In partnership with Red River College, the University of Winnipeg, and Business Council Manitoba (BCM), the investment by WED of the U of M’s co-managed project will drive industry investment in specific collaboration projects and have significant economic benefits.

The new funding from WED announced today will address these issues by driving industry investment, including the hiring of five full-time employees to support the collaboration, 45 new industry-academic partnerships, and increased employment opportunities for 150 Indigenous students. The total cost of the project, including additional sources of funding through the U of M and other partners, is $4.3M over the next three years, supporting an expansion of the BCM program (a work-integrated learning program), and at least three AIM DAYS (Accelerating Innovation Meetings).

“This project will help identify research strengths within academic institutions that can be used by industry in industry-academic partnerships,” says Digvir Jayas, Vice-President (Research and International) at the U of M. “The impact of these new collaborative projects includes employment for undergraduate and graduate students, and creates new technologies, products and processes for business, government, and non-profit organizations.”

The initiatives will also build on BCM’s successful Aboriginal Education Award program, Youth Creative Employment Opportunities program, and the Post-Secondary Institutions Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint, where post-secondary institutions and BCM will work in partnership with Indigenous communities, government, and business, towards significantly increasing Indigenous participation in the post-secondary sector and in the labour market.

“Enhanced collaboration with the Business Council on Manitoba, and its members will allow the U of M, and its project partners, to further enhance relationships with Manitoba businesses,” says Dr. Janice Ristock, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at the U of M. “In addition, enhanced connections to business will provide a better understanding of skill needs and allow us to develop and provide to students, an expanded offering of work-integrated and other experiential education opportunities.”

According to the 2018 study Humans Wanted, prepared by RBC, 25 per cent of Canadian jobs will be disrupted by technology in the coming decade, with half going through a significant overhaul of the skills required. Despite heavy job displacement, the Canadian economy is expected to add 2.4 million jobs over the next four years, all of which will require a new mix of skills. Manitoba’s education system, training programs, and labour market initiatives are not adequately designed to help youth navigate the new skills economy.

Highlighting the University of Manitoba’s commitment to Indigenous achievement, these awards recognize Canadian Indigenous students who are leaders in their communities and who participate in community service activities and leadership initiatives. The awards are funded through the University of Manitoba Student Union’s $16.2 million commitment to support student success at the U of M through the Front and Centre campaign. 

The awards are open to all Canadian First Nations, Métis or Inuit undergraduate students enrolled either full or part-time in any year of study at the University of Manitoba. Current U of M students must have a minimum 2.0 degree grade point average. Incoming students who are nominated must meet the minimum admission requirements for University 1 or any faculty, college or school at the U of M with a direct-entry option.

Nominations letters must be accompanied by a description and explanation of the candidate’s community service activities and demonstrated leadership qualities. Nominations are to be submitted in hard copy to Financial Aid & Awards (Room 422 UMSU University Centre) by 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2018 (or by 4:30 p.m. on the following business day).

For more information, visit the Financial Aid and Awards searchable awards database.

Creating Pathways to Indigenous Achievement is an institutional priority for the University of Manitoba, with a goal to celebrate achievements by Indigenous faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners.

Indigenous Achievement is a pillar of Front and Centre — the campaign for the University of Manitoba, with $65 million directed toward this priority. By collaborating with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, the University of Manitoba is striving to be a welcoming place that translates into success for Indigenous students and their families.

“These students exemplify outstanding leadership in their communities, and on our campuses,” says Tanjit Nagra, President of the University of Manitoba Student’s Union. “They are actively enhancing the student experience for their peers.”

Highlighting the University of Manitoba’s commitment to Indigenous achievement, these awards recognize Canadian Indigenous students who are leaders in their communities and participate in community service activities and leadership initiatives. The awards are funded thanks to UMSU’s $16.2 million commitment to support student success at the U of M through the Front and Centre campaign.

“Receiving the UMSU Award for Indigenous Community Leaders is a huge honour and will help me in further developing as an Indigenous leader on campus,” says Gillian McIvor, Faculty of Science. “This award allows me to focus on my studies, and to continue being involved with my Metis culture.”

Each of this year’s recipients will receive a financial award in the amount of $1375.

The 2018 recipients of the UMSU Award for Indigenous Community Leaders are:

• Lakeisha Barkman, Faculty of Engineering
• Lindsay Bristow, Faculty of Science
• Maegan Courchene, Faculty of Arts
• Ashley Daniels, Faculty of Science
• Bradley Feltham, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
• Kristin Flattery, Faculty of Education
• Ava Glesby, Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management
• River Guillas, College of Nursing
• Tyler Koswin, Faculty of Science
• Gillian McIvor, Faculty of Science
• Joseph McKellep, Faculty of Arts
• Carly McLellan, Max Rady College of Medicine
• Bobby McNair, Faculty of Science
• Jordan Mitchell, Faculty of Engineering
• Brianna Moyer, Asper School of Business
• Riley Proulx, Asper School of Business
• Mary Swiftwolfe, Faculty of Arts
• Taylen Van Den Driessche, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences

Creating Pathways to Indigenous Achievement is an institutional priority for the University of Manitoba, with a goal to celebrate achievements by Indigenous faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners.

Indigenous Achievement is a pillar of Front and Centre — the campaign for the University of Manitoba. By collaborating with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, the University of Manitoba is striving to be a welcoming place that translates into success for Indigenous students and their families.

The UMSU Award for Indigenous Community Leaders is funded through the union’s $16.2 million commitment to support student success at the U of M through the Front and Centre campaign.

“Recognizing the [Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada] Calls to Action and providing monetary rewards to our hard-working, deserving students will benefit them by more than just taking care of their basic necessities,” says Kristin Flattery, who helped develop the terms of reference for these awards during her term as female co-president of the University of Manitoba Aboriginal Students’ Association (UMASA). “It will help with mental, spiritual and emotional aspects of their lives as well. Having extra financial support allows students to focus on classes rather than worry about funding their next meal or daycare.”

Flattery [BFA(Hons)/17], who graduated in 2017, points out that many Indigenous students are often isolated after leaving their home communities for post-secondary education. This gives Indigenous students considerable disadvantage, leaving them in a state of culture shock when they first arrive for their studies.

“Due to the overt systems of colonization and loss of language our people require equitable treatment and support to be successful within our Western academic institutions. Statistically, Indigenous peoples suffer tremendously due to major funding gaps which translates to lack of educational supports.”

“After spending so much time in the development stage, it’s really exciting to finally see these awards come to fruition,” says Tanjit Nagra, president of UMSU.

Highlighting the University of Manitoba’s commitment to Indigenous achievement, these awards recognize Canadian Indigenous students who are leaders in their communities and participate in community service activities and leadership initiatives.

“Scholarships such as the UMSU Award for Indigenous Community Leaders, help to reduce possible barriers to post-secondary success,” says Jane Lastra, the U of M’s director of financial aid and awards.

“The awards exemplify our faith and support in our students to carry on traditions such as leadership, research, service and innovation. The scholarships not only provide students with financial support, but also the opportunity to personally grow as young leaders.”

The awards are open to all Canadian First Nations, Métis or Inuit undergraduate students enrolled either full or part-time in any year of study at the University of Manitoba. Current U of M students must have a minimum 2.0 degree grade point average. Incoming students who are nominated must meet the minimum admission requirements for University 1 or any faculty, college or school at the U of M with a direct-entry option.

“It’s important for our entire community to play an active role in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples,” says Nagra. “We hope that this new scholarship is a step in the right direction for the U of M in that process.”

Students, faculty and staff at the U of M, as well as members of the extended U of M community are encouraged to submit nominations, which must be accompanied by a description and explanation of the candidate’s community service activities and demonstrated leadership qualities.

Nomination letters for the UMSU Award for Indigenous Community Leaders are to be submitted in hard copy to Financial Aid and Awards, Room 422 University Centre, attention: Pamela Gareau by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 16, 2018.

“We have already heard back from many recipients of the Indigenous Student Bursary, and the stories we have heard have been so inspiring. It’s amazing to hear and see the feedback. I think this award will go a long way in relieving students of a lot of stress. It’s a great way to recognize their leadership in the community, and award them for giving back,” says Nagra. 

Creating Pathways to Indigenous Achievement is an institutional priority for the University of Manitoba, with a goal to celebrate achievements by Indigenous faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners.

Indigenous Achievement is a pillar of Front and Centre — the campaign for the University of Manitoba, with $65 million directed toward this priority. By collaborating with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, the University of Manitoba is striving to be a welcoming place that translates into success for Indigenous students and their families.

Today, we have reached a new, unprecedented level of generosity in our Front and Centre campaign.

We want you, as members of our U of M community, to be the first to celebrate our collective achievement of reaching $451,288,220 of our $500 million goal.

Though the number is significant, the impact it has created, and will continue to create, is far greater.

• 573 new scholarships, bursaries, and fellowships
• 18 new research chairs and professorships
• 37 new and upgraded buildings

Behind all of these numbers are real people: students, faculty and researchers who are already benefitting from this transformational investment in our future. You can read their stories, and hear their words of thanks, through this link.

Our greatest transformation is happening now. Thank you for being a part of it.

Those are issues that are also tackled at the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business through its Indigenous Business Education Partners (IBEP) unit. Its director, Peter Pomart, describes the unit as “a leadership incubator for students.”

Originally started in 1994, its name reflects its goal of doing “everything in partnership,” he says, “with corporate partners, with donors, and with our tutors. The work we do is really facilitating relationships to benefit our students’ experience as they work on their BComm [bachelor of commerce].”

Mr. Pomart works with a full-time recruiter who attends career fairs in First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. “We also have a fairly robust scholarship pool,” he says. And agreements with regional colleges allow business students to expand on their diplomas by completing Asper’s bachelor of commerce with two more years of study, and apply for bursaries to help pay for that.

IBEP also offers a social component, says Mr. Pomart. “Our staff is very proactive in setting up appointments with new students coming straight from high school, as well as rural students, and putting them in touch with any resources they may need.”

They do that together with the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous Commerce Students Club, which is partly funded by IBEP. “They assist us by putting on social events and creating the environment where new students can find their place, find a home, here at the Asper school,” he says.

Asper’s aboriginal business studies major, meanwhile, is the only one of its kind in Canada. It features courses offered jointly with the university’s department of native studies.

“This major helps companies engaging with Indigenous communities with the knowledge they need as it relates to development projects or diversifying their work force,” says Mr. Pomart.

“In my family, our Métis heritage was hidden on both sides,” he says. “I just believe now is the time to make it shine, and to bring it out and learn more and bring all those traditions and all that knowledge back so that future generations have it.”

At the Canada Games held in Manitoba this past summer for example, Lavallée was draped in a ceinture fleche (Métis sash) during an award presentation after winning bronze in the 500-metre distance.

“I’m very proud to be Métis. It was important during the Canada Games to showcase that, because I was on my homeland and I wanted to represent the Métis Nation as an athlete at the Canada Games.”

Lavallée draped in his ceinture fleche after winning bronze at the 2017 Canada Summer Games. Photo by the Canada Games.

Lavallée has received negative comments in the past when sharing his Métis roots, including being mocked by a fellow athlete that he was sharing the podium with.

“When people have negative comments, that’s just more of an incentive to tell my story.”

Lavallée’s life was transformed when he discovered kayaking at age 11. He grew up with dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which caused him immense amounts of stress.

“Everything was very frustrating for me, because I couldn’t read and was struggling, so school was very frustrating,” he says.

Lavallée tested out a number of sports as a form of stress release, eventually finding his niche on the water.

“From day one I knew I loved [kayaking], and I just kept progressing from there,” he says. “It was the first thing where I ever saw my hard work equating to positive results, so I just started from there and I haven’t stopped since.”

Lavallée’s momentum hasn’t stopped either. His accomplishments include being named the flag bearer at the 2014 World Junior Canoe/Kayak Championships for Canada, earning a gold at the championships in the 200-metre race the following year, and being named to Canoe Kayak Canada’s national team for the 2016-17 season. He’s also a CBC Future 40 nominee.

In October, Lavallée was also announced as the male recipient of the prestigious Tom Longboat Award, presented annually since 1951 to the Aboriginal male and female athletes of the year.

“It’s a great honour,” Lavallée said of the award. “Tom Longboat was a really successful athlete and to be handed an award with his name on it is pretty big. I could only dream to be at that level of athleticism and prestige. It’s inspiring me to get to that level.”

Lavallée – who is currently studying environmental science – only takes classes during the fall term because of his intense schedule, which sees him train eight times per week while also going to Florida in the winter to continue his development. He’s continuing to do his part to bring Indigenous students together on campus though, with the hope of starting up a paddling group next year.

“We’re right on the river, but we hardly ever talk about what the importance of that river is to Indigenous people around here,” he says.

“I think it’s important to have everyone together as a group so we can all be stronger as Indigenous people.”

“I had to do my final interview over Skype,” he laughs. “It’s kind of intimidating when you’re looking at six delegates from the University and I’m trying to keep my composure sitting in a suit at the kitchen table.”

The location obviously worked for Chartrand, who was named one of this year’s recipients and started classes at the Asper School of Business in September.

We caught up with him at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge where he was attending the formal announcement of BMO Financial Group’s gift.

How did you feel when you heard you’d been selected for a BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship?

I was so nervous about making a good impression over a computer screen– but the next day I learned that I was one of the chosen three recipients, and I was speechless. I could not believe my hard work had finally paid off. I honestly had no words, I was overwhelmed with emotion, and I still am.

What was it like moving to Winnipeg?

I come from a small community of 650 people, and when I got here on my first day my class had a third of that. There were 250 people in my first class! It was such a culture shock, but I was so thankful for this scholarship because before I even stepped into university I was able to build a network of friends and the staff here which helped make my transition much easier. Moving from such a small community that support has really touched me. To come from there, and make my family and community proud at such a high level is the best feeling in the world.

What does being recognized as an Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow mean to you?

To receive this kind of my support for my studies goes far beyond the financial boost it gives. To me it means that there are people that believe in me and my dream, and believed in me long before I even stepped foot on campus. I am trying to be a positive role model for other Métis youth from small rural communities across Manitoba, and this award helps tremendously. Being recognized as an Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow means that I have support behind me to push me towards those goals.

Where will you go from here?

Well, the area of study I am most interested in is business. I’m not going to lie and say I’ve got it all figured out yet—who does? But right now I have a short-term goal. I’m in the process with my dad of going into partnership to buy a business back home. From a very young age I spent countless hours at my uncle’s gas bar. In recent years we have run into problems with the underground storage tanks, so I spent this past summer in meetings to secure funds for upgrades to the store. The dream to keep this store open and in our family long after my uncle retires, so that’s my first stage in my business career.

Any final words for BMO Financial Group?

I don’t even know what to say because I’m still overwhelmed. I just want to say thank you to BMO, and to the university for believing in me, for believing in us [the Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow recipients]. It’s a huge honour and this has really empowered me to try and make an impact on a larger stage.

Apply before December 1 for the 2018 scholarships. To learn more visit the BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships web page. 

The BMO Financial Group Indigenous Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships were established to provide support the outstanding students recognized as Indigenous Leaders of Tomorrow by the U of M. Indigenous Achievement and Outstanding Student Experience are pillars of the university’s Front and Centre fundraising campaign. By collaborating with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, the University of Manitoba is striving to be a welcoming place that translates into success for Indigenous students and their families.

A decorated paddle was presented as a gift to BMO Financial Group, representing the importance of journeys that bring people together.

The event opened with Elder Carl Stone singing a Treaty One song that honoured the relationship between the student recipients, BMO Financial Group and all those involved in making the gift possible. University of Manitoba President and Vice-Chancellor David Barnard took the podium and welcomed BMO Financial Group as “neechiwaken”—friends on life’s journey.

“By empowering students, we’re enriching our world,” says Barnard. “The success of Indigenous students is vital to the health and well-being of our province, and our nation. Together we can create positive change.”

John MacAulay [BA/92, MBA/97], Senior Vice President, Prairies & Central Canada Division, BMO Bank of Montreal, congratulated the students on all they had achieved so far. “We’re thrilled to partner with the U of M for this incredible scholarship that will support Indigenous students who are truly on course to be leaders of tomorrow.”

“No pressure, you three,” he added with a smile to award recipients Heaven Bignell, Riley Chartrand and Jesse McGregor, who were in attendance at the event.

Chartrand, who received his award in March of 2017, shared how it helped him build a network of support at the U of M. “I come from a small community of 650 people,” he says, “and when I got here on my first day my class had a third of that,” but BMO Financial Group’s support made him feel there were people who believed in him and his dreams long before he found himself in that classroom.

“I want to thank BMO for believing in us,” he says. “This has really touched me and empowered me to try to make an impact on a larger stage.”

Indigenous Achievement and Outstanding Student Experience are pillars of the university’s Front and Centre fundraising campaign. The U of M is committed, with the help of partners like BMO Financial Group, to fostering the development of the next generation of Indigenous leaders through an inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes Indigenous student success from admission to graduation and beyond.

For 200 years, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. In 2016, BMO contributed more than $57 million in community donations to charitable, not-for-profit and community based institutions and organizations that help build and sustain resilient, vital and healthy communities.

Kevin Lamoureux joins NCTR as the new National Education Lead

Lamoureux joins the NCTR on interchange for one year from the University of Winnipeg where he serves as the Associate Vice-President Indigenous Affairs. U of W is an original founding partner of NCTR and a valued member of the network of institutions committed to the work of Truth and Reconciliation.

“I am very humbled and honoured to be able to serve the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and its many partners,” Lamoureux said. “Across the country we are seeing the dream of Reconciliation brought to life through the hard work of educators, teachers and knowledge keepers. I am deeply proud to be part of a community that is committed to the process of healing.”

Lamoureux will help advance the NCTR’s education mandate. Among other duties, he will explore, build upon, and lead the development of specific education programs and partnerships for communities in the K-12 system, post-secondary system, public servants and newcomer populations.

“We are thrilled that Kevin is joining the team at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation,” says NCTR director Ry Moran. “Education is at the heart of making the changes we need to make in this country.  In this role, Kevin will not only be providing support to educators across the country, but will also be strengthening the relationship between the National Centre and the University of Winnipeg.”

The NCTR has many partners across Canada, each vital to ensuring the NCTR succeeds in its mandate. Some education partners include Dalhousie University, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the University of British Columbia and the University of Alberta.

“We thank our partners at the University of Winnipeg for their continued collaboration as we expand the reach of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation into classrooms across Canada,” said Dr. David Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Manitoba. “Together we will continue the process of Reconciliation and the promotion of Indigenous education.”

About Kevin Lamourex

Kevin Lamoureux serves as the Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Affairs at the University of Winnipeg, as faculty at the University of Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba, and is a well-known public speaker. Lamoureux has served as co-Chair for the Provincial Task Force on Educational Outcomes for Children in Care, scholar-in-residence for several school divisions, and education consultant throughout Manitoba and across Canada. His writing has been featured frequently in newspapers and many academic journals. Lamoureux is working towards his PhD in the University of Manitoba’s Wellness and Sustainability cohort. He works closely with schools throughout Manitoba in support of Indigenous education and the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives; enrichment and talent development, and works with troubled and disengaged students.

About NCTR

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s mandate is derived directly from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. The NCTR is the permanent home for all statements, documents, and other materials gathered by the TRC and focuses on a broad range of archival, education, research and community engagement initiatives both domestically and abroad. The NCTR is located at the University of Manitoba and works in partnership with a wide variety of agencies and organizations to advance Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.