Indigenous

‘When you succeed, we succeed’

Indigenous Student Recruitment strives to deliver support in a ‘good way’.

Two students pose with smiles and their boxed lunches.
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes
Indigenous high school students at UM’s New Buffalo Education gathering on Nov. 14, 2025, an event designed to inspire and support future First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners. Photos by Mike Latschislaw.
Indigenous high school students at UM’s New Buffalo Education gathering on Nov. 14, 2025, an event designed to inspire and support future First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners. Photos by Mike Latschislaw.
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes

Aliyhia Bushie still remembers the day she shadowed an Indigenous UM student on campus. 

“It was one of my most memorable experiences,” she told Indigenous high school students at the University of Manitoba (UM) New Buffalo Education Gathering. “Some of the things that they discussed are things that I think of to this day.” 

It’s that kind of insight the Indigenous Student Recruitment and Community Relations team (ISRCR) strives to provide prospective post-secondary students through its annual event. Now in its third year, the gathering drew 382 high school students to UM’s south Winnipeg campus on Nov. 14, 2025.

“Every time, in my first year, I faced a challenge, I just thought of them and I saw how far they came,” added Bushie.

“It reminded me that as Indigenous students we’re so capable, and we have it in us to do so much for our communities. I think that was so empowering for me.”

Kookum Karen stands on stage behind podium, addressing crowd of high school students.
Kookum Karen Courchene talks about the importance of education while Desiree Morrisseau looks on.

The gathering is the brainchild of Desiree Morrisseau, Director of ISRCR and member Grassy Narrows First Nations with maternal ties to Crane River.

Morrisseau introduced seven team members who helped produce the gathering that includes information on academic programs, tours of the student residences and campus, and resources and strategies for safety and self-care.

“Yup, a round of applause for them,” agreed Morrisseau, as the crowd clapped and cheered. “It takes a community to put on an event like this.”

Karen Courchene, the “Kookum”- or grandmother-in-residence at UM’s Indigenous Student Centre, said the event is based on a now-famous quote from Indigenous scholar Blair Stonechild that “education is the new buffalo”.

“The buffalo once sustained the Plains Nations’ people with food, shelter and tools,” explained Courchene, a member of Sagkeeng First Nation. “They gave the people everything they needed to survive and to thrive.

“Well, like the buffalo,” Courchene added, “education now sustains First Nation, Métis and Inuit people with knowledge, opportunity and empowerment.”

But, it’s a big step to follow the buffalo like their ancestors did, suggested Morrisseau, so the gathering would help them map their journey.

Students sat at table share a microphone, sharing with crowd.
Ashely Sinclair and Aliyhia Bushie share their experiences with the students.
High school student looks ahead to stage while seated in crowd.
Nearly 400 Indigenous high school students attended the third-annual New Buffalo event.

“This event is for prospective Indigenous students – to welcome you because you deserve a seat at the table, you deserve to be here, you deserve to be seen,” she said. “And we want you to know that there is such a large, welcoming Indigenous community on campus, and we want you here as a student if you choose.”

However, the team is careful not to pressure students into attending UM, the largest post-secondary institution in the province with more than 3,200 Indigenous students, over other options. It may host the event, but encourages aspiring students to make their own decisions.

“One of the things that our team is really big on is ethical recruitment,” said Morrisseau. “So if you don’t know what ethical means – ethical is making sure that you do things in a good way.

“We want you to succeed wherever your heart sends you. When you succeed, we succeed.”

Desiree Morrisseau-Keesick

But that didn’t stop Ethan Temmerman, a kinesiology student from Ebb and Flow First Nation, from putting in a good-natured plug for UM as part of a presentation by senior students.

“The main thing that sets this university apart from the other universities – and will be relevant to people in this room – is the supports,” Temmerman said. “From what I can gather at the other universities, there is a lot less support for Indigenous students. Whereas, here, it is almost overwhelming how many Indigenous supports there are.

“I felt very supported in my first year.”

Student poses with Indigenous-inspired artwork.
Students have fun colouring Indigenous-inspired artwork.
Student poses with Indigenous-inspired artwork.

Hearing that kind of testimonial and watching the students take it in, made Vanessa Lillie’s day. 

“New Buffalo is Desiree’s dream,” said Lillie, UM’s Director of Cultural Integration, “and she made it come to life with really just sheer determination and willpower – and an amazing team.

“I have been here every year, and it has just grown and grown,” said Lillie, who has roots in Peguis First Nation. “To see so many Indigenous students interested in attending post-secondary is just phenomenal and makes my heart so happy.

“I never had this chance when I was young and I wish that I would have.”

By

Kathleen Martens