Amy Carpenter receives the 2024 Migizii Award.
UM sessional instructor receives 2024 Migizii Award
"To do good work, I believe we must teach from a place of love."
Amy Carpenter, a sessional instructor in the Faculty of Education, is the 2024 recipient of the Migizii Award. Carpenter received the award at the University of Manitoba’s 35th Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow on May 4.
Each year, students are invited to submit nominations for a university staff member (Indigenous or non-Indigenous) who went above and beyond for them during their academic career – someone who inspired and supported them during their time at UM.
Carpenter works in the Faculty of Education alongside education students connected to the Indigenous Education Practicum Circle.
“Amy was a brightness in a scary and lonely place. In the university, and more specifically in the Faculty of Education, it is very easy to feel alone and like you don’t belong there,” says student Caylin Mercer, who nominated Carpenter for the award. “Amy understood what it is like to be a parent and a student, she recognizes that as a Métis woman, she has different privileges that many Indigenous students in our class did not. She guided us through learning and understanding the curriculum through an Indigenous lens and opened our minds to our beautiful culture and teachings”.
Carpenter says she is humbled to learn alongside future Indigenous educators.
“I love teaching and it is so rewarding to witness Indigenous educators stepping into their power while they feel the impact of their heart work,” says Carpenter. “To do good work, I believe we must teach from a place of love. I also believe we must enter our work courageously. With courage to challenge, transform and even walk away from systems that aren’t best serving our children.”
About Amy Carpenter
From a very large urban Métis family, Amy grew up predominantly in East Kildonan but her family script could be now known as St. Norbert. From St. Norbert, her family roots extended to St. Boniface and later on to St. Vital. She is a long-time educator in Seven Oaks School Division and has worked in various schools in many roles. Amy is currently on leave as she pursues her PhD studies at UM while soaking in every moment that she can with her little boy.