Maamawi-bimoseng (Walking Together) is a six-week transition program designed to help Indigenous first-year students build connections, explore campus, engage with the Indigenous community and culture, and feel supported throughout their first semester and beyond. Students are encouraged to participate in as many activities as they can throughout the program.
How participation works:
- Attend at least one activity during each of the six weeks to qualify for a Program Completion Prize.
- Earn one point for every program activity you attend.
- At the end of the program, three participants will be randomly selected to receive Grand Prizes.
Are you a first-year First Nations, Métis, or Inuit UWindsor student? We would love to have you join the program! To register, please click here.
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to the program coordinator!
Victoria Hecnar
Indigenous Outreach and Retention Coordinator
vhecnar@uwindsor.ca
519-253-3000 ext. 3465
● Turtle Island Fest (September 9th, 4:30pm-6:30pm at David A. Wilson Commons)
Kick off the new school year with Turtle Island Fest! Join us for an afternoon of food, music, games, and activities while connecting with other students. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and celebrate the start of the semester! First-year FNMI students registered for Maamawi-bimoseng can also pick up their swag bags at the check-in table.
● Turtle Island Drop-In Hours (September 8th-September 11th, 8:30am-4:30pm at Turtle Island)
Stop by Turtle Island during our drop-in hours to meet the team, check out our space, pick up your swag bag, and get settled into your first week at UWindsor! Whether you have questions, need help finding a resource, or just want somewhere to relax between classes, come say hi, we’d love to meet you!
● Welcome to Campus: Meet, Connect & Explore (September 15th, 1:00pm-3:00pm at Turtle Island)
Join us for a welcoming afternoon at Turtle Island! Enjoy lunch with fellow Indigenous first-year students, meet members of the Indigenous Student Alliance, and learn more about getting involved in the Indigenous student community at UWindsor. We’ll also head out for a fun campus scavenger hunt to help you get familiar with important buildings and spaces around campus. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team!
● Jump Start / Bounce Back: Strategies for Your First Year (September 17th, 12:00pm-2:00pm at Turtle Island)
University can be a big adjustment, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own! Join us for an interactive session focused on strategies, tools, and supports to help you navigate your first year. Learn practical ways to stay organized, manage your time, handle challenges, and set yourself up for success.
● Meet & Greet with Elder-in-Residence (September 21st, 1:30pm-2:30pm at Turtle Island)
Stop by Turtle Island to meet Myrna Kicknosway, the Elder-in-Residence, and learn more about the support she offers to Indigenous students throughout the year. Myrna provides one-on-one sessions for students seeking holistic support, and this is a chance to connect with her in a relaxed and welcoming setting, ask questions, and learn how you can access Elder support when you need it.
● Indigenous Student Game Night (September 22nd, 6:00pm-8:00pm at Turtle Island)
Take a break from studying and join us for a fun night of board games and video games! Dinner will be provided.
● Indigenous Student Community Orientation (September 24th, 11:00am-2:00pm in the CAW Commons)
Discover the resources, programs, and supports available to you both on and off campus. This event will feature an information fair with Indigenous community organizations and campus services, giving you an opportunity to meet people, ask questions, and learn about supports available throughout your university experience.
● Indigenous Art & Wellness Night (Date & Time TBA)
A paint night where students can get creative, connect with others, and take some time for their well-being. No previous painting experience is needed! Just come ready to create, unwind, and enjoy an evening of community.
● Indigenous Nature Walk with Russell Nahdee (September 29th, 10:00am-12:00pm at Turtle Island)
Join Russell Nahdee for a guided nature walk around campus and the surrounding area. Take time to slow down, connect with the land, and learn about the plants and spaces around us through an Indigenous perspective. Along the way, Russell will share teachings, stories, and knowledge about the land and its significance to Indigenous peoples of the area.
● Scholarships / Bursaries Presentation with Financial Aid (October 1st, 1:00pm-2:00pm at Turtle Island)
Learn about scholarships, bursaries, and other financial support available to Indigenous students. A representative from Financial Aid will walk students through available opportunities, eligibility requirements, application processes, and tips for accessing financial assistance.
● Indigenous Leadership Panel (October 5th, 10:00am-12:00pm at Turtle Island)
Hear directly from upper-year Indigenous students and staff about their experiences navigating university. This panel provides a welcoming space for first-year students to ask questions, learn from others, and hear advice, perspectives, and stories about finding community, getting involved, and making the most of their university experience.
● Indigenous Student Alliance Meeting (October 6th, 1:00pm-2:00pm at Turtle Island)
Join the Indigenous Student Alliance for a chance to connect with other Indigenous students, hear about upcoming events and initiatives, and get involved with the student community. Whether you're already involved or are attending for the first time, everyone is welcome!
● Tea & Talk Session (October 8th, Time TBA at Turtle Island)
Drop in for a relaxed afternoon of tea, light refreshments, and conversation with fellow Indigenous students. Tea & Talk is a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and openly discuss topics related to student life, wellness, identity, and navigating university. Come for the conversation, stay for the community!
● Indigenous Student Movie Night (October 7th, 6:00pm-8:00pm at Turtle Island)
Take a break from studying and join us for a cozy movie night at Turtle Island! Dinner will be provided. Students will vote on the movie through Discord. Click here to join the server.
● READING WEEK BONUS: Instructional Skills Workshop (October 13th, 14th, 15th Time and Location TBA)
Looking to strengthen your confidence and leadership skills? Join us for a three-day Instructional Skills Workshop designed to support students in developing practical skills for learning, presenting, communicating, and succeeding in both academic and professional settings. This workshop takes place over three days during Reading Week and provides an opportunity to build valuable skills while connecting with other students.
Please note: Students MUST attend all three days to receive a workshop certificate.
● Celebration Feast (October 22nd, 5:00pm-7:00pm in Alumni Auditorium)
A special evening to celebrate the completion of the program and the students who took part throughout the six weeks. Enjoy a dinner, reflect on the connections and experiences made along the way, and celebrate with peers. Program Completion Prizes will be presented, and Grand Prize winners will also be drawn during the evening!
● Midterm Chill & Connect Sessions (October 19th-October 23rd, 12:00pm-2:00pm at Turtle Island)
Midterms can be stressful — take some time to pause and recharge. Drop by Turtle Island throughout the week for refreshments and an opportunity to relax, catch up with friends, or take a break between classes.