University of Manitoba Aboriginal Students’ Association
2009-2010
Prepared by: Ryan Bruyere, UMASA Coordinator
Preamble:
2009-2010, in my view, was a recalibration year for the University of Manitoba Aboriginal Students’ Association (UMASA). It was a year of firsts: first coordinator, I was hired in June of 2009 for this position; first ceremonial lodge for the association, one of my personal highlights was getting this project off the ground; and this academic year could be reviewed as the year of growth for the association (membership, community visibility and general services).
It should also be noted that it was a year with less operating dollars. UMSU, before my hiring, had reorganized the fiscal relationship and hired me with 2009-2010 operating dollars which made some services expendable. Sports and recreation was scaled back; no intramural sports. Also, council honorariums and speaker series were not budgeted for. But, we made do with the appropriated resources and there was plenty of positive feedback from the membership.
Overall, it was a wonderful opportunity to engage students in all aspects of life and watch their natural leadership qualities emerge. I am honored to have served the membership with pride and hope; that one day these students will return home and effectively take control of all aspects of their community. These students are on the right path and for a brief time, our paths were one.
In this report I will briefly give a personal overview of all the events UMASA participated in. I will go from September 2009-April 2010. I hope you enjoy.
Miigwetch, Ekosi,
Ryan Bruyere
UMASA Coordinator
September 2009:
September 15: Aboriginal Showcase
The Aboriginal Showcase featured world renowned Metis fiddler Ivan Spence, Inuit throat singer Nikki Komaksiutiksak, Iam Hotomani’s pow wow demonstration group, Jessie McMann-Sparvier (hoop dancer), and square dancers called Sagkeeng Elders of the Past memorial Dancers-O’dansa Juniors. The event was held in the front of GOSA and it attracted hundreds of spectators. UMASA purchased food from Neechi Foods and over 200 people were fed and entertained. Carl Stone was the Master of Ceremonies. Funding was received through UMSU’s SIGPAC.
September 29: Back to School Barbecue & Membership Drive
The Annual Back to School Barbecue & Membership Drive was hosted in the Graduate Students’ Association’s conference room and patio. There were roughly 90 new members that joined mostly non-Aboriginal students and over a 150 people enjoyed burgers and hot dogs with all the fixings. ASC Staff and many UMASA volunteers chipped in to make this event a huge success and the weather cooperated as it was an unusual hot and balmy September 29 afternoon on campus.
Other notables:
- Weekly home cooked meal fundraisers were launched (every Wednesday)
- UMSU Service Group Treasurers Meeting
- Canteen set up in ASA Office at Aboriginal House
- UMASA’s blog launched-www.umasa.wordpress.com
- Facebook group launched
October 2009:
October 29: Indigenous Sovereignty Week
In conjunction with the Winnipeg Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Movement, UMASA held an intimate screening of Finding Dawn at the Aboriginal House with renowned Aboriginal author Beatrice Mosionier (In Search of April Raintree). UMASA contributed deer stew and bannock for the event and the turnout was excellent, some said it was the best to date in terms of attendance for the WIPSM’S Indigenous Sovereignty Week.
October 29: UMASA Halloween Social “The Pre-Quel”
The first kick off social was called “The Pre-Quel” after the previous years “Sequel” themed social. UMASA hosted the social at the Off Campus Nite Club. The turnout was not as well as expected, however; UMASA went into it thinking about just doing it for a socializing experience and to have fun meeting new students. The event was successful in this regard, but the end result was the turnout numbers which was unsatisfactory-thirty or so attended.
October 29: Kyle McClintock receives MAYAA
Kyle McClintock, a resent addition to the council, receives his Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award for Personal Achievement (Senior).
October 31: Halloween Party at the Aboriginal House
UMASA entertained children with games, movies and food. Afterwards participants went trick or treating in the Fort Garry neighborhood adjacent to the university.
Other notables:
- UMASA endorses the CFS Target Poverty Campaign
- Tom Porter, Mohawk elder, visits the Aboriginal House
- UMASA finds out about Tom Flanagan’s campus visit
November 2009:
November 5: Open Letter against Tom Flanagan’s Lecture
It appeared that Tom Flanagan, Indian adversary #1, was coming to the U of M for a speech on Elections in Canada. Unbefitting was the feeling around campus with the many confused students and professors asking why the U of M Politics Department would invite this man, with his history with native issues, to do a guest lecture? With the support of Native Studies Dept, Aboriginal Student Centre, Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) and many others we released a well prepared open letter denouncing the actions of the Politics Department. It received plenty of media coverage, appearing on APTN National News (Tara Gosek), Winnipeg Sun (Joseph Quesnel) and other local news outlets. Awareness was the intent of the letter.
November 5: CFS Day of Action “Target Poverty”
UMASA were full participants of the Target Poverty Campaign joining the thousands of other post secondary students on the steps of the Manitoba Legislature and nationwide for the annual C.F.S. Day of Action. The day began at the U of M with a campus rally and barbecue where Michael Dorie and Brock Campbell said some heart felt words and later Brock joined the UWASC Rep for another speech in front of many enthusiatic students.
November 9: Potluck and Council Meeting
UMASA hosts the Annual General Meeting at the Aboriginal House. Meeting was well attended and received. There were campus delegates; prayers, elders and great dialogue from the many participants. More meetings were held in the afternoon at the Aboriginal House after the success of the gathering.
November 12: Tom Flanagan Lectures
UMASA attended both lectures offered by the Politics Dept. Flanagan never touched any areas of indigenous studies; however, he did promote his upcoming book on individual lands on Indian reserves and said a blunder when speaking from a lawyer standpoint on defending child pornography. He said: “what’s wrong with child pornography — in the sense that it’s just pictures? But I’m not here to debate that today.” The most important outcome of his visit was the fact that UMSU and UMASA proposed an ethics board concept to the University for potential controversial speeche
November 28: Sweat Ceremony at Red Willow Lodge
UMASA teamed up with Red Willow Lodge and offered rides to the sweat lodge site out of town. A bus was dispatched to the Aboriginal House for participants.
December 2009
December 1: Sweat lodge Teaching Workshop
Travis Harper and Elder Dean Linklater presented a workshop on how to build a sweat lodge. It was an informational presentation and there were ten students in attendance. Afterwards, students assisted in the building of UMASA’s first ceremonial sweat lodge site. A motion was passed to approve more funding for this project.
December 4: Sweat Ceremony
First sweat ceremony held and a number of students participated. It was a nice day for a winter sweat and afterwards a potluck was held in Room 113 Helen Glass.
December 6: Annual Holiday Feast & Children’s Party
The 2009 Annual Holiday Feast and Children’s Party was held off campus at the Thunderbird House for space purposes. In previous years, the x-mas party was held at the Multi Purpose Room and last year the newly opened Aboriginal House hosted. UMASA budgeted $2500.00 for all expenses, not including children’s gifts which the ACCESS Program donated. There was face painting, children’s games, and a magician for the children. Vivian Courchene was our caterer, and Tracy Campbell and JC Bone was the contemporary artists who entertained during dinner. Lisa and Tamara Muswagon honored us with a few hand drum songs. Santa Claus made time out of his busy schedule and dropped in at the Thunderbird House. There were about two hundred participants, half were registered children. Total cost: $3020.00
December 9: Anna Celestrya Carr wins Sybil Shack Human Rights Youth Award
Anna Celestrya Carr receives a Human Rights Youth Award.
December 10: Monthly Potluck
Monthly potlcuk’s gaining in popularity averaging around 60 people.
Other notables:
- UMASA Hamper Draw Fundraiser makes a few dollars
- External funding proposal is retracted for lack of corporate and band/tribal support
- Ryan Bruyere attends all Children’s Party Committee Meetings
January 2010
January 11: Brock Campbell, UMASA Co-President, Resigns
Brock Campbell resigns citing academics as his primary reason. UMASA approved a council shuffle to accommodate the vacancy. Clayton Thomas becomes the new Male Co-Vice-President, Michael Dorie becomes acting Male Co-President. UMASA releases statement on the blog wishing Brock success in his final academic term.
January 20: Inner City Campus Presentation
UMASA presents at the Inner City Campus January council meeting. There were around 25 new members signed up to the association and Ryan and Michael spoke on behalf of the association.
January 23 Wheelies Roller Rink Family Outing
UMASA hosts the January Family Day at Wheelies Roller Rink, a Winnipeg institution. Pizza and refreshments were provided. The turnout was not as expected; maybe the weather played a role in that but only 20 or so people showed.
January 26 Men’s Drum Teachings Workshop
UMASA welcomes back the council drum holder Jeff St. Paul for a workshop in the circle room at the Aboriginal House with Elder Gary Robson. There were seven participants who really enjoyed themselves and expressed an eagerness for more drum teaching workshops.
January 26 Monthly Potluck
This event was a precursor to the drum teaching workshop. As I stated earlier, potlucks gaining in popularity as many students and staff participated and volunteered. UMASA gave their monthly update to the participants.
January 28 Aboriginal Showcase
The winter Aboriginal Showcase coincided with UMSU’s Celebration Week festivities. The cultural showcase at the University Centre (stage area) was well received by the hundred or so participants, including senior aged students at the Southeast College. There was a pow wow demonstration, square dancers and of course stew and bannock. Students from S.E. College submitted reports to UMASA on their cultural perspectives.
February 2010
February 8: Two Spirit Awareness Day
This network project with the Rainbow Mosaic Pride included presentations from Lorne Olsen; indigenous documentary maker: Screening; Deb-we-win Ge-ken-am-aan, Our Place in the Circle; Two-Spirit Manitoba Inc. Presentation and a student sharing circle. Food and honorariums were split between the organizations, and roughly twenty five students participated.
February 13: Family Day at the Forks
UMASA’s monthly family day was held outdoors at the world famous Forks Pavilion. There was sliding, skating, face painting, hot chocolate and a supper at the Old Spaghetti Factory. Fifteen people showed up for the inaugural winter day.
February 14: Murdered and missing Women’s Memorial March
UMASA contributed finances ($200.00) and support to this important cause. Clayton Thomas marched with the women from the U of W to the Legislature. UMASA was honored for their support by Lisa Michel, lead organizer, at the rally.
February 19: Hip Hop 4 Hampers Benefit Social
Thanks to Streetz FM, Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Hip Hop station, the fundraising social was a relative success, raising $200.00 for Winnipeg Harvest. There were appearances by DJ Rahdil, Swig Fu, Wab Kinew and Winnipeg’s Most. The event was held at the Pyramid Cabaret and UMASA had to switch the theme from NDN Lovers’ valentines theme to a fundraising social due to a change of date at our venue. The fundraiser was well attended with over 175 participants.
February 24: UMSU Executive Candidates Forum @ Aboriginal House
The Moving Forward Slate from the UMSU election dropped in at our monthly potluck and said some words about what the Moving Forward campaign is all about. Clayton Thomas also said some words as he was the uncontested Aboriginal Community Rep on UMSU’s Board of Directors. Some highlights of his speech included: Aboriginal campus housing initiative, social justice advocacy and networking with other student leaders for positive change.
March 2010
March 14: Pizza & Movie (Aboriginal House 2 pm)
Student appreciation Pizza and a Movie event attracted a handful of moms with their children. We enjoyed “School of Rock” and ate some food.
March 18: Sweat Ceremony
The sweat ceremony had a good turnout with ten or so students attending. Weather was nice and we seen an eagle soaring over the lodge.
March 18: UMASA Elections nominations began
March 18: UMSU Budget Meeting UMASA Presentation
Ryan Bruyere presented on the need for more finances as the UMASA intramural sports and speaker series were ommitted from our service delivery responsibilities. Ryan asked for a modest increase of $2500.00 for sports and an awareness week event for 2010-2011.
March 19-20 Elder’s Gathering (Aboriginal House)
UMASA contributes $1500.00 to the annual event. UMASA also provided volunteers. Main speaker at this year’s gathering was Justice Murray Sinclair of the Truth & Reconcilliation Commission.
March 24 UMASA Elections-Candidates Forum & Potluck
The candidate forum allowed for election candidates to meet and greet students and spread awareness on the importance of engagement in student politics. Potluck was also another huge success.
March 25 UMASA Elections-Voting starts 10 am (Poll in Aboriginal House retunda)
Ryan Bruyere was appointed Chief Returning Officer for the 2010-2011 UMASA election. UMSU donated a laptop for membership list organizing purposes and a ballot box and voter shield for voter comfort.
March 26 “Taste for Justice” Dinner & Documentary. St. Augustine United Church 6 pm. Presented by UofM Amnesty Intl. Students and UMASA
UMASA was approached by Amnesty International (AI) Students to do a networking aboriginal awareness project. The awareness was centered on the plight of the Lubicon Cree of northern Alberta. UMASA provided a drum group, hoop dancer, a political speaker (Nahanni Fontaine), musical performer (Dave Boulanger) and an elder for a pipe ceremony. AI screened a documentary on the Lubicon Cree and their many volunteers provided a wonderful supper for the hundred and fifty or so particpants. UMASA and AI both provided emcees for the event and there was also a sharing circle afterwards.
March 28 Bowling Night
UMASA hosted an evening of bowling at Academy Lanes. Turnout for family events improving, there was over twenty children in attendace. Lanes, pizza and refreshments provided free of charge.
March 31 UMASA Election Results
Official results of the 2010 UMASA General Election
93 votes casted, 1 spoiled
April 2010
April 18: Seventh Generation Walk for Mother Earth
In conjunction with the Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Movement, Ka Ni Kanichihk, Boreal Forest Network and Council of Canadians, UMASA was proud to co-sponsor this important event. Hundreds of marchers met at Central Park and marched to the Forks where a water ceremony was done by some local female indigenous elders. UMASA contributed $100.00 to the committee for a Grassy Narrows First Nation community member to attend and speak on behalf of one of the most impoverished communities in NW Ontario.
April: 24 End of Year Volunteer BBQ
UMASA barbecue in honor of the volunteers on council was held at Ryan’s place.
Other Notables:
- May 1st Annual Graduation Pow Wow
- Starblanket and moccasin raffle raised over $600.00 for the 2010-2011 UMASA Bursary Awards
- May 3, 2010 Newly elected council takes office
- May 4, 2010 report Submitted by Ryan Bruyere
UMASA 