The IAEP has 6 levels: the Foundations level emphasizes English for daily life, levels 1–4 focus on academic preparation for intermediate, and advanced level students and the 5^th level prepares students for admission to the UM. Direct admission into level 5 requires minimum test scores on one or several eligible tests, while levels 1–4 have a placement test to place students in the level best suited for their learning. More information about this process can be found on the ELC’s website. AL-Zuhairi was placed in level 5 and completed her program in December 2023, allowing her to begin her program in U1.

AL-Zuhairi shared how valuable and positive the experience was from a variety of angles. From the academic side, she noted: “There were many things which I learned. Reading classes we analyzed texts. Speaking classes, we practiced presentations and speeches. Listening classes, we learned how to effectively take notes and follow up with the main idea. In writing classes, we learned how to write about anything in every style whether it was a small paragraph or a research paper.” She also explained that “the ELC emphasizes not only academic language skills but also personal growth, creating a holistic learning journey. The sense of community at the ELC coupled with connections formed, contributes to a supportive and enriching second home for students. Overall, the English Language Centre stands out for its comprehensive approach, ensuring both linguistic mastery and a transformative educational experience.”

AL-Zuhairi found new friendships, a sense of community, and new experiences through the program. She explained that her favourite part of the program was “the fact that there were many people from all over the world to learn with and from.” She added that “Our shared friendships fostered a thriving classroom that improved our learning environment. I was able to learn from others about their culture and try some of their very good food with the happy environment we were in, we felt like a family.”

For students who are unsure if the program is right for them, AL-Zuhairi’s words of encouragement may shine some light on the benefits of the program: “The ELC went beyond language acquisition; it encouraged personal development, forging connections, and establishing a second home establishing a second home. Choosing the ELC program promises not only enhanced academic language proficiency but also a heightened sense of confidence in using the language. Experiencing a gradual improvement in your language skills can be described as an unparalleled joy.”

If AL-Zuhairi’s resounding praise is not persuasive enough, the IAEP’s benefits are also visible in student achievement statistics. More than 80% of students who begin the IAEP go on to pursue a degree at UM. These students achieve higher marks than international students who did not complete the program and higher first year GPAs than Canadian students. They also have higher degree completion rates than other international or Canadian students. These statistics come as little surprise when hearing how Riyam summed up her experience: “I would like to say that joining the ELC is such a blessing that not a lot of people are aware of it until they try it. It is fun to sit in a small classroom where you can get to know your teachers, peers and staff. You get a lot of attention that you will not get in a larger classroom. The staff put in so much effort to make fun activates and make the time much easier. I said it once and I will say it again, I am grateful for the ELC program.” 

If you are interested in learning more, you can visit the ELC’s website and/or contact the ELC directly at elc@umanitoba.ca.

Fourteen members of ABEP — a community for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) business students at the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business — will join the convocation ranks on June 7 to receive their Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degrees.

Program Director Peter Pomart says the 2017 class is not only the ABEP’s largest to date, but also its most diverse.“Many of our students have received Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards for their academic, athletic, and personal achievements. Our graduates are mothers and fathers. They are entrepreneurs and community leaders. We are confident that they have a bright future and will make meaningful contributions to their respective fields.”

Special guests at the dinner included Subbu Sivaramakrishnan, Associate Dean, Asper School of Business; Jamie Wilson, Deputy Minister (Growth, Enterprise and Trade) for the Province of Manitoba; Gregg Hanson, former CEO and President of Wawanesa Insurance; Sharon Parenteau, General Manager, Louis Riel Institute; and Carl Stone, Student Advisor at the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous Student Centre.

ABEP alumnus and accomplished fiddler Brenton Thorvaldson [BComm(Hons)/14] provided music.

Event Photos

At 16, Ashley Richard was homeless and living on the streets of Toronto.

A conflict with her mom forced her to move out on her own carrying only a garbage bag full of clothes.

During the next couple of years, Richard’s strength was tested on numerous occasions.

Richard was sexually assaulted while living on the street when she was 19. She also found herself living in numerous shelters and on friends’ couches whenever she could. It was during that time, she knew something had to change.

“I felt like if I was going to revitalize my spirit it would have to be there,” Richard said.

Grandma credited with inspiration 

So Richard picked up her belongings and made the trip to Winnipeg. Her grandmother, Mary Richard, one of her biggest motivators, gave her the push she needed.

“She was, and still is, the reason I do everything I do,” Richard said.

Shortly after Richard got settled in Winnipeg, she applied in the Asper School of Business program. She said she’s always felt there aren’t enough Indigenous youth interested in the business world, so the school was the perfect place for her to make her mark.

“I don’t think the community sees the important part that Indigenous people have to play in this day and age in the world of business and commerce.”

‘Love feeling like I have a purpose in my life’

Richard was accepted in 2013. Five years later, she’s now set to graduate in a few weeks time. 

Read the full story here.

20/20 Vision: Indigenous Participation: Key to Success of Manitoba’s Future Economy brought together business, community and government leaders with expertise in Indigenous business and community engagement to explore directions forward during what is proving to be a pivotal moment in our national and provincial history. The federal government recently said it plans to invest $8.4 billion over the next five years in improving the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous peoples and their communities. Over the next 20 years, Indigenous people will grow to comprise 20 per cent of Manitoba’s population.

Panelist Jamie Wilson, deputy minister of growth, enterprise and trade for the Province of Manitoba, spoke about how a number of policies enacted by government over past decades have removed Indigenous peoples’ entrepreneurial spirit– but that “times are changing.” For instance, at age 49, he is among the first generation in his family who will receive an inheritance from his parents. “There’s a new group of Aboriginal people showing up, and neat things are happening with young people who are not carrying the full impact of Indigenous history with them.”

Judy Klassen, interim leader of the Manitoba Liberal Party and MLA for Kewatinook – a region that includes 14 First Nations, Churchill, and Gillam – told the audience that many people are surprised to learn she’s a third-generation entrepreneur. “I grew up knowing that business is possible because my parents owned a mom-and-pop shop.”

Unfortunately, due to fears of participating in an education system that once included residential schools, many members of her community lack basic financial literacy. “I’m approached by constituents who ask if they are allowed to open up bank accounts.” Klassen said she was eager to implement financial literacy learning modules in her communities’ education systems.

Jessica Dumas, past chair of the Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce and president of Prime Image Life Coaching, said that training, housing and childcare were critical issues for Indigenous communities to overcome in order to achieve economic success. She said she sees many businesses that want to hire Indigenous people but don’t know where to start because “they’re afraid of being scolded at by the Indigenous community by not following protocol.” One solution, she said, is to find ways to encourage businesses who are already hiring Indigenous employees to share best practices with the wider business community.

Shaun Loney, executive director of B.U.I.L.D. and author of An Army of Problem Solvers, said, “It’s important for us non-Indigenous people to know where our privilege comes from. I’ve done research on both sides of my family and learned how privileged we have been because of the broken relationship with Indigenous people.” Loney’s organization, B.U.I.L.D. (Building Urban Industries for Local Development), is a social enterprise non-profit contractor and a training program for people who face barriers to employment. Loney said the company lowered utility bills in 17,000 low-income homes by employing primarily Indigenous people with criminal records. To boost economic growth in Indigenous communities and First Nations, he suggested that governments promote social enterprises “rather than throwing money at problems.”

Loney was also adamant that government empower communities to offer driver’s licensing because “75 per cent of jobs require a driver’s license. For many people living in First Nations communities, having a driver’s license is comparable to a master’s degree.”

The final panelist, Robert Campbell, is national director of Aboriginal services for MNP, a company focused on ensuring positive outcomes for Indigenous people and communities. Campbell said MNP “has turned down millions of dollars from companies if they don’t do good for First Nations,” adding that for Manitoba’s economy and First Nations to prosper together, “we need to listen to the needs of Aboriginal communities. For too long, we’ve been prescribed what we need and what we should be doing.” He also recommended promoting careers in accounting to today’s Indigenous youth.

When asked by a member of the audience – which included U of M students and faculties, as well as members of the broader community – how Asper students and grads could encourage Indigenous people to participate in the province’s economy, the panelists suggested a variety of actions.

“Educate yourself on the TRC [Truth and Reconciliation Commission] call to action, the history of Canada, and residential schools,” said Jessica Dumas.

Robert Campbell recommended people “insert themselves in a discussion when you hear someone describe Native people as lazy, for instance. Raise the consciousness of society and set the story right.”

Judy Klassen said, “Smile at Indigenous people you meet in the workplace, and encourage them.”

Looking back on the event, panelists say they are hopeful it will result in positive steps forward.

“The more people talk and share, and appreciate the challenges faced by Indigenous people in Manitoba, the more society gains in understanding,” says Judy Klassen. “Let’s take that understanding and get to work for the equal benefit of all Manitobans.”

“The Aboriginal community has been excluded from the economy for too long, and this has contributed greatly to many of the challenges they face today,” says Rob Campbell. “If we want to improve lives and create opportunities, we must all be part of the economic engine. The government and the private sector are responsible for ensuring this happens. It is good for our people and good for the country as a whole.”

Shaun Loney says a new problem-solving paradigm is emerging. “I’m envious that Asper students are entering the workforce now and can put their business skills to work making the world a better place for people living on the margins of society.”

20/20 Vision was a student-driven initiative that was quickly embraced by Aboriginal Business Education Partners (ABEP) and the Asper School’s Career Development Centre (CDC), who co-hosted the event.

The event’s emcee, fourth-year Asper student Carter Wilson, is president of the University of Manitoba Indigenous Commerce Students (UMICS) group. He knows first-hand how engagement creates opportunities for personal and professional growth – not just for students, but for business and community leaders.

“It makes good sense for business leaders to know how to properly engage with Indigenous communities,” he says. “If you fail to connect, you’re limiting your opportunities for success.” 

The timing of the 20/20 Vision event is no accident, he adds.

“This year we celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, and the U of M celebrates its 140th anniversary. This is the perfect moment for our communities to come together as one, look back on what has led us here, look hard at who we are today, and look forward to creating a better future.”

A networking reception catered by Feast Foods followed the event.

Event Photos

Covert Logistics, a locally-owned and rapidly growing transportation company, received the Excellence in Aboriginal Business Leadership Award. Founded by Caralyn and Robert Rabichuk in 2002, Covert started as a humble one-truck transportation company that has since grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise with over 60 pieces of equipment.

Caralyn is a member of the Métis nation and provides operational oversight to the company. Robert, a 2002 graduate from the Asper School of Business, says his business education has provided him with the requisite knowledge to become Covert’s logistics expert.

“Having our business acknowledged by such a prestigious award is an honour,” says Caralyn. “Being entrepreneurs can be a thankless job, but we have a passion for what we do that drives us to work harder and longer than most in order for our business to succeed. It’s great to hear from someone else that our hard work is paying off. This award has motivated Rob and I to continue to strive for even greater things at Covert Logistics. It has given us a renewed sense of pride that pushes us to continue to grow.”

Voilà par Andréanne, a Métis-owned and inspired clothing design company, received the Excellence in Aboriginal Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Award. Andréanne Dandeneau, a fashion design graduate of Montreal’s LaSalle College, has designed and manufactured her own clothing line for 12 years.

“I am incredibly proud of this recognition because it validates how I wanted to build Voilà from the start – a proudly Métis business that honours tradition while also promoting the innovative capacity of our Indigenous community,” says Andréanne Dandeneau, owner of Voilà par Andréanne. “Being a proud Métis woman has always been a big part of my life. I was beyond fortunate to have had parents that instilled in me the importance of knowing our family roots and knowing exactly where we came from. I can still remember so many family trips where my parents would take us to places to discover and learn all we could about our heritage and to become connected to our ancestors. It was on these remarkable trips where I would see the beautiful symbols of my Métis heritage and would later go on to use as my inspiration in my designs.”

At the forefront of the slow fashion movement, Dandeneau has never strayed from her emphasis on sustainability and quality. Voilà’s manufacturing employs sustainable materials produced at a Canadian knitting mill certified by Free the Children.

Now in its twelfth year, the EABLA gala is one of Manitoba’s most prestigious events for honouring Aboriginal business leaders.

ABEP Director Peter Pomart says, “This year’s gala was a tremendous success. The award recipients serve as fine examples of how our Indigenous community members can make significant contributions to the Manitoba economy while staying true to their values and heritage. I am deeply honoured that many leading companies and organizations support this event year after year because of the direct benefit it provides to Indigenous students at the Asper School of Business.”

More than 240 guests attended the event, including 25 students and 16 alumni. University of Manitoba Elders in Residence Norman Meade and Marlene Keaseas led the Grand Entry. Minister Cliff Cullen (Growth, Enterprise and Trade) brought greetings on behalf of the Province of Manitoba. He was joined by Assistant Deputy Minister Jamie Wilson.

One hundred per cent of event proceeds provide direct benefit to Indigenous students enrolled at the Asper School of Business through scholarships and initiatives. At a VIP reception, ABEP also recognized four student members who received scholarships from EABLA partners and sponsors:

• Kieran Saindon (MTS Future First Scholarship in Aboriginal Business Education)
• Dylan Allary (RBC Awards in Indigenous Business Education – Undergraduate Scholarship)
• Michael Teichrieb (RBC Awards in Indigenous Business Education – Undergraduate Scholarship)
• Skye Villamil (RBC Awards in Indigenous Business Education – MBA Entrance Scholarship)

Event Photos

Planning for Indigenous Business in Canada: Principles and Practice began five years ago. Marsch, who was then a Human Resources Management/Marketing major and member of Aboriginal Business Education Partners at the Asper School of Business, sat on the panel that developed the book’s concept.

ABEP provides a community for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) students pursuing Asper business degrees.

Marsch told CBC News:

“It was amazing for me to go through that many years of education and just feel like I had no one I could relate to, no one I could identify with in terms of being Indigenous and being in business.”

“I was able to make those connections during post-secondary, eventually,” she said. “It was only toward the end of my degree, though, that I found the Aboriginal Business Education Partners [ABEP] that really helped me get to where I am now.

“The important thing to me is exposing Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, because we need to let everyone see that this is something that’s for everybody. I can’t wait to see what the next 10, 20, 30 years look like for our Indigenous people, and especially the youth.”

The textbook is being published by Cape Breton University (CBU) Press. Read the full CBC story here.

Marsch says she also wrote a case study on ID Fusion Software Inc., an Aboriginal technology company that produced an online teaching resource for the textbook. She’s now the company’s human resources coordinator, “so this opportunity to work with Cape Breton University, which ABEP made possible, really launched my career.”

ID Fusion Software has given Marsch company time over the last three years to volunteer and work on a number of initiatives promoting positive change for Indigenous peoples. Working on the textbook also created a path for Marsch to mentor Aboriginal youth through CBU’s In.Business program, a nationwide initiative that launched in Winnipeg last year.

“This program is truly changing the lives of Aboriginals by creating a strong network for youth and exposing them to the possibilities of post-secondary education – especially in business, which they might not have considered otherwise. I feel blessed to be part of such a great program and excited for what the future looks like for our people.”

We are pleased to offer an information session for Indigenous 3rd and 4th year students from all faculties. Find out how the Asper MBA can provide you with the skills to reach your personal and professional goals. Learn about the benefits of Aboriginal Business Education Partners (ABEP) membership available to you as an Indigenous Asper MBA student.

Complimentary lunch provided (registration required). Follow us on Facebook for information on upcoming sessions and stories about Asper MBA alumni and students.

REGISTER NOW >

Location Information:

University of Manitoba – Fort Garry – Drake Centre  (View Map)
181 Freedman Crescent
Winnipeg, MB

The announcement regarding the gift of $1.025 million took place at Buhler Atrium on the Bannatyne campus in front of approximately 50 faculty, staff and students on January 25th.

RBC Foundation’s gift is directed to three programs: the Manitoba Online Overcoming Depression (MOOD) Program, investing $500,000 in technology to improve students’ access to mental health services; the Health Sciences Student Travel Initiative, providing $500,000 to create opportunities for medical and dental students traveling to northern communities to train in local health issues; and $25,000 for Aboriginal Business Education Partners (ABEP) Scholarships, supporting Indigenous youth pursuing studies in business.

For many years, RBC Foundation has played an important role in supporting University of Manitoba students and researchers, including Aboriginal Business Education Partners, co-op and MBA students, the Swampy Cree Suicide Prevention Team and the Children’s Dental Outreach Program.

Dr. David Barnard, University of Manitoba president and vice-chancellor, said: “Thoughtful, forward-thinking, and diligent, RBC Foundation has an impressive history of investing in some of our most innovative and socially responsible programs — investments that have consistently yielded wonderful results. Through this gift announced today, students experiencing mood disorders will find the help they need, be able to attend conferences for learning enrichment and to share knowledge with their peers.”

Three students were on hand to speak directly to the impact of these programs.

Nursing student Deborah Chan is thankful for RBC’s ongoing support of mental health awareness and programming, strengthening on-campus supports. “What an exciting time for mental health on campus. As a founding member of Active Minds student group we are helping change the conversation around mental health on campus,” she said.

Barnard noted that the ABEP program has already helped 84 students finish their business studies, providing them with the training, experience, and connections needed to take their place as community leaders. RBC’s own vice-president of commercial financial banking, Aaron Martyniw, graduated from the program in 2005.

Said Barnard, “By expanding the scale and scope of scholarships available through the Aboriginal Business Education Partners program, RBC Foundation has sent a clear message that Manitoba is a leader in Indigenous education, and that all Canadians have the right to pursue higher education.”

“Thank you RBC for investing in Aboriginal students. Awards like this allow me to live up to my potential,” says Ashley Richard,  an ABEP award recipient.

Faculty of health sciences student Mathieu Bourrier has already spent some time learning in Rankin Inlet as a medical student. “The most valuable knowledge I attained was from seeing first hand the health care inequities faced by northern communities and the important role we can play by going up north and serving people and communities to help and preserve health of all Canadians. The experience changed my life,” said Bourrier.

Gregg Hanson of the President’s Campaign Team said: “This gift today from RBC Foundation will help students in significant ways through support for their professional development and training at the University of Manitoba. Ultimately, all Manitobans will feel this impact, and this was our goal when we launched Front and Centre: To equip our students with the opportunities they need to succeed; to fuel innovation; and to enhance the well-being within the communities we serve.”

Kim Ulmer, RBC Regional President, noted: “We’re honoured to work with the University of Manitoba to help provide a foundation to grow a thriving business and consumer landscape and vibrant and prosperous communities across Manitoba. RBC applauds and wholly supports the bold ambition of the Front and Centre campaign to help Manitobans turn their aspirations into reality.”

First Nations, Métis and Inuit youth are the fastest growing population group in Manitoba and are the key to the future of this province. Yet there is a huge gap between the employment rate of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Manitobans, a gap that can be bridged through post-secondary education.

“Education is the path towards economic freedom and wealth for Indigenous Peoples,” says Ovide Mercredi, University of Manitoba alumnus and former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. “At U of M we pledge to do our share to build a strong Aboriginal middle class. Our shared future demands no less.”

Through the Front and Centre campaign, the U of M is focused on four major areas in support of Indigenous achievement. Together, these programs will provide greater accessibility and opportunity for Indigenous students, as well as enhanced understanding for the entire university community.

The U of M currently has one of the highest Indigenous student bodies in the country, but we know we can do more to ensure that young Indigenous people are able to attend, and graduate, successfully. That is why the Front and Centre campaign includes a $17.5 million Indigenous Success Fund, which will provide scholarships and bursaries, establish earlier connections with Indigenous youth through mentorship and outreach programs, and facilitate the transition from early years through to post-secondary education.

Successful programs like the Aboriginal Business Education Partners and the Engineering Aboriginal Access Program (ENGAP) will see an increase in capacity through a $7.5 million campaign investment.

Started in 1985, ENGAP is the most successful program of its kind in Canada, providing guidance to Indigenous peoples pursuing a degree in Engineering.

Dan Brown

“ENGAP provided so many supports that I didn’t even know I would need,” said Dan Brown, who was the program’s first graduate back in 1991. “Tutoring, navigating the university, providing access to community based supports and counselling…these were all things that were really the keys to my success.” Brown is now the Manager of Process Control and Automation at Syncrude Canada Limited in Alberta, and sits on the Senate of the University of Alberta.

The Faculty of Law, which counts among its distinguished alumni Ovide Mercredi and Justice Murray Sinclair, will see an addition of a research chair in Aboriginal law through $5 million in funding. This distinguished position will help ensure that Indigenous perspectives, traditions and priorities are integrated into the foundations of the faculty’s teachings.

The largest portion of the $65 million earmarked for Indigenous achievement through Front and Centre will go to support the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the country’s first research centre dedicated to studying the impact of the Canadian Residential School System. Set to open early next year, the NCTR is the steward of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s four million historical records and 7,000 interviews of Residential School Survivors.

“The University of Manitoba is honoured to help maintain these sacred records, and is committed to ensuring the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is accessed by as many people as possible,” explained David Barnard, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manitoba.

Providing scholarships, bursaries, innovative programming, and the attraction and promotion of research on Indigenous issues will result in greater accessibility and opportunity for Indigenous students, as well as enhanced understanding for the entire community.

Help us put Indigenous achievement front and centre. Donate now!

This agreement enables First Nations, Métis and Inuit MBA students to join Asper’s ABEP community.  This expansion builds on ABEP’s 20-year history of providing undergraduate students with a suite of services to enhance their education and career prospects at the Asper School of Business.  These services include:

• access to networking events with prospective employers including ABEPs prestigious Excellence in Aboriginal Business Leadership Awards, which takes place this year on Oct. 8.
• complimentary academic resources for challenging courses such as accounting and corporate finance
• mentoring and career development opportunities