New collaboration will transform Indigenous education now and into the future

UM’s new partnership with the Mastercard Foundation “will allow us to continue important work and involve Indigenous youth in the re-imagining of programming that reflects who they are and their identities, which hasn’t yet been done on a large scale in Manitoba. We are thrilled to move forward with these initiatives, which will create new ways for Indigenous students to access post-secondary education and find their career paths,” said Dr. Catherine Cook, vice-president (Indigenous).

UM global public health research partnership contributes to saving mothers and newborns in India

This year, with a new transformational investment of $87 million USD over five years from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UM researchers were able to get to work on building partnerships to improve maternal and newborn health.

REMEMBERING VISIONARY ARCTIC RESEARCHER, DR. DAVID BARBER

In April, Dr. David G. Barber, one of the country’s most influential and accomplished Arctic researchers, died following complications from cardiac arrest. A Distinguished Professor at UM, Founding Director of the Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), and Associate Dean Research of the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, and Canada Research Chair in Arctic System Science and Climate Change, it was through his vision, leadership and endless efforts that UM established itself as a global leader in Arctic research.

UM was also saddened by the passing of other influential members of the community, including Dr. Karen Favell and Dr. Fred Shore.

Students rank UM among top Canadian universities in Maclean’s survey

In 2022, Maclean’s magazine released the results of their annual Student Satisfaction Survey of Canadian universities. UM increased its rankings among leading Canadian universities in many key areas, including ranking second among the 15 doctoral universities for quality of mental health services, third on the issue of sexual assault prevention, and third on promoting Indigenous visibility.

B. Mario Pinto appointed UM’s new Vice-President (Research and International)

In 2022, Dr. B. Mario Pinto was appointed as the University of Manitoba’s new Vice-President (Research and International). Dr. Pinto previously served as Director of the Gold Coast Health & Knowledge Precinct, in Queensland, Australia, and as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Griffith University, Australia. Dr. Pinto assumed his position at UM on October 1, 2022.

Dr. Pinto’s appointment was among other high-profile appointments in 2022 including Tina Chen as the inaugural Executive Lead (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) and Dr. Marcia Anderson as vice-dean Indigenous health, social justice and anti-racism.

Six UM leaders among most powerful women in Canada

Six women in the UM community were named among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2022, by Women’s Executive Network (WXN). WXN celebrated each 2022 winner in person at its 20th annual Top 100 Awards Gala hosted at the Fairmont Royal York Toronto on November 17.

“We are fortunate at UM for the inspiring achievements of these six women,” said Mario Pinto, vice-president (research and international). “These honourees have already made transformational impacts in our province and around the globe. The example set by their leadership is fundamental in transforming the learning environment at UM to prepare a new generation of ethically literate students.”

Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow returns

After a two year pause due to the pandemic, the Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow returned to an in-person event. The annual celebration is one of the largest Pow Wows in the province and a way for UM to connect with the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

“We are thrilled to bring back the Graduation Pow Wow to both the UM and broader communities,” said Carla Loewen, director of the Indigenous Student Centre at UM. “Students have shown incredible resilience through the pandemic, and we look forward to celebrating the graduates and their accomplishments in person.”

Outsmarting a brain tumour

UM researcher Tamra Werbowetski-Ogilvie’s latest discovery could prevent an aggressive form of brain cancer in children. She’s also finding new drug therapies—through the emerging science of cellular fingerprinting—that will dramatically shift survival rates in the coming years. 

Lost campus: a virtual tour of forgotten spaces and places at the University of Manitoba

When UM alumni return to the campus, they often remark on how much has changed since their student days. Over the years, many spaces and places on campus have come and gone. Some are remembered by past generations of students and staff, but many others now lie beyond living memory.

To bring these lost places back to light and introduce them to new generations, Libraries created a virtual tour of some of the UM sites in Google Earth.

Land as teacher

“Land-based education is about learning on, about and from the land,” said Nicki Ferland, community engaged learning coordinator (Indigenous). “It is about seeing the land as our teacher, putting our relationships with the land and each other at the centre of learning, and recognizing that everyone has something to offer.”

Ferland is a Two-Spirit Red River Métis with deep roots in Manitoba’s Lorette and Winnipeg’s St. Vital communities. She has a background in human and Indigenous rights, and just completed her Master of Education in Indigenous land-based education at the University of Saskatchewan.

Ferland leads workshops for UM educators on how to incorporate land-based learning into their courses—each one co-facilitated by Indigenous staff advisors.

Naawi-Oodena “centre of the heart and community” to become Canada’s largest urban reserve

The construction of Canada’s largest urban reserve, Naawi-Oodena, started in 2022. The massive project involving the evolution of the Kapyong Barracks site into an urban reserve with world-class attractions is led by Asper alum Whelan Sutherland [BComm(Hons)/06], CEO, and Tim Daniels, Chief Development Officer for the Treaty One Development Corporation. Both discussed their roles in the development of Naawi-Oodena, important moments in their careers, and why getting youth involved in this project is so important.

Marine science

The Churchill Marine Observatory (CMO) is opening, after years of delays from the shutdown of the rail line to Churchill and COVID-19. While the Environmental Observing (EO) system, which includes the research vessel (R/V) William Kennedy, has been operating since 2018, the Ocean-Sea Ice Mesocosm (OSIM) is getting ready to start its first experiments.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind facility that’s going to be extremely useful to understand the impacts of climate change,” said David Barber, a professor and Canada Research Chair in Arctic-system Science who headed the CMO. “The shipping lanes have never really been open for human use and now they’re opening up. Though we’re not used to thinking of it that way, the Arctic gives Canada access to a third ocean.”

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and SSHRC partner to advance Indigenous-led research

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) announced a partnership to advance understanding of reconciliation. The collaboration will foster research on reconciliation and residential schools, done by and with Indigenous communities. It will leverage the skills and knowledge of both parties—the NCTR’s expertise and ability to safeguard the truths of Survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system; and SSHRC’s role to promote and support research and training in the humanities and social sciences.

Health research projects receive $31M in federal funding

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) on March 31 announced a six-year $31.1 million investment to provide new training and development opportunities for early career researchers and trainees as part of the new a new Health Research Training Platform. Researchers will receive training and development opportunities to build Canada’s research capacity in several areas, including women’s health, dementia, kidney disease, diabetes and the mental health of LGBTQ/2S populations.

UM global public health research partnership contributes to saving mothers and newborns in India

When University of Manitoba researchers began to work in India’s most populous state of Uttar Pradesh in 2014, about 45 out of every 1,000 babies died within the first month of life. Now, with a new transformational investment of $87 million USD over five years from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the partnership between the UM Institute for Global Public Health and the Government of Uttar Pradesh (GoUP) through the Uttar Pradesh Technical Support Unit (UP TSU) can continue to help GoUP drive down maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the region.

This is achieved by working with local governments and other academic and development partners to strengthen health systems, to develop healthcare mentors and policies. All of which will continue to improve Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition (RMCHN).

UM expands support to scholars, students at risk due to war in Ukraine

The invasion of Ukraine continues to endanger the lives, pursuit of education, and academic freedoms of students and researchers, and the University of Manitoba is expanding supports available to those affected. This includes a commitment of up to $1.755 million to support Ukrainian undergraduate and graduate student and researchers to come to UM to continue their studies and work that has been disrupted by this war. Going forward, new protocols have been established to guide the UM response to future geopolitical conflicts as they arise elsewhere in the world.

Elite researchers recognized with Rh Awards

Eight UM faculty members received Rh Awards, recognizing excellence in research, scholarly work and creative activities. Peter Nickerson, vice dean (research), the Flynn Family Chair in Renal Transplantation, and distinguished professor at the Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, was the recipient of the 2021 Dr. John M. Bowman Memorial Winnipeg Rh Institute Foundation Award.

Seven Canada Research Chairs announced at UM in 2022

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, announced an investment of more than $102 million, in support of new and renewed Canada Research Chairs in 2022. The seven UM Canada Research Chairs are Lori Wilkinson Tier 1, Marcelo Urquia, Tier 2 (renewal), Robert Lorway, Tier 2 (renewal), Jason Kindrachuk Tier 2 (renewal), Kristina Brown, Tier 2, Heather Armstrong, Tier 2, and Zahra Moussavi Tier 1.

Commemorating the lifesaving legacies of Dr. John M. Bowman and Dr. Francis Plummer

Dr. John Maxwell Bowman and Dr. Francis (Frank) Plummer were immortalized with new busts unveiled at Innovation Plaza. Dr. Bowman was a UM alumnus and an internationally recognized expert in the treatment and prevention of Rh disease in newborns. His lifelong devotion provided a cure to the once fatal in 4 of every 1000 births in the 1940s. In the 1980s Dr. Plummer’s infectious disease research changed the way the world understood HIV/AIDS and laid a path toward prevention and treatment.

New name, new mission for Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research

The Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals at the University of Manitoba has changed its name – it is now officially the Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research (RCFTR). The new name was selected to reflect the RCFTR’s focus on collaborating with the agri-food industry to advance food quality and human nutrition through food research and pre-commercial product development.

The Conversation Canada: New ‘hydrogen alliance’ offers Canada an opportunity to export ammonia to Europe

A new energy deal between Canada and Germany could revitalize the Port of Churchill in Manitoba by increasing ammonia export traffic. The Hydrogen Alliance proposes a “transatlantic Canada-Germany supply corridor” to start exporting hydrogen by 2025. This target could be reached sooner with the export of hydrogen from Western Canada.

Celebrated research advocate invested in Order of Canada

Dr. Digvir Jayas, who completed his most recent term as vice-president (research and international) was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada on October 20, 2022. At a ceremony in Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Governor General Mary Simon presented Dr. Jayas with his medal, one of Canada’s highest honours.

Meet Dr. B. Mario Pinto, the new Vice-President (Research and International)

Dr. Mario Pinto joined University of Manitoba as the new vice-president (research and international) on October 1 with a goal to advance UM’s research impact to the global scale. Pinto hosted an event on December 1 to engage students, faculty, staff, and researchers at the UMSU University Centre Multi-Purpose Room.

The Conversation Canada: Indigenous spiritual teaching in schools can foster reconciliation and inclusion

We are living in an era of reconciliation where Indigenous populations are growing and interest in confronting our shared histories continues to develop. Part of that involves focusing on how primary and secondary schools are addressing the Indigenous experience in Canada. Spirituality is a vital part of Indigenous identities. Incorporating spiritual education can create space in schools where Indigenous students can learn and grow

Researchers pinpoint location of extremely energetic particles in a ‘Space Manatee’

UM researchers and grad students turned their eyes to the sky and discovered the exact location where energetic x-rays being shot out into space from inside a region in space shaped like a giant aquatic mammal called a “Manatee.”

The astronomical object known as SS 433 has long been known to house a black hole that is causing blasts of energy to spew out across the Milky Way through jets of highly energetic particles.

Secret Garden

Tallgrass prairies not only mitigate global warming, they’re home to biodiversity that took millennia to develop. Now they’re among the most endangered ecosystems in the world.

Alumni trying to preserve the last grasslands show us what we stand to lose.

Culprit behind mass extinction identified, motive remains unknown

In 2022, Ricardo L. Silva, a UM assistant professor in Paleoenvironmental Sedimentology, explained what may have set off volcanic eruptions around 183 million years ago.

The major volcanic eruptions occur every 20 million years altering ecosystems and causing mass extinctions.

Celebrating 145 years!

Did you know UM turned 145 in 2022?

From being home to one of the world’s largest insect collections to having rock band Kiss perform on campus, we’ve listed some of the lesser-known facts about campus.

UM study finds living near trails reduces risk for heart disease

Thanks to Dr. Jon McGavock, professor of pediatrics and child health in Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, a UM-led study found that living close to a walking, running or cycling trail leads to a significant reduction in the risk factors for heart disease.

The trails used in the study ranged from four to seven kilometers long and are located largely in suburban areas of Winnipeg.

Squirrel sperm and feet tell a different climate change story

Two UM studies found that climate change is altering ground squirrels’ sperm and feet, and this warns of big consequences potentially coming to endangered ecosystems.

These subtle squirrel changes concern UM researchers Jane Waterman and Miya Warrington, who tuned into them only recently and published their latest findings in the latest Journal of Mammalogy.

Displaced

Mass migration due to war, and—in the coming decades, scientists predict—climate change, means scores of refugees searching for home and higher education. Meet three UM students finding their way.

UM welcomes 110 new medical students at White Coat Ceremony

This year’s class of 61 women, 45 men, and four identifying as non-binary, includes 17 students of self-declared Indigenous ancestry. The diversity reflects the Max Rady College of Medicine’s inclusive admissions policy.

Rehab science students develop COVID coping guide

Three occupational therapy students launched a toolkit for coping during the pandemic aimed at seniors and adults with limited resources.

UM’s Schulich Leaders eager to learn and achieve their dreams

Two remarkable incoming students in science and engineering were awarded the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarships valued at $80,000 and $100,000.

PhD student named Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship finalist

Joshua Okyere’s peace and conflict studies doctoral thesis focuses on institutionalized cultural and social practices that normalize violence against children in Ghana. 

Online celebration honours First Nations, Métis and Inuit graduates

Virtual event celebrates 510 self-declared Indigenous graduates, the largest cohort ever.

Master’s student named McCall MacBain Scholarship finalist

Caitlin Thomas [MA/21] integrated her academic passions, volunteerism, professional background and belief systems to enhance her learning at UM.

Meet the 2021 Emerging Leaders

Sixty-four students were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the social, cultural or economic well-being of communities on and off campus.

Award winners celebrated at Fall Convocation 2021

Science student Flyn Gallardo took home the Governor General’s Silver Medal and Haley Nakonechny, College of Rehabilitation Sciences student earned the University Gold Medal.

Indigenous students honoured at virtual Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards

Five UM students were recognized for community volunteerism, cultural contributions, or leadership in the area of health.

Schulich Leader alum using AI to transform how diabetes is managed

Ella Thomson [BSc(EE)/17] is developing an implantable, artificial pancreas to help control insulin release.

UM to Tokyo

UM was well represented with many members of our community taking part as athletes, coaches and officials in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Among them, Bisons alumna Desiree Scott captured Olympic gold in Tokyo, the first of her international career.

Bison Sports announce 194 student-athletes with U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status for 2020-21

At the completion of the 2020-21 season, 194 of the 360 University of Manitoba student-athletes qualified for U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status. This breaks an institutional record, the fifth straight season a new mark has been set.

Veloso, Warkentin, Rempel and Relf named to Team Canada delegation for 2021 FISU Winter Universiade

Bisons had several student-athletes and coaches that represented Canada in men’s and women’s hockey at the 30^th FISU Winter Universiade in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Bisons add five medals on final day of Canada West Swimming Championships

Bisons men’s and women’s swimming teams received 5 medals at the Canada West Swimming Championships in the final day— bringing their total to 12 for the weekend.

Bisons continue community focus during pause to support United Way

COVID-19 may have forced the cancellation of a full competitive season for the Bisons, but it has not been able to dampen student-athletes’ drive to support their community.

Bisons student-athletes awarded Leadership and Community Development Award

Bison Sports recognized two outstanding student-athletes by awarding the Bisons Leadership and Community Development Award to:  Brielle Dacquay-Neveux (women’s hockey) and James Wagner (men’s basketball).

Legendary Bisons volleyball coach earns U SPORTS award

As one of the most successful and respected coaches in Canada, Garth Pischke was at the helm of the Manitoba Bisons men’s volleyball team for 38 seasons.

Tristan Bredin’s road back: a devastating accident, weight loss, and a return to football

Defensive tackle Tristan Bredin has faced many adversities to get to where he is today.

UM teams to research under-studied aspects of COVID-19

Two Max Rady College of Medicine studies focused on COVID-19 have received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

One research team aims to better understand the lingering condition known as “long COVID” and the other to examine, at the cellular level, how a receptor for the disease-causing virus works.

Remembering Dean Emeritus, Douglas Ruth

It was with heavy hearts that the Price Faculty of Engineering announced in January 2021 the passing of Dean Emeritus, Dr. Douglas (Doug) Ruth.

Dr. Ruth [B.Sc. (1970), M.Sc. (1972), Ph.D. (1977), P.Eng.] served as the Dean of the Price Faculty of Engineering from 1999-2010, overseeing the construction of the Engineering & Information Technology Complex and further expansion of the Faculty’s programs and services.

Two Rady faculty members honoured for outstanding outreach during COVID pandemic

The 2020 winners of the Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Campbell Outreach Award have both played a critical role in supporting and improving the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Jason Kindrachuk, Canada Research Chair in molecular pathogenesis of emerging and re-emerging viruses and assistant professor, medical microbiology & infectious diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and Melanie MacKinnon, executive director, Ongomiizwin- Health Services, and head, Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, are each recipients of the Campbell Outreach Award for 2020.

The award is given to University of Manitoba faculty who have displayed a strong commitment to outreach and the betterment of their local and extended communities through their academic positions.

Legendary Bisons volleyball coach earns U SPORTS award

As one of the most successful and respected coaches in Canada, Garth Pischke was at the helm of the Manitoba Bisons men’s volleyball team for 38 seasons. During his tenure as bench boss, the Bisons qualified for the U SPORTS Championship 28 times, including streaks of 19 straight appearances and 14 consecutive years with a medal. 

New scholarship fund to honour UM Law alumnus Darius Maharaj Hunter

A new University of Manitoba scholarship was established to honour the memory of Darius Maharaj Hunter, a highly regarded UM alumnus who passed away on Aug. 11, 2021.

Darius’ passion for the law, love of education, and unwavering desire to help others has inspired his family, friends, and colleagues to establish a scholarship at the University of Manitoba in his name. This scholarship provides funds to students in their first, second, and final year of study at Robson Hall who have demonstrated a commitment to the legal profession, leadership and public service, and community-mindedness.

Indigenous Leadership Announcement

Christine Cyr was appointed as Associate Vice-President Indigenous – Students, Community and Cultural Integration. This is the first Associate Vice-President Indigenous appointment by Dr. Catherine Cook, Vice-President (Indigenous). Cyr began her new role March 8, 2021.

Dr. Cary Miller was appointed as Associate Vice-President (Indigenous) Scholarship, Research and Curriculum by Dr. Catherine Cook, Vice-President (Indigenous). In her new role Dr. Miller continues to create and strengthen pathways for Indigenous communities at UM with her significant experience in curriculum development, academic support and research.

UM will recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

UM is committed to supporting national efforts toward reconciliation, including the federal government’s decision to make Sept. 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

On Sept. 30 and every day, we must continue to reflect on the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools, either through personal reflection or alongside community. It is critical that we learn about and remember the past, while continuing to facilitate education and advance meaningful change as we look to the future.

UM Gratitude Report

Donors like you create opportunities for dreams to be achieved. You help advance life-changing research, Indigenous achievement, and the student experience—and you did all of this during a year like no other. Thank you to our 4,738 donors who generously gave $29,704,358.21 in 2020-21.

Alumni POV: Choosing visibility

Teri Stevens (she/her) [BA/05] is a communications officer with UM’s Marketing Communications Office:

When I was a teenager growing up in rural Manitoba, my house nestled next to a farmer’s field on the edge of my small town, Pride month wasn’t on my radar. It took moving to Winnipeg and starting classes at the University of Manitoba for me to connect with more people on the rainbow spectrum, and many more years to build up my own queer community.

UM mourns loss of students in highway accident

UM mourned the loss of three international students, Numan Aditta, Aranoor Azad Chowdhury and Risul Badhon, who passed away in a car crash along Highway 7, south of Arborg. The men were all originally from Bangladesh.

“On behalf of our UM community, I am deeply saddened by the death of three UM international students tragically killed in a car crash near Arborg,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Michael Benarroch. “We can only imagine what contributions they would have made had their lives not been cut short. We mourn with their families, friends and all who knew them.”

Population health pioneer inducted into Medical Hall of Fame

Professor Emerita Dr. Noralou P. Roos, founding director of the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MCHP) in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, was named one of six 2022 inductees into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

Roos was recognized for unlocking the potential of big data systems analysis to clarify the social determinants of health, helping inform effective policies in support of universal health care.

Members of the UM community achieved incredible successes, and many students, faculty, staff and alumni came together to face significant challenges and find innovative solutions.

Here are just a few of the UM Today stories that drew attention in 2021.

Respiratory therapy students join workforce early

Students in the final year of the respiratory therapy program at the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences met their licensing requirements and officially completed the program four weeks early this year in order to assist with the need created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All 13 students in the bachelor’s degree program this year were eligible for graduation and were hired early, mostly in Winnipeg where demand has been high for several months.

Students made awe-inspiring accomplishments throughout this year. For a look at more of their stories, see this student success story.

Full-dose blood thinners decreased need for life support and improved outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in international trial

Full dose anti-coagulation (blood thinner) treatments given to patients hospitalized for COVID-19 reduced the requirement of vital organ support in a large clinical trial conducted worldwide, with findings announced in January 2021.  

Three clinical trial platforms spanning five continents in over 300 hospitals, had been working together since May 2020 to urgently test whether there is a greater benefit of full doses of heparin (blood thinners) to treat adults hospitalized for non-critical COVID-19 illness compared to the lower dose typically administered to prevent blood clots in hospitalized patients.

Seven professors named Most Powerful Women in Canada

A record seven professors at UM were named among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2021, by Women’s Executive Network (WXN).

The winners range from rising stars to top of their fields to advocates to champions for others to community leaders to teachers and students.

The seven join 20 previous UM recipients named Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 since the awards began.

UM researcher honoured for bringing unique app to communities

Alumnus Dr. Moneca Sinclaire, a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation and a researcher in the department of environment and geography at UM, helped develop a unique mobile app that empowers Indigenous communities to survey their populations about key health and social issues.

For this work, she was honoured with the Mitacs Award for Outstanding Innovation—Indigenous, which is given by Mitacs, a non-profit national innovation organization that works with academic institutions. The app was originally created to help communities address COVID-19 and has since grown to cover other pressing social concerns.

Rainfall in the Arctic will soon be more common than snowfall

More rain than snow will fall in the Arctic and this transition will occur decades earlier than previously predicted, a new study led by the University of Manitoba (UM) reported in November.

Projections from the latest models, published by an international team of researchers led by UM in the journal Nature Communications, show a steep increase in the rate and range of precipitation expected to fall in the Arctic, and that most of these future events will be rain. This shift is occurring due to rapid warming, sea ice loss, and poleward heat transport in the Arctic.

UM to Tokyo and Bisons alumna Desiree Scott captures Olympic gold

Already a legend among Bisons alumni, Desiree Scott [BA/16] added another title to her incredible resumé — Olympic gold medallist. The University of Manitoba community was absolutely thrilled for Scott, who had an illustrious five-year career playing midfield for the Bisons and was inducted into the Canada West Hall of Fame in 2019. She previously won Olympic bronze medals with the Canadian national team in 2012 and 2016.

Scott was part of a contingent of athletes, coaches and officials from UM who headed to Olympic Games, including students, staff and alumni.

UM alumnus Dr. Ernest Rady receives 2021 IDEA award

UM alumnus and visionary Dr. Ernest Rady [BComm/58, LLB/62, LLD/15] received the 2021 International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (IDEA) from The Associates of the Asper School of Business at the RBC Convention Centre in November.

The international business leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist was recognized and celebrated at the IDEA gala for his entrepreneurial achievements and significant contributions in both in Canada and the United States, including his transformative gift in 2016 to UM. Dr. Rady’s impactful philanthropic and volunteer work has advanced medical education, the health and well-being of children, and scientific research.

Faculty of Arts introduces Indigenous content requirement

New students who entered the Faculty of Arts in Fall 2021 now include at least three credit hours of Indigenous course content in their studies in order to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

The new requirement, passed by Senate in November 2020, aims to provide students with an understanding of the place of Indigenous people in Manitoba’s and Canada’s history, and gives future graduates more tools to understand how that history is woven into many aspects of contemporary society.

NCTR reimagines what its archives can be, and Land Blessing Ceremony held for the future home of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is re-imaging what its archives can be, and do, as it undertakes an ambitious project to restructure and decolonize its data, thanks to funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s Innovation Fund, announced in March. The project will create a new international benchmark in cultural heritage policy, Indigenous rights management, Indigenous research and education methodologies, and Indigenous perspectives on IT development.

In August, a Land Blessing Ceremony was held at the University of Manitoba, which is the first step in envisioning the new permanent home for the NCTR. It is currently located on the Fort Garry campus in a historic building on the Red River. The NCTR’s future site will remain on the river in the newly acquired Southwood lands, which is also part of the Fort Garry campus.

The new site will provide NCTR with the space it requires for the work mandated by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Survivors.

Construction begins on Desautels Concert Hall

Construction of the stunning new Desautels Concert Hall, an innovative and unique performance venue for Winnipeg, was officially announced in September at a UM Homecoming event.

The concert hall is the grand finale of the multi-year Taché Arts project. With its striking architecture, superior acoustics, optimal sightlines and a configurable stage for a variety of performances, the hall is set to transform UM’s facilities for the performing arts and will be the Desautels Faculty of Music’s showpiece venue.

UM and UMFA representatives began negotiating a new collective agreement on Aug. 5 – and after 18 meetings, both parties agreed to move to mediation. UMFA set a bargaining deadline and mediation ended today without an agreement. UM is willing to continue with mediation, however UMFA has indicated that it will proceed with a strike on Nov. 2.

Our shared commitment and the path forward

In December, classes resumed following the UMFA strike that started in November. “This has been a very challenging time for our entire community,” said President Michael Benarroch in December. “I regret the impact of the labour disruption on our students and recognize there is a great deal of work ahead in setting the academic year back on course. We now have an opportunity to learn from this experience and recommit to the exceptional work and learning environment to which we all aspire.”

The Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazers announced

On Jan. 28, the Nellie McClung Foundation introduced the 150 Manitoba Women Trailblazer Awards to salute the contributions that Manitoba women have made to social justice, arts, sports, politics, education, community activities and promoting democracy while developing this great province.

The awards honour Nellie McClung’s trailblazing spirit by recognizing these incredible women leaders, so many of whom are University of Manitoba alumnae, faculty and friends.

But we were still able to showcase a short-lived partial return to limited in-person activity and the friendly rivalry between the University of Winnipeg and UM for the Duckworth Challenge. It’s impossible to ignore COVID – but we shared a first-hand account of the long recovery a Faculty of Science student had with it. Plus, your grad photos were incredible! Despite the virtual ceremony it was great seeing your smiling faces during Convocation.

Oh, and we can’t forget about the Bernie meme.

That said, here are some of the notable photos from the past year, conveying a range of emotions and sentiments throughout 2021, as well as some of your and our favourites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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COVID-19 Delta variant in Canada: FAQ on origins, hotspots and vaccine protection

Before Omicron, the Delta variant was making headlines across the world, raising questions about its origin, transmissibility, hotspots and potential for vaccine resistance. Our own Jason Kindrachuk, assistant professor/Canada Research Chair in emerging viruses and Souradet Shaw, assistant professor, Canada Research Chair in Program Science and Global Public Health, shared their expertise to help answer some of those questions.

Truth before reconciliation: 8 ways to identify and confront Residential School denialism

In its 2015 final report, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was clear: “Without truth … there can be no genuine reconciliation.” The problem, the commissioners explained, is that “too many Canadians know little or nothing about the deep historical roots” of the ongoing issues stemming from settler colonialism generally and residential schooling specifically.

Embracing truth is all the more difficult for some because many Canadians still associate residential schooling with the positive images church and state officials used to propagandize and promote these institutions as humanitarian projects.

Such “positive” framings of residential schools justify ongoing colonial policy approaches that continue to harm Indigenous Peoples today.

This article provided proactive ways to identify and confront that denialism.

How Uber drivers avoided — and contributed to — the fate of taxi drivers

Countries around the world are wrestling with whether to classify Uber drivers and other gig economy workers as independent contractors or employees.

But when Uber first came on the scene, the primary subject of debate was whether its drivers were, in fact, taxi drivers. Why was this ride-sharing or ride-hailing app run by a tech firm also applying to be a taxi company? Was Uber truly “the same as a taxi, but different?”

This article explored the issue of how two groups of people doing the same work every day — driving other people to their desired destinations — are perceived so differently.

Gluten-free diet is expensive, socially challenging for those with celiac disease and wheat allergy

There are many reasons why someone would follow a gluten-free diet. People who have a gluten-related disorder such as the autoimmune condition celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy have no option but to completely exclude gluten in their diet.

Avoiding gluten is vital to manage symptoms, which can include gastrointestinal distress, and to prevent adverse health outcomes. In the case of celiac disease these outcomes can include serious health issues such as nutritional deficiencies, weak bones and infertility.

As noted in this article, given the presence of gluten in common foods, adhering to a gluten-free diet is expensive, challenging and linked to nutritional inadequacies. 

As an Indigenous doctor, I see the legacy of residential schools and ongoing racism in today’s health care

In this article, Dr. Marcia Anderson, assistant professor in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, discussed how anger and grief from incidents of systematic racism has shaped her career — providing powerful fuel to lead change even when, and especially when, there is resistance to that change. 

5 things to watch for in the latest IPCC report on climate science

On Aug. 9, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was set to release its most comprehensive report on the science of climate change since 2013. It was the first of four reports released under the IPCC’s latest assessment cycle, with subsequent reports coming in 2022. Alex Crawford, research associate at the Centre for Earth Observation Science, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, shared 5 important things to watch for.

Should bilingualism change in Canada? The debate over Gov. Gen. Mary Simon

The appointment of Inuk leader Mary Simon as Canada’s Governor General caused a stir due to her lack of French, cracking open a larger discussion about which languages “count” in Canada, and who gets to be the “right” kind of bilingual. This piece from Nicole Rosen, professor and Canada Research Chair in Language Interactions, explored the issue.

How do I get my research published by Conversation Canada?

Faculty, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows can learn more and signup to write an article about their research here.

Conversation Canada is an independent source of news and views, from the academic and research community in Canada, delivered direct to the public. UM is a founding member. A team of professional editors work with experts to unlock their knowledge for use by the wider public.

From the wrap of the Front and Centre Campaign to the welcome of our new President and Vice-Chancellor —they summarize a year like no other at the University of Manitoba. Thank you for continuing to stay in touch with us and we wish you a happy and healthy 2021.

Faculty of Engineering named in honour of monumental donation by Dr. Gerry Price and family

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Manitoba bears a new name, thanks to a transformative $20 million investment from visionary philanthropists Gerry and Barb Price. Read more.

UM mourns victims of plane crash in Iran

The University of Manitoba was deeply saddened by the news of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 that crashed near Tehran on Jan. 8, 2020 with UM alumni and students on board. Read more.

Mourning the loss of Dr. Francis Plummer, OC OM FRSC, (MD/76)

Dr. Francis Plummer, a world-renowned scientist, academic and HIV/AIDS researcher, passed away at the age of 67 in Nairobi, Kenya, where he was visiting in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Manitoba/Kenya research collaboration. Read more.

Rady students step up to help with COVID-19 response in Manitoba

In the early days of the pandemic over 600 students across the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences stepped up to assist with COVID-19 response efforts. Read more.

WATCH: Front and Centre Campaign Celebration

Together we made history! At the heart of the Front and Centre campaign are the 62,075 donors – including 25,806 alumni – who took their place to transform the University of Manitoba. Watch how we celebrated.

Vice-dean of Indigenous health bridges professional work with community

A day-in-the-life of Dr. Marcia Anderson includes a balance of motherhood, a fierce commitment to her community and continuous work in Indigenous health and healing – and her achievements have not gone unnoticed. Read more.

Welcoming Dr. Michael Benarroch, UM’s 12th President & Vice-Chancellor

In July, we welcomed Dr. Michael Benarroch back home to Manitoba to lead the University of Manitoba as our 12th President and Vice-Chancellor. Read more.

Disruption of all Forms of Racism policy approved

This fall, the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences’ Faculty Executive Council approved the RFHS Disruption of all Forms of Racism policy: the first anti-racism policy to be passed by any faculty or post-secondary institution in Canada. Read more.

Calm in crisis: Dr. Brent Roussin on leading Manitoba’s pandemic response

There was not much time for Dr. Brent Roussin to acclimatize to his new job as Manitoba’s Chief Public Health Officer, which began on June 3, 211 days before the Chinese authorities announced they were treating dozens of strange medical cases that were later reported to be a novel coronavirus. Read more.

What happens when you act on your passion?

These are the stories of people who saw new ways of doing things, who overcame, who are bold with their ideas and moved by their passion. Introducing the 2020 recipients of the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Awards. Read more.

Technology now a vital tool for pandemic learning

For some UM students, COVID-19 not only cost them their jobs, it very nearly forced them to put their education on hold too. With access to on-campus computers severely restricted, and most courses delivered online, they suddenly found themselves without access to a computer and unable to afford their own – at a time when they needed it most. Read more.

Three UM researchers among most powerful women in Canada

Three professors at UM have been named among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2020, by Women’s Executive Network (WXN). Read more.