The academic journeys of two first-year graduate students in The University of Winnipeg’s Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) program are receiving a boost in the form of a national scholarship.
Jackie Dormer has been awarded a $27,000 Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), while Leslie Kirkness has received a $3,000 scholarship from the National Indigenous Economic Education Foundation (NIEEF), awarded by the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO). UWinnipeg’s MDP program is accredited with CANDO.
Meet the recipients
Jackie Dormer
Born and raised in Birds Hill, just north of Winnipeg, Dormer is a Métis student who began her post-secondary journey at the University of Manitoba, where she completed undergraduate degrees in linguistics and Indigenous Studies. A Michif instructor, Heather Souter, who also teaches at UWinnipeg, ignited Dormer’s passion for Métis language revitalization and reclamation.
“It was a turning point for me,” Dormer said. “I started learning how Indigenous language knowledge is connected to personal, community, and global vitality. I decided this was what I wanted to do as a career.”
A friend suggested Dormer consider the MDP program.
“I was drawn to this program because of the focus on community and practical skills, as well as the interdisciplinary aspect,” Dormer said.
Dormer will work with Souter on her major research project, “Michifs for Michifs: Making Michif Language Scholarship Work for Métis Communities,” which will explore the ways in which language revitalization and reclamation are connected to well-being.
I was drawn to this program because of the focus on community and practical skills, as well as the interdisciplinary aspect.
Jackie Dormer
After completing the MDP program, Dormer hopes to use her knowledge and experience to support grassroots Indigenous organizations in their language revitalization programming.
“Receiving the SSHRC scholarship means a lot,” Dormer said. “It represents an acknowledgement that research on Indigenous languages for and with Indigenous communities is needed and valued. It also alleviates the financial burden of tuition costs, and other costs associated with attending university. It has made a world of difference to me and gives me motivation to continue on this academic path.”
Leslie Kirkness
Kirkness grew up in Opaskwayak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba, and moved to Winnipeg as a teenager. He began his post-secondary journey at UWinnipeg, completing a bachelor’s degree in international development.
Upon graduation, he found a job in his chosen field. Kirkness currently works as a sustainability and inclusion specialist with the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation, educating and engaging Manitobans on sustainable development goals.
His research explores Indigenous research ethics and the ethical frameworks that are found internationally.
“I am keenly interested in social inclusion and sustainable practices, focusing on environmental and social sustainability,” Kirkness said. “My passion for development work, both locally and internationally, is a part of the reason why I decided to apply for the MDP program. I was ecstatic that I was accepted into the program.”
Kirkness said his scholarship provided a confidence boost, and will make it easier for him to pursue his academic goals.
“I am honored to have been chosen as a recipient of the NIEEF scholarship. It helps me financially to pursue my educational pursuits and reassures me that there is trust in me for my program and research interests. I hope to make those who have trusted in me proud.”
About the MDP program
Based in Global College, the Master’s in Development Practice (MDP) is an innovative professional degree offered by a network of over 30 leading universities on six continents. The University of Winnipeg’s MDP program is the only MDP program to focus on how Indigenous knowledge and experience can help shape a sustainable path for development, rooted in culture and identity.
