Our Stories

UCN's students, faculty and staff have incredible stories to tell. You'll find some of them here.

UCN Launches Heavy Equipment Training Program in Support of Northern Industry and Communities

By UCN | November 6, 2023

Thompson, MB – In an effort to bolster the mining industry and support the growth of northern Manitoba, the University College of the North (UCN) has announced the launch of a Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate Program. Scheduled to run from March 25th to May 3rd, 2024, in Thompson, Manitoba, this program addresses the increasing demand…

Sydney Bjorndalen

Sydney Bjorndalen – Kenanow Education

By UCN | June 16, 2023

Where are you from?I’m from Gillam, MB and attended the Thompson campus. Why did you choose UCN?My home is in the north, and I wanted to get educated in the north. What program did you study and why?I studied the Kenanow Bachelor of Education program. I chose this program because I thought it wouldbe a…

An automotive student working on the parts of a car

Jack Werstroh – Automotive Technician

By UCN | June 13, 2023

Where are you from?I grew up here in The Pas Why UCN?I just got out of high school and UCN is so close to home. That’s a big part of it. What program did you study and why did you pursue that?I came for the automotive technician program, I’ve always had an interest in vehicles…

Two women holding certificates

Bridging the Digital Divide: UCN Students Help Launch Computers for Schools Initiative in The Pas

By UCN | April 24, 2023

Lakota Blackbird was expected to get her hands dirty on day one. “Actually, it was my first day and they had me tear apart a computer, like my very first day, without reading anything,” she said. “I was like, should I be doing this?” Lakota is a student in University College of the North’s Information…

Charmaine

Ready for Technology

By UCN | February 25, 2022

Survival in Manitoba’s north country takes experience, know-how, and perseverance. These are all qualities University College of the North student Charmaine Sayese used to succeed in a program using motherboards, satellites, and software. Charmaine was raised and lives in the Opaskwayak Cree Nation community of Big Eddy. She remembers the first time she used a…

amy

A History of Achievement

By UCN | February 25, 2022

Amy Jackson always understood how education creates opportunity. For a decade, she juggled working in provincial and federal politics and completing part time courses at the University College of the North (UCN). When she transitioned from the political arena to full time student, her focus was clear. “History is a passion of mine and I…

Alan McLauchlan faculty member smiles at the camera

Navigating a Clear Path

By UCN | February 25, 2022

(Wabowden, MB) Desiree Mallett understands the value of learning. The 39 year-old mother of three is a life-long resident of the northern town of Wabowden, where the population hovers near the 400 mark. She’s already finished studies in programs including Mineral Processing and Business Administration.“I wanted something to help out in the long run such…

A woman with stylish hair looks at the camera

From Classroom to Educator

By UCN | February 10, 2022

Brie Phillips is a teacher who is able to weave education, writing and art together for Indigenous students and educators alike.  A Metis woman, Brie grew up in Creighton, SK and always enjoyed spending time with children. She knew her future career would involve kids somehow, but it was her experience in a mentor program…

Muses From The North

Muses

Muses from the North is an on-line journal for students of the University College of the North.

We publish biannually from UCN campuses in The Pas and Thompson, located in Treaty No. 5 territory. As a UCN students’ journal, MFTN provides a platform for our students to express their musings about our amazing northern tradition and culture in texts, words, images and pictures.  Our northern muses are not only from The Pas and Thompson, but also from a network of 12 regional centres, from Swan River to Churchill. Like the dwellers in the north, MFTN favors Northern tradition, culture and stories from our northern communities. Reach us through mftn@ucn.ca.

the quint

Interdisciplinary, the quint (a double-blind, peer-reviewed journal) disseminates new knowledge in the areas of literature, history, the arts, popular culture, education, the social sciences, and aboriginal studies.

The journal also publishes interviews, artwork, creative writing, and reviews. All issues of the quint are archived in National Library and Archives Canada (Ottawa, Ontario).

News Releases

UCN Named Top 25 Places to Work in Manitoba/Top 100 in Canada

March 19, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2024 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North is recognized as a top employer in Manitoba. Manitoba’s Top Employers is an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. “We are incredibly honoured to be recognized as one of the top employers in Manitoba,” said…

UCN Celebrates 25-Year Partnership with University of Manitoba in Nursing Education

March 11, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 11, 2024 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is proud to celebrate its 25-year partnership with the University of Manitoba (UofM) in offering the Baccalaureate of Nursing degree at UCN campuses. Over the 25 years, the program has produced over 500 registered nurses, many of whom have…

UCN Receives Grant for Indigenous Teacher Education Initiative

March 8, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8, 2024 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is thrilled to announce it has been selected as one of the seven Indigenous-led and community-driven programs to receive a grant from the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF). The grant is part of an Indigenous Teacher Education Initiative. It aims…

UCN Celebrates the Expansion of the UCN Early Childhood Education Program

March 7, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 6, 2024 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is pleased to announce the expansion of the UCN Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs across Northern Manitoba in partnership with the Canada-Manitoba Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CW-ELCC) Agreement. A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the UCN ECE The Pas…

UCN Announces Partnership to Promote Manitoba’s Mining Industry Growth

March 6, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2024 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) has secured a strategic partnership with NORCAT, a top-tier non-profit organization specializing in training and development services. Our collaboration is designed to strengthen mining exploration and projects in Manitoba, particularly in northern and Indigenous communities. “Cultivating opportunities in northern…

UCN Strengthens Institutional Leadership on Reconciliation

February 7, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 1, 2024 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is pleased to announce Dr. Ramona Neckoway as UCN’s new Vice-President, Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation. Dr. Neckoway currently serves as the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation. Dr. Neckoway will continue to lead this portfolio in…

UCN Offers Pre-Law to Students in Fall 2024

January 24, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 24, 2024 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – Beginning in September 2024, University College of the North (UCN) and the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law will deliver selected courses designed to help prepare Indigenous and northern students for entry into law school. Pre-Law at UCN will provide a solid academic background for…

UCN Announces Joint Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education programming in Bunibonibee, Mathias Colomb, Peguis, and York Factory

December 18, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 18, 2023 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is pleased to announce that joint Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education programming will begin in 2024 in Bunibonibee, Mathias Colomb, Peguis, and York Factory. These new program offerings are in addition to current joint Bachelor of Arts…

UCN Helps Deliver All Levels of Heavy-Duty Mechanic Apprenticeship Program

December 1, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 30, 2023 (Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is spearheading the delivery of a comprehensive Heavy-Duty Mechanic Apprenticeship program in Thompson, MB. The program will be designed to help Northern and Indigenous students achieve their Red Seal and become Journeypersons by completing Levels 1 to 4. UCN will…

UCN Partners With Manitoba Arts Network’s Travelling Art Exhibits

November 28, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 24, 2023 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is excited to announce its partnership with the Manitoba Arts Network (MAN). The partnership will showcase a series of travelling art exhibitions at the Thompson and The Pas Campuses. As a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting Manitoba’s diverse arts…