Multiple partners join efforts to run physical activity programming

May 23, 2013 —

U of M engaging inner Winnipeg and Indigenous youth

With the support of community partners, the University of Manitoba is providing three unique programs for inner Winnipeg children and youth.

The U of M’s Mini U programs, Indigenous Achievement Office, Faculties of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry and Cambrian Credit Union are helping to provide summer programs at the Bannatyne and Fort Garry Campuses.

This year, for the first time, an Indigenous-focused Mini U Camp will be offered at no cost to children and youth, engaging them in leadership opportunities and Indigenous games in an environment that shares Indigenous traditions, cultures and knowledge. The University of Manitoba is committed to the success of Canada’s First Nations, Metis and Inuit populations. The university’s Pathways to Indigenous Achievement strategic plan commits to supporting students, building partnerships and supporting communities, sharing Indigenous knowledge and research and celebrating First Nations, Metis and Inuit successes.

Camp scholarships are also made available through funding from Mini U Programs, Winnipeg School Division (WSD) and through a donation from Robert Alan Kennedy [BSc (EE)/62]. Youth from elementary and middle schools within WSD, have the opportunity to select from an array of Mini U Programs and attend camp for two weeks during the summer. Programs focus on leadership development, special interests, sports and recreation. Participants receive transportation, lunches, and a tee shirt.

These programs build upon the year round community engagement activities with youth, which include the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management’s “Rec and Read” Mentorship programs―a culturally based afterschool physical activity program for young people living in diverse communities. Rec and Read nurtures the leadership skills and educational success of youth and develops culturally responsive recreation leaders that can plan and facilitate relevant and meaningful programs.

Programs like these have led to fantastic relationships with individuals from the inner Winnipeg community and the University of Manitoba. Supporters from our community have made these opportunities available.

This article appeared in the May 23, 2013 edition of The Bulletin.

Mariianne Mays Wiebe

community engagement, Indigenous, Mini U

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