This was the seventh consecutive year that the program was held at the U of M, while this year’s participation number of 46 tied the record set in 2017. Feedback from the students has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Hearing that students participating in the Kirkness program go from unsure that post-secondary education is for them to excited to apply to the U of M and study here one day demonstrates the importance of creating pathways for Indigenous students,” says Dr. Lynn Lavallée, Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement.

“Through providing opportunities for Indigenous students to stay in residence, connect with faculty members, get hands-on experience in labs and in the field, and learn about supports that are specifically for Indigenous students, they can see first-hand how this is a welcoming community for them.”

Below are just a few of the fun sessions the students took part in with various faculty leads and student mentors.

On Tuesday morning, students with an interest in kinesiology were taken to the U of M’s perceptual motor integration lab, in order to learn more about muscular movement and responses.

Later that afternoon, another pack of students ventured to The Forks to measure oxygen and temperature levels in Winnipeg’s Assiniboine and Red Rivers. Once the water samples were attained, they were taken back to the lab in order to see how much bacteria was in each.

Wednesday morning, students with an interest in engineering learned how to make a kit rocket. Included in the lesson were variations that could be made when building bigger or smaller rockets. The following day, the students launched their rockets in a safe location on campus, utilizing a specialized launch pad.

Here is a look at some of the things they did during the week.

 

Our group for the Medical Microbiology department. it’s been a really cool experience so far #umindigenous

A post shared by Maddison (@maddieaurora_) on May 30, 2018 at 5:30am PDT

 

End of day 1 #umindigenous

A post shared by Ruby Thom (@regretsofaghost) on May 28, 2018 at 5:45pm PDT

 

Labs are cool #umindigenous

A post shared by @ shanae_clarke17 on May 30, 2018 at 7:47pm PDT

 

Different types of soils. SOILS ALIVE!!!!!!!!! #umindigenous

A post shared by Elexsis Ackland (@elexsiscatherineackland) on May 30, 2018 at 9:50pm PDT

 

Today, we finally got to play with radiation, by measuring how much radiation gets through stuff such as lead and aluminum! (Day the second) #umindigenous

A post shared by Tyson (@legomaster09) on May 29, 2018 at 2:54pm PDT

 

had a great week here, met some cool people and some rude people (@/mygroup) that i’ll actually kinda miss hanging out with #vernajkirkness #umindigenous #umanitoba

A post shared by @ taylorcatcheway on Jun 1, 2018 at 6:58am PDT