CMU is committed to the care and support of Indigenous students at CMU by developing and providing culturally informed programs, services, and events to meet the unique needs and interests of the Indigenous community.
Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint
CMU is a charter signatory to the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint for universities, colleges, and public school boards, demonstrating our commitment to Indigenous education. CMU provides formal account on these commitments, in addition to the TRC Calls to Action, to the Board of Governors annually.
Read more about the Manitoba collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint
The Indigenous Students Committee
The Indigenous Students Committee is a recent addition to Student Council, led by Indigenous students who are seeking to support fellow Indigenous students on campus by hosting cultural events and activities. The committee is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and works to further reconciliation through various initiatives. If you want to be a part of a supportive community on campus and create positive change, this committee is for you!
The Indigenous Student Lounge
The Indigenous Students Lounge was established as a collaborative project between Indigenous students and CMU. The lounge is designed to be a culturally safe space for Indigenous students. The area is smudge-friendly and is a gathering place for meals, ceremonies, and Elders hosted by CMU. Students are encouraged to study, eat, and simply enjoy the lounge as they feel comfortable!
Partnership with Indspire
Since 2004, Indspire has provided over $115 million in financial support to more than 37,500 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. All Indspire: Building Brighter Futures donations are matched by the Government of Canada, doubling the impact for Indigenous students. CMU funds two awards through this program—one general award and another for business students.
Read more about Indigenous Financial Aid
CMU and Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre (a training centre for Indigenous Christian leaders) have a formal relationship that is covenanted and renewed through bundle exchange ceremonies. This includes friendship, course collaborations, and cross-cultural learning opportunities for members of both communities.
Read more about CMU's partnership with Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre
Some recent Indigenous initiatives and actions:
- Be The Bridge faculty and staff book study
- Engagement on Indigenous students' committee
- Range of teachings provided by local Elders and Knowledge Keepers
- Formal recommitment to the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint
- Annual tipi raising
- Mural painting commissioned and installed
- Visits to Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre
- Collaborative contribution to Li Keur (the first ever full-scale Indigenous opera) by a music faculty member
- Annual honoraria set aside for Indigenous guest speakers
- Indigenous course requirement added to common curriculum
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation formalized as an annual day of learning and reconciliation (classes suspended)
- Hosted NAITTS: Indigenous Learning Community Symposium
- Implemented an Indigenous council for curriculum development
Printed from: www.cmu.ca/student-life/indigenous-students