UM Indigenous

It was an honour to welcome Elders, leadership and youth this week for the Canada–Mexico Binational Indigenous/Intercultural Roundtable.

Through dialogue, experiential learning and cultural exchange, we deepened our mutual understanding and appreciation for the diverse knowledge and traditions that connect us.

A highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Manitoba and the Universidad Veracruzana, a partnership that will advance collaborative research and exchange.

This time spent together created space for meaningful conversations, relationship-building and shared learning across borders. Together, we're building stronger pathways for those who come next.

We’re wrapping up this year’s Honouring the Indigenous Campus Community series by celebrating faculty and legacy honourees. 👏✨

Norbert Mercredi is a land-based physical education and health facilitator who has spent more than four decades teaching, coaching and sharing Indigenous knowledge. Through Indigenous games and sport, he shares traditional teachings, language, cultural knowledge and the meaning of mino-pimatisiwin.

Lindsay Woods says this recognition is especially meaningful to her. "The time that I have spent supporting Indigenous students and the Indigenous community is heart work and incredibly meaningful," she says.

Brenda Gunn, Professor in the Faculty of Law, is humbled by the recognition. "Through my research, teaching, and service, I have always sought to lift Indigenous peoples and to be a role model for Indigenous youth," she shares.

Kathy Yerex, Professor in the College of Dentistry, is being recognized for improving Indigenous oral health, learner growth and community wellbeing. She says the recognition reflects the relationships she's built with learners and community, and the work she cares deeply about.

Behind every campus community are staff whose care, leadership and everyday contributions make a lasting impact. Meet the 2026 Honouring the Indigenous Campus Community staff recipients 💛

Elder Norman Meade is being honoured for his dedication to building inclusive spaces and cultural programming as an Elder-in-Residence at the Indigenous Student Centre.

For Tannis Geddes, this recognition affirms the heart-centered work she is incredibly proud to do with the Engineering Access Program.

Nicki Ferland is grateful to be among this incredible group of honourees. Her work cultivates Indigenous wellness, community learning and belonging through land-based education and cultural care.

Chantal Daniels is deeply honoured by this recognition. She champions Indigenous student success and belonging through Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing.

Congratulations Safron Blais, Savannah Moon Kisilowsky and Marissa Murray, who are among the 2026 Honouring the Indigenous Campus Community recipients! 💛

For Safron, this recognition renews her commitment to learning, community involvement and supporting others, while reinforcing the importance of community. “The friends and connections that I have made through programs such as Bison Circle, Scaabe School and the UM Indigenous Birding Club have helped me to develop lifelong skills and have made Manitoba feel more like home.”

Savannah sees her scholarship as a sacred responsibility and is devoted to sharing knowledge, eliminating systemic barriers and creating brave spaces. “This recognition is a meaningful way to affirm these commitments and to both honour my roots and honour those who have supported me in my academic journey,” she says.

Marissa reflects on the encouragement and trust from her peers that have shaped her work as a mentor and educator. “It has been a privilege to meet, work with and support a diverse group of medical learners,” she says. “These relationships are deeply meaningful to me.”

Stay tuned as we continue celebrating this year's honourees. ✨👏

Five years after its release, Working in Good Ways continues to shape how we build respectful, reciprocal and responsive relationships with communities.

These moments from this year's symposium capture students, partners, educators and community members coming together to reflect on the framework's impact and where this work is headed next.

Developed by Community Engaged Learning, Working in Good Ways grew out of conversations with Anishinaabe/Ojibway, Ininew/Cree, Métis, Sayisi Dene, Kichwa, Mapuche and Maya partners across Manitoba, Belize, Ecuador and Chile.

Today, it helps guide teaching, research and community partnerships at UM through Indigenous-informed principles grounded in relationship, reciprocity and shared learning.

Congratulations Noah Crossman, Deandra Courchene and Sandra Hunter, who are among the 2026 Honouring the Indigenous Campus Community recipients! 💛

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been selected,” shares Noah. “I share this honour with everyone who has believed in me and helped me throughout my university career.”

For Deandra, her scholarship is grounded in service to her community. She says this recognition affirms her values of sharing knowledge, removing barriers and creating brave spaces, while honouring her roots and the people who have supported her along the way.

Sandra shares, “It means a lot to know that the way I try to show up for others is being seen.” She adds that this recognition reflects not only how far she’s come, but also the people who continue to support and motivate her every day.

We’re proud to celebrate Dani Fenn, Scott Saindon and Kayleigh Pagee, who are among the 2026 Honouring the Indigenous Campus Community recipients! 👏

Dani is a 2S Red River Métis and settler artist, poet and Master in City Planning student. They are being recognized for exploring how dreaming and imagining the future can serve as tools for Indigenous planning, kinship and resistance.

Scott shares, “Receiving this recognition affirms the efforts of my family, community and mentors. It is incredibly humbling to put their wisdom into action and honour them.”

Kayleigh says this recognition reminds her that barriers can be overcome and shares a message for Indigenous youth: “Dream bigger, push forward and know you belong in every space you choose to enter.”

We’re celebrating 20 remarkable individuals in the 10th year of Honouring the Indigenous Campus Community 💛 Today we highlight Aubrey Slater, Madison Bonnefoy and Leah Fontaine.

“This recognition means so much to me because my journey has not been linear,” shares Aubrey. “Being recognized now reminds me how far I’ve come and reinforces my purpose to uplift Indigenous youth and community.”

Madison is grateful to be recognized by such a wonderful community, “I hold this pride for myself, my family and community, who are the forces that drive me in all that I do.”

And Leah shares her gratitude with those who supported her efforts in Indigenous art education, “Chi miigwech, thank you.”

Stay tuned as we continue sharing the 2026 honourees!✨

Congratulations Kookum Barbara Bruce (Flies High Thunderbird and Truth Talker) for being recognized with an Honorary Degree, the University of Manitoba’s highest honour! 👏

Kookum Barbara is a two-spirit Métis Elder, Sundance leader and pipe carrier from St. Laurent, Manitoba. She has dedicated her life to advancing Indigenous wellness, leadership and self-determination.

From child welfare reform and national consultations to co-founding Medicine Wolf Healing Place and helping advance UM’s Indigenous Identity Policy, her impact continues to be felt across communities and generations.

Kookum Barbara exemplifies the transformative power of Indigenous knowledge and leadership. Her infectious spirit, kindness and steady strength inspire us all. Congratulations! 💛

Hi Katherine! 👋

This month, we are shining the Indigenous Colleague Connect spotlight on Katherine Davis, Instructor I, Interdisciplinary Management, Asper School of Business & Director of Indigenous Business Relations. ✨

Nation/self-declaration: I am Giizhik Kwe (Cedar Woman) of the Bear Clan, a Red River Métis woman connected to the Halcro, Paul, Bird, Corrigal, Anderson and Cook families, with roots in the Red River and Halcro settlements and a member of the MMF Bison Local.

What brought you to UM? I completed my BA in Global Political Economy at the University of Manitoba, later returning for my MBA at the Asper School of Business. I’ve held several roles at UM, including work with Indigenous Business Education Partners and the Office of Change Management. After two years in consulting, I returned as an instructor for Indigenous Peoples & Canadian Business and became Director of Indigenous Business Relations in 2024.

Favourite part of your position? I love the people I meet as an instructor — students, collaborators, community members at Indigenous events and partners from Indigenous Nations. With so many exciting initiatives underway, it’s meaningful to be part of the growth and change happening now.

Most rewarding accomplishment? The relationships I’ve built — with people who are caring, committed to healing and deeply intelligent. Their presence is a kind of wealth and I feel rich because of the connections I hold. My biggest motivator lately has been my health. After facing challenges, I’m focused on rebuilding my wellbeing so I can serve others and share my gifts in the way I’m meant to.

What advice would you give for building a career instead of just keeping a job? Know yourself. Reflect on your experiences & pay attention to the signs that guide you. Opportunities & supportive people are everywhere if you’re willing to ask and listen. There’s no single straight path — share your gifts with the world because we all have strengths worth offering.

Your Indigenous recommendation: Song: MATRIARCH by LOV
Business: Oski Market (Norway House Cree Nation)
Métis Business: Jennifer Sedgewick —