September 7/10-UMASA Council Meeting
Council came together for their first meeting in September in Rm. 113 Helen Glass, Chaired by Co-President Shelley Halchuk to start planning and budgeting for the year’s activities and events. Discussion ranged from new Council member position confirmations to ASA Lounge operation and maintenance for the benefit of all U of M students. Welcome to new and returning students to the bi-weekly, Wednesday meetings starting at 6p.m. !
September 14/10-Orientation Week Aboriginal Showcase
Led by Carl Stone, with elder Garry Robson addressing students, Ian Hotomani and the Buffalo Red Thunder Singers and Dancers, former UMASA Council member and fiddler Matt Contois, Inuit Throat Singer Nikki K. and Country music performer Jerry Sereda (sponsored by the Manito Ahbee Festival www.manitoahbee.com), presented in front of hundreds of students passing through University Centre’s Fireside Lounge between 11:30-2:30 p.m. With the bannock, macaroni soup and rice pudding still steaming, volunteers and UMASA Council quickly served lunch to elders, dancers and lined-up students in the spirit of sharing and celebration.
Thank you to all that attended!
September 20-24 Membership Drive in ASA Lounge and University Centre
Over a hundred membership forms were distributed and filled out in the ASA Lounge-Rm. 113 Helen Glass as well as at the ASA Membership Drive table in University Centre. Thank you to Clayton, Sheena and David for taking time out of a busy week of settling into University classes to help spread the word about ASA activities. A revised one-page Membership Form printed on red paper for easy recognition will be available throughout the year as students continue to visit the ‘come and go’ Lounge maintained by a dedicated volunteer student Council.
September 22/10-Post-Secondary Funding Rally at the MB Legislature/UMASA Council Meeting
Council held their second meeting-Chaired by Co-President Clayton Thomas who also lead the organization of UMASA’s awareness rally earlier in the afternoon in protest of potential cuts to Post-Secondary Funding for Aboriginal students.
September 30/10-UMASA Membership Drive and BBQ
A beautiful sunny fall day on the University Centre’s outdoor patio provided the perfect backdrop to promote UMASA membership and activities to all U of M students. Virtually no food was left after cooking and serving for approximately 125 people between 12-1p.m. Thank you to Aboriginal House staff for offering the use of their BBQ’s, friends and volunteers for helping clean-up.
