Students playing traditional Indigenous games in an outdoor green space.

Students enjoy traditional Indigenous games at the 2022 Indigenous Oriention.

Indigenous Orientation: Enhance your UM experience

Mark your calendar for Sept. 13

August 16, 2023 —

Indigenous staff, faculty, Elders and Knowledge Keepers at UM work daily to help Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) students achieve success and gain a sense of belonging on campus. Starting the year with Indigenous Orientation is a big part of that – it’s a day for students to meet and connect with community and get familiar with the Indigenous programs, supports and cultural learning opportunities available at UM.

This year’s Indigenous Orientation, hosted by the Indigenous Student Centre, will be held Wednesday, September 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the UM Fort Garry campus; and will feature entertainment, traditional games and a student resource fair.

All activities are open to the campus community, and everyone is welcome.

Opening remarks begin at 11 a.m. at the Quad.

At the Quad:

Welcome to UM – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Meet new people, have some fun and learn about the Indigenous community at UM at these interactive stations:

Indigenous Student Centre booth
Indigenous games
Popcorn station

Student Resource Fair – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Meet staff from student resource offices, Indigenous programs and student representatives from student groups as well as the Indigenous Student Centre team.

Live entertainment – 11:15 a.m.
Tap your toes and get moving with a live performance from Michael Audette & Troy Flamand.

Wildlife Haven – 1 p.m.
Did you know UM has an Indigenous Birding Club? Learn more about the club and interact with some special guests of the feathered variety joining us from Wildlife Haven!

At Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge:

Visit with ISC Elders and Knowledge Keepers in residence – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m

Lunch provided by Elsie Bear’s Kitchen – 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Photo Booth – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m

Carla Loewen, the director of the Indigenous Student Centre, says the team is excited to welcome Indigenous students to campus for the upcoming school year.

“Indigenous Orientation is a way for us to greet new and returning students and showcase the resources, supports and opportunities that are available,” says Loewen. “We can’t wait to celebrate our community in a fun, interactive way and we’re looking forward to seeing all the new and familiar faces!”

If you have questions about Indigenous Orientation, contact Carla Loewen at Carla.Loewen [at] umanitoba [dot] ca or 204-291-5257.

Share your photos and join the conversation with #umorientation and #umindigenous on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Jenna Khan

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