Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, University of Manitoba

In 1877, the University of Manitoba (UM) was established with the passage of An Act to Establish a Provincial University for the purpose of “raising the standard of higher education in the province, and of enabling all denominations and classes to obtain academical degrees.” In this spirit, we continue to work together to advance and redefine what it means to provide an accessible education for all.

In 2023-2024, our 9,400 faculty and staff welcome over 26,000 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate students to our campuses. Indigenous learners make up 9% of our students, a figure expected to grow as we continue to work towards increasing access and participation in post-secondary studies. Nearly a quarter of our students come from over 120 other countries around the world. After graduation, many remain in Manitoba, further enriching the cultural diversity of our province and helping to meet the need for a highly skilled work force.

UM is a member of the U15 and Manitoba’s research-intensive (medical -doctoral) university, with world-class researchers who share their expertise with local, national, and international communities. Through our research, we solve problems in new and distinct ways to embrace challenges and act on the pressing issues of today and tomorrow. We lead in areas such as arctic system science, climate change, health and well-being, and social justice. UM offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 100 different disciplines. Across programs, we have increased experiential learning opportunities and co-curricular programming. We invest in and provide students with access to financial, academic, and health and wellness supports to provide the foundation needed to succeed.

Manitoba’s growing number of Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, make-up 18% of the province’s population and Winnipeg is home to the largest Indigenous population in Canada. Within this decade it is estimated that one in five Manitobans will identify as Indigenous. In advancing Reconciliation efforts, it is vital that this unique diversity of communities, knowledges, and cultures across our province and Turtle Island is recognized. UM is a leader in Reconciliation, acknowledging that this ongoing work has only just begun. We are host to the National Centre of Truth and Reconciliation and welcomed Canada’s first Vice-President (Indigenous) in 2020. We are committed to advancing the Calls to Action and integrating Indigenous ways of knowing into what we do.

We recognize the value and strength of bringing together a diversity of voices and the need to make systemic and structural changes to ensure that this happens. UM’s efforts towards eliminating racism, and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, including the appointment of a new Vice-Provost (Equity), provides us with the foundations needed to move forward. We have committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and creating a sustainable environment for future generations.

UM injects $7.3 billion into Manitoba’s economy annually. Our alumni become the province’s next generation of cultural, community, business, healthcare, and government leaders. With more than 188,000 alumni, spread across 134 countries, we create a global network that helps drive innovation, leadership, and excellence.

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