the Bison Spirit Indigenous Leadership program, don't hesitate to get in touch! We look forward to chatting with you!

Dr. Justin Rasmussen, Métis, (he/him/his)
Director, Indigenous Leadership Programming
Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus), Education Building
Room 425 - 71 Curry Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
Phone: 204-915-8110 | Email: Justin.Rasmussen@umanitoba.ca 

Sadie Lavoie, Anishinaabe, (they/them/theirs)
Program Coordinator, Indigenous Leadership Programming
Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus), Education Building
Room 418 - 71 Curry Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2
Phone: 431-338-1998 | Email: Sadie.Lavoie@umanitoba.ca 

ilp@umanitoba.ca
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.