“It was one of my most memorable experiences,” she told Indigenous high school students at the University of Manitoba (UM) New Buffalo Education Gathering. “Some of the things that they discussed are things that I think of to this day.”

It’s that kind of insight the Indigenous Student Recruitment and Community Relations team (ISRCR) strives to provide prospective post-secondary students through its annual event. Now in its third year, the gathering drew 382 high school students to UM’s south Winnipeg campus on Nov. 14, 2025.

“Every time, in my first year, I faced a challenge, I just thought of them and I saw how far they came,” added Bushie.

“It reminded me that as Indigenous students we’re so capable, and we have it in us to do so much for our communities. I think that was so empowering for me.” — Aliyhia Bushie, science major, Hollow Water First Nation

Left: Ashely Sinclair and Aliyhia Bushie share their experiences with the students. Right: UM Resident Kookum Karen Courchene talks about the importance of education while Desiree Morrisseau looks on.

The gathering is the brainchild of Desiree Morrisseau, Director of ISRCR and member Grassy Narrows First Nations with maternal ties to Crane River.

Morrisseau introduced seven team members who helped produce the gathering that includes information on academic programs, tours of the student residences and campus, and resources and strategies for safety and self-care.

“Yup, a round of applause for them,” agreed Morrisseau, as the crowd clapped and cheered. “It takes a community to put on an event like this.”

Karen Courchene, the “Kookum”- or grandmother-in-residence at UM’s Indigenous Student Centre, said the event is based on a now-famous quote from Indigenous scholar Blair Stonechild that “education is the new buffalo”.

“The buffalo once sustained the Plains Nations’ people with food, shelter and tools,” explained Courchene, a member of Sagkeeng First Nation. “They gave the people everything they needed to survive and to thrive.

“Well, like the buffalo,” Courchene added, “education now sustains First Nation, Métis and Inuit people with knowledge, opportunity and empowerment.”

But, it’s a big step to follow the buffalo like their ancestors did, suggested Morrisseau, so the gathering would help them map their journey.

Nearly 400 Indigenous high school students attended the third-annual New Buffalo event.

“This event is for prospective Indigenous students – to welcome you because you deserve a seat at the table, you deserve to be here, you deserve to be seen,” she said. “And we want you to know that there is such a large, welcoming Indigenous community on campus, and we want you here as a student if you choose.”

However, the team is careful not to pressure students into attending UM, the largest post-secondary institution in the province with more than 3,200 Indigenous students, over other options. It may host the event, but encourages aspiring students to make their own decisions.

“One of the things that our team is really big on is ethical recruitment,” said Morrisseau. “So if you don’t know what ethical means –  ethical is making sure that you do things in a good way.

“We want you to succeed wherever your heart sends you. When you succeed, we succeed.”

But that didn’t stop Ethan Temmerman, a kinesiology student from Ebb and Flow First Nation, from putting in a good-natured plug for UM as part of a presentation by senior students.

“The main thing that sets this university apart from the other universities – and will be relevant to people in this room – is the supports,” Temmerman said. “From what I can gather at the other universities, there is a lot less support for Indigenous students. Whereas, here, it is almost overwhelming how many Indigenous supports there are.

“I felt very supported in my first year.”

Students have fun colouring Indigenous-inspired artwork.

Hearing that kind of testimonial and watching the students take it in, made Vanessa Lillie’s day.

“New Buffalo is Desiree’s dream,” said Lillie, UM’s Director of Cultural Integration,“and she made it come to life with really just sheer determination and willpower – and an amazing team.

“I have been here every year, and it has just grown and grown,” said Lillie, who has roots in Peguis First Nation. “To see so many Indigenous students interested in attending post-secondary is just phenomenal and makes my heart so happy.

“I never had this chance when I was young and I wish that I would have.”

Julius Andrews is a Métis student from Winnipeg, Manitoba who is graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Before entering university, Julius graduated from Westgate Mennonite Collegiate and the Canadian Mennonite University and is fluent in both French and English. He received many scholarships and awards from the University of Manitoba. Most recently, he held a summer position with Stantec doing power systems studies and has secured full-time employment with them.

Karina Buckingham is a First Nations graduate who is graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering. Throughout her studies she has had a high interest in structural engineering and project management and has enjoyed the various topics that are taught within a civil engineering degree. Karina is most proud of her persistence to finish her degree. Karina is currently working at AECOM as a structural designer as well as growing her project coordination skills.

Evan Evaniuk is a Métis student from Bison Local who is graduating with a degree in Computer Engineering with a focus in embedded systems, a minor in Computer Science and additional training in AI. He is planning on putting his expertise to good use in STARLab by pursuing a M.Sc. in computer engineering.

Evan relates to a motto from Raspberry Pi, “Make cool stuff”. He likes to learn electronics and program embedded systems because it feels like the closest thing to magic in reality. He has emulated this motto in his capstone project “Bot-Hoven: An anthropomorphic piano learning robot”, a collection of all his favourite parts of the degree brought to life.

Madan Frolek is Red River Métis and Polish from Winnipeg who is graduating with a degree in Biosystems Engineering with a Biomedical specialization. She is passionate about assistive technologies and her long-term aspiration is to focus on making assistive technology more accessible to everyone.

She is particularly proud of the diverse experiences she gained during her time in engineering, both academically and beyond the classroom. Through teams and groups, she has had diverse experiences, proven her skills and given back to the community. Most recently, she has been participating in the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment, a UM leadership program that has strengthened her leadership abilities and deepened her understanding of Indigenous culture, values and community engagement. These experiences have collectively helped shape her personal and professional growth, and she is proud of the positive impact she has made in each of these areas.

Braeden Gerbrandt is passionate about programming and will be graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. During his time at university, he served as an instructor for ENGAP’s Introduction to Computer Science course and previously worked as a lab instructor. As a registered ENGAP tutor, Braeden enjoyed mentoring and supporting fellow students in their academic journeys.

Brendan Kropla is a Métis student from Winnipeg, Manitoba who is graduating with a degree in Computer Engineering. The Mathematics Department Head of his high school described Brendan as “driven, smart, well-spoken, and his work ethic is incredibly strong.”  Brendan has been the President of the Engineering Access Student Association (EASA) for the last two years.  He spent two summers working for MB Hydro and the last two for the Department of National Defence.

Logan Lundberg is a Métis student from Winnipeg, Manitoba, who is graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering, specializing in structural and construction engineering, and a proud member of the Engineering Access Program (ENGAP). Passionate about DIY projects, architecture and design, Logan aims to use structural engineering to shape the future and bring ideas to life. He is committed to leading by example for Indigenous and Métis peoples within the engineering field and giving back to his community. After graduation, Logan plans to travel Europe before starting a full-time position as an EIT and pursuing their P.Eng designation.

Drake Pachkowsky is a Métis student from Pine Falls, Manitoba who graduated from Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School (LSRCSS). Opting for LSRCSS over his hometown high school, he pursued the drafting program to better prepare for university-level engineering courses. Since joining ENGAP, Drake has been an active member of the Engineering Access Student Association (EASA) and has served as its President. Drake is completing his degree in Electrical Engineering with a Power & Energy Systems focus. Drake has worked with Manitoba Hydro as a summer student for the past three summers and is set to begin full-time work with them after graduating.

Tanner Turnbull is originally from Cartier, Manitoba, but now lives in the west end of Winnipeg. He is of Métis descent and will be graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has an interest in automotive engineering, specifically vehicle dynamics. He is passionate about vehicle design and has a high attention to detail in the field. He is proud of the five years he spent on the UMSAE Formula Electric design team, working on the Powertrain section before taking on the roles of Suspension design lead, the Treasurer for the organization, and finally, the Team’s leader. Tanner plans on getting a job in the automotive industry after taking a trip with friends to Southeast Asia.

Rosemary Wilson is a Métis student from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. She is graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering with an Aerospace specialization. As a Co-op student, she worked with StandardAero for the last two summers. After graduation, Rosemary is moving to Montreal, Quebec.

 

Some final advice to future graduates from Logan Lundberg, “Seize every opportunity and look to others for guidance.”

Michael Esquash, Traditional Spirit Sand Singers from Swan Lake First Nation, and an ENGAP student, performing at the ENGAP Graduation Reception.

Student-focused, embraced by community: A celebration of culture and pride

“This is a student-focused celebration that’s supported by the community,” says Carla Loewen, Chair of the Graduation Pow Wow planning committee and Director of the Indigenous Student Centre. She emphasizes that the Graduation Pow Wow is much more than a graduation ceremony—it is a shared cultural experience where the community comes together to honour and uplift its students.

This year’s celebration brings new highlights and meaningful updates. The respected Migizii Award, a staple of the event in recent years, will feature custom artwork created by an Indigenous student artist from UM. These personalized pieces not only deepen the cultural meaning of the award but also showcase the creativity and vision of young Indigenous artists.

“Continue leading with purpose, give back to your community, and embrace the journey. The Graduation Pow Wow marks not only an end, but the powerful start of what comes next.”

— Carla Loewen, to graduates

Collective wisdom, respect and connection

For the first time, the 36th Graduation Pow Wow will feature co-speakers—two graduating students who will share the honour of delivering the graduation address. This new approach reflects a spirit of inclusivity and shared leadership. 

The day will also include the lighting of the Qulliq, an acknowledgement of Inuit communities and culture, offering a moment of reflection and respect.

Loewen shared that the Graduation Pow Wow is a collective effort with many voices at the planning table. The goal is to reflect the cultural diversity and values of different Indigenous Nations, ensuring each graduate feels seen, respected and celebrated.

“Special, inspiring and an honour… Watching students walk into the circle to receive their Indigenous stole fills me with pride. It’s an incredible honour to be able to celebrate with them.”

— Carla Loewen, when asked what the Graduation Pow Wow means to her

A full-day annual traditional Graduation Pow Wow, including a Pipe Ceremony, Grand Entry, Graduate Ceremony, Community Meal, Intertribal and Category Dancing and a Closing Prayer.

A shared moment: Pow Wows across the province

As in previous years, three post-secondary institutions in Manitoba—UM, RRC Polytech and the University of Winnipeg—are hosting their graduation Pow Wows on the same weekend. For dancers, families, and community members, this coordinated celebration offers a rare opportunity to experience multiple events in one weekend.

“It’s going to be a joyous weekend,” Loewen says. “We’re excited to see more participation and engagement across all three events. It’s not just exciting—it’s empowering.”

For those unable to attend in person, there are still ways to take part. Leading up to the event, Indigenous graduates can nominate faculty or staff who made a difference in their academic journey for the Migizii Award. On the day of the event, the onsite team will be sharing highlights and live updates on social media, so everyone can join in the celebration, wherever they are.

“The 36th Annual UM Grad Pow Wow is just around the corner. It’s a celebration for every Indigenous graduate—and a moment for the entire community to come together. Whether you’re a graduate, family member, supporter, or simply someone eager to learn more about Indigenous cultures, you are warmly invited to be part of this extraordinary day.”

All Indigenous graduates will receive the blue stole (right). Métis students will also receive the traditional red Métis sash (left), which symbolizes their cultural identity.

The sharing circle will take place twice in Winter Term: Wednesday, January 22 and Thursday, February 13 at 3:00 p.m., both in Gaa-maamawabing – Gathering Place (Rm 322) in the Education Building. Snacks and drinks will also be provided.

Claire Settee has been an intern at UM Libraries since 2023 while she works on a Master of Library and Information Studies. She is Anishinaabe, Cree and Scottish, with family ties to Fisher River and Hollow Water, and has lived in Winnipeg for most of her life. With the Indigenous Reading Circle, she wants to create a dedicated time and space for Indigenous students to talk about what they are reading with each other.  

“Sometimes in classes, everyone is trying to discuss at once and then you’ll have an idea, but the discussion goes a different way, and you don’t get the chance to say your thoughts. But you still want to talk through your ideas with someone,” Settee says. She hopes the Indigenous Reading Circle can be that outlet. “I want people to know that they have something to say, and they should practice speaking up and sharing their ideas and questions.”

The Indigenous Reading Circle will be kept small for a more intimate and less intimidating discussion experience, and participating students can bring anything they are reading, from a novel they’re enjoying to something they’re reading in class that they find confusing. Settee will facilitate the hour-and-half-long discussions and use her expertise to provide information on relevant library and campus services and resources but is also open to seeing how the group evolves. She hopes participants will meet other Indigenous students, discover new resources, and get excited about reading.

Register for the Indigenous Reading Circle.

For any questions about the event, contact Claire Settee.

An Evening of Connection and Community

The event welcomed attendees into the heart of Migizii Agamik, a culturally significant space for Indigenous students at the University of Manitoba. Sarah Shuttleworth (2L), MILSA’s VP Social Coordinator, reflected on the choice of venue, saying, “Networking events can be intimidating, especially for Indigenous law students, so we, as MILSA, wanted to ensure this event felt warm and welcoming—a reason why we chose to host the event at Migizii Agamik.”

From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the space buzzed with conversation, laughter, and a sense of shared purpose as participants connected, shared experiences, and celebrated the strength of the Manitoba Indigenous legal community.

Guests were treated to appetizers and snacks from Indigenous-owned businesses, including Sharecuterie and Bistro on Notre Dame, alongside a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. These thoughtful details set a tone of inclusivity and warmth, ensuring everyone felt at ease.

Reflecting on the event, Chloe Dreilich-Girard (2L), MILSA’s VP External – Métis, shared, “Hosting this networking event for Indigenous law students and lawyers in Migizii Agamik—a space already known to many who have been students at UM—was truly special. As soon as you entered the room, you could feel the energy—the warmth, the connection, the sense of belonging.”

Albert (2L) echoed this sentiment: “For me, this gathering felt like a celebration of connection and belonging—a momentary escape to the familiarity of home while attending the University of Manitoba. It’s often challenging to replicate the warmth and customs of life back on the rez, especially in an institution where practices and values can starkly contrast with the experiences I grew up with in Northern Manitoba, in my community of Kinosao Sipi. Yet, the atmosphere at Migizii Agamik during the event brought a sense of home that I am often missing while attending law school.”

Innovative Networking Activities

The event featured networking bingo, a creative and engaging activity designed to spark conversations in a relaxed environment. The bingo cards included prompts related to Robson Hall, MILSA, and the legal profession. Attendees eagerly connected to complete their cards, with lawyers like Stacey Soldier [JD/07] enthusiastically participating. Soldier, along with Genevieve Benoit [JD/20] and Janell Jackson (2L), won prizes for completing their bingo sheets first.

Reflecting on the atmosphere, Shuttleworth shared, “It was uplifting to watch everyone in the room talk and laugh—it felt as if we were all one big family.”

A Celebratory Turnout

“In Good Relations” saw an impressive turnout, including a strong presence of 2L law students and representatives from all levels of the Manitoba Indigenous Bar. Attendees included special guests Wendy Whitecloud, Robson Hall’s Elder-in-Residence, and Loretta Ross, Manitoba’s Treaty Commissioner. Their presence underscored the event’s importance in fostering relationships and inspiring the next generation of Indigenous legal professionals.

Sharing big laughs, playing bingo all night, and reflecting on our shared purpose of entering the legal profession to create meaningful change for Indigenous people reminded me why I chose this path, even during moments where I am questioning myself ‘Why am I doing this?’ Events like this are not just gatherings—they are affirmations of why we do what we do. – Julianna Albert, 2L

Albert (2L) reflected on the impact of the evening, saying, “It was a breath of fresh air to meet and connect with role models who have inspired my own journey to law school—trailblazers like Daphne Comegan [JD/21], Jeremy McKay [JD/18], and Alyssa Bird [JD/19]—true Indigenous legal powerhouses. They carved out paths and created spaces in law school where they once had to run, so students like me can now walk. Sharing big laughs, playing bingo all night, and reflecting on our shared purpose of entering the legal profession to create meaningful change for Indigenous people reminded me why I chose this path, even during moments where I am questioning myself ‘Why am I doing this?’ Events like this are not just gatherings—they are affirmations of why we do what we do.”

A Vision for the Future

This event, conceptualized by Chloe Dreilich-Girard (2L), VP External – Métis, and Kiersten Sanderson (2L), VP Professional Development, highlighted the power of informal networking to build community. The MILSA executive team worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, and their efforts paid off in an evening that exceeded expectations.

The success of “In Good Relations” has sparked hope that it will become an annual tradition, continuing to provide a space for relationship-building within the Manitoba Indigenous Bar. Dreilich-Girard said, “While this was our first time hosting an event like this, I truly hope it won’t be the last. We need more spaces where we can come together as Indigenous peoples in the legal profession, where we can be our authentic selves, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships.”

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

Ekosani kinanaskomitinawaw MILSA for the hard work and care that went into creating such a memorable experience. It’s not every day that you can share your mlahs, those big auntie laughs, and speak your rez slang without hesitation or shyness. Thank you for making space for that joy, and for reminding me of the community I carry with me even while away from home. – Julianna Albert, 2L

MILSA extends its heartfelt thanks to the lawyers, students, and graduates who attended, as well as the volunteers and executives who dedicated their time and energy to planning the event. As this initiative grows, it promises to strengthen connections and create lasting impacts on the Indigenous legal community in Manitoba.

Albert offered her gratitude, saying, “Ekosani kinanaskomitinawaw MILSA for the hard work and care that went into creating such a memorable experience. It’s not every day that you can share your mlahs, those big auntie laughs, and speak your rez slang without hesitation or shyness. Thank you for making space for that joy, and for reminding me of the community I carry with me even while away from home.”

With its emphasis on community, collaboration, and mentorship, “In Good Relations” serves as a shining example of how shared spaces and shared stories can unite and inspire.

Sharing circles are safe spaces for students to share their experiences and receive support, teachings and care from an ISC Elder or Knowledge Keeper-in-Residence. The sharing circles take place every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the Circle Room at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge. All UM students are welcome to participate.  

Why attend? 

“We learn from one another by sharing with each other,” says Elder Meade. “For every strength, there is a weakness – and weakness is strength. This is an important teaching.” Sharing circles are a place to: 

• learn teachings and pass on teachings.  

• receive support and guidance from Elders and your peers in a safe space. 

• build community through sharing stories and exploring values, which helps participants feel physically, psychologically and emotionally safe and creates a foundation for courageous acts of sharing. 

“The reason you should come to a sharing circle is to come and share what you might be dealing with or going through right now – that’s why I like to go to a sharing circle,” says Elder Meade. “If I don’t go to a sharing circle often enough, I miss being there because every one of us—doesn’t matter who we are—we have to share what’s on our mind, what’s on our spirit today and we’re all in a different place.” 

What to expect 

When you attend a sharing circle, know that what you share in the sharing circle, stays in the circle.    

“Students are often a bit shy about sharing what they might be struggling with and if there’s a certain number of people in the circle some people won’t share their personal things”, says Meade. “For myself, when I’m in a sharing circle or leading a sharing circle, I let the participants know what you bring into the circle stays in the circle because that’s important. For me, personally, when I’m sharing in a sharing circle, I will share what might be on my heart or my mind or my spirit at that very time.” 

As part of a sharing circle, you will: 

• Listen–sharing circles are a listening exercise, as well as a sharing exercise where we learn how to listen.  

• Share – you can share when you have the talking stick or stone. That’s your time to speak and for others to listen.  

• Feel – it can be an emotional experience because you’re able to share about yourself and things you may be dealing with. 

Elders are careful not to let the sharing circle become a gossip session or to have misinformation spread – because that’s not what sharing circles are about.  

“For myself, if I’m just introducing myself in a sharing circle and have nothing that’s heavy on my heart then I will share personal things of where I’m at and what I’m doing and how I’m feeling,” says Meade. “I’ll share where some of my strengths and weaknesses come from, the weaknesses that we encounter in life and how does strength offset weaknesses; it’s good to talk about ‘my weakness is this’ because strength helps get us through the weakness.”  

Students should not feel intimidated at a sharing circle. They are a welcoming place, where respect is the most important thing, especially when it comes to the Elders.  

“Most of the students I know, they have respect for us as Elders – they all show their respect in different ways. Some of the first-year students and second year students may have never sat in a circle where an Elder is present or had a chance to sit with an Elder,” says Elder Meade. “So, they might have a little different way of relating to an Elder but ones that have been there before or been in a sharing circle before, they would know how to respect an Elder and that’s really important to see, for everyone.” 

Find upcoming dates for the Student Sharing Circle with Elder Norman Meade on the Indigenous Events Calendar.