SAGE Program

The program fosters mentorship, connection and community for Indigenous graduate students (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) at the University of Manitoba. Through culturally grounded programming, peer connections and personalized support, it helps students navigate graduate studies while building relationships with fellow students, Elders and the broader Indigenous academic community.

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Stay connected with SAGE

Join the SAGE email list for news, events and opportunities.

Program overview

SAGE offers flexible programming throughout the academic year, connecting Indigenous graduate students with mentorship, community and academic supports.

Who is it designed for?

The SAGE Program is designed for current and prospective Indigenous graduate students at UM who are looking for community, mentorship and support throughout their graduate studies.

Program timeline and participation

The SAGE Program offers programming throughout the academic year, with core activities taking place from September through April. As a non-cohort-based program, SAGE allows students to participate in events and access supports at any time during their graduate studies, based on their interests, schedules and needs.

Programming includes:

  • Meet & Greets
  • SAGE Cafés
  • Writing Retreats
  • Skill-Building Workshops
  • One-to-One Advising with the Indigenous Graduate Student Success Coordinator

Get Advising Support  Join the SAGE email list

Benefits of participating in SAGE

  • icon graduate

    Build meaningful connections with other Indigenous graduate students

  • icon assistance

    Access mentorship and individualized support

  • icon research

    Engage with Indigenous culture, teachings and community

  • icon award

    Strengthen academic, professional and personal skills

  • icon community

    Develop confidence and a sense of belonging

  • icon communication

    Connect with Indigenous graduate students across partner institutions

Student experiences with SAGE

Every student's journey is unique. Discover how SAGE supports Indigenous graduate students in building community, finding support and thriving throughout their graduate studies.

Group of participants gathered outdoors on campus.
September 9, 2025 – Group photo from the first SAGE welcome gathering of the 2025–2026 academic year.
Presentation about the SAGE Program displayed on a laptop during a meeting.
Refreshments and snacks arranged on a table for a program gathering.
Bingo game materials and participants holding prizes during a group activity.
Participants seated around a table during a group workshop.
Group of participants posing together during a program gathering.
Participants gather in a meeting room, with one facilitator leading a group discussion while others listen, collaborate, and take notes.
Three people smiling during a winter walk on a snow-covered trail.
Snow-covered boardwalk overlooking a frozen lake and surrounding trees.
Students participating in a discussion while working together at a table.
Two participants engaged in conversation during a program gathering.
Participants posing together during a cultural program activity.
University can be intimidating, especially when you are from a small community. SAGE made my life easier. Through it, I found community, learned from Elders and felt supported every step of the way!
Elaine, Faculty of Education Red River Métis
SAGE has been amazing as an Indigenous grad student; it's really nice to have a space like this. I've been to a few of the sessions with the guest speakers and Q&A, and they were so good!
Victoria, Faculty of Arts Pinaymootang First Nation
The SAGE student group and cafés have been invaluable support to my degree and well-being! I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of SAGE and meet others on similar journeys.
Brittany, Faculty of Arts Pine Creek First Nation

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Contact us

Indigenous Student Centre
114 Sidney Smith Street
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2

isc@umanitoba.ca
204-474-8850