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 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…

UCN Offers New Health Care Aide Certificate Programs Throughout the North

November 10, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 9, 2023 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) will offer Health Care Aide programs in three communities beginning early next year. In February 2024, up to twenty-seven students will be accepted into a Health Care Aide certificate program in Swan River, The Pas, and Thompson. The 20-week…

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

November 10, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 2, 2023 (Thompson, MB) – A Heavy Equipment Operator Certificate Program will be offered from March 25th – May 3rd, 2024, in Thompson, Manitoba as part of University College of the North’s (UCN) strategy to support the growth of the mining industry in northern Manitoba. “The mining industry is expanding in…

UCN is a Key Training Partner for Manitoba’s Critical Minerals Strategy

July 27, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 27, 2023 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) and the Government of Manitoba will work together to create flexible, in-demand training pathways to prepare skilled workers from the north to support Manitoba’s Critical Minerals Strategy. “The inclusion of UCN in the Critical Minerals Strategy shows considerable confidence in UCN…

Improving Access to Driver Training in Northern Manitoba

July 5, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 4, 2023 Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and University College of the North (UCN) are partnering to launch a new program to increase access to driver training programming in northern Manitoba. The UCN Class 5 Adult Driver Training Program will help create safer roads and improve workforce development in this critical area…

UCN Announces Expanded Child Care Programs

June 26, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 22, 2023 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – The University College of the North is excited to announce the significant expansion of its childcare programs following approval from the Manitoba Department of Advanced Education and Training. The expansion includes modifications to the following programs: ” Early Childhood Education Diploma program ” Early Learning…

UCN Launches Innovative IT Programs to Empower Northern Communities and Women

June 12, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 8, 2023 (The Pas, MB) – University College of the North is pleased to announce two new IT programs that will help to address the chronic shortage of skilled technicians in northern Manitoba. UCN President, Doug Lauvstad said a new IT Support Technician and Technology Readiness Program will be delivered on…

UCN IK Centre Receives Donation from Manitoba North District RCMP

May 24, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 2023 (Thompson, MB) – The Manitoba North District RCMP donated $10,000 to the University College of the North (UCN) ininiwi kiskinwamakewin (IK) Centre. The Manitoba North District RCMP donation will support this year’s UCN Traditional Convocation Pow-wow.­ Covering the cost of food, gifts, and honoraria for cultural components such as…

UCN Announces Official Launch of Computers for Schools Manitoba – The Pas Location: Promoting Education, Skills Development, and Environmental Responsibility

April 20, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 20, 2023 (The Pas, MB) – University College of the North (UCN) is proud to announce the official launch of the Computers for Schools (C4S) Manitoba location in The Pas, Manitoba. In partnership with UCN’s Information Technology Readiness North (InTeRN) Program, funded by the Future Skills Centre, this ground-breaking initiative aims…

UCN Reaffirms Commitment to Indigenous Education

April 18, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 14, 2023 (The Pas/Thompson, MB) – The University College of the North (UCN) is proud to announce its reaffirmed commitment to Indigenous education. UCN joins Manitoba’s six universities, three colleges, and the Manitoba School Boards Association in re-signing the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint (the Blueprint) on Friday, April 14. In…