At the University of Manitoba, the Indigenous Student Recruitment and Community Relations (ISRCR) team recently conducted their first dedicated Open House for Indigenous students from rural and northern areas. This unique event, held on November 17, aimed to introduce prospective students from diverse Indigenous backgrounds to the university’s vibrant community and educational opportunities. Desiree Morrisseau-Keesick, the Director of ISRCR, hailed the gathering as a significant success, marking a thoughtful approach to integrating Indigenous students into university life.
Unlike the larger annual open house events at the University, which typically attract thousands and can be daunting for students from less populated areas, this event was tailored to be more intimate. The focus was on making the students feel connected and well-guided, addressing feedback from previous attendees who felt overwhelmed and disconnected at larger gatherings. Morrisseau-Keesick emphasized that this event was crafted to show respect for the attendees’ needs, providing a space where they could engage with the campus community in a meaningful way.
Over 200 potential students participated in the “New Buffalo Education Gathering,” exploring various academic offerings through interactions with Indigenous scholars and receiving information about campus life, including housing and financial planning. The event, funded by the Indigenous Initiatives Fund, also featured tours and workshops designed to ease the transition to university life. Morrisseau-Keesick shared touching feedback from attendees, including a student who, reassured by the supportive environment, decided to apply to the University of Manitoba, underscoring the impact of the event.
This initiative not only highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting Indigenous education but also reflected a broader recognition of the importance of culturally sensitive recruitment strategies. By maintaining the event’s scale to a manageable size, the university intends to preserve its intimate nature, ensuring each student receives personal attention and support. This thoughtful approach represents a significant step forward in fostering an inclusive academic environment that respects and integrates Indigenous perspectives and needs, promising to shape future educational gatherings for communities traditionally underserved in higher education.