On June 20, ten student, staff and faculty honourees were recognized for their exceptional contributions at the 2024 Honouring our Indigenous Campus Community recognition ceremony.

Formerly the Indigenous Awards of Excellence, this event strives to reflect the diverse gifts of the Indigenous community at UM. This is the eighth year of recognizing honourees in a blanketing ceremony.

Meet the 2024 Honouring our Indigenous Campus Community recipients: 

Student Honourees  
Brad Albert, Faculty of Science
Elora Cromarty, Faculty of Arts
Monica Cyr, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Charlene Hallett, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Lauren Hallett, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Kiana Tait, Max Rady College of Medicine

Staff Honourees 
Elder Charlotte Nolin, Ongomiizwin Institute of Health & Healing
Marla Robson, College of Nursing

Faculty Honouree
Dr. Lisa Monkman

Legacy Honouree
Ken Paupanekis

New this year, the Legacy category honours former, or in the case of this year, outgoing, self-declared Indigenous UM faculty or staff who have made a positive impact on the campus community.

Vice-President (Indigenous) Angie Bruce welcomed honourees, friends, family members and colleagues with opening remarks and shared these words: “We cannot impact change on our own. Doing this work – creating space for Indigenous people, uplifting Indigenous voices; and integrating Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the fabric of the University of Manitoba – requires a community. And today, we honour that community. We hold events like this to recognize the staff, students and faculty that are leading the conversations, advocating for policy and structural change and inspiring others to continue this important work.”

The 10 honourees were presented with Star Blankets, by Kookum Leslie Spillett and Isca Spillett. Being wrapped in a Star Blanket is an honouring experience and a showing of gratitude from the community. 

Congratulations and miigwech to the 2024 honourees!

Each year, Indigenous Engagement and Communications and the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) recognize the efforts and achievements of the inspiring people that are working to make the University a better place. 

Formerly the Indigenous Awards of Excellence, Honouring Our Indigenous Campus Community strives to reflect the diverse gifts of the Indigenous community. This year, the following people were recognized for their contributions: 

Student Honourees  
Darlene Keeper, Faculty of Social Work 
Ishkode Catcheway, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences 
Jordan Cantafio, Faculty of Architecture, Landscape Architecture 
Lydia Gork, Faculty of Arts 
Winter Traverse, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Nursing 

Staff Honourees 
Elder Carl Stone, Indigenous Student Centre 
Vanessa Lillie, Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) 
Christine Cyr, Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) 

Faculty Honourees 
Dr. Sara Goulet, Max Rady College of Medicine, Ongomiizwin Health 
Shawn Bailey, Faculty of Architecture, Price Faculty of Engineering 

Vice-President (Indigenous) Dr. Catherine Cook took to the stage at the event to share a few words: “The people in this room today motivate me to keep doing this work as well. The extraordinary students who are courageously affecting change both on campus and beyond give me hope for the future. Thank you to the honourees here today. Thank you all for not only being a part of this community, but for investing your time and energy into making it better. The work you’re doing is making the University better. And that is a big deal.” 

President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Michael Benarroch attended the event in support of the Indigenous community and also shared some thoughts with attendees: “It is a privilege to work alongside and learn from Indigenous faculty, staff and students who go above and beyond to make this university an inclusive learning environment. This is hard work, which is why events like today are so meaningful. It is the University of Manitoba’s opportunity to formally show appreciation for all you have done and are doing.” 

The 10 honourees were presented with Star Blankets, led by Elder Charlotte Nolin with Knowledge Keepers Leslie Spillett and Kim Guimond and Isca Spillett. Being wrapped in a Star Blanket is an honouring experience and a showing of gratitude from the community. 

Congratulations and miigwech to the 2023 honourees of Honouring Our Indigenous Campus Community!