Faulty of Graduate Studies News Archive

July 10, 2025 — 
Tara Christianson recently graduated from the Master of Social Work program and received a University of Manitoba Distinguished Master’s Thesis Prize for her thesis titled: The Impact of COVID-19 on Services for Indigenous People Who Use Substances and Are Living with HIV in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The prize is given out annually to recognize the achievements of Master’s graduates who submitted groundbreaking theses in the previous academic year. The Faculty of Social Work congratulates Tara and looks forward to learning more about her experience in the program, her current research interests and her plans for the future. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself? My name is Tara Christianson; I was born and raised in Treaty 1 territory and have lived in Winnipeg for the past 18 years. I am Red River Métis, citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation and a member of the Bison Local. I also have Scottish, Irish, and English settler ancestry. I’m a mom, a partner, sister, daughter and auntie. I’m also a registered social worker that works in the mainstream health care system.