Ligneous Artefacts is the title of the ARCG 7102 studio taught by Professor Dietmar Straub at the University of Manitoba during the summer term of 2024. The goal was to design and build a series of non-standardized site-specific features for the Shared Path, a trail landscape designed by Professors Dietmar Straub and Anna Thurmayr from the Department of Landscape Architecture that turns a site on Lake Manitoba First Nation land into a gathering place where young and old can meet, share, and create new stories. The artefacts had to be developed as informal place-making tools that enrich the landscape and inspire social interaction. The design approach was based on an attitude of the German sculptor Rudolf Wachter: “I work with wood, and the wood works with me.”

Within four weeks, including field trips, community engagement and an on-site visit, the studio team progressed from rough drafts to a final product. Cutting, sawing, grinding, sanding, routing, drilling, and chiselling, …. after one week of sweat and hard work, all pieces were ready for assembly. The professional execution of all fabrication steps happened in close collaboration with the workshop of the Faculty of Architecture, University of Manitoba. Special thanks to Kellen Deighton for his priceless involvement in this studio project and Shaun De Rooy and Isaac Keeper-Muswaggon for their precious contribution!

Dietmar Straub have frequently invited students to gain hands-on experience on outreach projects. They were involved in tree-pit construction and asphalt painting. They dug in Winnipeg clay, compacted Manitoban limestone, hammered stones, bricks, logs and asphalt, used brushes and paint rollers and now fabricated five ‘masterpieces’ of wood and some metal parts. Dietmar Straub wants to apply this model to narrow the gap between theory and practice and to create a closer relationship between scholarly work and teaching. With its workshop-centered concept, the Bauhaus design education still seems to work as a timeless inspiration for passionate design education and students:

“The bench studio allowed me and the group to expand our understanding of a ‘bench’ or an outdoor piece. This summer studio is valuable because we learned how to build and work with wood on a 1-1 scale for the Lake Manitoba First Nations community to use. After much research, iterative design, site visits, and consultations with the community and occupational therapists, it is rewarding for a student to be part of a design-build studio that stretches the imagination yet is grounded in reality.” (Marie Alexie T. Seno)

“The Ligneous Artefacts project was our first experience designing and seeing our ideas come to life. It united all the students, fostering teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. We hope the Dog Creek 46 community enjoys the artefact as much as we enjoyed building it.” (Vanessa Dos Santos Martins Macedo Alfonso)

STUDENTS
Marty Derksen; Vanessa Dos Santos Martins Macedo Alfonso; Michael Fitzpatrick; Carlo Gonzales; Augusta T. Ho; Kanika Mehta; Rownak Jahan Moutosi; Brady Ricketts; Marie Alexie T. Seno; Ruichen Zhu;

“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.” (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1829)

Based on years’ worth of columns, Niigaan Sinclair delivers a defining essay collection on the resilience of Indigenous peoples. Here, we meet the creators, leaders, and everyday people preserving the beauty of their heritage one day at a time. But we also meet the ugliest side of colonialism, the Indian Act, and the communities who suffer most from its atrocities.

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Now, the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) is empowering UM community members to personalize their acknowledgements in a manner that honours their own reflections.

New workshops available to UM community

UM students, staff and faculty are invited to participate in 60-minute workshops that cover the history of UM’s acknowledgement, current controversies around Territory Acknowledgements in general and considerations for building your own personal statement, along with resources to do so.

Christine Cyr, associate vice-president (Indigenous) of students, community and cultural integration.

“Over time, we realized we weren’t happy with people using Territory or Land Acknowledgements in a rote way. They need to evolve; they can’t be static,” says Christine Cyr, associate vice-president (Indigenous) of students, community and cultural integration.

The interactive workshops will outline the main components of an acknowledgement—and how to personalize it in a meaningful way. “There are three main things to include: naming the original peoples of the land, your personal connection to the land and your commitment to Reconciliation,” says Cyr. “You need to roll up your sleeves and do the work.”

UM has long been considered a leader in developing Territory Acknowledgements in the province, with other institutions and organizations looking to the university to support their efforts.

Vanessa Lillie, director of cultural integration

Though institutional acknowledgements are important, it is critical for individuals to “think through their own relationship to the land and people and their commitment to Reconciliation,” says Vanessa Lillie, director of cultural integration and co-host of the workshops. “It should be an expression—a statement of engagement, which will change over time as you grow, learn and understand.”

Participants are welcome to attend more than one workshop if they would like to continue the discussion with different members of the UM community. “Sometimes it’s brand-new information and people may need to attend one or two workshops to integrate the information,” says Lillie.

A building block on the journey to Reconciliation

Cyr notes the acknowledgements are not meant to be the summit of an individual’s path to Reconciliation—but rather, a building block of the work they’re undertaking.

“Your statement today should be different now than in six months,” she says. “It could be that today, your commitment to Reconciliation is to understand what a Territory Acknowledgement is, read a book, look up a definition or go to a fireside chat. Maybe after reading this article, it will change. To me, that’s Reconciliation; you’re moving the needle.”

If you’re looking for guidance on including a Territory Acknowledgement in your event, creating your own or learning more about Territory Acknowledgements in general, join the monthly  workshops at UM’s Fort Garry campus. No registration is required.

For more information about the workshops and other cultural events and protocols, visit the Indigenous UM website.

“This is an incredible program that has real impact in young Indigenous people’s lives,” said Heather McRae, acting director of Indigenous Engagement and Communications, University of Manitoba, who oversees the IYMP. “In the last year alone, a thousand students have connected programs across the province. The Manitoba government contribution is making it possible to expand into new communities and schools which will have a lasting impact.”

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During the conversation, Anishinaabe Elder and knowledge keeper Phyllis Pinesse explained that the waters of Shoal Lake have a holistic health meaning to Indigenous People in Treaty 3. She pointed out how this relation was interfered with by the construction of the dams and the aqueduct constructed in the early 1900s through which water flows to Winnipeg. These developments change water levels, and periodically reverse the flow of water, resulting in an increase in contamination. algae, and sedimentation patterns of what was once pristine water. She also explained that for their ceremonial practices they use water and copper, a mineral that Anishinaabe People used to trade with other First Nations for their healing properties.

Anishinaabe Elder and knowledge keeper Phyllis Pinesse sharing about her helpers that support holistic healing.

Mayan scholar Filiberto Penados shared that in Yucatan language people greet each other asking “how is your walking?”, a greeting that has a profound notion of relational wellbeing. He explained that this speaks for the importance of relationships with other beings. As he noted, Indigenous People have always had ways to relate to others, to sustain relationships and bring these into balance. Relationships with the land have been interrupted and there is a need of restoring them in an Indigenous way. He emphasizes that the healing is not only required within Indigenous communities but within humanity as a whole.

Ărramăt co-leader María Eugenia Choque Quispe shared her personal story about the discrimination she suffered when she entered university and how she “healed her spirit” through revaluing her identity. For her, practicing her language was important to reconstruct and disseminate the ancestral Aymara oral history. Furthermore, she understood that this cultural practice can only be reproduced through the restitution of their territorial rights and the ability of Indigenous Peoples to exercise their territorial autonomy in their Ayllus. In the land-based and Indigenous-led project that she is working on with the community of Corque Marca, Aymara People are recording their songs, myths, and legends as a way to heal their relationship with the territory.

For more information on the Ărramăt project see: https://arramatproject.org

Participants in the Conversation:

Phyllis Pinesse is a Natural Resource technician from Iskatewizaagegan Independent First Nation. She is a Knowledge Keeper, Grandmother and Mother. She is also a teacher of medicinal plants, and cultural values and vision.

Filiberto Penados, a Maya scholar from Belize is Associate Professor and Research Director at Galen University.  His activist scholarly work focuses on Indigenous and critical education and development. He has a long history of working in and with Indigenous communities and organizations in Belize. Dr Penados chairs the Julian Cho Society and is a technical advisor to the Belize National Indigenous Council and Toledo Alcaldes Association.

María Eugenia Choque Quispe, Aymara woman from the Plurinational State of Boliva with Social Work Degree from the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz, Boliva and Master’s in Andean History from the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO), Quito, Ecuador. She has worked for the defense of Indigenous Rights, strengthening of Indigenous organizations with a focus on the participation of women in these processes. She contributed to the development of the American Declaration of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and UNDRIP. She is also a previous member of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.

Building on the first video “Sharing our Agricultural History and Journey” released in 2022, these short films serve as a significant step towards building cultural awareness and understanding of farming practices and experiences by Indigenous alumni and First Nations communities into the School’s programming.

In the second video of the series, “Growing a Sustainable Agricultural Community”, members of the Peguis First Nation share their journey towards strengthening their food sovereignty through the preservation of traditional agricultural knowledge and practices within their community.

The third film, “Honouring Traditions, Sharing Awareness”, takes us on a journey of connecting with Mother Earth to encourage healing and preserve Indigenous teachings at Cedar Lake Ranch.

Sue Clayton, director of the School of Agriculture credits her predecessor and project architect Michele Rogalsky for her vision of creating a platform for the Indigenous community in Manitoba to convey their stories, heritage, and culture to University of Manitoba students, faculty, and the agricultural and food community in Manitoba.

“By incorporating these films into our curriculum, we hope to engage students and staff in a meaningful exploration of the intersection between agriculture and Indigenous heritage, creating a more inclusive and holistic educational experience.” said Clayton. “These films also promote greater respect and appreciation for the diverse cultures that shape the agricultural landscape in Manitoba.”

Dr. June Matthews, an associate professor in the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences at Brescia University College, Western University, has recognized the educational significance of the series. She has integrated the initial video “Sharing Our Agricultural History and Journey” as mandatory course material in her agriculture and food systems class.

“It is a beautiful film. While it acknowledges the traumatic past of Indigenous peoples, it also conveys a positive, uplifting message about Indigenous agriculture and the powerful and productive outcomes of collaboration. It was fascinating to learn about the interviewees’ past agricultural experiences, as well as their present successes,” she said.

Dr. Matthews intends to incorporate the two newest videos into a course called Professional Perspectives, which explores professional practices in the field of home economics.

“It is powerful to see Indigenous voices woven into the School of Agriculture’s curriculum. It’s important for Indigenous knowledges and ways of doing and being to be integrated into the fabric of the University of Manitoba; and it’s through the Indigenous Initiatives Fund that we’re seeing important work like this happening in every corner of the University,” said Dr. Catherine Cook, vice-president (Indigenous).

The video series has been generously supported by the UM Indigenous Initiatives Fund, which assists unit-based projects that advance the U of M’s Indigenous achievement and engagement goals as stated in Our Shared Future: Building on our Strategic Plan.

The School encourages the public to share the videos, which can be found below and on the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences YouTube channel. When incorporating into curriculum or other public presentations, it is requested that you acknowledge the School of Agriculture, University of Manitoba. The School welcomes feedback and knowing of the ways you have shared this video and invite you to send them an email at agschool@umanitoba.ca.

Enter the Indigenous Connect community.

“We meet monthly to discuss what’s happening in all corners of the university—that way, we can better share information, discover opportunities to collaborate and bring people together,” says Ruth Shead, director, Indigenous Engagement and Communications in the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous).

A welcoming space for Indigenous faculty, staff, students, allies and friends across all UM campuses, the 90-minute meetings offer a chance for attendees to network, share their work, obtain feedback, and discuss programming, events, policy issues and other matters of importance, like the creation of the recent Indigenous identity policy.

“It’s become a very important space, one where we can not only share information but also get to know each other and build connections across a large institution,” says Shead. “It’s also an opportunity for Indigenous staff and faculty to find support with their colleagues, as well as for people who are interested in learning and becoming solid allies.”

Each monthly meeting consists of introductions, a presentation and a roundtable, where attendees are encouraged to share upcoming Indigenous initiatives or activities taking place in their units and faculties.

“We always start the meetings with introductions, which we enjoy because attendees get to know each other as humans, as teammates or as someone to potentially reach out to following the meeting,” says Shead. “UM is committed to advancing Indigenous engagement, embarking on a reconciliation journey and answering the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and there are many people doing related work across the university. We want to hear what others are doing so we can learn from each other and celebrate everyone’s successes.”

All meetings take place via Zoom except for two in-person feasts, typically held in May and December. “Even as the pandemic restrictions started to lift, we kept the majority of meetings online so more people could attend—but in-person connections are so important, too,” says Shead.

Anyone in the UM community is welcome to attend the Indigenous Connect meetings. If you would like to attend or present at a meeting, email Indigenous.Engagement@umanitoba.ca to be added to the calendar invite.

To stay updated on Indigenous campus community happenings, visit the Indigenous UM webpage.

All UM students, staff, faculty and alumni are welcome to attend. 

Here’s what to expect for Indigenous Homecoming 2023 on September 20, beginning at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge. 

10 a.m. – Welcoming remarks 

10:15 a.m. – Living library. Guests will rotate between invited alumni as they share about their student experience and career path. 

12 p.m. – Lunch will be served in the Circle Room at Migizii Agamik. 

1 p.m. – Walking tour begins 

The walking tour will begin after lunch. The tour will highlight Indigenous spaces at UM, including the Faculty of Education’s new gathering place, Gaa-maamawabing, and the new Sweat Lodge on campus. 

UM alumna Adrienne Carriere participated in last year’s event, and for her, Indigenous Homecoming is a time to connect as an Indigenous community. 

“The laughter, visits and conversations with alumni and colleagues is always a gift to cherish and an opportunity to talk about pathways that may create a better experience for future generations,” says Carriere. “Most importantly, it recreates a sense of community that is a reminder of how far we have come, the strengths we possess as a community and the many individuals who work tirelessly to create a brighter journey for those who will come behind us.” 

The event will wrap up at 3 p.m. and guests are welcome to join for all or any part of the festivities. 

Guests are asked to register here in advance.  

After experiencing remote learning during the pandemic, Bachelor of Health Studies student Lauren Hallett was eager to become part of the campus community.

“Graduating high school during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and beginning university remotely, I didn’t even get the chance to walk the campus until my second year,” says Hallett. “I felt totally separate from the U of M student life and wanted to integrate myself. Doing so can be scary, which is why I am so grateful to my ICE family for being such welcoming, warm and encouraging people.”

Madison Morrow, a fourth-year nursing student, also joined ICE seeking self-improvement and connection.

“One of the main reasons I joined the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment was to improve my leadership skills. I also wanted to make more connections within the Indigenous student community,” says Morrow.

Students say one of the most impactful aspects of ICE is the opportunity to engage with Elders and Indigenous leaders. Antonina Kandiurin, a recent UM graduate with a Bachelor of Kinesiology – Athletic Therapy says she loved being able to hear from inspiring Indigenous peoples.

“I looked forward to meetings knowing we would be meeting with and listening to talks from outstanding Indigenous leaders whom I have now learned so much from,” says Kandiurin.

For Morrow, the Speech Craft public speaking session facilitated by the Anishinabe Toastmasters had a big impact.

“Our Speech Craft sessions helped me gain confidence in my ability to speak publicly, something valuable I will use in my future,” says Morrow. “Speaking in front of a crowd can be very intimidating. Although it was hard at first, ICE members cheered each other on as we embarked on our Speech Craft journey.”

During the 2022-2023 academic year, ICE students initiated a new event called “a day in the life of an Indigenous student at UM.” This event aimed to share their post-secondary experience with grade 12 students by offering mentorship and an authentic day on campus. Students were able to attend a real live university-level lecture, listen to a panel discussion on imposter syndrome, visit places on campus that UM students use regularly and share their experiences in a sharing circle led by Elder Carl Stone.

Hallett says it was a collaborative process, from everyone contributing to the creation of the group project to brainstorming ideas and eventually hosting Indigenous high school students on campus.

“It was definitely a defining moment for me, being able to connect with young Indigenous people who are passionate about their culture, as well as learning,” says Hallett. “It helped me gain confidence in my leadership abilities and it was grounding to witness and learn from the incredible high school students.”

Through collaborative projects like “a day in the life of an Indigenous student at UM,” participants form deep connections and gain new perspectives on leadership. The event’s success has encouraged an expansion to include more Indigenous high school students on more days in 2024.

ICE aims to equip its students with valuable leadership skills they can apply beyond the program.

Kandiurin, now working as a Women’s Group Leader at the Churchill Health Centre, says ICE has had a major impact on her life.

“A teaching about leadership I have carried with me from ICE is the importance of working together,” says Kandiurin. “A good leader looks to learn from and uplift others from their community.”

Hallett says it is because of ICE that she has begun to see herself as a leader.

“Before, I felt like I was imitating other leaders I admired,” she says. “Now, I am confident in both my knowledge and experience that have allowed me to maintain leadership positions. One of which is being a volleyball coach to young people in my community. One of the greatest lessons I learned through hearing the stories of so many inspiring Indigenous leaders is to have humility. Leading is about the team. It’s important to me as a coach that my team feels safe and supported by me as they focus on their skill building.”

And Morrow says she has also applied skills gained from ICE to her practice as a nurse.

“In nursing, good communication, collaboration, and leadership skills are important. Through my time in ICE, I was able to improve on all three.”

Beyond practical skills, ICE serves as a supportive community throughout students’ studies.

“It was a safe space for me,” says Kandiurin. “I knew that no matter what I was personally going through, that on those Monday evenings, I would have a community of amazing people to go to. It was a few hours of my week where I could disconnect from my life as a student and be surrounded and uplifted by other Indigenous students and staff.”

“Belonging to a group of strong, wise, Indigenous women helped me to overcome my own personal imposter syndrome by making me see that I have a voice that matters and ideas that deserve to be heard,” says Hallett.

Kandiurin concludes, “I feel as though I am a whole new person coming out of the ICE program and have a new perspective when it comes to leadership.”

Indigenous students who embody leadership, self-development and community engagement are encouraged to apply for the 2023-2024 program. To learn more and find details on how to apply, visit the ICE website.

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!