At a recent celebration for students who completed this year’s programs, Elder Carl Stone said, “You’re not learning how to be a leader—you’re learning how to be yourself.”

His words resonated deeply with students and captured the heart of both programs: that leadership is not about fitting a mold, but about growing authentically from culture, identity and relationship.

This year’s ICE and Bison Spirit students came together at the Leaf for a meaningful gathering celebrating Indigenous leadership and growth

From isolation to belonging

For many Indigenous students, entering university can feel overwhelming. 

Mika Cordell, from Thompson and a student in the Faculty of Engineering, recalled, “I seriously considered quitting. I didn’t feel a sense of belonging.” But through Bison Spirit, he formed connections with fellow Indigenous students and connected with his culture through pipe and sweat lodge ceremonies—experiences that became a foundation for his persistence and well-being at UM.

Bison Spirit speaker Mackaila Bruce-Tapley, a Red River Métis student with strong ties to the community of St. Laurent, Manitoba, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Her remarks echoed this sentiment.

“If I had to choose one word to describe what this program gave me, it would be ‘belonging.’ I found my place here, felt supported, and built real community……I only wish I had known from the start how impactful and enriching this experience would be.” 

Aliyhia Bushie (second from left), one of this year’s program participants; Elder Norman Meade is pictured on the far right.

ICE member Aliyhia Bushie, from Hollow Water First Nation and an aspiring dentist at UM, shared a similar experience. She felt that even something as simple as sharing a meal or having a conversation—just being together—could make a big difference. ICE, as a safe and welcoming space, helps Indigenous students truly feel like they belong at the university.

For many participants, this sense of belonging is the most powerful gift the programs offer.

“I can be a leader too”

“I used to be afraid of public speaking. I still get nervous, but now I feel much more confident,” said ICE member Iman Jarkas (a proud Lebanese and Métis student with roots in Fort Chipewyan on Treaty 8 Territory, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in the Faculty of Science). Many students experienced public speaking for the first time through the program’s collaboration with Anishinabe Toastmasters and its Speech-craft series—building confidence, clarity and a stronger voice.

Similarly, Victoria Stagg—a Saulteaux student from Lundar with strong ties to Pinaymootang First Nation who is about to begin her Master of Arts in Anthropology—shared:

 “The program helped me affirm who I am—as an Indigenous woman and a future leader. It gave me the language to tell my story with pride and taught me to recognize strength in others too.”  – Victoria Stagg (ICE 2024-2025)

FONTINE, an independent folk-pop artist from Winnipeg with Nehiyaw Iskwew (Cree woman) roots, who joined as a special guest performer. All ICE participants received program jackets, while Bison Spirit members are distinguished by their navy blue cardigans.

Angie Bruce, Vice-President (Indigenous), also delivered powerful remarks, emphasizing that Indigenous leaders often walk in two worlds: one rooted in education and career, and the other in culture and community.

“Find your voice. Own your space,” she said. “You are meant to be here.” She encouraged students to lead with authenticity, reminding them that there is no single way to look, speak, or act like a leader.

 “Real leaders are those who stay true to themselves.”

——Angie Bruce, UM Vice-President (Indigenous)

From left to right: Associate Vice-President (Indigenous) Christine Cyr, Vice-President (Indigenous) Angie Bruce, and Elder Carl Stone.

From the Individual to the Collective

Unlike conventional leadership training that focuses on personal achievement, ICE centers relationship-building and collective growth.

“ICE taught me that leadership isn’t just about improving yourself—it’s about reaching out, caring about others, and learning from their experiences,” said Métis architecture student Jory Thomas.

Weekly gatherings became essential touchstones for many. “ICE helped me overcome imposter syndrome and slowly build meaningful friendships,” said Muriel Houle, Anishinaabe from Long Plain and Sandy Bay First Nations (BA 2026).

“I want to thank our funders. Being part of ICE this year has helped me grow so much—as a student, a leader, and a person,” said Holly Typliski, a Red River Métis student from Selkirk currently studying in the Interdisciplinary Health Program within the Faculty of Health Sciences. 

Typliski reflected further:  “As a member of the student union, when I look at who I was last year and who I am now, I see how much I’ve grown through ICE. I’ve learned how to bring people together, how to foster collaboration. And coming from a science-heavy background, it was so refreshing to turn off that ‘science memorization brain’ and learn in a completely different way—through stories, culture, and new friendships.” 

Student speaker Safron Blais added,

 “ICE taught me to accept myself and connect with others from that place. You don’t have to be perfect. Just show up—we’ll be there in circle, waiting for you.” 

Left and right: Mackaila Bruce-Tapley, Bison Spirit speaker and Sundancer who has taken part in ceremonies since she was 12. Center: Safron Blais, speaker for the ICE program.

Associate Vice-President (Indigenous) Christine Cyr  reflected on the program’s origins: “We started in 2009 with $150 of our own money, some snacks, and five students sitting in Kali Storm’s kitchen talking about Indigenous leadership.”

“Our students come to university not because they’re weak, but because they’re strong. Our role—then and now—is to see that strength and lift it up.” 

A group photo of students, Elders, and staff from the Indigenous leadership programs following the annual gathering.

Stepping out of the Circle: Leadership that lasts

For more than a decade, Indigenous student leadership programming at UM has nurtured not just individual growth, but a sustaining force of community-driven leadership. Every story shared, every circle formed, becomes a site of listening, responsibility and authentic growth.

Justin Rasmussen, Director of Indigenous Leadership Programming, noted, “One of the most meaningful changes we see is when students start to truly believe in themselves. Many arrive with a sense that they don’t belong—but they leave proud of who they are, ready to lead and speak out.” He hopes to expand mentorship pathways that connect students with Elders, alumni, professionals, and community leaders to carry this strength forward.

These circles  don’t end when the programs do. As students have shown, they carry their confidence and growth into classrooms, communities and careers—becoming guides for others and helping light new paths.

This initiative is generously supported through the Mastercard Foundation’s EleV Program in partnership with the Indigenous Leadership Programming team in the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous).

If you’re looking for ways to support Indigenous excellence at UM, please see more options online.

“Bird over there.”

A hush falls over the crowd and eight sets of binoculars rise to search for fluttering wings amid the dappled sunshine.

The University of Manitoba Indigenous Birding Club has been meeting weekly since the spring of 2023. It’s a casual network focused on fostering an appreciation for birds, yes, but also on building a welcoming outdoor community.

“We started the group because we had seen other movements creating space for (Black and Indigenous people, and people of colour) out in nature, so we decided to try it here,” says Justin Rasmussen, club co-founder and director of the university’s Indigenous leadership programming department.

To read the full story, please visit the Winnipeg Free Press. 

An Indigenous student leadership development program at the University of Manitoba, ICE offers opportunities for personal and professional growth through culturally grounded leadership development and community engagement.

“Through ICE, Indigenous students get to have a space and community—that was important for me,” says Anderson Baptiste. “I haven’t always been as connected to my culture as I wanted to be, but ICE is a safe space with people who understand my personal experience.”

In the program, students participate in activities to nurture their leadership skills, including professional development workshops; cultural opportunities like preparing for and participating in a sweat lodge ceremony; volunteer work; Speech Craft training with the Anishinabe Toastmasters; and a capstone team project called “Day in the Life of an Indigenous Student at the U of M.”

At the forefront of the program are speaker sessions that allow for conversations with inspiring Indigenous leaders in different fields of interest, like confidence coach Jessica Dumas and Feast Café Bistro owner Christa Bruneau-Guenther, who spoke on entrepreneurship and reclaiming Indigenous foods to the 2023-24 ICE cohort.

Student Brooke Anderson Baptiste

“A lot of us are the first generation [in our families] to attend post-secondary, so it’s beneficial to hear from all of the Indigenous leaders and see what we can do with our education,” says Anderson Baptiste, a political studies and economics student from Samson Cree Nation. “Listening to each speaker brought me new perspectives on what it means to be a leader.”

For Anderson Baptiste, hearing from the Honourable Nahanni Fontaine, Minister of Families, was especially impactful. “She talked about her experiences when she was 20, and I’m 20 right now… we need to acknowledge the trauma that a lot of us go through but the amount of talent and knowledge we offer,” she says.

As part of a team project, ICE students also had the opportunity to host a two-day event that brought Indigenous high school students to UM to experience real lectures, a student-led panel on preparing for university, campus tours and an Elder-led Sharing Circle.

Students in the 2023-24 cohort also participated in 16 organized volunteer opportunities with Mama Bear Clan, Mitch Bourbonniere’s Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatwin and Siloam Mission. They also joined program coordinator Sadie Lavoie for the Memorial Walk for MMIWG2S and a Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce luncheon, among other special events.

“Students benefit from the confidence-building and networking, both within the Indigenous community and on campus,” says Justin Rasmussen, director of Indigenous leadership programming in the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) at UM. “Students are well-connected after graduation, and they graduate with fellow Indigenous leaders in ICE.”

In April, over 100 attendees gathered at The Leaf in Assiniboine Park to celebrate the 25 student leaders—the largest cohort in ICE history—for completing the program, all of whom received an ICE jacket or moccasins during a special ceremony.

ICE is open to Canadian Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) students who have completed 30 credit hours or more of coursework (with a minimum GPA of 2.5) and who maintain at least 60 per cent of a full course load (or equivalent). Applications for the 2024/25 cohort are open until Sept. 16. Follow ICE on Instagram and apply for the program today!

*For Indigenous students who have completed less than 30 credit hours of coursework and are looking for a leadership development program, the Bison Spirit Leadership Program is also accepting applications until Sept. 16.

It’s fitting, then, that the Bison Spirit Indigenous Leadership Program draws its name from this mighty animal. A new co-curricular program at the University of Manitoba (UM), Bison Spirit allows Indigenous students to explore their strengths and potential as leaders, both on UM campuses and in community.

“This strength-based program will provide a supportive, identity-affirming space where Indigenous students can develop their leadership potential and expand their network by connecting with other student leaders on campus,” says Sadie Lavoie, Indigenous leadership program coordinator.

Designed specifically for Indigenous UM students who have completed less than 30 credit hours of coursework, Bison Spirit will enable students to hear from and connect with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous leaders in different sectors. They will also have the opportunity to participate in skill-building workshops, like public speaking.

Sadie Lavoie, program coordinator

“We’ll be exploring what it means to be a leader and discovering opportunities for students to get involved [in community],” says Lavoie. “In other words, what type of leader are you and how can we build that capacity?”

Participants will gather twice a month during the academic year. Each gathering begins with a shared dinner, followed by sessions on leadership, team-building activities, workshops, and/or check-ins. Applicants are encouraged to review the gathering dates to ensure they can commit to them.

Cree student Brooke Anderson Baptiste was looking for an Indigenous student leadership program when she transferred from the University of Alberta to UM last year, but didn’t have enough credit hours to join the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment* yet. She says an introductory leadership program like Bison Spirit would have helped fill the gap and given her more time to immerse herself in the Indigenous campus community.

“That would have meant a lot [to me] to get comfortable,” says Anderson Baptiste, a political studies and economics student from Samson Cree Nation in Alberta. “For a lot of students coming from the reserve, it’s important to know you’re not alone and your experiences are valid. You find other students to grow with through your leadership journey.”

Bison Spirit is open to full-time Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) students who have completed under 30 credit hours of coursework (with a minimum GPA of 2.5). Applications for the 2024/25 cohort are open until Sept. 16. Apply today!

*For students who have completed more than 30 credit hours of coursework and are looking for a leadership development program, the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment (ICE) is also accepting applications until Sept. 16. Stay tuned for a UMToday article summarizing highlights from the 2023/24 ICE cohort!

The movie trailer uses behind-the-scenes and interview footage shot by UM Film Studies students Caden Nikkel, Isham Behl, Shubneet Bhatia and Ciara McLeod.

Cary Miller, Assistant Professor, Department of Indigenous Studies, served as one of the project leads and Patricia Ningewance, Assistant Professor, Department of Indigenous Studies, was the lead translator.

In December 2023, Lucasfilm, the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council, APTN and the University of Manitoba reached an agreement to record a dubbed Ojibwe version of Star Wars: A New Hope.

The project brought together a wide range of talent and multigenerational Anishinaabe speakers to bring this version to life. The dubbing was done over a 10-day period in early May in Winnipeg with the final mix completed at Skywalker Sound. The project is supported in part by the Government of Canada through the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program from Canadian Heritage. Dougald Lamont helped launch this project in 2021 after proposing it to Pablo Hidalgo, a former Winnipegger and Lucasfilm executive as a language revitalization project in support of reconciliation.

Starting on August 10, the film will debut in limited release in Winnipeg and other select markets. Walt Disney Studios Canada is collaborating with exhibitors in Winnipeg and other select markets to offer free screenings for the community. The film will make its debut on Disney+ and APTN on a future date.

“Gi-ga-miinigoowiz Mamaandaawiziwin” (“May the Force be with you”).

UM Today: For hundreds of years, Indigenous peoples were stopped from speaking their languages across Manitoba and Canada. Despite that, Statistics Canada notes there are a diversity of Indigenous languages still being spoken, today. What does it mean to you to be part of keeping them alive and thriving?

Pat: I’m very grateful to have the skills, experience and knowledge to help keep my language alive and thriving. I’ve been writing and publishing Ojibwe language books for the past 20 years through my publishing company Mazinaate Inc. There are textbooks, a workbook, phrase books and an Ojibwe Thesaurus. They are all written in the standard double vowel orthography.

UM Today: How common is Anishinaabemowin and how valuable is it in reflecting the environment, from the land to people?

Pat: The Ojibwe language is still spoken in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and western Ontario. It’s not so common anymore in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

How does it reflect our relationship to the environment? We can describe geography much differently. The language is polysynthetic—meaning it’s made up of morphemes—units of meaning. So, one can describe nature infinitely with one long word. Not like in English where we use smaller words. There are also two classes of grammar and vocabulary; animate and inanimate.

UM Today: Are you seeing a renewed interest in Anishinaabemowin and what positive steps can communities take to foster its growth?

Pat: Yes, there is renewed interest in the language amongst the youth. Twenty years ago, Introductory Ojibwe would have 15-20 students enrolled. Now, it’s more than 30. But we still need more awareness of the importance of the language, in the communities. There is a big gap between the fluent older adults and the young people. The young ones cannot speak the language so they cannot understand the speakers at public community events.

UM Today: You played a key role in translating Star Wars: A New Hope into Anishinaabemowin in partnership with UM, Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council (DOTC) and LucasFilm/Disney. How did you get involved and why was it important for you to take on such a key role?

Pat: My son, Maeengan Linklater, is the Director of Operations at Dakota Ojibwe Tribal Council (DOTC). Being a big Star Wars fan, he initiated the project when he heard of the Navajo version. I had done this kind of work before in Ontario, so I wrote the proposal and he developed it further with Cary Miller at UM and they submitted it to Heritage Canada. It got funded. I’ve translated all my life and I’ve done versioning in Ontario. It made sense to take the lead in this project.

UM Today: What do you think it will mean to future generations to see Anishinaabemowin featured in the Star Wars universe?

Pat: It will be a special moment when a young person sees their own ancestral language spoken on the big screen in Star Wars. It will mean that our language is relevant. It belongs here today. It is not a thing of the past.

UM Today: Can you share with us any other projects you will be working on at UM or in the community?

Pat:

• I’m working on a large modern Manitoba and western Ontario dictionary. It has 15,000 words so far.

• I’m writing the report of the First Language Reclamation Summit. This was a conference I organized and hosted at UM in late November 2023. The purpose was to have delegates discuss the block that prevents us from passing on our language to the next generation and hinders today’s language students in learning easily. It’s the first time this topic has been talked about. I’ve gone to many native language conferences in North America and never seen it addressed. So, this will be a very important report.

• We have had two two-week Ojibwe Immersion courses in Winnipeg. One off-campus and one on-campus. I’m developing methods that facilitate conversational Ojibwe quickly. It’s exciting to see. I love this work very much.

UM Faces & Spaces is a monthly feature showcasing the people and places across UM that are transforming the student experience, advancing innovation in research, driving change and creating a lasting impact here in Manitoba and globally. For more stories go to our YouTube playlist.

After more than 30 years with the University of Manitoba, Vice-President (Indigenous) Catherine Cook, MD, MSc, CCFP, FCFP will retire at the end of January, moving into a new phase of her life.

Throughout her career, Cook has worked with First Nations, Métis, Inuit, provincial and federal governments, as well as community organizations, to champion the importance of health services for Indigenous Manitobans.

She has served on multiple professional associations, councils, committees and boards as a highly respected advisor who advocates for Indigenous peoples’ health. In doing so, she has worn many hats: as Vice-President of Population and Public Health at the Winnipeg Regional Health Organization (WRHA), provincial lead of Indigenous health at Shared Health Manitoba; as an associate professor of community health sciences; as head of Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing; as vice-dean of Indigenous Health; and most recently as the inaugural vice-president (Indigenous) at UM.

“It’s been such a privilege to do the work we’ve done and have people trust we could do it. And I say ‘we’, because none of this work is done alone,” says Dr. Cook. “Seeing leadership at this university recognize the need to have Indigenous leadership at the decision-making tables is a proud moment for me.”

Creating systems change

Cook took on the role of vice-president (Indigenous) at UM in 2020. She says that while efforts to address Reconciliation at the university had been underway for years, her goal was to set up a structure that would create real systems change for Indigenous people.

“I think the biggest success in the way this rolled out was putting recommendations in place that focused on having accountability rest with all of the vice-presidents – not just the VP Indigenous,” says Cook. “Because Reconciliation is about everybody. It’s not up to only Indigenous people to affect Reconciliation. And we can’t achieve anything without the whole country being involved and, in this case, the whole university.”

One of the highlights of Cook’s career has been the establishment of Ongomizwiin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing.

Melanie MacKinnon, executive director of Ongomizwiin – Health Services at UM, has worked with Cook since 2011 and alongside her on the development of Ongomizwiin.

“Catherine understands that improving Indigenous health outcomes is multi-generational work,” says MacKinnon. “She’s planted a lot of seeds and pulled a lot of weeds for the rest of us to continue cultivating that work and ensure our culture is reflected in the work that we do and in the spaces we are in.”

Working together

MacKinnon says Cook’s leadership style has a very family-oriented approach.

“We know her children, we know her grandchildren and all of their successes and celebrations – and she knows ours,” says MacKinnon. “And in a leadership and team dynamic, it’s a different degree of accountability. It’s always been about how we collectively solve problems – together, as a kind of family.”

Throughout all the governance and structural administrative progress, Cook says her proudest moments are reflected in the students.

“Seeing exceptional students coming forward, actively engaging in discussions around Indigenous identity and Reconciliation is so hopeful for me. These students excel in their ability to not only see what they need, but to see what our community needs. And as the next generation of Indigenous leaders, they’re showing me that this work isn’t going to stop,” says Cook.

UM President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Michael Benarroch highlights Cook’s work to advance Indigenous engagement, success and governance at UM and build a culturally safe environment for Indigenous students, staff, faculty and guests.

“I’d like to recognize Dr. Cook for her visionary leadership as UM’s first-ever Vice-President (Indigenous). Dr. Cook has proven to be a collaborative, patient, yet assertive leader. She serves as a strong mentor for her team and others at the university who are working to transform colonial structures. It has been a genuine pleasure to work with and learn from Catherine since I assumed my role,” says Benarroch.  

When asked what she’d like her UM community to remember about her time with the university, Cook says this:

“I hope people will remember that we did it together. We have active, committed teams and strong leadership at every level – and whether it was students or staff or faculty or executive, it was a collective effort. That’s the key to any success – working together as a community and making a difference.”

Celebration of service

The UM community is invited to attend a celebration of service for Dr. Catherine Cook.

Thursday, December 21, 2023
Smartpark Innovation Hub, 100 Innovation Drive
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Program begins at 1:30 p.m.

Campus map

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.

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.

Throughout her career, Anderson has advocated for a more robust curriculum in Indigenous health and changes in the admissions process that would support the successful recruitment of increased numbers of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. She perceived that same gap in leadership across UM.

Anderson, who is Cree-Anishinaabe and grew up in the North End of Winnipeg, currently serves as Vice-Dean Indigenous Health, Social Justice and Anti-racism, in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. She first joined the university in 2007 and then in 2011 became head of the Section of First Nations, Metis and Inuit Health. From 2017 to 2020 she served as executive director, Indigenous academic affairs, Ongomiizwin-Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, at UM.

“In all of the different arenas that I work in, I have seen how important it is to have Indigenous people participating in decision-making at all levels of the institution,” says Anderson. 

Now she is one of five new Indigenous Senators to the membership of UM Senate, as announced in April 2022. The new positions are over and above any Indigenous Senators already serving on Senate as representatives for their respective faculty and school councils.

Anderson says that the development is “a great opportunity for the cohort of us to fully participate, and to bring our perspectives, experience, knowledge and connections into university governance. While this will be particularly beneficial to the university’s priorities around reconciliation and Indigenous achievement, it will be beneficial to all aspects of university work and life.”

Indigenous leadership at UM

In 2019, the Provost requested a review on UM’s needs for Indigenous senior leadership. A report was tabled with recommendations that would address the organizational and structural gaps or barriers that limited Indigenous engagement in leadership at UM.

Under the leadership of inaugural Vice-President (Indigenous) Dr. Catherine Cook beginning in 2020, six projects were identified to address organizational and structural gaps or barriers that cross all of the major UM portfolios, ensuring a shared responsibility to build on the decades of work started by Indigenous leaders and communities.

The recent senate reform addresses a key recommendation of the Indigenous Senior Leadership Report (2019), which highlights primary action areas including Executive and Senior Leadership, Programmatic Leadership, Faculty and Administrative Units, Campus Community and Governance and Administrative Infrastructure at UM.  

The Report’s recommendation 5, “Weave Us All Together—Governance and Administrative Infrastructure,” states that “Indigenous self-determination and leadership must be embedded within the governance structures of the university.” 

Cook says that she’s excited about the prospect of having greater Indigenous representation on UM Senate.

“It is important that we have Indigenous scholars and students participating in this work to bring Indigenous perspectives and experience to the decision-making specific to the academic issues of admissions, curriculum and scholarship at the University of Manitoba. This will support the goals of Indigenous students and scholars and the University overall.”

President Michael Benarroch says, “This step is significant in the ongoing development of a university-wide approach that advances the commitment to Indigenous engagement, promotes Reconciliation and helps address anti-Indigenous racism. 

“We are grateful for these individuals to serve in positions that will help to enhance UM’s executive and senior Indigenous leadership.”

The new Indigenous Senators

Elected for three-year terms for the period of June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2025 are: 

• Marcia Anderson, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences 
• Margaret Hart, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences 
• Jeremy Patzer, Faculty of Arts 

Elected for two-year terms for the period of June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2024 are: 

• Debra Beach Ducharme, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences 
• Melanie Morris, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
  
  

See more information on the Election of Indigenous Senators to the University of Manitoba Senate (2022) webpage (UM  Governance > Senate).