Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone had a wonderful start to the new year and the first couple of weeks have been a time for new motivations, inspirations, and actions! CEL has been busy gearing up with some upcoming programming, for both our core programs as well as drop in. Read on to learn more about what we have been up to, and what's coming!

Social Justice Hub (SJH)

Now in its second year, the Social Justice Hub is establishing itself as the go-to site for students, staff, and faculty who are passionate about social justice work. Here are a few ways to get involved! (Also see attached posters)

Monthly Drop-ins:

From 12 – 1:30pm on the last* Tuesday of the month (unless otherwise noted*), bring your lunch and questions and join us for lightly facilitated conversations. These events bring together UM students, staff, and faculty to process the political moment, learn about social justice issues, workshop ideas for projects or initiatives, and meet people to collaborate with.

Fall Schedule:

Sept 23* Oct 28 Nov 25 Dec 16*

Masks will be provided, and air purifiers will be running. Accessibility information and directions to our office can be found on our websitehttps://umanitoba.ca/community-engaged-learning/social-justice-hub.

To attend online, email Mandalyn.Unger@umanitoba.ca to RSVP in advance and make arrangements for the use of our virtual discussion room.

Trainings:

Social Justice Hub offers a suite of training workshops on foundational theories, practical skills, and tools for community work. Geared toward learners who are not just curious but actively working toward collectively addressing a specific issue within their community, take these trainings if you want to make your group’s work more effective, far-reaching, and meaningful.

A full list of trainings is available on our websitehttps://umanitoba.ca/community-engaged-learning/social-justice-hub.

If you are interested in booking a training, please contact Mandalyn.Unger@umanitoba.ca to set up a meeting.

Land and Water Program [cid:b7029103-55b0-4f64-bada-641a098ad80a] Land & Water is back in full swing after the holidays! January 2026 started off with our Winter Orientation event where we made Moose Meat Stew and Bannock!

Our next event is coming up soon, Feather Dressing! We will be getting together on January 20th, in Migizii Agamik from 3:30pm - 6pm to learn all about feathers and how to dress them for ceremony. We will also be joined by a special animal guest to help us see feathers in action at the source!

This drop-in is open to Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and community members, as well as global Indigenous folks. If this sounds like something of interest to you, please contact em.tardiffbreen@umanitoba.ca to register.

Poverty Awareness and Community Action (PACA)

PACA has just finished wrapping up our workshops this month, with the last two of the 2025-2026 academic year happening with the Faculty of Nursing. We had future healthcare professionals learn from our lived experience educators (LEEs) through small group activities, where they developed a felt understanding of the social injustices that are experienced at the intersections of poverty and discrimination. Students reflected on their roles as professionals, their responsibilities for advocacy, and discussed barriers and solutions to bring about individual and systemic change.

To support the LEEs with their work, our Support Circle advocates have been working together to identify and navigate various community resources. Through experiential learning, the students are not only developing research and communication skills, they are also developing a sense of working with communities in trauma-informed ways. Great teamwork is essential when working together, and to strengthen relationships through shared problem-solving, the Support Circle rang in the new year with a day of Escape Room adventures in January.

The next intake of the PACA Support Circle will be in Fall 2026! If you are interested in getting involved, please keep an eye on our newsletter and Instagram!

Stay connected to hear about upcoming events and opportunities!

Follow us on Instagram: @celumanitobahttps://www.instagram.com/celumanitoba/ Join the Social Justice Hub Community to get our newsletter: SJH Newsletterhttps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=C92AT4wzTE6KFJBEaWL3uPJSWr6UFHdAvFVk7jIByTNUQlNOTFoyTEJWQVhJMDlHTEgxVjYwRFNaVSQlQCN0PWcu To share subscription to this newsletter: Sign up for CEL Newsletterhttps://lists.umanitoba.ca/mailman3/lists/cel-newsletter.lists.umanitoba.ca/

Best,

Mir Sanjana Tarannum (She/Her)

Coordinator, Community Engaged Learning

Rm. 203 – 55 Chancellor Circle

University of Manitoba

E-mail: sanjana.tarannum@umanitoba.ca

Ph: (431) 373-4617

http://umanitoba.ca/community-engaged-learning

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The University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

UM recognizes that the Treaties signed on these lands are a lifelong, enduring relationship, and we are dedicated to upholding their spirit and intent. We acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past and the present. With this understanding, we commit to supporting Indigenous excellence through active Reconciliation, meaningful change, and the creation of an environment where everyone can thrive. Our collaboration with Indigenous communities is grounded in respect and reciprocity and this guides how we move forward as an institution.