The University of Winnipeg launched construction of a new Aboriginal Student Services Centre (ASSC) this week as part of a strategic plan to better meet the needs of a growing population of Aboriginal students. The 3,000 square foot space will be a home-away-from-home for more than 800 Aboriginal students who attend The University of Winnipeg.
The new Centre will become the University’s focal point for culturally relevant Aboriginal programming. Central to its work will be interactions with Elders, healing circles, and programs that encourage students to retain, embrace, and celebrate their identity as Anishinabe, Cree, Métis, and Inuit people as they navigate the halls of academia.
The new Aboriginal Student Services Centre is being made possible through a contribution of $275,000 from CIBC to The University of Winnipeg Foundation, as well as a gift of $50,000 from The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA). The new ASSC, along with the restoration of Wesley Hall, is one of a number of University of Winnipeg capital improvement projects generously funded in part by the Provincial Government in 2001. In its development stage, this project was supported by a gift from Honor de Pencier.
“This Centre has been a long time coming,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, University of Winnipeg President. “It will help address one of Canada’s most pressing problems: the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal students to post-secondary education, and signals The University of Winnipeg’s commitment to creating a healthy learning environment for Aboriginal students.”
“Aboriginal students (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) come to the city of Winnipeg from varied locations across the province and throughout Canada,” said Dr. Mary Young, Director of Aboriginal Student Services at The University of Winnipeg. “Each comes to The University of Winnipeg with different aspiration, goals, and needs. We are working to create the supports they require to be self-sufficient within the community. To feel at home-away-from-home, able to concentrate on their studies, fully engaged with their world and its teachings and fully prepared for what the larger world has to offer.”
As a member of the Winnipeg community, CIBC recognizes the importance of helping to create a place where Aboriginal students can come to connect with one another and to access resources to assist them with their transition to university life.
“ The University of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Student Services Centre is a timely initiative which will greatly improve the university experience for Aboriginal students,” said Bob Miles, Director, Commercial Banking, CIBC. “CIBC believes its investment in the centre is truly an investment in the future of a Canada that values and celebrates diversity.”
“Just over a year ago, the University gave the Foundation a list of four priority initiatives – support to the University’s growing Aboriginal student population topped the list,” stated Susan Thompson, President & CEO of The University of Winnipeg Foundation. “Today’s announcement of capital contributions highlights this community’s commitment to meeting the needs of students. And this is just the beginning.”
Aboriginal Elders, current students, and staff have provided invaluable guidance to the University in the creation of a student services centre that truly works towards meeting the needs of today’s Aboriginal students. The new facility will move the Aboriginal Student Services Centre from its current location to the second floor of Lockhart Hall. Working with Corbett Cibinel Architects, the University has developed a light-filled space conducive to study, tutoring, mentoring, meetings, cultural workshops, and cultural teachings, as well as student-initiated activities such as potlucks, family and movie nights.
“The symbolism of this move, this fresh start is not lost on any of us,” stated Sarah Amyot, President of The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association. “Aboriginal students at The University of Winnipeg finally will have a proper home, and place to gather. The building of this centre represents a new start for Aboriginal students and the Aboriginal Student Council at The University of Winnipeg. The UWSA is honoured to be able to give this gift from students for students.”
The University of Winnipeg, located in the heart of the city, is a compact, caring community committed to access and excellence in the arts and sciences. Ranked by Maclean’s magazine as one of Canada’s top ten undergraduate universities, The University of Winnipeg is home to more than 8,300 full- and part-time students. Established in 1871 as Manitoba College, The University of Winnipeg has a proud tradition preparing students to think critically and creatively, and to live fully in the world.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Katherine Unruh, Director of Communications, The University of Winnipeg
T: 204.786.9872 C: 204.782.3279
