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Learn about Indigenous foods and plants in the field

Indigenous food photo by Gerald Mason

Indigenous food photo by Gerald Mason

The University of Winnipeg’s Indigenous Studies department is offering two unique field courses:

 New this year – Field School on Indigenous Food Systems

LECTURES: In class May 9 to 13and May 30 and May 31 at 1:30- 3:15 pm

IN THE FIELD: Fisher River Cree Nation Field Trip May 24to May 27

This field course provides hands-on experience working with Fisher River Cree Nation Elders and community to understand their Indigenous Food System, its challenges and develop potential strategies to strengthen it. The course design includes seven days in classroom and four days of experiential learning from Indigenous Elders and community food educators.

Pre-requisite: IS 1015, IS 3012/ANT-3170 or permission of Instructor and (love for wild and cultural foods!)

Ethnobotany class, photo by Charlene Moore

Ethnobotany class, photo by Charlene Moore

Summer Field School on Indigenous Botany

LECTURES: In class July 11 to 14 and July 25 to 27

IN THE FIELD: Medicine Eagle Lodge, Keeseekoowenin First Nation July 19 to 22

Students in the Ethnobotany field school learn about the multiple dimensional uses of local plants including medicinal, ceremonial, and subsistence/food by Indigenous communities in Canada and elsewhere. Interdisciplinary approaches in the course include Indigenous medicinal plant knowledge system, applied Ethnobotany, field ethnography and community- based management of natural resources. The course includes seven days attending classes on campus and three to four days of experiential learning from herbalists and Indigenous Elders through field study.

Pre-requisite: IS 1015, IS 3012/ANTH 3170 or permission of Instructor

 Note: The field trip/study is mandatory requirement for the courses. Accommodations will be camp-like with basic facilities at one or more of the sites. Lodging, transportation and food costs incurred by students may be subsidized by the Department. Tuition fee/ Educational support may be provided to Aboriginal, newcomer and inner-city students through the University’s Opportunity Funds.

Students interested in registering should contact:

 The Department Assistant—Indigenous Studies at (204)786-9305 or

Prof. Shailesh Shukla—s.shukla@uwinnipeg.ca