A group of people stand together in front of a barn.

Alumni talk with students

Indigenous faculty initiatives

  • The Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management is dedicated to creating pathways to Indigenous achievement.

    Our campus and programs are located on the original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene Peoples and on the homeland of the Métis nation.

    At this time of national reconciliation, we enthusiastically embrace the University of Manitoba’s commitment to a renewed relationship and dialogue with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples.

    Inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action, we’re committed to working with Indigenous community Elders, leaders, key stakeholders and the Office of Indigenous Achievement to reclaim the transformative potential of physical activity, human movement, sport, recreation and leisure as understood through the distinct cultural lens of Manitoba’s Indigenous peoples.

  • A group of indigenous faculty and students stand together in front of a teepee.

Commitment to Indigenous Engagement

Indigenous Faculty and Scholars

Land-based Education Conference

Outdoor Land-based Education Conference (2019)

Elders, knowledge keepers, and educators converged to the grounds of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Aug. 28-29 to share and discuss ways to incorporate land-based education into post-secondary curriculums.

SPARC

Sport Physical Activity and Recreation in the Community Certificate Program (SPARC)

This certificate program was created to build the capacity of First Nations schools and educational leaders to deliver quality physical education and recreation programming throughout communities in Manitoba. The courses are related to physical activity, sport, recreation, fitness, health and wellness, delivered with Indigenous perspectives and teachings and adapted for delivery in the community. UM Today covers SPARC in more detail.

Rec and Read

Rec and Read

Rec and Read is a safe and culturally affirming recreation program designed by, and for, Indigenous youth and other young people from diverse populations. Founded by Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management Prof. Joannie Halas, the program connects university staff and students with local schools, community agencies and government partners. University and community mentors work with high school mentors to plan and deliver weekly after-school physical activity, nutrition, and education activities for early-years students. The program also acts as an intercultural service-learning site for U of M students.

Sport and Reconciliation

Sport and Reconciliation Gathering (2018)

The inaugural Sport and Reconciliation Gathering at the University of Manitoba wrapped up Friday, Feb. 23 with a succinct message: sport fosters trust and belonging—but significant action is required to build mutually beneficial relationships to forge a path forward for Reconciliation to work. The emotional three-day forum explored ways to achieve the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s nine Calls to Action related to sport (#87-#91) and education (#62-#65) that will support the development of culturally relevant sport, recreation, and physical education systems. There's much more on this topic on UM Today.

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