16 | NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
JUNE 2025
Celebrating Dane Monkman Cree and Anishinaabe changemaker
“My education has given me a strong understanding of the rights of our peoples and of the power we have not only to hold government to account, but to create change as well,” Mr. Monkman says. A first-generation university graduate and the son of a residential school Survivor, Mr. Monkman sees education as a chance to access what his father was denied. At UM, he found connection through Indigenous community and spaces like Migizii Agamik– Bald Eagle Lodge. “I’m closer to my community, my culture and our traditions,” Mr. Monkman says. The University of Manitoba honours Dane Monkman for his visionary leadership and commitment to Indigenous sovereignty.
Dane Monkman (Giizhebaabi Migizii) is a proud member of Peguis First Nation who grew up in Hay River, Northwest Territories. He is dedicated to advancing Indigenous governance and building stronger nation-to-nation relationships. While completing his master’s in political studies at the University of Manitoba, Mr. Monkman [BA/19, MA/24] focused his research on Treaty One. He also worked with Mamawipawin, the Indigenous Governance and Community-Based Research Space, on impactful projects like Walking With Our Sisters. Mr. Monkman’s academic path at UM now guides his role in government. As director of ministerial affairs for the Manitoba Indigenous Reconciliation Secretariat, he works with the Premier on engaging rights holders to help bring their voices into policy.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING.
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