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To read the full article, please visit Winnipeg Free Press.

She will give a lecture and poetry reading — a conversation about language, memory and presence — marking her first visit to Winnipeg. The event will take place on Thursday, October 16 at 4:00 p.m. in the John A. Russell Atrium.

Professor Christine Stewart from the Faculty of Arts, Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, who helped organize the event, says she hopes the UM community will discover what has inspired her for years in Tohe’s work —

“the blend of beauty, heartache and grit that her poetry carries.” 

Laura Tohe reciting poem at Navajo Code Talker Day in Window Rock, AZ.

Poetry and decoding 

Dr. Laura Tohe is a poet, scholar and the Poet Laureate Emerita of the Navajo Nation (2015–2025). Her father was among the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II—those who used their language to transmit military intelligence that the enemy could never decipher.

Tohe believes that reading and appreciating poetry is, at its heart, a process of decoding. The beauty of a poem lies in how imagery, metaphor, musicality and context weave together — much like the Navajo Code Talkers who used familiar words to carry meanings far beyond the literal. 

In one story, Tohe recalls a coded message that read “horses were dying.” Japanese cryptographers took it at face value, unaware that its real meaning had nothing to do with horses. 

“Indigenous writers, including myself, use metaphorical testimonies and cultural memories to carry the context of a painful and complicated history.” 

Laura Tohe interview with Sam Akee, Navajo Code Talker and his wife.

Language as weapon, language as memory 

The story of the Code Talkers deepened Tohe’s understanding of language’s power. Those men turned their mother tongue into a code that saved lives — a language reborn in the military, one that “was never deciphered by enemy combatants.” 

Yet in peacetime, that same language was silenced. In residential schools it was forbidden, shamed and nearly erased from classrooms and memory. Tohe notes that the U.S. Department of Defense recently removed the names of the Code Talkers from its website in the name of “diversity, equity and inclusion” — erasing once more those who had defended the nation through their own words. 

“Language is fragile; it can be forgotten if it’s not passed on or spoken,” Tohe said. 

Left: Laura Tohe at the 2019 American Indian Festival of Words & Writers Award.
Right: Laura Tohe printing her poem “Map Songs of the Sandhill Cranes.“

From individual to collective renewal 

In Tohe’s work, language is constantly reborn — from page to score, from line to stage. She calls this transformation a “rebirthing” of words and images, allowing poetry to live on through sound, movement and performance. 

Her librettos Enemy Slayer and Nahasdzáán in the Glittering World have invited many Indigenous students and audiences to experience opera for the first time. Nahasdzáán in the Glittering World was later performed in several cities across France, drawing audiences who were perhaps familiar with poetry but not with Indigenous works rooted in Navajo storytelling. 

Through these collaborations, Indigenous storytelling finds new spaces to be heard and felt. At the close of the interview, Tohe reflected,

“Contemporary Indigenous writers are revitalizing endangered tribal languages through initiatives such as the Language Back movement and other creative programs, making visible once again the languages and arts that sustain Indigenous lives and communities.”

Event information

Come experience Laura Tohe’s poetry in person on October 16 at 4:00 p.m. and witness how language continues to carry memory and meaning across generations. Add to your calendar!

• Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025, 4:00 p.m. 
• Location: John A. Russell Atrium (84 Curry Place)
• Format: Free and open to the public 

For more information, please contact Christine Stewart (christine.stewart@umanitoba.ca).

From September 2024 to April 2025, 10 graduate students under his direction studied and laser-scanned 30 original-plan houses in the park. They experienced Wildwood through our community events, and simply spent time observing Wildwood over the seasons.

To read the entire article, please follow the link to The Free Press.

In partnership with the Free Press, UM offers free digital access to all students, faculty and staff.

This initiative helps support an informed and engaged campus community. Learn more.

You can read more in dezeen.

Antonina Kandiurin, 2025 Student Honouree, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Among them is Antonina Kandiurin, a proud Kischewaskahikan Ininew Iskwew (York Factory Cree woman) from Churchill, Manitoba and student in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. She is being recognized for her commitment to making healthcare more efficient, safe and accessible for Indigenous peoples.

Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at age 16, she experienced the deep inequities and harmful gaps in northern healthcare firsthand. Having just completed her first year of medical school, she’s turning that experience into purpose. Driven by a commitment to improve care in northern remote communities, Kandiurin is on a path to become the physician she once needed.

“I’m truly humbled and honoured to receive this award. It is heartwarming to be honoured by the community that has grounded me. I’m so grateful for those who have uplifted me over the years from close friends, family, classmates, professors, support staff and my community back home in Churchill.” — Antonina Kandiurin

Justin Rasmussen, 2025 Staff Honouree and Director of Indigenous Leadership Programming

Justin Rasmussen, a proud Red River Métis Citizen and Director of Indigenous Leadership Programming, is a steady force behind programs like the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment and Bison Spirit Indigenous Leadership.

His natural ability to create inclusive and empowering spaces inspires the next generation of leaders and builds a stronger sense of belonging for Indigenous students across UM campuses.

“I am incredibly honoured to receive this recognition, but I truly do not feel I deserve it on my own.

Supporting Indigenous students is a shared effort rooted in community. I accept this award in recognition of all who have worked, and continue to work, toward making the University of Manitoba a place where Indigenous brilliance can be seen and celebrated.” — Dr. Justin Rasmussen

Now in its ninth year, the tradition of recognizing Honouring the Indigenous Campus Community honourees in a blanketing ceremony continues. The event follows the National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations hosted by Ongomiizwin — Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing.

This year’s honourees include six students, two staff, one faculty and one legacy honouree. Their contributions span diverse fields including healthcare, science, education, architecture and more. They are leaders in rematriation and repatriation, champions of social justice and trusted voices within their communities.

Meet the 2025 Honouring the Indigenous Campus Community honourees:

Student Honourees

Aimée-Mihkokwaniy McGillis, Faculty of Arts

Antonina Kandiurin, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Jory Thomas, Faculty of Architecture

Michaela de Hoop, Faculty of Science

Pahan PteSanWin, Faculty of Arts

Sunday Queskekapow, Faculty of Arts

Staff Honourees

Desiree Morrisseau-Keesick, Indigenous Student Recruitment

Justin Rasmussen, Indigenous Leadership Programming

Faculty Honouree

Rhonda Campbell, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Legacy Honouree

Kirsty Muller, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Congratulations to the 2025 honourees and Happy Indigenous Peoples Day!

Students shared powerful reflections on the impact their chosen teachers had on their lives, highlighting the dedication, compassion, and humour these educators brought to the classroom. For some, the most influential teachers were also the toughest—those who held them to high standards because they genuinely believed in their ability to succeed.

“My mom went to a parent-teacher conference. I had an excellent report card—except for all the classes I had with one teacher, Ms. Margaret Wiens. My grades in her class were thirty percent lower than every other class,” shared Christine Hay, the outstanding student selected from the Faculty of Education. “The rural school I attended was a Grade 4 to 12 school, with no high school art programming at all. Margaret Wiens was a teacher who saw the value of art in education. So, when I decided in Grade 12, four years later, that I wanted to apply to the School of Art at UM with no arts training at all, it was Ms. Wiens who learned how to build an entrance portfolio and mentored me through the entire process—during her lunches, her preps, and after school. I did end up getting direct entry into the School of Art. It is with deep gratitude that I stand here today and thank you, 23 years later, for showing up every day with grit, for showing me grace, and for being an example of how I hope to show up for my future students.”

Left image from left to right, Yvonne Fenner, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, outstanding student, Ms. Margaret Hart, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, outstanding teacher. Right image from left to right, Mr.  Ron Constant, Joe A. Ross School, outstanding teacher, Yvonne Fenner, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Occupational Therapy, outstanding student

This year’s Students’ Teacher Recognition Reception was held on May 5 bringing together students, their selected teachers, faculty representatives, and invited guests for an afternoon of meaningful celebration. The event was hosted by The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning and emceed by the Centre’s Director, Dr. Erica Jung.

Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) brought greetings and shared her own reflections on the educators who made a lasting impact in her life. “I think back to my high school teachers’ who encouraged me to recognize potential that I didn’t fully see in myself, and some University Professors who helped shape the direction of my academic life, and ultimately my professional life. These individuals will never fully appreciate or know the impact that they had on me, but I certainly think about them every year when I come to this reception.”

Throughout the afternoon, students spoke not only about the academic guidance they received but also the personal support their teachers offered—support that extended beyond the classroom. Many shared stories of educators who cared deeply, often becoming mentors, role models, and even friends.

Yvonne Fenner, the outstanding student from the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, spoke with heartfelt appreciation about the many ways her selected teachers supported her. “It wasn’t only the educational part of this journey that she helped me with. Ms. Margaret Hart was there for me on a personal note, as I have called on her many times in the last two years.” Ms. Margaret Hart, a First Nations Indigenous educator in the health sciences, shared that the presence of Indigenous students carries deep personal significance. “I’m there to nurture the students’ learning, but also, I’m there to nurture their identities too”—a sentiment that reflects a commitment not only to academic growth but to personal and cultural growth as well.

Following the ceremony, attendees had a chance to mingle, take photos, and reflect on the meaningful connections that helped shape their journeys.

Faculty of Law student Alessandro Potenza put it best: “I know that we were not uniquely smart, but instead, that we had a uniquely exceptional teacher.” A sentiment echoed by many—while talent may open the door, it’s great educators who help students walk through it.

For a full list of award recipients, please visit our webpage.

Hosted by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the event honoured recipients of teaching awards, community engagement awards, Merit Awards, and those granted Tenure.

Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic), presented each award and expressed their gratitude to faculty members for their dedication, innovation, and meaningful contributions to the university.

Together, these faculty members are leading the change envisioned in our strategic plan – advancing knowledge, empowering learners, and strengthening connections with communities within and beyond the UM community.

Congratulations to all the honourees:

Olive Beatrice Stanton Award for Excellence in Teaching (2024)

• Sarah Cooper (Faculty of Architecture)

University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA) Teaching Award (2024)

• Nandika Bandara (Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences)

Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Campbell Outreach Award (2024)

• Deborah McPhail (Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)

Community Engagement Fund Award (2024)

• Jacquie Dawson (Desautels Faculty of Music)
• Katrina Dunn (Faculty of Arts)
• Blair Fornwald (School of Art)
• David Herbert (Faculty of Science)
• Richard Milgrom (Faculty of Architecture)
• Victoria Sparks (Desautels Faculty of Music)
• Qiuyan Yuan (Price Faculty of Engineering)

Merit Award (2023)

Each year, Merit Awards are awarded to faculty members for their outstanding achievements in teaching, research, scholarly work and creative activities, and service in three different categories. View the 2023 recipient list here.

Tenure (2025)

• Karen Alley (Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources)
• Mandy Archibald (College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Ahmed Ashraf (Price Faculty of Engineering)
• Shawn Bailey (Faculty of Architecture)
• Matthew Bakker (Faculty of Science)
• Katherine Boyer (School of Art)
• Kirstin Brink (Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources)
• Jacob Burgess (Faculty of Science)
• Sean Carleton (Faculty of Arts)
• Jeremy Chopek (Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Sarah Cooper (Faculty of Architecture)
• Bruno De Oliveira Jayme (Faculty of Education)
• Lucy Delgado (Faculty of Education)
• Elsie Duff (College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Katrina Dunn (Faculty of Arts)
• Paul Durkin (Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
• Sherif Eltonsy (College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Amy Farrell (Faculty of Education)
• Moni Fricke (College of Rehabilitation Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Lauren Goegan (Faculty of Education)
• Gayle Halas (Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Sreemali Herath (Faculty of Education)
• Junyon Im (I. H. Asper School of Business)
• Meaghan Jones (Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Muhammad Kabir (I. H. Asper School of Business)
• Aaron Kim (Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Karl Kohut (Desautels Faculty of Music)
• Kaarina Kowalec (College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Susan Logue (Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Shannon Moore (Faculty of Education)
• Vimi Mutalik (Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Shaylene Nancekivell (Faculty of Arts)
• Chris Pascoe (Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Kiran Pedada (I. H. Asper School of Business)
• Beryl Peters (Faculty of Education)
• Julie Pfeffer (Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Dake Qi (College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Fabio Ragnelli (Faculty of Music)
• Diana Sanchez-Ramirez (College of Rehabilitation Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Jill Stobart (College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Patricia Thille (College of Rehabilitation Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Brandon Trask (Faculty of Law)
• Dana Turcotte (College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences)
• Miguel Uyaguari (Faculty of Science)
• Shaowei Wang (Faculty of Science)
• Jennifer Watt (Faculty of Education)
• Ratchel Zeng (I. H. Asper School of Business)

The year associated with each award differs due to the timeframe of program. Learn more about the awards on the Faculty Awards webpage.

Scale is critical for representation and construction because it clarifies perspective and shows relationships among landscape and architectural elements. In today’s digital era, where maps and drawings are frequently created and viewed on screens of varying sizes, scale largely communicates to the Level of Detail (LOD).

Traditionally, LOD focuses on buildings and their geometric details, often overlooking other vital city elements such as trees, streets, water, and terrain. Moreover, most existing LOD frameworks are not data-conscious: they don’t specify which types of data should be associated with each LOD in city modelling. You can also download a series of 3D Rhino conceptual tiles for each geometric LOD from the paper. 

In our latest publication, we propose a new family of LOD that not only extends beyond buildings but also integrates relevant data into each tier of detail. This work is especially meaningful because it marks the very first publication from our research lab. You can also download a series of 3D Rhino conceptual tiles for each geometric LOD from the paper. 

Full publication: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8945/5/1/1