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Empowering Indigenous Students: A Conversation with John Lodge on CBCListen

UMICS President interviews with cbc on economic reconciliation

On January 23, 2025 UMICS President, John Lodge, sat down with CBCListen to chat about why economic reconciliation has been at the center of his work. .

Lodge’s journey to university was not a conventional one. In high school, he never imagined himself pursuing higher education, believing his future lay in the trades. However, a program called Promoting Aboriginal Student Success Youth Leadership introduced him to new possibilities, including business. That experience reshaped his vision, ultimately leading him to the Asper School of Business.

Now, as he prepares for the next chapter—potentially law school—Lodge is passionate about encouraging Indigenous students to explore fields they may not have previously considered.

For Lodge, economic reconciliation means creating pathways for Indigenous people to enter business and politics. He believes exposure and support are key factors in helping Indigenous students see these opportunities as viable.

“In high school, I didn’t see many Indigenous students going into business,” Lodge explains. “But once I joined programs like the Indigenous Business Education Partners at Asper, I found a community. Seeing my peers succeed helped me realize that this was possible for me too.”

Lodge acknowledges that many Indigenous students face significant barriers when pursuing higher education. Some of these challenges are financial, while others stem from relocating to urban centers for university. However, he emphasizes that the biggest hurdle for many is psychological—the belief that university is not for them.

“Growing up outside the city, I never imagined myself living here, let alone studying here,” he says. “Many students I speak with share similar experiences. But when they realize what’s possible, their perspective shifts.”

Programs like the Indigenous Business Education Partners at the University of Manitoba provide crucial resources, including financial aid, tutoring, and a sense of community. These supports help Indigenous students navigate university life and prepare for successful careers.

“There’s always more that can be done,” Lodge notes. “More housing, more financial support, and more mentorship opportunities can help Indigenous students thrive.”

As he awaits responses to his law school applications, Lodge remains dedicated to his mission—leading by example and inspiring the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

With his passion and commitment, John Lodge continues to pave the way for Indigenous students to achieve their academic and professional aspirations.

Check out Johns full interview here!

UMICS Exec Takes on Norway for Indigenous Dialogue

UMICS Executive Assistant headed to Norway for International INdigenous DIalogue

UMICS Member Honored at the 30th Annual Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards

UMICS Member and Co-Founder of Eleven59, Anthony Theriault Honored for academic success

Anthony Theriault is a young Red River Métis student paving his way through the world. President of the University of Manitoba Entrepreneurial Mindset (TEM) Student action group at Asper, co-founder of the A.I powered scheduling app Eleven59 and a man of numerous side hustles, one would think he barely has time for his school work.

This could not be farther from the truth.

On Wednesday, November 20 2024 UMICS member, Anthony Theriault was honored for this academic success at the 30th Annual Manitoba Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards (MIYAA).

Since 1994, MIYAA has paid tribute to Indigenous youth by recognizing the exceptional standards of excellence, dedication, leadership, and accomplishments across various fields, including: academics, athletics, arts, culture, community service/volunteering, business/entrepreneurship, health, personal achievements, and traditional employment.

It is no surprise that a man of many talents and immense dedication, such as Anthony has become a recipient of one of Manitoba’s highest Indigenous youth honors!

Congratulations Anthony!

UMICS Exec Honored at UMSU Indigenous Leadership Gala

UMICS Executive Assistant Matthew Carriere recognized for campus leadership

On the evening of Monday, November 4, 2024, the Indigenous community at the University of Manitoba gathered for the second annual UMSU Indigenous Leadership Gala, celebrating the achievements and leadership of Indigenous students.

Among the honorees was Matthew Carriere, recognized for his outstanding contributions in Business Leadership. Matthew’s influence extends both on and off campus through his roles as Manager of Corporate Relations for the Commerce Students Association, Director on the Board of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, and Executive Assistant for the University of Manitoba Indigenous Commerce Students (UMICS).

Congratulations Matthew!

UMICS Exec Elected to Indigenous Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

UMICS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT MATTHEW CARRIERE BECOMES NEWEST ADDITION TO THE INDIGENOUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Already in the midst of a busy summer, Matthew Carriere continues to push for more youth involvement in the Manitoba Business community.

As he leaves the office and hops on the Calgary transit system, Matthew is surprised to learn that he has been elected to the board of directors for the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce nearly 1,400 kilometers away in Winnipeg, MB.

Matthew writes:

“I am honored to share that I have been elected to the Board of Directors of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce. I take on this role with great excitement and recognize that this is an excellent opportunity to learn and collaborate with my fellow directors, and Indigenous business leaders in Manitoba.

Through this position I hope to provide valuable youth perspectives to the chamber. I intend to advocate and help guide initiatives that are put forward to ensure there is adequate investment and thought put into the development of the Indigenous business leaders of tomorrow.” [Via. Linkedin]

The University of Manitoba Indigenous Commerce Students extends our sincerest congratulations to Matthew, and we are excited to see what he does next!

UMICS Members take center Stage at 2024 New Venture Championship.

UMICS MEMBER ANTHONY THERIAULT & VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS TODD DE GROOT BREATHE LIFE INTO NEW BUSINESS VENTURE ELEVEN59.

Two talented Métis students, along with their business partner Hazel, are transforming student life with their innovative A.I.-powered app designed to eliminate the stress of missed deadlines. Their dedication and ingenuity have propelled them onto the fast track to success, culminating in their participation in the prestigious 2024 Stu Clarke Venture Championship.

"I think I was born an entrepreneur," said Theriault, 19, reflecting on their progress after presenting their business plan to the judges.

Team Eleven59 aims to revolutionize student organization by developing an app that integrates course curricula and school deadlines into a seamless calendar, enhanced by artificial intelligence to provide personalized study advice.

Both Anthony and Todd are actively involved with UMICS, with Todd serving his second term as Vice President of Operations and Anthony as a dedicated member. We are thrilled to witness their continued growth and success as they advance on their entrepreneurial journey!

Read more about the NVC and Eleven59 here.

UMICS Executive Assistant reflects on Community.

UMICS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT MATTHEW CARRIERE REFLECTS ON HIS TIME AT ASPER & THE FEELING OF COMMUNITY.

Matthew Carriere, is a proud Red River Métis citizen, BComm student who embodies the transformative power of community connection both within and beyond his academic life. As a member of the University of Manitoba Indigenous Commerce Students, Carriere understands the profound impact of community.

He is dedicated to creating and nurturing spaces of belonging, wherever he is.

“I want to help create an identity for youth to embrace and live through, and cultivate inclusiveness, because Métis people come from many diverse backgrounds,”Matthew says.

For him, inclusivity means recognizing the unique wisdom every individual and generation has to offer.

In November 2023, Matthew joined the Provincial Youth Advisory Committee of the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF), following years of service as a Winnipeg Regional Youth Advisor. His journey began in his teenage years, seeking guidance from the Métis community of Manitoba and the MMF, which provided him with a sense of belonging and reclamation. His family's celebration of his active participation in his community is a testament to his belief that equitable futures are built through honest engagement with the past. Matthew is committed to empowering youth, sharing the long-term goals that drive his work with the MMF and Métis youth.

Read more about Matthews story on the University of Manitoba’s' news channel here.

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