MDP - Indigenous Development- UWinnipeg

Back with another MDP practicum update folks! Read on to see what Gurpreet is upto for his practicum.

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Sometimes the most meaningful learning does not come from classrooms or books. It comes from real conversations that change how you see people and education.

For my final placement I am working virtually with Vikashalaya, a non-profit initiative based in Santiniketan, India.

What stands out is not just their work in nature-based and child-centered education. It is the thinking behind it. Education is not only about results or success. It is also about helping children stay connected to curiosity, community, culture, and the natural world.

Conversations with the team makes me think about how learning changes when it is built on care, belonging, and respect instead of pressure and comparison.

I am also learning about the Santal or Santhal community, the largest Indigenous tribal group in West Bengal. Their life is closely connected to land, stories, and community living.

As part of the final stage of my MDP program, I recently began a learning journey focused on nature-based and community-centered education. These experiences are helping me understand how Indigenous knowledge and community practices carry lessons about balance, sustainability, and human connection.

I am grateful to Asit Ghosh and thank the rest of the Vikashalaya team ( Kapil, Purnima, Mayra) for their welcome and openness. Thank you to the MDP team for their support.

Celebrating another MDP graduate - Leona Star! 🥳

Today we celebrate Leona, who has officially graduated from the Master of Development Practice (MDP) program.

Leona began her academic journey with a qualifying year in 2020, joined the MDP in 2021, and completed the program part‑time while working full‑time as the Director of Research at the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM). Her dedication, discipline, and commitment to community‑driven research have been inspiring to everyone around her.

In the photo, Leona flanked by her FNHSSM colleagues — Vanessa Tait, Leanne Gillis, and Donna Toulouse

Congratulations, Leona. The MDP community and FNHSSM are celebrating with you.

Greetings from Colombia!

🌍✨ Feeling incredibly grateful today! As an Indigenous man from Canada, I’m excited to be learning about the rich traditions and vibrant cultures of Indigenous peoples in Colombia. It’s been an eye-opening experience that deepens my appreciation for our shared histories and resilience. Colombia is such an amazing country, with breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and many adventures! I feel blessed to connect with new friends and learn from their experiences.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am so pleased that MDP has curated my education to understand the holistic nature of Indigenous development. Being allowed to apply my knowledge within an Indigenous community in South America with the support of MDP and my professor as a guide is a dream come true. Learning is a lifelong journey, and what I have learned in class and with the support of MDP to apply my education internationally has been the cherry on top as I prepare to graduate.
Here’s to culture, connection, and exploration!

Huge Congratulations to MDP student Jackie Dormer for presenting at DISTILS 01: Discoveries and Insights in Skills Training in Intergenerational Language Sustainability at the University of Alberta in May!

Jackie, alongside Kathleen Anderson (SFU), presented on “Lessons from the Michif Context: An Unauthorized Guide to Surviving Language Revitalization” highlighting the often-overlooked extralinguistic skills essential to language revitalization and reclamation.

The conference brought together speakers from around the world to share innovations in intergenerational language sustainability. Jackie shared how inspiring it was to learn from global communities and expressed gratitude to MDP and the University of Winnipeg for supporting her participation.

We’re proud of you, Jackie — incredible work and representation!

Spotlighting MDP alum Kate Robb (Class of 2019)

Kate is making an impact at Manitoba Hydro in the Generation Environmental Services department, where she manages the Coordinated Aquatic Monitoring Program (CAMP). Her work includes coordinating consultants and field teams, leading reporting and communications, and participating in community meetings focused on building relationships and expanding opportunities for Indigenous participation in the program.

She credits the MDP program for shaping the way she approaches this work:

“My time in the MDP program gave me the tools to succeed in my career. One of the most important lessons learned is the importance of relationships and prioritizing time to build and maintain them”

A powerful reminder of how MDP graduates continue to lead with collaboration, respect, and community at the center.

Big news from the MDP community today — congratulations to Taylor Wilson (she/they) on being named a 2026 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholar.

is an Ojibwe, Cree, and Filipina scholar from Fisher River Cree Nation and a proud MDP alum. Now pursuing a PhD in Land and Food Systems at UBC, her work revitalizing Cree agricultural knowledge and advancing Indigenous food sovereignty is exactly the kind of systems‑changing research our world needs.

This recognition is so well deserved! Congratulations, Taylor — your MDP family is cheering you on.

Job Alert!

The University of Winnipeg is hiring a Director, Indigenous Academic Initiatives and Research within the Office of Indigenous Engagement. This is a powerful leadership role supporting Indigenous knowledge, scholarship, and academic growth.

If this sounds like the next step in your journey, follow the link to see the full job description

Indigenous Liaison Officer Jacqueline Thompson joined IKEA Canada for Red Dress Day, sharing how the University of Winnipeg’s programs and courses are working to address the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Thank you to ISSC and IKEA Canada for the invitation, and for uplifting this important conversation. We also acknowledge IKEA’s powerful Indigenous display, which created a meaningful space for reflection and learning.

Special appreciation to IKEA’s Indigenous Advisor and UWinnipeg alum, Lesley Beardy, for the thoughtful collaboration

At the University of Winnipeg’s 2026 Graduation Pow Wow, three Indigenous MDP graduates, were honoured. So proud of their achievements!

Congratulations to all UW students who were celebrated yesterday. Leaders, Elders, families, dancers, and community came together in a powerful celebration of achievement and identity.

Grateful to be part of this circle of support and strength.

At the University of Winnipeg’s 2026 Graduation Pow Wow, three Indigenous MDP graduates, were honoured. So proud of their achievements!

Congratulations to all UW students who were celebrated yesterday. Leaders, Elders, families, dancers, and community came together in a powerful celebration of achievement and identity.

Grateful to be part of this circle of support and strength