Our Stories
Celebrating Dedication and Excellence at UCN
University College of the North recognizes the hard work and commitment of our staff and faculty who have reached significant milestones in their years of service. Together we celebrate the positive impact they have made on our institution and northern communities. Congratulations to all our awardees! 5 Years of Service Zulfqar Awan Chelsea Bensen Marie…
UCN Shines, meet Michel Leclaire
Introducing: Michel Leclaire Years with UCN: 7 years Job title: Natural Resources Management Technology Instructor Location: The Pas Michel has tracked caribou from helicopters, fished in the farthest reaches of the Arctic, and consulted on significant government projects. However, his favourite and most fulfilling job is teaching Natural Resource Management Technology at the University College…
UCN Linkages The Pas 2024 Recap
On October 8 – 9, 2024, UCN Linkages The Pas inspired conversations about northern economic and community development and the transformative technologies shaping our future. The conference brought together forward-thinking participants, businesses, and government officials. This year’s theme was ‘Innovation + Renewal,’. Shawn Kanungo, a globally recognized innovation strategist, kicked off day one with an…
UCN Shines, meet Sarah Moore-George
Introducing: Sarah Moore-George Years with UCN: 2.5 years Job title: Diploma in Practical Nursing Instructor and Thompson Site Coordinator Location: Thompson Sarah George-Moore’s experience at UCN has been both personally and professionally transformative. Initially hesitant about public speaking, she has now embraced her role as an educator. “I feel like in this role, it just came naturally for…
UCN’s Dr. Keith Hyde’s adventure at the Arctic Congress
From May 30 to June 1, Dr. Keith Hyde represented the University College of the North at the Arctic Congress in Bodø, Norway. On the opening day, he shared his northern Manitoban research in a presentation entitled “Cultural Resilience or Christian Resignation? The Endeavours of the Rev. Henry Budd, Sr. in 19th-Century Rupert’s Land.” The…
UCN Shines, meet Ying Kong
Introducing: Ying Kong Years with UCN: 8 Job title: Associate Professor of English Teaching Literature/Indigenous Literature Location: Thompson Ying started working with UCN part-time, teaching remotely, in 2015. She liked the job, and when she successfully secured the permanent position at the Thompson campus, she sold her house in Winnipeg “without hesitation” to come to…
UCN Shines, meet Melissa Constant
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
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 – Kenanow Education
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…
Jack Werstroh – Automotive Technician
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…
Muses From The North
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
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.…
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…
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…
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…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 26, 2024 (Flin Flon/Swan River, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is pleased to announce the upcoming grand openings for the new Diploma in Practical Nursing buildings in Flin Flon and Swan River, MB. These state-of-the-art facilities will provide opportunities for nursing and health care aide students in the…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2024 University College of the North (UCN) received four Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL Canada) grants for students in the Early Childhood Education (ECE), Health programs and Faculty of Arts, Business and Science. UCN faculty members in Arts, Business and Science also received a MakeWay Foundation Grant. The CEWIL…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2024 (Flin Flon, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is excited to announce applications for the second intake of students to the Mining Readiness Training Program. The students from the first intake started training this week in Sagkeeng First Nation. The second intake will be held in part…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 9, 2024 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) -University College of the North (UCN) will partner with NORCAT to deliver a Mining Readiness Training program in Manitoba beginning in September 2024. Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is supporting the program with $1,264,805 in funding. Based in Ontario, NORCAT delivers industry-standard miner training across Canada…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 11, 2024 (Thompson, MB) – To help increase skilled trades in Manitoba, the University College of the North (UCN) is proud to introduce the Level 1 Common Core Heavy Duty/Truck and Transport/Agricultural Technician program. This comprehensive training is available to level 1 apprentices of these critical trades for the first time…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 27, 2024 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North celebrates 20 years in operation on July 1, 2024. As part of the celebration, three UCN professors, Dr. Keith Hyde, Dr. Greg Stott, and Dr. Hendrik Warnar-Brown are writing a book about UCN’s history and its significance in northern Manitoba.…