Honouring the Indigenous Campus Community

“This recognition means so much to me because my journey has not been linear.”

For Aubrey Slater, a third year student in the I.H. Asper School of Business, receiving a 2026 Honouring the Indigenous Campus Community recognition reflects years of personal growth, leadership and reconnecting with her identity.

Her story is one of 20 being celebrated as UM marks the 10th anniversary of Honouring the Indigenous Campus Community (HICC), a recognition rooted in relationships, lived experience and impact.

As part of National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) celebrates Indigenous faculty, staff, students and community members whose leadership is driving transformational change and weaving Indigenous knowledges into all they do through an annual blanketing ceremony

Since its inception, HICC has recognized more than 90 Indigenous community members whose contributions have strengthened the university.

For Slater, that impact begins with creating opportunities for others.

A journey of reconnection and leadership

As an Anishinaabe woman from Pine Creek First Nation with ties to Peguis First Nation, Slater proudly carries the spirit name Gaaniimi giniwikwe (Dancing Eagle Woman).

"I've had to find my way back to my identity after losing that connection and facing challenges along the way," says Slater.

Actively participating in student leadership opportunities and support programs has played an important role in her success. 

Programs such as Indigenous Business Education Partners (IBEP) in the Asper School of Business provided academic support, networking opportunities and financial assistance that helped her thrive.

Today, Slater serves as president of the University of Manitoba Indigenous Commerce Students group (UMICS) and is a recent alum of Paskwamostos Wawiyaw, an Indigenous Leadership Program formerly known as the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment.

Through her active engagement in student programs, Slater helps create inclusive spaces where Indigenous students can confidently pursue their goals.

“Being recognized now, as someone who is actively working to create space and inspire others, reminds me how far I’ve come and reinforces my purpose to uplift Indigenous youth and community.”

And she is only getting started. Following the completion of her commerce degree, Slater plans to pursue a law degree.

While Slater's impact is felt through student leadership and peer support, others are recognized for the support they provide behind the scenes.

Supporting students behind the scenes

Across campus in the Price Faculty of Engineering, Tannis Geddes is honoured for her dedication to students in the Engineering Access Program (ENGAP).

Her commitment spans more than two decades. She began her career with the Access Program in 1999 and joined ENGAP in 2007. A Cree woman from Lynn Lake, Manitoba, with ties to High Rock and Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, Geddes draws on her own experiences growing up and studying in northern Manitoba.

“Being raised and educated in northern Manitoba has shaped who I am and allows me to connect with students in a personal and understanding way,” says Geddes.

She understands the barriers Indigenous students can face when leaving home to pursue post-secondary education. She meets these challenges with compassion and unwavering dedication, creating space for students to feel seen and empowered.

“I am deeply honoured to be recognized by my Indigenous peers at the University of Manitoba, who continue to do such meaningful and important work for our students and communities.”

While she is proud of the work she does at UM, Geddes says being recognized for the care and relationships at the heart of her work is especially meaningful.

A lifetime of leadership and knowledge sharing

This year's Legacy Honouree recognition celebrates a lifetime of contributions to Indigenous education and community leadership.

Norbert Mercredi has spent more than four decades teaching, coaching and sharing Indigenous knowledge with students and communities.

Mercredi is a land-based physical education and health facilitator who holds a Bachelor of Physical Education degree and teaching certification from UM.

He brings more than 40 years of experience teaching physical activity, physical education, health, Indigenous studies, history and geography, alongside extensive coaching experience.

Throughout his career, Mercredi has been passionate about teaching Indigenous games and using sport as a vehicle for sharing traditional teachings, language, cultural knowledge and the meaning of mino-pimatisiwin (“the good life” or “living a good life”). 

Reflecting on what this recognition means to him, Mercredi says he is deeply honoured and grateful.

“Leadership should be used for dignity, good will and commitment that is rooted in love, humility, truth, wisdom and connection to land, culture and language rather than personal gains.”

His words serve as a reminder that leadership and excellence are grounded not in individual achievement, but in service to community.