Need food? Here are some community resources where you can get emergency food support

May 13th, 2020

In order to protect the safety and health of students and community members and staff, the UWSA Foodbank will remain closed till the public health situation improves. However, as students deal with unprecedented challenges, food and income insecurity continue to rise.  

Harvest Manitoba has helped us prepare a list of distribution centres across Manitoba where students and community members can access free emergency food and groceries.

Harvest Manitoba 

If you need emergency food, please call Harvest Manitoba to book an appointment at your local food bank. You can reach them by phone or email.

In Winnipeg:  
New to Harvest Manitoba Phone: (204) 982 – 3671

Returning Clients to Harvest Manitoba Phone: (204) 982 -3660
Email: appointments@winnipegharvest.org 
Outside Winnipeg:  
Phone: 1 (800) 970 – 5559 
Email: kellym@winnipegharvest.org 
Hours:  
Monday to Friday 9:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. 
Saturday 9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 

 You will need the following information when calling:  

• Six-digit Manitoba health number  
• International Students: You don’t need a Manitoba Health Card to access the foodbank. Simply, keep your UWinnipeg Student Number handy.  

Seniors and people living with disabilities can have food delivered to their residence via Harvest Manitoba by calling (204) 982–3660. Walk-ins service is not available, so please call before visiting a food distribution centre.  

Other Winnipeg Community Resources 

If you need supplemental food, the following soup kitchens are open and serving pre-packaged food. 

• Agape Table
  364 Furby St.  
  Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.  
   
• Siloam Mission
  300 Princess St. 
  Monday – Sunday  
  Breakfast: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. (only for people staying overnight)  
  Lunch: 12.30 p.m. – 1.30 p.m.  
  Supper: 6.30pm – 7.30pm  
   
• Manitoba Metis Federation
  Call for a hamper and have your MMF# ready. Delivery only. 
  150 Henry Ave. 
  65 & under: Call 204-589-4327  
  65 & over: Call 204-586-8474 (ext. 371) 
   
• Missionaries of Charity  
  167 Aikins Street   
  Take and Go: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday  
  Breakfast: 9.30 a.m. – 10.45 a.m. 
   
• West Central Women’s Centre
  640 Ellice Ave.  
  Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 12 – 1 p.m. (lunch and coffee until supplies last)  
  Tuesday and Thursday: 5 – 6 p.m. (dinner and coffee until supplies last)  
  Saturday: 10 – 11 a.m. (breakfast and coffee)
   
• Main Street Project
  661 Main St. 
  Thursday: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. 
   
• Main Street Project (Shelter)
  637 Main St. for men: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.
  190 Disraeli Freeway for women: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.
  First come first serve for overnight shelter. 
   
• Union Gospel Mission  
  320 Princess  
  Breakfast: 11 a.m. | Supper: 7 p.m. 
  50 people served each day 
  Drop-in service provided from 2 – 4 p.m. from Monday-Friday for use of showers and food (if available). Maximum of twenty people every thirty minutes. 
   
• Light House Mission  
  669 Main St. 
  Monday – Thursday 
  Breakfast: 9 – 11 a.m. | Lunch: 2 – 3 p.m.  
  Friday: 1 – 2 p.m. | 6:30 – 8 p.m. 
  Call 204-943-9669 for an emergency hamper. 
   
• Salvation Army  
  For residents only. Shelter units are currently full.  
  180 Henry Ave.  
   
• Crossways in the Commons  
  222 Furby St.  
  Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fridays: 11.30 – 3 p.m.  
  Free lunches: 12:30 – 1.10 pm. 
  Call 204-774-2773 to arrange an appointment for emergency hampers after-hours. 
   
• Bear Clan Den  
  563 Selkirk Ave.  
  Call 204-219-1052 
  Changes every day depending on the supplies they receive so call ahead. 
   
• North Point Douglas Women’s Center  
  221 Austin St. N  
  Wednesday & Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 – 4 p.m.

           Thursday: 1 – 4 p.m.

           Saturday: 1 – 5 p.m.

           Non-perishable food hampers and feminine hygiene products are also available. 
 

• The Welcome Home
  188 Euclid Ave.  
  Wednesday: 10 a.m. onwards 
  20 food hampers distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis. Bagged lunches after that. 
   
• North End Women’s Center
  394 Selkirk Ave.  
  Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. or until they run out 
  Bagged lunches, hygiene products, pads, clean needles and new-born diapers available. 
   
• Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Center  
  Emergency kits with food (bagged lunches, fruit, juice box & granola bar), baby supplies (diapers, formula, baby cereal & baby food jars, basic needs (toilet paper, feminine products, shampoo, conditioner & soap).  
  Deliveries only
  Monday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.   
  Request kits by calling McGregor location 204-925-0330/6816 
  Or, Spence location 204-925-0352 or 204-925-0348 
   
• Macdonald Youth Services (ages 13-21)  
  159 Mayfair Ave.  
  Call: 204-477-1804 (within Winnipeg), 1-888-477-1804 (outside Winnipeg)
  Offering food, shelter, shower, and laundry 
   
• Daniel Mcintyre/ St Matthews Community Association  
  823 Ellice Ave.  
  Monday – Friday: 2 – 6 p.m.  
  Take-out window for drinking water, snacks, hygiene supplies, feminine products, safer sex protection, clean needles socks & service referrals. Ring the doorbell out front for service. 
   
• Feed My Lambs  
  117 Euclid Ave.  
  Friday: 3:30 p.m. 
  Food-hamper distribution on a first-come, first-serve basis.  
   
• Andrews Street Family Centre  
  220 Andrews St.  
  Emergency food, diapers & formula available with MB health card.  
  Meals served Monday – Friday: 12 – 2 p.m.  
   
• Salvation Army Weetamah  
  324 Logan Ave.  
  Bread every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 11 a.m.  
  Washrooms available: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Questions? Please contact us at foodbank@theuwsa.ca.  

Provincial cuts to UWinnipeg’s funding to increase financial and academic challenges for students amid global pandemic.

May 11th, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Provincial cuts to UWinnipeg’s funding to increase financial and academic challenges for students amid global pandemic.

WINNIPEG [Treaty 1 Territory] May 11, 2020 – On May 11, 2020, UWinnipeg announced that the Government of Manitoba has cut the University of Winnipeg’s (UWinnipeg) operating grant by 3.7 per cent, amounting to a $2.3 million reduction, even as post-secondary students deal with uncertainties due to the Coronavirus pandemic. This is the third year in a row that the province has cut post-secondary operating grants.

Since enrolment for the Spring/Summer term at UWinnipeg has increased, these cuts will put pressure on administrators to offer high-quality education, while also striving to provide the financial and academic support that students need as they deal with uncertainty.

“Students are facing reduced course options for the spring term, and with the current economic instability, this news is profoundly disappointing,” says Jibril Hussein, President of the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association. “Cuts to the operating grant and the University’s budget will probably mean fewer course options for students, and higher tuition costs to make up for the lost revenue. This, coupled with the economic downturn due to COVID-19, presents one of the worst financial futures students have ever faced.”

Hussein agrees that critical financial decisions need to be made during an economic crisis but defunding educational institutions is not a sustainable strategy. 

“Investment in post-secondary education is not only vital for the wellbeing of all of its students, but for the province’s future as well,” he says. 

According to UWinnipeg, funding cuts will impact their ability to meet the significant demand increase the University is currently experiencing. 

“I’ve witnessed the adverse effects that the current public health situation has had on both academic life and mental health of students at the University,” says Melanie William, UWSA Vice-President Student Affairs. “Budgets are about choices, and this choice sends a clear message that students are not a priority for this government.”

The University of Winnipeg plans to present its revised budget to the Board of Regents in June. In order to avoid layoffs, their focus will be on non-salary reductions as they pivot to meet the growing demand for educational programs. 

About UWSA

Established in 1972, the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) democratically unites the students of the University of Winnipeg in order to advance student interests. As well as promoting communication within the University, the UWSA advocates on behalf of students to administrative bodies.

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For further information, contact:

Shreya Jhunjhunwala 
Communications Manager
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association
0R30 – 515 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3B 2E9
(204) 962-7023
s.jhunjhunwala@theuwsa.ca

Welcome Execs and Directors of 2020/21!

May 1st, 2020

It’s the first day for the 2020/21 Executive team and directors. Welcome to the UWSA team – Jibril, Melanie and Breanna!

We’re starting the year a bit differently than we would usually would but we’re excited to continue working and advocating for students in 2020/21!

An End-of-term Message from your 2019-20 UWSA VP External Affairs, Mahlet Cuff

April 29th, 2020

I have had the privilege and honour of being a part of the UWSA team for the past 11 months. Working with Nawal and Meagan has taught me so much about not only myself but the UW campus. I would have never thought that I would be a part of making history as the first ever Women of Colour team to work and run the UWSA. The three of us came into this job with the idea and plan to prioritize BIPOC students and marginalized students from all walks of life. I think that we were able to to not only say we are going to do it but also stick to for the last year.

Looking back on my exec reports and notes that I made during my time at the UWSA, I was able to list a couple things that I accomplished alongside my team that I am very proud of. As the Vice President of External Affairs, I have been able to connect and organize with student groups, be the local 8 representatives for the Canadian Federation of Students MB and be the individual that is able to connect with community organizations within the surrounding core of the University of Winnipeg.

In the beginning of my term I was able to finalize the BIPOC lounge Library Agreement with Micheal Dudley from UWinnipeg library and our Special Projects Manager. This is something that I have made a priority to continue with the re-elected Racialized Director and the BIPOC Lounge Coordinator. As being the Local 8 rep for the Canadian Federation Manitoba, I thought it was very important for me to make time to meet with delegates from National when they were in town. I was able to meet with the National Chair Person, Sofia Descalzi and Trina James when they were both in town to learn more about the Federation as a whole.

Alongside connecting with students and community, I have also had the chance to meet with faculty and be on committees that make decisions about academic misconduct, student services such as bursaries and scholarships and governance and community relations. I also got the chance to represent students on the Board of Regents where a lot of important decisions are being made about the university at large. In those spaces, we have been able to advocate for students that may not have the voice to do so and bring our own lived experiences to those meetings, where faculty and admin are able to learn from us as well.

In this role, I have learned that it is important to be able to work on your solo projects but to support your team in their projects as well. This means assisting Meagan in her role as President by showing up to Divest meetings and the great events she has been able to put on. I was also able to support to Noelle when she is advocating for the UPass and working with students going through various academic appeals.

As the elected LGBTTQ* Students’ Commissioner of the Canadian Federation of Students Manitoba for 2020-21, I hope to continue to prioritize marginalized students at a provincial level.

Sincerely,
Mahlet Cuff (She/They)
2019/20 Vice-President External Affairs
University of Winnipeg Students’ Association

An End-of-term Message from your 2019-20 UWSA VP Student Affairs, Noelle Sagher

April 29th, 2020

For the past year, I have worked alongside UWSA staff and students, day in and day out. But mostly importantly, I have been an Executive Director with Meagan Malcolm and Mahlet Cuff. For the past 11 months, Meagan and Mahlet have been my crutches and my breath of fresh air. They have been the backs upon which I stand, the comforting voices in the office after the door slams, the laughter in the late hours of the evening which I hold so dearly in my heart, and the feet that make so much noise when we’re out at Portage and Main, holding hands, standing with our brothers, sisters, and siblings. To Meagan and Mahlet, I owe you everything I have learned about patience, about resiliency, about power, and about love.

I am thankful to be a part of the first ever all women of colour Executive at the UWSA, a title never came lightly. It allowed us to care for Black, Indigenous, Students of Colour in ways that honoured the BIPoC Executives before us and the amazing work they laid down for us. Their victories and ideas continued on with our term, and I’m grateful to those that took the time to help us within our roles – including friends that are close to our hearts.

In my role as VPSA, I was able to sit on many university committees to ensure students were accounted for in policies, academic advocacy, services, and finances. This meant continuous bargaining, and letting the university know about students’ concerns, including security on campus, awards and bursaries for those who need them most, and the need for a more accessible post-secondary education. Though our voices were not always heard, our efforts were not meaningless; we have seen many changes within the University’s procedures, and we hope our words echo for years to come.

I was able to sit on the Senate Academic Appeals Committee, where I worked with wonderful academic advisors to ensure students are given the accommodations they need, and helped turn the tide on academic appeals and mental health, advocating for students who deserve a second shot at University and to be accommodated. Sitting on this Committee every single Tuesday morning was rewarding in more ways than one, and I leave knowing that students are well taken care of.

Throughout my role at the UWSA, the fight for the U-Pass stands out as one of the most important events of my career here. Through constant tabling, advocacy, meetings with staff and those at the City, countless City hall meetings and speeches, we were able to save the U-Pass. This means affordable transportation for students at the University of Winnipeg, and I couldn’t have done it without my staff and teammates.

Though there are many things I’d love to highlight about this role, advocacy for students stands as the most important, enriching, and monumental. I met with well over 100 students requiring academic advocacy, whether it was to file appeals, attend Senate and Departmental Review Committees with them, talk about their case of academic misconduct, tell me about the systemic inequalities they are facing at the University, or just a shoulder to cry on, and I wouldn’t have traded this for anything. One of the most important parts of this job was meeting with students, and doing everything you can to help alleviate their moments of stress. This will always be a part of this job that I hold near and dear to my heart.

Student organizing, protests, and rallies are an important way to show solidarity with marginalized students across campus, and I hope UWSA Executives take that to heart for years to come. From Portage and Main, to the Hive, to the Carlton Graduate Student Unions’ Lounge, the most valuable information and knowledge I have gained has come from grassroots organizers who double as students. The time I have spent with these people goes beyond my role at the UWSA and will continue for years to come; the learning is never done.

Through my work at the UWSA, I was elected as the Women’s Representative on the National Executive of the Canadian Federation of Students, where I will continue my work alongside my family, Meagan Malcolm (Circle of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Rep on the National Executive), and Mahlet Cuff (Queer Rep on the Provincial Executive). I am thankful for this role, and the community it allows me to build, as well as provide an avenue to continue the work I care about on a National level. I had an amazing year the UWSA, and am thankful for all the opportunities it has given me; but I am most thankful for Mahlet and Meagan. The work is never done, but when we do it together, we can go farther.

In solidarity,
Noelle Sagher | صقر نوال
2019/20 Vice-President External Affairs
University of Winnipeg Students’ Association

An End-of-term Message from your 2019-20 UWSA President, Meagan Malcolm

April 29th, 2020

As many of you know, I was the First Indigenous woman to be elected President of University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA).  More importantly, I was a part of the first all women-of-colour executive team. The real honour was getting to work alongside women of colour who inspire me to do more. My term came with many challenges that many women-of-colour in leadership positions face, from criticism to discrimination online, but nothing can beat the feeling of meeting a first year who was inspired by our team’s work. My goal was never to be in the spotlight, or to be the voice of the organization. My goal was to instil confidence in others to bring their ideas forth. And to help them in accomplishing these goals. And to show others that we do belong in these spaces even when we feel like we don’t. I spent a lot of time standing up for students at the UWinnipeg Senate. This has been the most challenging but rewarding experience thus far.

I focused my term on trying to get the University to divest from the fossil fuels industry. The divestment movement at the University of Winnipeg has always been an Indigenous-led initiative. I knew coming into office this was something I needed to prioritize. The greatest success this year was creating a movement again. I am confident the momentum is only going to increase. From the help of the Indigenous Students’ Association (ISA) I was able to establish an UWSA Indigenous Advisory Circle. This is going to be a committee made up of non-elected Indigenous students that will oversee and guide all UWSA Indigenous projects and initiatives. That will ensure that the UWSA and its governance, programs and services are guided by an awareness and understanding of Indigenous peoples.

I am the incoming National Executive for Circle of First Nations, Metis and Inuit for the Canadian Federation of Students. This is national role, which I don’t take lightly. I will be continuing to advocate for Indigenous students nationally. I feel confident that my experience with UWSA has well prepared me to take on this new role.

Thank you to my team and all the UWSA staff for making this such a memorable experience. I feel grateful to have had this experience at UWSA that has showed me what I am capable of.

Miigwech,

Meagan Malcolm ᒣᑲᐣᒪᓬᑯᒼ
President (one last time)
University of Winnipeg Students’ Association

UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG STUDENTS AND FACULTY CONDEMN PROVINCE’S PROPOSED CUTS TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

April 27th, 2020

For Immediate Release

UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG STUDENTS AND FACULTY CONDEMN PROVINCE’S PROPOSED CUTS TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION.

WINNIPEG [Treaty 1 Territory] April 27, 2020 – The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) and the University of Winnipeg Faculty Association (UWFA) stand firmly against proposed budget cuts to post-secondary education.

Last week, the Provincial Government asked Manitoban Universities, including University of Winnipeg, to prepare for budget cuts of up to 30 per cent to help the Province financially recover from Coronavirus pandemic. A plan was prepared and submitted to the government on Tuesday that is due for approval.

UWSA’s Vice-President External Affairs, Mahlet Cuff says that the cuts will create additional uncertainty for student during a pandemic, especially since the demand for courses have increased over the Spring/Summer term.

“In times like this, students should not have to worry about cuts,” Cuff says. “This time is to be spent with loved ones and community. Students are facing unprecedented anxiety and uncertainty and need to be prioritized.”

A reduction in post-secondary funding will also potentially lead to an increase in tuition and a reduction in essential services and resources that students need. According to the UWFA, cuts to post-secondary education as we enter a recession run contrary to research and advice from financial and political experts.

“During an economic downturn, people come to universities and colleges to reinforce their existing skills and re-train to find or create new jobs and possibilities; we need to make sure Manitobans have the requisite skillsets that all business owners, not-for-profits, and governmental organizations are going to need to remain viable and competitive,” says Professor Jacqueline Romanow, President of UWFA.

UWinnipeg, and other universities, play a major role in economic recovery. The UWSA and UWFA call on the province to invest, not cut, post-secondary education, to ensure that Manitoba leads the way in Canada’s economic rebound post COVID-19.

About UWSA

Established in 1972, the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) democratically unites the students of the University of Winnipeg in order to advance student interests. As well as promoting communication within the University, the UWSA advocates on behalf of students to administrative bodies.

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For further information, contact:

Shreya Jhunjhunwala
Communications Manager
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association
0R30 – 515 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3B 2E9
Treaty One Territory
(204) 962-7023 | s.jhunjhunwala@theuwsa.ca

Understand the Recently Announced Federal Relief Measures for Students

April 23rd, 2020

Understanding the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) and other recently announced federal student relief measures:

What is the CESB?

The CESB would provide $1,250 per month for eligible students from May through August 2020, and $1,750 for students with dependents and those with permanent disabilities.

What is the CSSG?

Students who volunteer for essential services will be eligible to receive up to $5000 of post-secondary education costs. Eligibility and application details will be available through the to-be-launched I Want to Help platform.

Who’s eligible?

• Post-secondary students currently enrolled or going back to school in Fall 2020
• Recent Graduates since December 2019
• Students who are ineligible for the CERB or EI

International Students:

• Are not currently eligible for CESB but are eligible to receive Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) if they have lost income due to the pandemic.
• CSSG eligibility details haven’t been released yet.
• The 20 hr/week limit is lifted till August 31, 2020 for those working in essential services like health care, infrastructure, food or critical good supply and more.

Other Relief Measures Announced:

• $291.6 million to extend graduate student scholarships, fellowships and grants for the next three to four months
• 76,000 additional jobs in sectors providing essential services.
• $75 million pledged for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students
• Plans to double Canada Student Grants to up to $6,000 for full-time students and up to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020-21.
• Proposed raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided to a student in 2020-21 to $350 from $210 for the Canada Student Loans Program

How Do I Access These Benefits?

• CESB will be delivered through the Canada Revenue Agency. Applications details will be shared once available
• CSSG details will be available through the I Want to Help platform once launched
• Information on grants and loans are available through UWinnipeg Awards office at awards@uwinnipeg.ca

Mental Health Resources for Students Affected by COVID-19

April 22nd, 2020

Your mental health is more important than ever right now. In case you missed our conversations on mental health during Coronavirus: Covid Coping, please use these resources our panelists shared with us if and when you need it.

UWinnipeg Resources:

• UW Student Counselling Services:
  • Contact us by phone at 204.988.7611
  • email us at studentwellness@uwinnipeg.ca between the hours of 830am – 430pm Monday to Friday.
  • For more information about student counselling services or additional community resources, you can visit our website at uwinnipeg.ca/student-wellness/
• Mind BEACON: Mental health resource for UWinnipeg students covered by UWSA Green Shield Health Plan

Online Resources:

• The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital)
• Online Mental Health Guide (Excellent article about smartphone addiction with helpful tools)
• Mental Health America (This site has lots of tools and resources)
• Covid Convos via Sunshine House on Facebook Live
• Mutual Aid Society Facebook Group 
• BIPOC Mental Health Workers Resource List-Central Neighbourhoods (List updated 1st of every month)
• Caring Queerly Facebook Group (for 2STLGBQIA+ people only)

Ted Talks:

• Is Social Media Hurting Your Mental Health? By Bailey Parnell
• What You Are Missing While Being a Digital Zombie. By Patrik Wincent
• How Social Media Makes Us Unsocial. By Allison Graham
• Addicted To Likes. By Poppy Jamie
• Social Media Addiction. Leslie Coutterand

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact:

• KLINIC Crisis Line: 204-786-8686
• Manitoba Suicide Line: 1-877-435-7170
• Crisis Stabilization Unit: 204-940-3633
• Mobile Crisis Service: 204-940-1781
• Youth Mobile Crisis Team: 204-949-4777
• Seneca House: 204-942-9276 (7:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.)
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
• Kids Help Phone Text Service (Open to all ages): Text 686868
• MB Farm & Rural Support Services: 1-866-367-3276
• Hope for Wellness Line (Phone and Online Chat) for Indigenous peoples: Counselling available in Anishiniabemowin, Cree/Ininiw, Inuktitut, English and French
• Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM): 204.925.0040
  Support line to assist people who are struggling with anxiety related to COVID-19. Hours are 9am – 9pm, Sat – Sun 10am – 4pm.

In-Person Resources:

• Teen Clinics available to people under 21: Drop in available but need to call ahead due to COVID-19

Click here for a downloadable PDF resource by panelist, Cori Jaye Elston: Social Media Handout

Covid Coping: A Student-focused Mental Health Discussion

April 22nd, 2020

An online student-focused panel discussion on staying well during social isolation.

Wednesday April 22, 2020
5pm onwards
Moderated by your VPEA, Mahlet Cuff
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/98720382375?pwd=OWMxWkJRY2pzcWJMVVkzQ1Q5R1ZaQT09

Panelists:

Cori Jaye Elston, Art Services and Mentoring:
Cori Jaye Elston is a visual artist, teacher, and mental health advocate from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her artistic practice consists of vibrant surrealist, pop-art paintings that she utilizes to spread positive messages to the community. Cori Jaye has been featured on CBC Radio, Global Television and many podcasts speaking about her career as an artist and the importance of following your dreams. She leverages her background in Marketing, Graphic Design and Digital Media to promote the power of positivity, using social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Patreon as catalysts. In addition, Cori Jaye conducts social media literacy workshops, as well as private mentoring sessions, to help share knowledge about how to navigate the ever-growing online community.

Brian Theriault, MEd. CCC, Clinical Coordinator / Counsellor, and Student Counselling Services:
Brian Theriault completed his Master’s degree in counselling psychology at the University of Lethbridge and is trained in Somatic Experiencing – a body-oriented approach to healing trauma and other stress disorders. Brian has been in the role of Clinical Coordinator / Counsellor at the University of Winnipeg – Student Counselling Services (located in the Wellness Centre) for over a year now. He is passionate about engaging students in the therapeutic journey. Prior to arriving at UW, he has worked as a therapist in many different counselling environments, including addiction and mental health agencies and private practice. When he is not counselling, you can find him hiking a new trail or camping on an island on one of the many shield lakes in Manitoba.

Hema Krueger Vyas, Health Educator & Community Organizer:
Hema Krueger Vyas is queer Gujarati educator who is passionate about community activism. Over the past decade, she has worked as a health educator throughout Manitoba teaching about consent, sexuality, mental health, and substance use with the Teen Talk program based out of Klinic Community Health. Hema is a director for Red Tent, an organization that provides safer spaces education and physical safer spaces to Manitoba festivals, venues, and organizations. She works with other collective members to create safer spaces and training through an anti-oppression and decolonizing lens. Additionally, Hema serves on the board of the Women’s Health Clinic and on Camp Aurora’s BIPOC Advisory Team. She is instrumental in helping Manitobans have safer and sexier spaces.