Ongomiizwin – Education is a place and space for prospective and currently enrolled First Nations, Metis and Inuit students in health professional programs to meet, study and explore careers and culture. It provides a welcoming environment that assists students to meet their academic potential through a variety of culturally relevant programs, resources and supports.
The University of Manitoba recognizes that Ongomiizwin – Education is an important space for students to study and has approved Ongomiizwin Education to be open while maintaining COVID-19 safety measures.
Ongomiizwin – Education is currently at a five-person limit for the entire centre. The centre is specifically open to student members only and it is accessible 24/7. Student members have received a GoogleDocs link to sign up for their time in the centre.
The centre has been set up for physical distancing and it is equipped with hand sanitizer bottles and disinfecting wipes/disinfecting spray and paper towels. Anyone wanting to access the space will need to wear a mask.
The centre has a fully equipped computer lab, study space and resource library that are available to student members. Ongomiizwin Education is currently operating virtually in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff are accessible to support students via email, phone or Zoom meetings when most appropriate. Ongomiizwin – Education staff also reach out to students to ensure their well being and to also offer a sense of community during this period of self-isolation. Zoom sharing circles are offered so that students and staff can stay connected.
Elder Margaret Lavallee and Knowledge Keeper Leslie Spillett lead a number of cultural teaching sessions, ceremonies and events throughout the academic year. They are also available for individual and group consultations by appointment.
Kimberly Hart, Senior Lead, Indigenous Health Student Affairs, is the first point of contact for self-identifying Indigenous students in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences for any support they may need throughout their program. Please contact Kimberly at Kimberly.Hart@umanitoba.ca if you would like to know more.
First Nations, Metis, and Inuit students can access the culturally relevant programs, resources, and supports at Ongomiizwin Education by becoming a member. Membership is free. View membership forms here. Please email your completed membership form with the appropriate scanned identification to Kimberly Hart.
Ongomiizwin – Education works in collaboration with UGME Student Affairs and Student Services at Bannatyne Campus to ensure that all students receive access to the most appropriate support services; this is also known as the “No Wrong Door” approach. It is important to note that student confidentiality is always maintained within each of our units.