Our Stories

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

Our Stories

UCN Shines, meet Melissa Constant

By UCN | August 27, 2024

Introducing: Melissa Constant Years with UCN: 12 Job title: Student Recruitment Officer/Sponsor Liaison Location: The Pas Melissa started her career with UCN in 2012 when she worked evenings and weekends as a Library Clerk. From there, she became a Learning Technology Facilitator and eventually found her calling as a Recruitment Officer. Melissa’s connection to UCN…

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 [email protected].

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 Expands Primary Care Paramedic Training with $459,000 in Funding

April 23, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 2025 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is expanding its Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program with $459,000 in funding from Manitoba Advanced Education. This increases the total number of available seats to 32 with 16 in The Pas and 16 in Thompson. This investment will support…

UCN to Open Student Housing in Flin Flon with $2 Million Investment

April 15, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 14, 2025 (Flin Flon, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) will offer student housing in Flin Flon starting Fall 2025, thanks to a $2 million investment from multiple funding sources. The new residence, funded by Prairies Canada, the Province of MB, the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund, and UCN, will…

UCN Expands Health Care Aide Training with $619,000 Investment

April 14, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 11, 2025 (Northern MB) – The University College of the North (UCN) has been awarded $619,000 from Manitoba Advanced Education and Training to expand Health Care Aide training seats from 30 to 130. This greatly enhances access to health care education in The Pas, Swan River, and Thompson, along with additional…

UCN Recognized as one of Manitoba’s Top 25 Places to Work

March 13, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2025 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is proud to announce that it has been recognized as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers for 2025. This annual competition is organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. “We are honoured to be recognized as one of…

UCN Receives Federal Funding to expand Mine Readiness Training Program

February 7, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 6, 2025 (Thompson/Flin Flon/The Pas, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is proud to be named as a recipient of Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) federal funding. UCN will receive $1,154,129 to expand train-to-hire programming for Indigenous students at UCN’s Northern Manitoba Mining Academy (NMMA) Mining Readiness Training…

UCN Linkages Thompson Conference to Strengthen Northern Connections

February 5, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 5, 2025 (Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is excited to announce the UCN Linkages Thompson Conference, scheduled for February 25-27, 2025, at the Thompson Regional Community Centre. This year’s ‘Reimagine the North’ theme will explore Northern Manitoba’s opportunities, resource use, and economic reconciliation. Keynotes include leadership expert…

UCN Announces Student Housing Facility in Flin Flon

January 15, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 15, 2025 (Flin Flon, MB) – The University College of the North (UCN) is excited to announce plans for a dedicated student housing facility in Flin Flon. This initiative ensures that students attending short-term programs have a place to stay, reflecting UCN’s dedication to overcoming barriers to education in northern Manitoba.…

UCN Launches Power Engineering Program

January 6, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 6, 2025 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) –University College of the North (UCN) launched its Power Engineering Class 5 program today, January 6, 2025. This evening program is at full capacity, with 25 students registered and taking classes. The program runs until April 2025. “Power Engineers play a critical role in supporting our…

UCN is a Key Partner in Securing Manitoba’s Critical Mineral Future

November 6, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 2024 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) –University College of the North (UCN) is pleased to be named in Manitoba’s new strategy related to critical minerals mining and exploration in the province. “UCN’s legislation specifically tasks UCN with the mandate to enhance the economic and social well-being of northern Manitoba through training and…

UCN Linkages The Pas Conference to Foster Innovation and Collaboration in Northern Manitoba

September 27, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2024 (The Pas, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is excited to announce the upcoming UCN Linkages The Pas Conference, scheduled for October 8-9, 2024, at the Kikiwak Inn and UCN Campus. This year’s keynote speakers will reflect the conference theme of ‘Innovation + Renewal’ by discussing disruptive…