The University of Manitoba Senate met on March 7.

Joanne Keselman, vice president academic and provost, chaired the meeting because President David Barnard was out of the country.

Keselman noted that for many of the student senators it was their last meeting and she thanked them for their contributions to senate over the academic year.

Keselman also acknowledged Peter Dueck, executive director for enrolment services, because it was his last meeting before moving onto a position at Royal Rhodes University in Victoria, B.C..

Keselman thanked Dueck for his 25 years of service to the U of M.

Arlene Young, arts senator, spoke in memory of Lorne Reznowski who worked in the English department at the U of M from 1966 until his retirement in 1993 and died peacefully on Nov. 9 2011.

Deborah Young, executive lead for indigenous achievement, gave a presentation to senate called “Pathways to Indigenous Achievement.”

She explained the aboriginal population in Winnipeg was young and growing, and enrolment at the U of M has been steadily increasing in recent years.

But Young also said there are historical, social, educational and financial barriers to indigenous achievement.

She said social barriers include a mistrust of education, family responsibility, distance from campus, and feelings of alienation and discrimination.

The trauma and shame of the residential school systems is a historical barrier to indigenous achievement, Young explained.

She stated her vision is to make Manitoba the national centre for indigenous education and research.

Young outlined four pathways to indigenous achievement: supporting students, building partnerships and supporting communities, promoting indigenous knowledge and research, and celebrating First Nations, Metis and Inuit success.

After the presentation the senate approved the report of the senate committee on appeals in reference to revised appeal policy and procedures.

There was no additional business.