Star blankets created by Cree Star Gifts.
Fifth annual Indigenous Awards of Excellence goes virtual
Each year, Indigenous Engagement and the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) (OVPI) honour 10 students, staff and faculty in the categories of community builder, trailblazer and outstanding achievement at the Indigenous Awards of Excellence. The awards acknowledge members of the Indigenous University of Manitoba community and their effort and commitment to making UM a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, the OVPI recognized the community builders, trailblazers and those with outstanding achievement in a virtual campaign. From May 17, daily videos of each recipient were released on the Indigenous Student Centre’s Facebook page over the course of two weeks.
“The recipients of these awards are Indigenous students, staff and faculty who are transforming our university. They go above and beyond to break down barriers for future generations, build community, advance Indigenous pedagogy and research, and create inclusive learning and work environments,” says Dr. Catherine Cook, vice-president (Indigenous). “It is important for us to honour their work and while we wait to be able to safely do so in person, I encourage you to watch and share the videos that will introduce you to these incredible leaders.”
Congratulations to the 2021 Indigenous Awards of Excellence Recipients!
Please click on each individual’s name to view their video.
Student Trailblazer Award
This award recognizes two students for serving as a mentor, outstanding leadership, and visionary thinking that has resulted in advancing Indigenous engagement at UM with a continuing impact.
Kayla Lariviere, Métis, Faculty of Law
Jenny Moose, member of Cross Lake (Pimicikamak) First Nation, I.H. Asper School of Business
Student Community Builder Award
This award recognizes two students for serving as a role model, building relationships and community, and demonstrating initiative in advancing Indigenous engagement at UM.
Kaitlin Fosseneauve, Cree and Métis, Faculty of Education
Dylan Kensick, Anishinaabe from Sagkeeng First Nation, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
Student Outstanding Achievement Award
This award recognizes two students for excelling academically, promoting a positive learning environment, and advancing Indigenous engagement at UM while walking with integrity and humility.
Jesse McGreggor, member of both Norway House and Misipawistik Cree Nations, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Alexandra Philipott, Métis, Faculty of Law
Staff and Faculty Trailblazer Award
This award recognizes one staff member and one faculty member for breaking down barriers, demonstrating leadership and visionary thinking that has resulted in advancing Indigenous engagement at UM while walking with integrity and humility.
Staff – Laura Forsythe, Métis, Métis inclusion coordinator for the Indigenous Student Centre
Faculty – Dr. Kyle Bobiwash, member of Mississauga First Nation, department of entomology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
Staff and Faculty Community Builder Award
This award recognizes one staff member and one faculty member for strengthening connections with Indigenous communities, creating spaces that are culturally rich, safe and supportive, and going above and beyond to advance Indigenous engagement at the UM through programs and initiatives.
Staff – Moneca Sinclaire, member of Opaskquiak Cree Nation, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty – Elder Margaret Lavallee, member of Sagkeeng First Nation, Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Indigenous Engagement and the OVPI look forward to hosting the in-person awards ceremony when each recipient will be presented a star blanket when it is safe to gather in person.