The University of Manitoba offers Indigenous students rich and meaningful opportunities to get involved with the Indigenous and broader UM communities on campus.
Chantelle, a second-year University 1 student, shares her experience as an Indigenous student and how it has benefited her educational journey.
Your voice on campus
Indigenous student groups and representatives create space for connection, advocacy and leadership. Get involved, share your voice and help shape campus life.
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Student groups
Created by and for Indigenous students, these groups offer peer support, resources, events and activities, including opportunities to join a student council.
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Indigenous student representative
This University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU) Board position advocates for Indigenous students by helping plan Indigenous Students Month and working closely with UMSU executives and the Indigenous Student Centre.
If you're interested in learning more or getting involved:
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.
These events bring people together to share knowledge, honour identity and connect with community. They’re open to students, staff and faculty throughout the year.
- Fireside Chats with Elders: Weekly talks on Indigenous knowledges led by Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Fireside Chats take place on Thursdays during the academic year and are open to all.
- Tea with Auntie: A monthly session where students and staff can learn about culture, ceremony, identity and language in a safe space. Open to all.
- Full Moon Ceremony: A monthly ceremony to honour women, gender diverse people and our relationship with Grandmother Moon. Open to girls, women, gender diverse people and people on their Moon Time.
- Zongiigabowin Men’s Group: A weekly online gathering of Indigenous men exploring their strengths and place in the university and society. Open to those who are Indigenous and identify as male, including Two-Spirit people.
- Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow: Grad Pow Wow is a way for students, staff and faculty to honour Indigenous graduates and connect with the next generation of leaders.
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Community Engaged Learning
Provides opportunities to connect with community, build meaningful relationships, and develop skills in collaboration and engagement.
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UM Indigenous Birding Club
Brings together students, staff and faculty who love birds and nature. It’s a way to connect, get outside and honour Indigenous knowledges.
Indigenous community events
View more events
Métis student supports
In partnership with the Manitoba Métis Federation, UM creates opportunities for Métis students to access support, celebrate their heritage and build a sense of belonging on campus. The UM Métis Inclusion Coordinator supports students with:
- applying for Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) funding
- accessing other MMF supports
- getting their citizenship
- (re)connecting with culture through Métis-specific events and opportunities
To get in touch, email Jessica Burzuik, UM’s Métis Inclusion Coordinator, at j.burzuik@mmf.mb.ca.
Indigenous graduate student supports
Indigenous graduate students can join SAGE (Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement), which is a program designed to enhance the graduate student experience for Indigenous students.
SAGE provides holistic programming to support the cultural, academic, personal and professional development of Indigenous graduate students throughout their master’s and doctoral studies.
Programming is open to all graduate students who identify as First Nations, Métis, Inuit, as well as those interested in Indigenous ways of knowing. Prospective Indigenous graduate students are also welcome.
To learn more, connect with Tiana Bone, Indigenous Graduate Student Success Coordinator, by email tiana.bone@umanitoba.ca.
Supports for Indigenous students
All of the supports listed below are offered through the Indigenous Student Centre at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge. It’s a welcoming space for community and connection on the Fort Garry campus.
Indigenous Student Centre at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge
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. You can also visit us in person at 114 Sidney Smith St.
Join the Circle for building access
Become a Circle member to access Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge after hours. It’s a great place to study and connect with community. Members can access the computer lab and kitchen. Locker rentals are available each September.
Migizii Agamik is open:
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
After-hours access: 4:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. and 7 – 8:30 a.m.
Requires swipe entry with your student IDNo access: 12 – 7 a.m.
Bearpaw Security is on site evenings and weekends to support a safe environment, alongside UM Security walk-throughs. They give a 10-minute heads-up before midnight.
Indigenous Student Centre advisors
Student advisors at the Indigenous Student Centre are here to support your academic journey. Current students can get help with creating academic plans, understanding university policies, and connecting with key on-campus services, resources, and programming.
Student counselling
Karla Penner is a student counsellor from Student Counselling Services who works directly with the Indigenous Student Centre. She offers support for mental health concerns, personal challenges, relationship issues or if you just need someone to talk to.
Karla is available at Migizii Agamik on Thursdays and Fridays. To book a session, contact ISC at 204-474-8850 or isc@umanitoba.ca.
Tutoring
Antoanela Denchuk, the Content and Study Skills Tutoring Coordinator, offers free support with academic writing and study strategies. Her office is in Migizii Agamik, Room 108, next to the computer lab.
To book an appointment, contact the Indigenous Student Centre or log in to the Content and Writing Tutor system. Select "Content and Study Skills Tutors" and choose the 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, can help with research and other library questions. You can reach him by phone at 431-275-9908, on Teams, or in person at the Architecture/Fine Arts Library (John A. Russell Building, 84 Curry Place).
To connect, email Lyle.Ford@umanitoba.ca or schedule an appointment.
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.
Self-declaration
UM is committed to Indigenous achievement and to ensuring the success of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students and graduates. 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
How to self-declare
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
Contact us
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Indigenous Student Recruitment and Community Relations team
The Indigenous Student Recruitment and Community Relations team is here to help you become a UM student—whether you are applying directly from high school, are coming from an adult learning centre or are a mature learner.
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Indigenous Student Centre advisors
Student advisors at the Indigenous Student Centre are here to support your academic journey. Current students can get help with creating academic plans, understanding university policies, and connecting with key on-campus services, resources, and programming.
If you're unsure where to start, you can email indigenous.engagement@umanitoba.ca.
Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)
- Room 202C Administration Building
- 66 Chancellor's Circle, University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
- Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada