Gather, Learn, Belong: Indigenous Orientation Welcomes students to UM

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the University of Manitoba’s Indigenous campus community will come alive at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge and its surrounding outdoor spaces. This annual Indigenous Orientation invites new and returning students as well as staff and faculty, to gather, learn and belong through a celebration of culture, connection and community.

Culture & Community Experience

Indigenous Orientation is more than a welcome, it’s a vibrant celebration of identity, learning and belonging. From the moment the event begins, students will be encircled in a welcoming atmosphere filled with cultural activities, entertainment and opportunities to build lasting connections.

Interactive stations will offer a wide range of experiences:

• Academic, cultural, and leadership resource booths
• Traditional games and tipi activities
• A registry bus and a status card clinic
• A photo booth and vendor market

Between 11:00 a.m. and noon, a special visit from Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre will offer a unique moment of connection with the natural world, a reminder of the deep ties between Indigenous cultures and the land. Live entertainment starts at 11:30 a.m., bringing music and energy into the space.

 “Indigenous Orientation Day is a time to explore groups and opportunities that UM has to offer and find your potential place on campus,” says Lauren Hallett (she/they), a Community Health Sciences student. “To build a village, you have to be a villager.”

Connection, Support & Spiritual Balance

The event is designed to support students holistically, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually as they begin or continue their academic journey. Shelley’s Bistro will serve a free lunch at noon inside Migizii Agamik, offering a chance to share a meal and stories in a space built for gathering and reflection.

A meaningful activity that day will be the Orange Shirt origami making led by Kookum Karen. This hands-on activity invites participants to fold paper shirts in honour of Orange Shirt Day and the children affected by residential schools. It’s a quiet yet powerful way to reflect on Truth and Reconciliation and carry that spirit into the academic year.

“Indigenous Orientation is about helping students, whether first year or returning, to find mental, physical, emotional and/or spiritual balance in their personal life as they set out to achieve their educational goals,” shares Norman Meade, Elder-in-Residence.

Everyone Is Welcome: Join the Celebration

As the afternoon unfolds, lawn games and tipi activities will be available all day inviting students to relax, play and engage with one another in a spirit of joy and togetherness. There will also be scheduled tours of Migizii Agamik at 11:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. as well at 1:30 p.m., the final call will be made for students to complete their Passport Game cards, a fun and interactive way to explore the event and earn a beautifully designed Indigenous UM Bison t-shirt.

“This is an exciting event for the Indigenous Student Centre as it kicks off a lot of our programming,” says Carla Loewen, Director of the Indigenous Student Centre. “It’s also a time for the campus community to welcome everyone to the new academic year.”

Everyone, Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, staff and faculty is warmly invited to attend. Whether you’re seeking academic support, cultural connection or simply a place to belong, Indigenous Orientation is your gateway to the vibrant and welcoming Indigenous community at UM.

So, mark your calendar, bring your curiosity, and come ready to connect. Your village is waiting.

Chelsey Hill