Whether it was to celebrate their tireless work or to connect with community through tradition and ceremony, Elora Cromarty, Lauren Hallett and Dane Monkman looked forward to attending the UM Grad Pow Wow, which included a Pipe Ceremony, presentations to the graduates, entertainment and a community meal. Watch their videos:

Elora Cromarty

Elora, a member of Norway House Cree Nation and a linguistics major, shares how important the support she received was to her as a new student and how she’s using her education to revitalize Indigenous languages.

Lauren Hallett

Lauren, of Sabe Clan, is a Red River Michif Health Studies graduate with a focus on family health. She shares how her education has enhanced her life and how she hopes to use it to create more equitable health systems and spaces for gender-diverse communities.

Dane Monkman

Dane, Peguis First Nation band, shares how UM has helped shape his educational journey—from bachelor of arts to master of arts in political studies—and what it means to his community. 

More than 100 Indigenous graduates were celebrated at the 36th Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow on May 3 at the Investors Group Athletic Centre on UM’s Fort Garry campus.

This year, more than 470 Indigenous students graduated from faculties across both UM campuses, including Arts, Social Work, Education, Engineering, Science, the Asper School of Business, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources and the Max Rady College of Medicine.

Meet some of the Indigenous graduates from the University of Manitoba and learn more about their education journey.

More than 350 people attended the event, including Elders, faculty, staff, students, community members and government representatives, to listen, learn and reflect. Before the public event, a pipe ceremony was led by Elder Carl Stone to ask for blessings and to make the intentions of the event, and the work moving forward, clear.

The launch began with the lighting of the qulliq by Elder Martha Peet and words of guidance from Knowledge Keeper Leslie Spillett, who was an integral part of the Reconciliation Advisory Committee.

“Every single person has a responsibility to contribute to end the ongoing institutional violence of the colonial project,” said Knowledge Keeper Leslie. “I can hear the echoes in this call: ‘Time’s up. Time for Action.’ from all those who have now walked on. We do this for them, for those here now, and for those still to come.”

A call to action

Vice-President (Indigenous) Angie Bruce, a co-sponsor of the Framework, emphasized that Reconciliation must start with truth.

“This Framework is call to action and a challenge to all members of the UM community to recommit to building strong, respectful relationships, and co-creating spaces, places and structures where Indigenous excellence centres who we are and what we do.

The Framework is built around four key commitments:

• Integrating Indigenous Knowledges – Ensuring Indigenous perspectives shape teaching, research, and governance.
• Creating a Sense of Belonging – Fostering a welcoming environment where Indigenous students, faculty, and staff feel valued.
• Empowering Learning – Expanding opportunities for all members of the UM community to learn about Indigenous histories, cultures, and contemporary realities.
• Decolonizing Spaces – Transforming physical, cultural, and institutional spaces to better reflect Indigenous identities and histories.

The Framework outlines specific commitments for UM’s units and faculties and President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Michael Benarroch made it clear that our actions matter.

“This is not a ‘nice to do.’ This is a must do. Reconciliation is not just an aspiration—it is a responsibility. We must hold ourselves accountable and take meaningful action to create a more just and equitable future.”

Jeff Leclerc, University Secretary and co-sponsor of the Framework also explained that Reconciliation must start with the truth and that it goes beyond diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

What comes next?

Truth and Reconciliation Framework Implementation Committee has begun the work to provide strategic guidance and direction to the MomentUM (UM’s strategic plan) Implementation Steering Committee. This committee will ensure the commitments in the Framework are integrated into the MomentUM implementation plan, including actions and key indicators.

To learn more about the Framework and how you can take action, visit umanitoba.ca/reconciliation-framework.

As well, watch the timeline of Truth and Reconciliation at UM. 

You can also watch a recording of the entire Framework launch event, which included a panel discussion with representatives from the Faculty of Architecture who shared their faculty’s Reconciliation journey.