The New Buffalo Education Gathering welcomed 382 Indigenous high school students to UM’s Fort Garry campus for a day of learning, inspiration and community connection. Organized by the Indigenous Student Recruitment and Community Relations team, the event offered campus tours, program information and honest conversations about navigating post-secondary life. Student speakers shared how mentorship and culturally grounded support shaped their own journeys, reinforcing the message that “education is the new buffalo”—a source of strength and opportunity for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Rooted in ethical recruitment, the gathering encouraged students to choose the path that feels right for them, while highlighting the extensive supports available within UM’s Indigenous campus community.