Indigenous graduates share their stories.
This year, 492 Indigenous students are graduating from faculties across both UM campuses, including Arts, Social Work, Education, Engineering, Science, the Asper School of Business, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources and the Max Rady College of Medicine.
With 3,292 Indigenous students enrolled in the 2025–26 academic year, this growing community is shaping the future and creating lasting impacts here in Manitoba and around the world.
These Indigenous graduates are honoured at the 37th Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow.
This cherished celebration brings together culture and community, uplifting Indigenous student success at the University of Manitoba.
The day reflects hundreds of individual paths, all leading to this moment.
And each graduate arrives with their own story.
For Josh Gandier, Savannah Moon and Madison Bonnefoy, perseverance, reconnection and community are at the heart of their accomplishments.
Josh, a member of Peguis First Nation on Treaty 1 Territory, is studying law at UM’s law school Robson Hall. As he graduates and steps into the legal profession, he is committed to building a career that supports and uplifts Indigenous communities while working toward greater representation in law.
Savannah is Cree and Red River Métis from original St. Peter’s/Peguis Treaty 1A Territory. Studying anthropology with a focus on Indigenous rematriation and repatriation, she is contributing to the return of ancestors and belongings to communities. Her work is grounded in respect for those who came before us and supports healing and meaningful change.
Madison, Red River Métis and Cree from Opaskwayak First Nation, grew up in Thompson, Manitoba. Studying Women and Gender Studies and Indigenous Studies, she applies decolonial and feminist approaches to leadership. Passionate about uplifting Indigenous students, her work focuses on building community, creating pathways and giving back to remote northern communities.
These journeys speak to the strength, determination and success of Indigenous students at the University of Manitoba.
Kookum Karen Courchene, Grandmother-in-Residence at Migizii Agamik—Bald Eagle Lodge (Indigenous Student Centre) is a great champion of Indigenous students, and Graduation Pow Wow is a special time for her.
“For me, the pow wow is a great way for our community to honour the young people who are graduating. It is an opportunity for the Indigenous community to celebrate and lift all the graduates and let them know that we see them and are very proud of their accomplishment. We know the challenges they have overcome to achieve their degrees and we honour that."
Meet Indigenous graduates from previous years.
This is a day where success is shared in community and celebrated together.
Graduates are met with the presence of family, friends, Indigenous faculty and supports, all coming together to celebrate in a good way.
For 2026, the event continues to expand, with new opportunities to share cultural traditions with the community.
“This year, we are integrating Inuit and Métis traditions as part of the program with the Qulliq lighting to start the day in ceremony followed by a Pipe Ceremony. For the community meal, this year we are doing that before the graduation ceremony for the first time, and it will be a kitchen party. A Kitchen Party is a Métis celebration with food and music that typically happens around the kitchen table in a home with friends and family.” says Carla Loewen, Director of the Indigenous Student Centre.
Among the special moments of the day was the presentation of the 2026 Migizii Award to Dr. Kendra Nixon, recognized for her relational approach to mentorship and her commitment to walking alongside Indigenous students as they pursue their goals.
UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. Many graduates recognized at Convocation will stay in Manitoba, supplying high-demand skills to the labour market and contributing to UM’s economic impact on our community.
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