Bison Spirit Indigenous Leadership Program
Bison Spirit is an entry-level Indigenous leadership program that connects to the Paskwamostos Wawiyaw Indigenous Leadership Program.
Designed for new UM Indigenous students with fewer completed credit hours, Bison Spirit helps students build belonging, confidence and foundational leadership skills. As students grow and gain experience, they can continue into more advanced leadership opportunities through Paskwamostos Wawiyaw.
Join Bison Spirit 2026–2027
Program overview
Why join Bison Spirit?
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 representing diverse sectors and experiences.
- Connect with other student leaders and discover leadership opportunities across campus.
- Develop practical leadership skills through interactive workshops and team-building activities.
- Receive ongoing support and mentorship through regular one-on-one check-ins with Bison Spirit leaders.
What to expect
Bison Spirit gathers twice a month throughout the academic year. Each gathering begins with a shared dinner and is followed by a combination of:
- Indigenous leadership teachings from guest speakers, Elders and Knowledge Keepers
- Professional and leadership development workshops
- Team-building and community-building activities
- One-on-one check-ins to support your personal, academic and leadership journey
Eligibility details
Eligibility requirements
Bison Spirit is for you if you are a full-time Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and 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.
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 Paskwamostos Wawiyaw
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.
Bison Spirit 2026–2027 program schedule
Bison Spirit 2026–2027 Program Schedule
Category | Date | Time |
Regular Program | Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM |
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | |
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | |
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | |
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | |
Wednesday, January 6, 2027 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | |
Wednesday, January 20, 2027 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | |
Wednesday, February 3, 2027 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | |
Wednesday, February 24, 2027 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | |
Wednesday, March 10, 2027 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | |
Wednesday, March 24, 2027 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | |
Retreat | Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Saturday, January 9, 2027 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | |
Year-end Celebration | Monday, April 26, 2027 | TBD |
Apply for 2026-2027
Check the eligibility requirements to see if you qualify for Bison Spirit.
Past cohorts and student experiences
Bison Spirit is more than just a program; it is a community that uplifts and empowers students. I would highly recommend it to any first- or second-year student looking to gain new opportunities, build connections, and grow both personally and academically.
Reghan Kirk, Red River Métis
Bison Spirit ‘26
Bison Spirit has taught me the importance of being a leader through community and traditional knowledge, allowing me to grow as a person.
Cyrus Maytwayashing, Lake Manitoba First Nation
Bison Spirit '26
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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!
Kyra Sinclair (she/her)
Coordinator, Indigenous Leadership Programming
Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous)
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
431-338-1998
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.