UWinnipeg 2024 Honouring Indigenous Achievement Awards
Mon. Jun. 3, 2024
On Friday, May 24, The University of Winnipeg honoured several members of our Indigenous community at the 2024 Honouring Indigenous Achievement event.
We are excited to celebrate the award recipients from the Masters in Development Practice (MDP) program and the Indigenous Languages program- Daniel Nychuk, Mohamed “Mo” Crossman-Serb, Kate Binesigichidaakwe McDonald, and Shane Patterson. Daniel, Mo, and Shane are students in the MDP program and Kate is an instructor in the Indigenous Languages program.
Daniel Nychuk – Graduate Award
Daniel Nychuk is a Métis (Citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation) man born the youngest of three siblings. He comes from rural Manitoba on a family farm. He has an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance and is graduating from The University of Winnipeg’s Masters in Development Practice-Indigenous Development (MDP) program in the fall of 2024.
“I hope to use the foundation of knowledge and relationships I have developed through my undergrad and the MDP program in my future career in development practice. I am grateful that I have been nominated for such a prestigious award. It is truly an honour.”
Mohamed “Mo” Crossman-Serb – Graduate Award
Mohamed “Mo” Crossman-Serb is a Red River Métis on his mother’s side and Libyan on his father’s side. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Mo graduated in 2019 from The University of Winnipeg with a double major in Kinesiology and Chemistry.
“After graduation, three friends and I founded Waterways, a non-profit that runs land-based programming for Indigenous youth across Manitoba. I am currently finishing my final year of the University’s MDP program, and hope to continue working with communities in community development, recreation, and the environment.”
Kate Binesigichidaakwe McDonald – Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre Award
Kate Binesigichidaakwe McDonald is a Red River Metis citizen who grew up away from her family & community. Her great-grandparents were the last first language speakers of Anishinaabemowin and Michif in her family. Learning Anishinaabemowin has been Kate’s way of finding her way back home.
She first started her language learning journey at Wii Chiiwaakanak and is happy to be able to give back now as an instructor. She believes passionately in helping learners become speakers through creating a safe and fun learning environment where everyone feels welcome.
Shane Patterson – Dr. Tobasonakwut Kinew Scholarship for Culture, History and Language
Shane Patterson is an enrolled member of the great Ihanktowan Nation (Yankton Sioux Tribe), with ancestral lands hailing in the southeastern corner in the state of South Dakota.
“I represent the Ocheti Sakowin-Seven Council Fires of the great Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota Nations. I was born and raised on my ancestral lands learning a plethora of ancestral and traditional knowledge under the guidance of my parents, extended family and relatives that took the opportunity to mentor me. There are numerous relatives that taught me, and I stand in gratitude for the transference and passing on of our ancestral knowledge.”
Congratulations to all the 2024 Honouring Indigenous Achievement Award recipients.
Read more about the 2024 Honouring Indigenous Achievement Awards.