Vice-President (Indigenous), Dr. Catherine Cook hosted the event and shared these words: “It’s really important to celebrate the ways Indigenous students, staff and faculty are engaging the university. We’ve been having more and more conversations. We’ve been providing education and research that betters our understanding of Indigenous peoples and ways of knowing. Our staff and faculty do this while creating a culturally rich, safe and supportive learning and work environment. All of the work that supports Indigenous students, all the events and workshops on Indigenous matters, all of the research with Indigenous communities and all of the advocacy for policy and structural changes that ensure that Indigenous rights are honoured – all of these things that take place on campus are because of the exceptional people who make up the Indigenous community at UM.”

Laura Forsythe receiving her star blanket.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions last year, the OVPI recognized the 2021 winners in a virtual campaign by releasing daily videos of each recipient on the Indigenous Student Centre’s Facebook page over the course of two weeks. These winners chose to wait until 2022 to celebrate in-person, along with this year’s winners, receiving their star blankets and being celebrated by the Indigenous community.

“The blankets are a special gift and it’s a great honour to both give and receive one. Being wrapped in a star blanket is an honouring experience and a showing of gratitude from the community,” says Dr. Catherine Cook

Prior to awarding the recipients, President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Michael Benarroch shared stories and his gratitude to the Indigenous community while recognizing the hard work that the Indigenous community does in order to continue moving forward: “Here [at the UM], we are led by members of the Indigenous community that have been working to bring real structural change to the institution and I want to recognize that this work is demanding for Indigenous scholars, staff and students and I recognize that Indigenous community members are leading the way and fixing problems that others created. They are breaking down systems and barriers and rebuilding frameworks based on Indigenous values and perspectives, and I want to sincerely thank you. The UM cannot move forward without leaders such as those that we celebrate today.”

Congratulations to the 2021-2022 Indigenous Awards of Excellence Recipients!
Please click on each individual’s name to view their video.

Student Trailblazer Award
This award recognizes two students for serving as a mentor, outstanding leadership, and visionary thinking that has resulted in advancing Indigenous engagement at UM with a continuing impact.
2021
Kayla Lariviere
Jenny Moose
2022
Charisma Castel
Sydney Levasseur-Puhach

Student Community Builder Award
This award recognizes two students for serving as a role model, building relationships and community, and demonstrating initiative in advancing Indigenous engagement at UM.
2021
Kaitlin Fosseneauve
Dylan Kensick
2022
Trechelle Bunn
Adam Kowal

Student Outstanding Achievement Award
This award recognizes two students for excelling academically, promoting a positive learning environment, and advancing Indigenous engagement at UM while walking with integrity and humility.
2021
Jesse McGreggor
Alexandra Philipott
2022
Kathleen McKenzie
Zoe Quill

Staff and Faculty Trailblazer Award
This award recognizes one staff member and one faculty member for breaking down barriers, demonstrating leadership and visionary thinking that has resulted in advancing Indigenous engagement at UM while walking with integrity and humility.
2021
Staff – Laura Forsythe
Faculty – Dr. Kyle Bobiwash
2022
Staff – Marc Kruse
Faculty – Dr. Melanie Morris (video unavailable)

Staff and Faculty Community Builder Award
This award recognizes one staff member and one faculty member for strengthening connections with Indigenous communities, creating spaces that are culturally rich, safe and supportive, and going above and beyond to advance Indigenous engagement at the UM through programs and initiatives.
2021
Staff – Dr. Moneca Sinclaire
Faculty – Elder Margaret Lavallee
2022
Staff – Melody Muswaggon
Faculty – Dr. Mandy Buss

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the OVPI recognized the community builders, trailblazers and those with outstanding achievement in a virtual campaign. From May 17, daily videos of each recipient were released on the Indigenous Student Centre’s Facebook page over the course of two weeks.

“The recipients of these awards are Indigenous students, staff and faculty who are transforming our university. They go above and beyond to break down barriers for future generations, build community, advance Indigenous pedagogy and research, and create inclusive learning and work environments,” says Dr. Catherine Cook, vice-president (Indigenous). “It is important for us to honour their work and while we wait to be able to safely do so in person, I encourage you to watch and share the videos that will introduce you to these incredible leaders.”

Congratulations to the 2021 Indigenous Awards of Excellence Recipients!
Please click on each individual’s name to view their video. 

Student Trailblazer Award
This award recognizes two students for serving as a mentor, outstanding leadership, and visionary thinking that has resulted in advancing Indigenous engagement at UM with a continuing impact.
Kayla Lariviere, Métis, Faculty of Law
Jenny Moose, member of Cross Lake (Pimicikamak) First Nation, I.H. Asper School of Business

Student Community Builder Award
This award recognizes two students for serving as a role model, building relationships and community, and demonstrating initiative in advancing Indigenous engagement at UM.
Kaitlin Fosseneauve, Cree and Métis, Faculty of Education
Dylan Kensick, Anishinaabe from Sagkeeng First Nation, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources 

Student Outstanding Achievement Award
This award recognizes two students for excelling academically, promoting a positive learning environment, and advancing Indigenous engagement at UM while walking with integrity and humility.
Jesse McGreggor, member of both Norway House and Misipawistik Cree Nations, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Alexandra Philipott, Métis, Faculty of Law

Staff and Faculty Trailblazer Award
This award recognizes one staff member and one faculty member for breaking down barriers, demonstrating leadership and visionary thinking that has resulted in advancing Indigenous engagement at UM while walking with integrity and humility. 
Staff – Laura Forsythe, Métis, Métis inclusion coordinator for the Indigenous Student Centre
Faculty – Dr. Kyle Bobiwash, member of Mississauga First Nation, department of entomology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences

Staff and Faculty Community Builder Award
This award recognizes one staff member and one faculty member for strengthening connections with Indigenous communities, creating spaces that are culturally rich, safe and supportive, and going above and beyond to advance Indigenous engagement at the UM through programs and initiatives.
Staff – Moneca Sinclaire, member of Opaskquiak Cree Nation, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty – Elder Margaret Lavallee, member of Sagkeeng First Nation, Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Indigenous Engagement and the OVPI look forward to hosting the in-person awards ceremony when each recipient will be presented a star blanket when it is safe to gather in person.

More than 100 people, including nominators, friends and family, gathered to witness the honouring of this year’s recipients.

“It is extremely powerful when we come together as a community and hear about all of the important and often challenging work that Indigenous leaders are advancing across our campuses and in the community,” says Dr. Catherine Cook, Vice-President (Indigenous). “Their contributions are ensuring the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives, knowledges, research, partnerships and student supports today and for generations to come.”

The student categories include Community Builder, Outstanding Achievement and Trailblazer. Employee categories are Staff Community Builder and Faculty Trailblazer. Two individuals are honoured in each category. For the first time since the awards began four years ago, the student awards also came with co-curricular record recognition and a cash prize of $250 from Financial Aid and Awards.

We asked each recipient what their initial response was upon receiving the news of their well-deserved recognition. Click through the slideshow to read about their reactions. 

Categories include Student Trailblazer, Student Outstanding Achievement, Student Community Builder, Faculty Trailblazer and Staff Community Builder. The Trailblazer category honours faculty and students who are leaders and visionaries; Student Outstanding Achievement acknowledges students who have a high academic standing while contributing to community; and the Community Builder category recognizes those who strengthen Indigenous communities on campus while creating a space in which Indigenous students, faculty and staff succeed.

The recipients were celebrated at an awards reception surrounded by friends, family and community. 

The three student categories are Community Builder, Outstanding Achievement and Trailblazer. The Community Builder award goes to students who exemplify collaboration and collegiality; the Outstanding Achievement award recognizes students with high academic standing and contribution to the community; and the Trailblazer award honours students for their leadership and visionary thinking.

The faculty award (Trailblazer) is presented to Indigenous faculty members who advance Indigenous pedagogy, research and scholarship; help foster a greater understanding of Indigenous knowledge, cultures and traditions on campus; and demonstrate visionary thinking that has resulted in advancing Indigenous engagement at the U of M.

The support staff award (Community Builder) is given to those who strengthen connections with Indigenous communities; build a culturally rich, safe and supportive learning and work environment; and help create a space in which Indigenous students, faculty and staff succeed.

The recipients were honoured at an afternoon celebration on Thursday, March 8 as part of Indigenous Awareness Month.

The recipients are:

Community Builder: Amanda Fredlund
Faculty: Arts

As current female co-president of the University of Manitoba Aboriginal Students’ Association (UMASA), Fredlund is an inspiring role model for other Indigenous men and women studying at the university. She initiated an Indigenous women’s council for UMASA, ensuring women are in leadership roles within the community. She’s also been a leader in creating countless learning opportunities such as beading workshops, sweats, Indigenous paint nights, and traditional pottery workshops, bringing cultural teachings to U of M students.

Community Builder: Kristen Pot
Faculty: Nursing

Pot was instrumental in the development of Orange Shirt Day on campus, bringing awareness of the harms done through Residential Schools. Pot also worked with the Nursing Students Association and College of Nursing to showcase traditional items in the Helen Glass building, as a symbol of community, pride, and an acknowledgement of U of M’s place on Treaty 1 Territory. Additionally, Pot helped organize the “Building Bridges” workshop to teach students about the harms of Residential Schools and historical trauma.

Outstanding Achievement: Bobby McNair
Faculty: Science

McNair serves as treasurer for the Metis University Students Association (MUSA). Aside from his role with MUSA, he participates in Fireside Chats at the Indigenous Student Centre, he’s a member of the Neechiwaken Peer Mentor Program, and is on the Bison Men’s Golf Team . McNair has applied to medicine for fall 2018. He wants to create a Métis student group on the Bannatyne campus as a way to continue exploring and strengthening his identity, while helping others do the same.

Outstanding Achievement: Noah Wilson
Faculty: Arts

Wilson is a fourth-year Faculty of Arts student studying Indigenous Governance. Outside of his course work, he has been a part of planning U of M’s Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering, has been an executive member of UMASA for two years, and is the University of Manitoba Students Union (UMSU) Indigenous representative. Wilson has spearheaded multiple initiatives, including the ReconciliAction Campaign. An advocate for students, Wilson helps to promote an Indigenous connection to culture on campus through speaker series and workshops.

Trailblazer: Alannah Mckay
Faculty: Arts

Mckay is recognized by her peers as someone who wholeheartedly embraces new students and makes them feel at home at the U of M. Once a self-proclaimed shy student, she now uses her voice and personal story to mentor others. In her role as director of finance for UMASA, Mckay works tirelessly to maintain efficiency, while also assisting with the planning and promotion of recreational, political, social and cultural events. She has also played an integral role in bringing the ReconciliAcation Campaign into fruition.

Trailblazer: Carly McLellan
Faculty: Max Rady College of Medicine

McLellan is determined to let Indigenous med school applicants know they are a priority at the U of M. By voicing her experiences with interview process for admission into the Max Rady College of Medicine, McLellan has advocated for positive changes that will provide a more welcoming and inclusive environment for future Indigenous applicants. McLellan has also been involved with the development of a ‘toolkit’ for health sciences students to use during their northern remote rotations. The ‘toolkit’ facilitates presentations that encourage community students to consider a health career.

Faculty award: Dr. Barry Lavallee

Position: Director, Ongomiizwin Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing; Lead, Indigenous Health Longitudinal Course, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Dr. Lavallee has been a long-time mentor to Indigenous health professionals, students and Indigenous medical educators. When the Max Rady College of Medicine underwent a curriculum renewal 4-5 years ago, Dr. Lavallee was a key advocate who highlighted that the roughly 10 hours of Indigenous health content the medical students were receiving over four years was not enough to prepare them to provide anti-racist, high quality, culturally safe care to Indigenous patients. Due to this advocacy, Dr. Lavallee became the first course director of the Indigenous Health Longitudinal course, with roughly 70 hours of teaching time.

Faculty award: Dr. Wanda Wuttunee
Position: Professor, Native Studies

Dr. Wuttunee has created bridges to bring together Native Studies with the I.H. Asper School of Business MBA program. A few examples include the creation of the Exploring Indigenous Economy reading course, as well as the Indigenous Economy/Business major for MBA students. Her visionary ideas have allowed Indigenous students in the MBA program opportunities to connect with business leaders, explore Indigenous-related issues, and research Indigenous economic development.

Support staff award: Peter Pomart
Position: Director, Indigenous Business Education Partners, I.H. Asper School of Business

Pomart is recognized for creating a culturally rich, safe and supportive environment for Indigenous students in the I.H. Asper School of Business. He has also earned a reputation as a trusted voice for non-Indigenous support staff and academics who are interested in exploring Indigenous perspectives in their work or teaching. He served as founding co-chair for Gaa wi’i ji’i diyaang – a committee of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people working towards creating a just U of M community through relationship building, education, advocacy and action.

Support staff award: Linda Diffey

Position: Coordinator, Indigenous Health Longitudinal Course, Max Rady College of Medicine/Ongomiizwin Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing

Diffey has been involved in Indigenous health in the Max Rady College of Medicine in various roles that have contributed to student support, research and education. She worked in the Centre for Aboriginal Health Education, coordinating events and supports for Indigenous learners, and helped create a place within the faculty where Indigenous learners felt safe. Diffey was also the initial coordinator of the International Indigenous Academic Health Network. She has been key in facilitating international exchanges for Indigenous faculty and medical students, and advancing cultural safety in medical education.