September 16 — Start the new academic year by meeting people and discovering new spaces
A new academic year means new classes, new faces and a lot to figure out.
Where do I go? Who do I talk to? Where do I find community?
To help answer these questions and more, Indigenous Orientation 2026 will take place on Wednesday, September 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge and the surrounding outdoor spaces, offering new and returning Indigenous students a chance to connect with community and build relationships.
You don't need to know exactly what you're looking for. Come walk around, have a conversation, and you might meet a new student group, find a program that's right for you or discover a space on campus you'll want to return to.
This year, Wildlife Haven will bring two educational ambassador birds to campus. There will also be lawn games and other activities throughout the day. Students can pick up a Bingo Card at the Indigenous Student Centre booth and explore different campus resources while completing their card for a chance to win prizes.
On the day of the event, the pathways around Migizii Agamik will be filled with booths featuring Indigenous student supports, student organizations, academic and career resources, and leadership and cultural programs.
But Indigenous Orientation is about more than learning what services exist.
You can chat with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, meet other students, browse the Student Vendor Market, join a tour of Migizii Agamik, sit down for lunch, visit the Manitoba Métis Federation Central Registry Office Bus or apply for your status card with the Southern Chief's Organization.
This year's Indigenous Orientation also marks a special milestone: the tenth anniversary of the Qualico Bridge to Success (QBTS) Program.
Since 2016, QBTS has supported 525 first-year Indigenous students as they transition to university through dedicated advising, peer connections and programming. The program helps students build community and a sense of belonging, making the transition to university feel less overwhelming and isolating.
Carla Loewen, Director of the Indigenous Student Centre, was QBTS's very first Program Coordinator.
This year, QBTS will also be part of Indigenous Orientation, bringing students past and present together to celebrate ten years of growth and connection.
Whether this is your first time at UM or you're returning to start another year, you're welcome at Indigenous Orientation. Indigenous faculty, staff and the wider UM community are also welcome to join and help welcome everyone to the new academic year.
For Norman Meade, Elder-in-Residence at the Indigenous Student Centre, Indigenous Orientation is about setting students up for the years ahead, “Indigenous Orientation is about helping students, whether first year or returning, to find mental, physical, emotional and/or spiritual balance in their personal life as they set out to achieve their educational goals.”
For students, the day is also an opportunity to find their place within the Indigenous campus community.
Wednesday, September 16 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge and surrounding outdoor spaces
Free lunch, Student Vendor Market, campus resources, activities and entertainment.
Everyone is welcome. View the full schedule, activities and booth listings.
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