Advancing rehab in First Nations communities 

Two major wellness initiatives launched in the spring through a partnership between First Nations communities and UM’s College of Rehabilitation Sciences. 

Wiiji Bimoseyang Binesi (Thunderbird Helping Them Walk), a 10-unit housing complex in Sagkeeng First Nation, supports adults who have lived with disability and homelessness. 

Grow Our Own Specialists through Education (GOOSE) addresses the shortage of rehabilitation health-care professionals in northern Manitoba and the underrepresentation of Indigenous people in rehab careers. Read more 

Dr. Kellie Thiessen, Dr. Hope Anderson and Dr. Josée Lavoie

Three new leaders take the helm 

Dr. Kellie Thiessen – an associate professor, midwife clinician-scientist and registered nurse – was appointed dean of the College of Nursing on Feb. 1. She previously led the development of UM’s midwifery program and directed it from 2015 to 2023. Read more 

On July 1, Dr. Hope Anderson became dean of the College of Pharmacy. A professor and principal investigator with the Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine at St. Boniface Hospital, Anderson brings expertise in cardiovascular health and academic leadership. Read more 

As of Aug. 1, Dr. Josée Lavoie leads the new College of Community and Global Health as its inaugural dean. A professor of community health sciences, she directed Ongomiizwin Research – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing from 2014 to 2023. Read more 

Drs. Henry Friesen and Estelle Simons

Remembering health pioneers 

The Rady community paid tribute to two influential figures from the Max Rady College of Medicine. 

Dr. Henry Friesen, a UM medical alum and visionary leader, died April 30 at age 90. His work led to the founding of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research 25 years ago. Read more 

Professor emerita Dr. Estelle Simons died Nov. 5 at age 80. A pioneer in pediatric allergy research, she was renowned for her groundbreaking research on allergic diseases. Read more 

Mpox virus

Mpox on the move 

Dr. Jason Kindrachuk, Canada Research Chair in molecular pathogenesis of emerging viruses and associate professor at the Max Rady College of Medicine, is part of an international team tracking the rapid spread of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

The research team had a study featured on the cover of the prestigious journal The Lancet. It found that mpox has now spread to nearly every region of the DRC, with cases rising from 18 provinces in 2010 to 24 provinces in 2023. Read more 

(From left to right) Terry Duguid, Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis and Dr. Doug Eyolfson

$6.1M for better access to dental care 

The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry received more than $6.1 million in federal funding to improve access to care for marginalized Manitobans and give students experience in caring for underserved populations.  

The funding supports four UM projects through Health Canada’s Oral Health Access Fund, which supports initiatives that reduce barriers to care for groups including children, Indigenous Peoples, newcomers and seniors. Read more

Dr. Sabine Mai gives a tour of the Nano and Cell Imaging Facility during its grand opening.

New home for Nano and Cell Imaging Facility 

The Rady Faculty’s Nano and Cell Imaging Facility (NCIF) has a new home on the Bannatyne campus. 

After three years of planning and renovations, the facility moved from CancerCare Manitoba to the department of physiology and pathophysiology on the fourth floor of the Basic Medical Sciences Building. 

NCIF is open to students, faculty and researchers from across Canada and beyond. Read more 

Elder Charlotte Nolin

Honouring transgender lives 

More than 60 people attended the first Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony held on the Bannatyne campus. 

The day is observed on Nov. 20 to remember transgender people who have been lost to transphobic violence, suicide and other violent deaths. Speakers called for safety for all trans people. 

Elder Charlotte Nolin, a two-spirit Elder-in-residence at Ongomiizwin, urged those in attendance to speak out when they witness discrimination toward trans people. Read more 

Md. Abdul Aziz, Deanne Nixie Miao and Barrett Monchka.

Vanier Scholars from Rady Faculty 

Three of the four UM PhD students awarded Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships in 2025 – each worth $150,000 over three years – hail from the Rady Faculty.  

Md. Abdul Aziz, College of Pharmacy, is studying patterns of antidepressant use in Manitoba, and why some patients discontinue treatment. Read more  

Deanne Nixie Miao, Max Rady College of Medicine, is researching the genetics of permanent hearing loss caused by cisplatin, a common cancer drug. Read more 

Barrett Monchka, College of Community and Global Health, is improving data-linkage techniques to enhance research reliability, efficiency and privacy. Read more 

Nitesh Sanghai

New hope for ALS patients 

Nitesh Sanghai, a PhD candidate in the College of Pharmacy, and his supervisor, Dr. Geoffrey Tranmer, co-invented a promising new drug candidate for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), earning Sanghai the Mitacs Innovation Award. 

The drug, borsantrazole, offers an improved version of edaravone, one of the few treatments currently available in North America to slow ALS progression. 

Still in pre-clinical testing, borsantrazole has shown strong safety and efficacy in lab mice engineered to mimic the disease. Read more 

Dr. Tamara Taillieu will study population data to understand the effects of legalization on vulnerable children and youth in Manitoba.

Funding boost for early-career researchers 

Five assistant professors from the Rady Faculty were among 24 recipients of nearly $1.8 million in New Investigator Operating Grants from Research Manitoba.  

The program supports researchers within four years of their first academic appointment, providing up to two years of funding to help establish research programs, build collaborations and generate results for future national-level grants. Read more 

Chantal Daniels, director of Ongomiizwin – Education, opened the ceremony with a powerful message. 

“This land has always been with our people,” Daniels said. “This land has always been a place of gathering, of ceremony and care. It holds memory and it holds our truth. But that sacred relationship was finally disrupted by the residential school system. 

“Yet the land never forgot us, and we have never forgotten the land as Indigenous people. Here at Ongomiizwin, we are reclaiming that bond through ceremony, through teachings and through the fire burning as we speak now in our Medicine Garden.” 

Elder Margaret Lavallee, Elder-in-residence at Ongomiizwin, addressed the crowd and said a prayer. 

“We think about the children that have lost their lives for nothing,” she said. 

George Muswaggon, Knowledge Keeper at Ongomiizwin, shared teachings and spoke about the significance of the ceremony. 

“What we’re doing is acknowledging the richness of our past, the strength of our present and the hope of our future,” Muswaggon said.  

A ceremony song was performed by Dr. Lisa Monkman, Indigenous physician advisor with Ongomiizwin. 

Elder Charlotte Nolin places tobacco into the fire at the Medicine Garden.

Smudge was passed around. Elder Charlotte Nolin, Elder-in-residence at Ongomiizwin, shared teachings about sage, which was used in the smudge, and other Indigenous medicines. 

“The medicines teach us about this — how to love one another, how to be gentle with one another,” Nolin said. “We’re speaking of everyone — not just Indigenous people — everyone, because we are all related.” 

Dr. Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences) and dean of Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, spoke during the ceremony about the significance of NDTR. 

“The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important time for Rady Faculty educators and learners to reflect on the steps we can take to decolonize health care, improve access to equitable care, and provide culturally safe care in partnership with our Indigenous communities,” Nickerson said. 

Melanie MacKinnon, executive director of Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, talked about Ongomiizwin’s growing reputation. 

“I think we’re called gems of the university,” MacKinnon said. “And part of that is the work that our physicians, our nurses, our physiotherapists, our occupational therapists do, and a number of other disciplines on our behalf in community — every day, all day, throughout the year.” 

In closing, Daniels said: “As health-care professionals, current and future, I want to remind you that you hold the power to shape the future of the care in Manitoba. You are not only healers and educators and advocates — you are the change makers, and Reconciliation must be a part of that.” 

Attendees walked to the Medicine Garden, placing tobacco in the fire as a symbol of commitment. A spirit dish of bannock and tea was shared at the Brodie Atrium.  

Orange Shirt Day Walk on Fort Garry campus 

At Fort Garry campus, over 200 people took part in the annual Orange Shirt Day walk, hosted by the Nursing Students’ Association, on the morning of Sept. 26. 

A ceremony was held prior to the walk, with an opening prayer by Elder Stan Manoakeesick, a lead researcher from Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), an advocacy group for First Nations in the province.  

Manoakeesick also spoke alongside student researcher Amari Hart about MKO’s Path Forward project, which investigates former residential school sites. He discussed the difficulty in identifying all of the children who went missing in the residential school system. 

“We cannot properly identify them and we cannot properly help in commemorating them and burying them with ceremony according to our traditions. But we honour and commemorate them each day, such as today. We have to remember, in that way, we restore their dignity and we acknowledge their lives,” Manoakeesick said. 

A crowd of people wearing orange shirts gathers inside the Helen Glass Centre for Nursing.

Other speakers included Chief David Monias of Cross Lake First Nation and College of Nursing dean Dr. Kellie Thiessen. 

Following the walk, NSA senior stick Mariam Yusef renewed the nursing students’ pledge to practice culturally safe nursing care. 

“Orange Shirt Day is a powerful opportunity to pause and reflect on the painful truths of the past. It is also a time to come together, to heal, to reconcile and recommit ourselves to building a future rooted in respect, dignity and justice,” she said. 

Yusef reminded the nursing students in attendance not to overlook the lasting impact of residential schools on Indigenous families and communities. “Our responsibility is to walk alongside them with respect and compassion, providing client-centred care that acknowledges trauma, affirms cultural identity and fosters resilience.” 

The event was hosted by NSA Indigenous representative Kayleigh Pagee, who reminded those gathered to continue to think about Orange Shirt Day year-round.   

“To everyone here today, may we carry this work beyond this gathering, into our departments, our conversations, our budgets and our everyday decisions,” she said. “Let us move together from words to relationship, from acknowledgement to action, from remembrance to repair.” 

The morning concluded with a cultural dance performance by UM kinesiology student Jordan Flett, from Norway House Cree Nation.

***

Watch highlights on Instagram: instagram.com/reel/DPMlZULgVQJ/

Dr. Anderson shares her inspiring journey in medicine and advocacy, her reflections on identity and wellness, and her bold vision for eliminating systemic racism in health care. From reclaiming language and culture to creating culturally-safe care and preparing the next generation of Indigenous health leaders, this conversation is both urgent and uplifting—especially as we mark National Indigenous Peoples Day and the first day of summer.

To listen to the entire conversation, please follow the link to Southern Chief’s Organization Inc.

He danced before an audience gathered on June 20 in the Brodie Centre atrium to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. The event was hosted by Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing in the Rady Faculty.

Cleveland, whose traditional name is White Cloud, shared the stage with the Sons of the Drum group and dancers who performed different styles of dance, including Jingle Dress and the Woodland Strap Dress, also known as the Grandmother Dress. Cleveland said these dance styles are ancient.

“A lot of these dances are so old that there’s no date that we can recall exactly when they started, but we can tell the story of how they started,” he said.

Cleveland explained that the Prairie Chicken Dance came to a young man in a dream after he shot a sage grouse to feed his family.

“The bird told him, ‘In exchange for my life, I’m going to show you this dance and I’m going to show you the songs that go with this dance, and when you wake up, you’re going to bring it back to your people. You’re going to show them what I’ve shown you,’” Cleveland said.

The event was emceed by Debra Beach Ducharme, whose spirit name is Earth Woman, and who is the director of Indigenous health integration at Ongomiizwin – Education. She told the audience that Indigenous people come from deep roots.

“Roots that connect us to the land, to our languages and to the songs of our ancestors. From these roots we rise. Our resilience is powerful,” she said.

George Muswaggon, Knowledge Keeper with Ongomiizwin, addressed the audience and said that the Indigenous culture shared that day is just a glimpse into it.

“There’s much more to it than just that. There’s much preparation that happens. Take a look at the regalia. If you can only imagine the amount of hours it takes to prepare those. Think about that for a second,” Muswaggon said.

George Muswaggon speaks in Mashkiki Gittgaan – Medicine Garden.

The morning began with the lighting of a Sacred Fire and a Pipe Ceremony in Mashkiki Gittgaan – Medicine Garden. The space was filled with members of the Rady Faculty community.

“Taking time for ceremonies is a powerful way to ground ourselves as Indigenous people and it also teaches people about the validity of our way of life,” Beach Ducharme said.

Following the event in Brodie Centre, the audience enjoyed a feast catered by Shelly’s Indigenous Bistro. Vendors were also set up to sell their hand-made products.

Health education enters the RadyVerse

In March, dozens of students and faculty members were transported from the Brodie Centre to health-care environments via virtual reality (VR) headsets.

The event was the launch of RadyVerse, a new initiative that is expanding the use of VR, artificial intelligence and machine-learning options across the Rady Faculty.

The College of Nursing has been using VR since 2022, and other Rady colleges are exploring its potential as an educational tool for practising skills in health-care scenarios. Read more >

Dr. Gerald and Reesa Niznick

Philanthropists make momentous gift 

Dentistry alum Dr. Gerald Niznick and his wife Reesa made a landmark donation to UM, contributing $5 million to leading-edge dental clinics to be located in a new building on the Bannatyne campus.

In September, in recognition of this extraordinary gift, it was announced that the five-storey building will be called the Dr. Gerald and Reesa Niznick Centre.

Dental clinics will occupy two floors of the new centre, slated to open in 2027. Read more >

Elder Margaret Lavallee

Partners launch training for anti-racist health care

A training program designed to ensure that health-care workers provide culturally safe care to Indigenous patients was launched in November by Ongomiizwin, the Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, in partnership with Manitoba’s health system organizations.

The program’s name in English is We Will Take Good Care of the People.

The training will be offered to Manitoba health-care workers, as well as to faculty members and learners in the Rady Faculty. It consists of 10 online modules, followed by an in-person workshop. Read more >

Dr. Ryan Zarychanski

Researchers secure major funding for clinical trial

An international, UM-led clinical trial to assess the effects of a steroid drug on pneumonia patients in hospitals was awarded $6.9 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, it was announced in August.

The three-year research project, “Dexamethasone for preventing deterioration in community-acquired pneumonia,” is co-led by Dr. Ryan Zarychanski, scientific director of the George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation and professor of internal medicine, and Dr. Sylvain Lother, assistant professor of internal medicine, in the Max Rady College of Medicine.

It’s the largest international clinical trial ever led by UM. Read more >

Fish facility makes a splash

Zebrafish at the new fish facility on the Bannatyne campus.

At the opening in November of a $2.5-million facility on the Bannatyne campus, scientists showed off lab animals with surprising potential for biomedical research: tropical fish.

The new Rady Biomedical Fish Facility is outfitted with cutting-edge equipment for studying two freshwater species: zebrafish and Mexican tetra fish.

These animals have the ability to regenerate body parts when they’re injured. If scientists can discover how they heal themselves, it could hold keys to regenerative medicine for humans. Read more >

Dr. Jason Kindrachuk

Medical college plans super-secure lab

A world-class laboratory to be constructed on the Bannatyne campus will meet high standards for biosafety, it was announced in May.

The Containment Level 3 facility in the Max Rady College of Medicine will allow researchers to work with potentially deadly pathogens – such as SARS-CoV-2, avian influenza (H5N1), mpox or new disease-causing organisms – in a highly secure space.

The lab, expected to open in 2028, will have biocontainment features such as double doors and sealed floors. Dr. Jason Kindrachuk, Canada Research Chair in molecular pathogenesis of emerging viruses and associate professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases, will lead the facility. Read more >

Kids’ dental outreach program enters new era

Over the past 25 years, thousands of inner-city children have received dental care through a partnership between the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and the Winnipeg School Division.

When the dental college celebrated the 25-year milestone in April, it was announced that the Dr. Alfred E. Deacon Medical Research Foundation and the Cholakis Dental Group will sponsor the children’s dental outreach program going forward.

With this support, it will now be known as the Cholakis Dental Group: Kids Dental Outreach Program. Read more >

Laura Warkentin, Brooke-Lyn Wahoski and Emily Howarth, UM’s first midwifery graduates.

First UM midwifery cohort graduates

The first three grads to complete the bachelor of midwifery program at the College of Nursing received their degrees in June and officially entered the profession.

The midwifery program was launched in 2021. Ten students are expected to graduate in 2025.

The program reduces the need for Manitobans to leave the province to study midwifery and will contribute to the growth of the profession in Manitoba, program leaders said. Read more >

College of Pharmacy introduces micro-certificate

Practising pharmacists can earn a new micro-certificate in advanced patient care through the College of Pharmacy.

The 36-hour Essentials in Advanced Patient Care for Pharmacists micro-certificate program, launched in May, is delivered online. It focuses on developing practical skills to address increasingly complex patient needs in diverse practice settings.

Licensed pharmacists can include this continuing education opportunity as part of their accredited learning under requirements by the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba. Read more >

Dr. Ruth Barclay

College of Rehab Sciences announces research chair

Dr. Ruth Barclay, professor of physical therapy, has been named the inaugural Research Chair in Telerehabilitation at Winnipeg’s Riverview Health Centre.

Telerehabilitation refers to the delivery of rehab services from a distance, using technologies such as videoconferencing or telepresence robots.

The College of Rehabilitation Sciences and Riverview Health Centre announced the jointly funded chair in September. Barclay, appointed for a five-year term, will lead a research program with a strong emphasis on new technologies. Read more >

Health-care workers will be able to register for Giga Mino Ganawenimaag Anishinaabeg — an Ojibwa phrase that translates to “We will take good care of the people” — as of Monday.

Ongomiizwin-Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, based out of the University of Manitoba, announced the imminent rollout of its 10-module training program on Tuesday.

To read the entire story, please follow the link here with the Winnipeg Free Press. 

Dr. Chelsea Gabel, a Red River Métis woman, was appointed last month to lead the institute. It’s one of 13 that make up the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the federal funding agency for health research.

“I’m an arts-based, community-engaged scholar,” Gabel said. “I’m not your typical CIHR health researcher.”

Gabel is on a national listening tour to hear about the priorities of Indigenous health researchers. She was a keynote speaker at the 12th annual Indigenous Health Research Symposium at UM, held Nov. 13 and 14 on the Bannatyne campus.

The gathering was hosted by Ongomiizwin – Research, part of the Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. The overall theme was “Changing the Narrative.”

Gabel holds a Canada Research Chair at McMaster University in Indigenous well-being, community engagement and innovation. She highlighted that the CIHR will soon launch a national funding program to support Indigenous health researchers as they transition into faculty positions.

Across the country, she said, Indigenous research is increasingly being conducted through an Indigenous lens, fully involving communities, using data-collection methods such as storytelling, and ensuring that communities have sovereignty over their research data.        

“Unlike previous generations … we can carry out research that is developed with, by, and for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples,” Gabel said.

Dr. Linda Diffey, director of Ongomiizwin – Research, also reflected on changing the narrative in research.

“By prioritizing methodologies arising from Indigenous knowledges and supporting data sovereignty, we can amplify Indigenous voices and ensure that research aligns with community-driven priorities,” Diffey said.

Dr. Vanessa Van Bewer

Dr. Vanessa Van Bewer, a Red River Métis assistant professor at the College of Nursing, gave a keynote presentation about a research project she recently led. The project focused on identifying disparities experienced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) nursing students at UM, and on challenging colonial narratives in nursing education.

Taking a decolonizing approach, the study involved BIPOC nursing students as collaborative research assistants and data analysts. Qualitative data was gathered through sharing circles.

One finding, Van Bewer said, was that the attention now being focused on Indigenous identities and curriculum content in nursing education can make Indigenous students feel singled out.

“Indigenous students experience hyper-visibility, where Indigenous topics are highlighted but not deeply engaged with, which can feel superficial and inauthentic…. This often places students in uncomfortable roles, feeling pressure to represent their culture, which adds stress and creates a sense of tokenism.”

Special supports that are intended to help Indigenous students succeed in nursing school can have an isolating and pathologizing effect, the study found.

Because Indigenous students are the only racial or ethnic group that is asked to self-identify when they apply to the University of Manitoba, they are the group that’s seen as having deficits, Van Bewer said.

“Are there problems amongst other groups of students? Well, we certainly wouldn’t know it. We don’t collect the data on that.”

The professor urged UM to expand its data collection to include all racial and ethnic groups, thoroughly analyze the data, and consider whether the targeted supports offered to Indigenous students should be broadened into more inclusive supports. 

Dr. Marti Ford

The final keynote speaker at the symposium, Dr. Marti Ford, is associate dean, Indigenous education in the UM Faculty of Education. She is of mixed Inuit and settler heritage.

Ford spoke about collaborating with Brandon University researchers to deliver and evaluate a land-based cultural program for Indigenous men.

The men took part in ceremonies and acquired traditional knowledge through activities such as moose hunting, drum making and sweat lodge building. They used the participatory “photovoice” method to document these experiences.

The study found that the program fostered close relationships and a sense of purpose among the men, awakened their Indigenous pride and had strong healing effects on their mental health.       

“There’s a growing body of research on the importance of cultural connection, teaching and ceremony, particularly in relation to Indigenous health and well-being,” Ford said.

On the Bannatyne campus, faculty, staff and students wearing orange T-shirts attended the event held in the Brodie Centre atrium. The gathering was presented by Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing.  

Elder Margaret Lavallee, Elder-in-residence at Ongomiizwin, gave the opening prayer and Debra Beach Ducharme, director of Indigenous health integration with Ongomiizwin – Education, hosted the event. 

Dr. Peter Nickerson speaks to the audience gathered in Brodie Centre atrium.

Dr. Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences) and dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, gave remarks and spoke to the audience about the recently completed mural in the atrium by Anishinaabe artist Blake Angeconeb. He asked that people reflect on the symbolism of the art which reminds them that they are on Indigenous land and Treaty 1 Territory.  

“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an important time for Rady Faculty of Health Sciences faculty members, learners and trainees to reflect on your role in truth and reconciliation and the steps you can take to decolonize health care, improve access to equitable care and provide culturally safe care in partnership with Indigenous communities,” Nickerson said.  

Dr. Marcia Anderson, vice-dean Indigenous health, social justice and anti-racism, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, gave remarks and thanked Elder Lavallee for the important work she does at the Rady Faculty. Anderson said she always thinks about what it must be like for Elder Lavallee on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation because she is a residential school survivor and day school survivor.  

A panel discussion took place that included [from left to right] Dr. Vanessa Poliquin, Dr. Lisa Monkman and Dr. Marcia Anderson.

“Some of us have heard some of the stories of what you experienced there, and you still keep showing up for us with love, with generosity, with humour, with kindness and with teachings … We just really value and appreciate you so much,” Anderson said.   

A panel discussion took place that included Anderson; Dr. Lisa Monkman, Indigenous health curriculum co-lead for post graduate medical education, Max Rady College of Medicine; and Dr. Vanessa Poliquin, associate professor and department head of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine.  

The panelists discussed the apologies by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba and the Canadian Medical Association for harms to Indigenous Peoples, and they spoke about institutional resistance and reconciliation.   

The event concluded with an honour song by Monkman, followed by bannock and refreshments.  

Orange Shirt Day Walk on Fort Garry campus 

At Fort Garry campus, hundreds participated in the Nursing Students’ Association’s (NSA) 10th annual Orange Shirt Day Walk, which started and ended at the Helen Glass Centre for Nursing.  

In the past, the walk concluded at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on Dysart Road, but growing attendance led to the change. 

The Orange Shirt Day Walk started and ended at the Helen Glass Centre for Nursing.

Prior to the walk, Karen Cochrane, grandmother-in-residence for the Migizii Agamik Bald Eagle Lodge at UM, opened the ceremony by sharing the story of Phyllis Webstad, the residential school survivor who inspired Orange Shirt Day. As a child, Webstad had her brand-new orange shirt taken away from her upon arriving at a residential school in Williams Lake, B.C. 

“Phyllis’ mom wanted the best for her, so she bought her a pretty orange shirt. If your mom or your dad bought you something, you knew that was love, you knew you were valued … Phyllis never saw that orange shirt again.” 

Other speakers included Dr. Michael Benarroch, UM president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Netha Dyck, dean of the College of Nursing, Jennifer Chen, MLA Fort Richmond, NSA indigenous student representative Kayleigh Pagee and Grand Chief Garrison Settee.  

Settee honoured the nursing students in attendance for organizing and taking part in the walk. 

UM student Jordan Flett dances a jig in front of the Helen Glass Centre for Nursing.

“Your pursuit of nursing is not just a career, it is a calling. It is a very special calling that not too many pursue. I honour all of you, because you are a gift to our people and a gift to this province,” Settee said. 

After the walk, NSA senior stick Judah Chepil renewed the nursing students’ pledge to practice culturally safe nursing care. He said the event gave nursing students the opportunity to influence their peers and future colleagues. 

“Our health-care system, historically, has not always served Indigenous communities well, contributing to mistrust. Nurses can be key players in rebuilding this trust,” Chepil said. “Participating in reconciliation efforts helps nursing students understand the mistrust many Indigenous people feel toward institutions, including health care, and how they can become allies in healing this divide.” 

The event concluded with a cultural dance performance by Jordan Flett, a 19-year-old UM student who has performed with the Northern Cree Dancers.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Buhler Atrium, Bannatyne Campus
727 McDermot Avenue

Students and residents are invited to meet the dedicated team of physicians, physician assistants, and staff at Ongomiizwin- Health Services (OHS), and learn how they can be part of its diverse and essential services.

“This event is an invaluable opportunity for students and residents to explore the impactful work we do at Ongomiizwin – Health Services,” said recruitment specialist Acey Spence. “Whether you’re a medical student, nursing student, physician assistant, or a resident interested in rural and remote family medicine, this event is tailored to showcase the rewarding career paths available within OHS.”

OHS prides itself on delivering a diverse range of essential health services to underserved communities, including family practice, medical specialties, nurse specialists, renal health, medical social work and rehabilitation therapy.

In addition to networking with the OHS team, attendees will have the chance to enjoy refreshments, ask questions and engage in discussions about the unique health-care challenges and opportunities in Northern and rural communities.

For more information about Ongomiizwin –  Health Services and its commitment to equity in health care, visit umanitoba.ca/ongomiizwin/health-services.

Please RSVP by July 18 to Acey Spence at adrianne.spence@umanitoba.ca or by phone at 204-914-8392.

The round dance participants included Rady Faculty of Health Sciences faculty, staff and learners and was part of a celebration organized by Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing.

The day’s events began with the lighting of a Sacred Fire in Mashkiki Gitigann – Medicine Garden and was followed by a pipe ceremony. Approximately 50 people gathered in the Medicine Garden to learn about the ceremony led by Ongomiizwin Elders.

Elder Margaret Lavallee speaks to the audience gathered in Mashkiki Gitigann – Medicine Garden.

Elder Margaret Lavallee said they wanted to bring the Rady Faculty community together to help understand each other’s cultures.

“It’s exciting. I really appreciate the people that are interested in this sacred ground right here,” Lavallee said. “I think it’s important we have that so that we can share our teachings as time goes on.”

Later that morning, Debra Beach Ducharme, director of Indigenous health integration at Ongomiizwin – Education, opened the portion of the celebration that took place in Brodie Centre atrium.

“This day is special, and it is important to honour and recognize First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and their contributions to learning, research, programming and everything that goes on at the University of Manitoba and all over Turtle Island,” Beach Ducharme said.

Melanie MacKinnon, executive director of Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, introduced George Muswaggon, Ongomiizwin’s new and first full-time Knowledge Keeper.

“I’m really, really grateful for you – that you trust us to honour us with your work, with your expertise, with your gifts,” MacKinnon said.

The round dance participants included Rady Faculty of Health Sciences faculty, staff and learners.

Muswaggon told the audience that when someone takes part in a ceremony or when they do the round dance there are no absolutes.

“I got asked this question the other day, ‘What if you do this wrong?’” Muswaggon said. “Well, the only time it’s wrong is if you do it purposefully – not the way you’re supposed to – otherwise, when you participate, there is no wrong way to participate. You enrich that experience, and you enrich your experience.”

Elder Charlotte Nolin introduced a recording of the Métis National Anthem. Following the anthem, she told the audience to enjoy the day and each other’s company.

“Enjoy the love that is here and know that you are one race – the human race,” Nolin said.

Before the round dance began, Darryl Buck, a drummer and singer, spoke about the round dance and said that it brings Indigenous people together in a good way.

“This is a time where we can come and make new friends, and strengthen the relationships that we already have,” Buck said.

As part of the celebration, an honouring ceremony took place and Nolin was presented with a wall hanging.

Following the round dance, participants enjoyed a feast catered by Shelly’s Indigenous Bistro. Vendors were also set up to sell their hand-made products.