This is the first year Riel, a Red River Métis leader, will be recognized as the honourary first premier of the Province of Manitoba.

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I am pleased to announce the appointment of Angie Bruce [MBA/09] as the new Vice-President (Indigenous) of the University of Manitoba.

Ms. Bruce assumes her position on February 1, 2024. We welcome her to the UM community and look forward to supporting her as she continues to advance the priorities of the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous).

An impactful and collaborative leader, Ms. Bruce brings experience and success working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people and Nations, communities, local, regional and federal governments and organizations, and across the non-Indigenous public, private and non-profit sectors. Ms. Bruce joins UM after serving as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Canada’s Nòkwewashk – the first Government of Canada departmental team to be gifted its name by Indigenous Elders. In her capacity, Ms. Bruce grew the Indigenous Natural Resource Program to $100 million and supported the first natural resources international missions that highlighted Indigenous-led partnerships and business around the world. Ms. Bruce also led the development of an Indigenous Research Ethics policy for the department, changing the way scientists engage and partner with Indigenous Nations across Canada.

Prior to her role at Natural Resources Canada, Ms. Bruce was Deputy Minister in Manitoba’s Indigenous and Northern Relations and Municipal Relations departments. During that time, she led the highest number of Treaty Land Entitlement land transfers in Manitoba’s history. She has also held senior positions with the Legacy of Hope Foundation and the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, organizations that worked to support the funding of healing programs in communities for Residential School Survivors and intergenerational Survivors.

Ms. Bruce brings significant experience in Indigenous research as a leader on projects for the Government of Canada, Government of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the Manitoba Métis Federation, with a focus on Indigenous-led processes and program delivery.

Ms. Bruce is a proud Red River Métis woman tied to her home community of St. Laurent, Manitoba. Ms. Bruce grew up in the Métis culture and credits the strong maternal figures in her family for instilling a connection to the land, community, culture and spirit.

Ms. Bruce is a UM alum and holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Asper School of Business. She is currently a PhD Candidate at Nipissing University.

I would also like to recognize Dr. Catherine Cook for her visionary leadership. As the first-ever Vice-President (Indigenous), Dr. Cook was a collaborative, patient, yet assertive, leader and a strong mentor for Indigenous women working to change colonial structures. During her term, she oversaw the Indigenous Senior Leadership projects, six initiatives created to advance Indigenous engagement, success and governance at UM and to build a culturally safe environment for Indigenous students, staff, faculty and guests. Her work to address post-secondary organizational and structural gaps and barriers to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, will impact both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people for generations.

Please join me in thanking Dr. Cook and in congratulating Ms. Bruce on this new role where she will continue the legacy of exemplary leadership for the Vice-President (Indigenous) portfolio.

Michael Benarroch, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

As the Indigenous Legal Studies Coordinator office at Robson Hall, we join hands and arms in celebrating the rich and vibrant cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. This special day provides an opportunity to honor the resilience, wisdom, and enduring spirit of Indigenous Nations across Turtle Island.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) for their tireless efforts in preserving the truth and history of residential schools. It is through their commitment and dedication that we continue to acknowledge the painful legacy of colonization and work towards truth and reconciliation, healing, and justice.

We also express our appreciation to the Vice-President Indigenous Office for their steadfast leadership in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for Indigenous students, staff, and faculty at our institution. Your guidance plays a vital role in creating spaces where Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and voices are respected and uplifted.

Today, let us reflect on the ongoing journey of truth and reconciliation, and commit ourselves to building meaningful relationships based on respect, understanding, and collaboration. May this day serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold the Treaty rights and obligations of all Canadians.

Wishing you all a day filled with inspiration, learning, and the celebration of Indigenous cultures.

Chi miigwetch. Nakurmiik. Marsee. Thank you.

– Marc Kruse, Indigenous Legal Studies Coordinator

On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate and honor the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across these lands. It is a day of reflection, recognizing an enduring presence and profound connection to the land.

This occasion reminds us of the injustices faced by Indigenous communities and the importance of genuine reconciliation. Let us work together to dismantle systemic barriers, ensuring equal and equitable access to justice, education, healthcare, and opportunity for all.

National Indigenous Peoples Day calls us to celebrate many remarkable accomplishments, amplify Indigenous voices, and foster a future where Indigenous cultures, and aspirations are cherished, protected, and celebrated. It is a collective responsibility to create an inclusive and equitable society that upholds the shared principles of justice, respect, connectedness and unity.

– Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law