MDP - Indigenous Development- UWinnipeg

Huge Congratulations to MDP student Jackie Dormer for presenting at DISTILS 01: Discoveries and Insights in Skills Training in Intergenerational Language Sustainability at the University of Alberta in May!

Jackie, alongside Kathleen Anderson (SFU), presented on “Lessons from the Michif Context: An Unauthorized Guide to Surviving Language Revitalization” highlighting the often-overlooked extralinguistic skills essential to language revitalization and reclamation.

The conference brought together speakers from around the world to share innovations in intergenerational language sustainability. Jackie shared how inspiring it was to learn from global communities and expressed gratitude to MDP and the University of Winnipeg for supporting her participation.

We’re proud of you, Jackie — incredible work and representation!

Spotlighting MDP alum Kate Robb (Class of 2019)

Kate is making an impact at Manitoba Hydro in the Generation Environmental Services department, where she manages the Coordinated Aquatic Monitoring Program (CAMP). Her work includes coordinating consultants and field teams, leading reporting and communications, and participating in community meetings focused on building relationships and expanding opportunities for Indigenous participation in the program.

She credits the MDP program for shaping the way she approaches this work:

“My time in the MDP program gave me the tools to succeed in my career. One of the most important lessons learned is the importance of relationships and prioritizing time to build and maintain them”

A powerful reminder of how MDP graduates continue to lead with collaboration, respect, and community at the center.

Big news from the MDP community today — congratulations to Taylor Wilson (she/they) on being named a 2026 Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholar.

is an Ojibwe, Cree, and Filipina scholar from Fisher River Cree Nation and a proud MDP alum. Now pursuing a PhD in Land and Food Systems at UBC, her work revitalizing Cree agricultural knowledge and advancing Indigenous food sovereignty is exactly the kind of systems‑changing research our world needs.

This recognition is so well deserved! Congratulations, Taylor — your MDP family is cheering you on.

Job Alert!

The University of Winnipeg is hiring a Director, Indigenous Academic Initiatives and Research within the Office of Indigenous Engagement. This is a powerful leadership role supporting Indigenous knowledge, scholarship, and academic growth.

If this sounds like the next step in your journey, follow the link to see the full job description

Indigenous Liaison Officer Jacqueline Thompson joined IKEA Canada for Red Dress Day, sharing how the University of Winnipeg’s programs and courses are working to address the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Thank you to ISSC and IKEA Canada for the invitation, and for uplifting this important conversation. We also acknowledge IKEA’s powerful Indigenous display, which created a meaningful space for reflection and learning.

Special appreciation to IKEA’s Indigenous Advisor and UWinnipeg alum, Lesley Beardy, for the thoughtful collaboration

At the University of Winnipeg’s 2026 Graduation Pow Wow, three Indigenous MDP graduates, were honoured. So proud of their achievements!

Congratulations to all UW students who were celebrated yesterday. Leaders, Elders, families, dancers, and community came together in a powerful celebration of achievement and identity.

Grateful to be part of this circle of support and strength.

At the University of Winnipeg’s 2026 Graduation Pow Wow, three Indigenous MDP graduates, were honoured. So proud of their achievements!

Congratulations to all UW students who were celebrated yesterday. Leaders, Elders, families, dancers, and community came together in a powerful celebration of achievement and identity.

Grateful to be part of this circle of support and strength

This Friday, April 24 at 8:00 AM EST (7:00 AM CST) join E3 – Balanced Solutions for a Better World hosted at Trinity College Dublin for a global roundtable webinar:

“Transforming Education for Sustainable Development: From Classroom to Practice.”

This webinar will delve into the lessons for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) emerging from a recent book on the Global Association of Master’s in Development Practice (MDP).

This session will explore how the MDP experience can inform and enhance sustainable development education worldwide, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom and its practical application in the field.

Open to educators, students, practitioners, and policymakers.

On April 7th, our MDP students kicked off Field Placement season with an energizing Pre‑Departure Session! They explored everything from setting clear goals and deliverables to building real‑world experience and contributing to a positive workplace culture.
We were thrilled to have alumni and faculty join us to share honest insights and field stories. And yes… the pizza lunch was a major highlight.

Big shoutout to:





for sharing your time, wisdom, and encouragement.
Wishing all our MDPers an amazing summer of learning and impact.

Introducing Sylvia Appiah — a Ghanaian community advocate whose past work spans social justice, cultural development, and human rights. She has supported clean water and sanitation initiatives in Ejisu, held leadership roles in youth organizations, and contributed to community‑focused volunteer projects in Sweden. Now in the MDP program, Sylvia is committed to advancing sustainable development for marginalized and Indigenous communities. We look forward to learning from and with Sylvia, Welcome to MDP!