Aazhogan Indigenous Centre
Guided by the Seven Sacred Teachings, the Aazhogan Indigenous Centre is a welcoming and culturally sensitive space that celebrates Indigenous knowledge, culture, and traditions. Open to all MITT staff and students, the Centre fosters learning, engagement, and connection.
The word Aazhogan (pronounced A-sho-gun) means “bridge” in Anishinaabe, symbolizing the connections we build between education, culture, and community.
Conveniently located next to the Student Success Centre at MITT’s Henlow Campus, this smudge-friendly space offers a supportive environment where you can:
- Connect with and learn about Indigenous culture.
- Find resources and support to enhance your academic journey.
- Participate in student groups like the Indigenous Students’ Circle.
- Socialize, study, or explore the Centre’s library of resource books and documentaries.
Knowledge Keepers
Indigenous Knowledge Keepers are chosen by an Indigenous nation to be the keeper and teacher of its oral tradition and knowledge. They are recognized for their wisdom about spirituality, culture and life, and are sought out for their advice and assistance in traditional and contemporary issues.
MITT has three Knowledge Keepers, with whom staff and students can meet. To inquire about the Knowledge Keepers’ schedules, please contact Candace Wood at candace.wood@mitt.ca.
Joe Thompson
Joe is originally from Duck Bay, Manitoba, and is a Pine Creek Band Member. He has worked for private corporations and for the government for the last 30 years and takes pride in being a change-maker. Joe has also been involved in systemic reviews on Indigenous employment, cultural awareness, conflict resolution, human rights, recruitment, and retention. He has been learning about cultural traditions for the last 20 years, and he has also been a traditional dancer.
Lori Hart
Lori is originally from Norway House Cree Nation, but has called Winnipeg home for more than 20 years. She retired from teaching after 30 years and continues to spend her time helping young people. Lori is a pipe carrier, and is happy and humbled to share the teachings she has learned on her walk so far.
Phyllis Crow
Phyllis is originally from Naotkamegwanning First Nation in Ontario. She is a retired teacher of 30 years who previously taught at MITT’s Adult Learning Centres and now serves as their dedicated Knowledge Keeper. She speaks Ojibwe fluently, and is Mide, meaning she serves as spiritual leader, performs ceremonies, and studies and practices sacred healing methods.
Circle ng mga Katutubong Mag-aaral
Ang Indigenous Student's Circle (ISC) ng MITT ay bukas sa lahat ng mag-aaral na gustong lumahok sa mga kaganapang pangkultura ng Katutubo. Ang grupo ay nagpupulong buwan-buwan sa Aazhogan Indigenous Center sa Henlow Campus at nagho-host ng maraming mga kaganapan kasabay ng iba pang mga grupo ng estudyante ng MITT at mga pambansang kampanya ng Katutubo.
Learn more on our Student Groups page.
Admissions and Recruitment
Zariah Pavagadhi
From Norway House Cree Nation
MITT’s Indigenous Community Liaison Officer is committed to helping Indigenous students with admissions, applications, and student aid.
Zariah is deeply passionate about supporting and empowering Indigenous students on their academic journeys through her recruitment role. Proudly representing Norway House Cree Nation, she brings her own perspectives and experiences of working with Indigenous communities to her work. With a degree in Religious Studies from the University of Manitoba, she has experience bridging Indigenous cultural preservation with community relations. She understands the unique challenges that Indigenous students face and is dedicated to bridging the gap between Indigenous traditions and modern academic paths. Her goal is to ensure that students feel seen, heard, and valued throughout the recruitment process by fostering connections, celebrating heritage, and helping Indigenous students navigate their road to higher education.
Zariah.pavagadhi@mitt.ca
204-470-1669
Student Advising
Ryan Bruyere
From Sagkeeng Anishinaabe Nation
MITT’s Indigenous Student Advisor is here to help Indigenous students with student support and student life at MITT.
Ryan Bruyere (Bear Clan) is a proud member of the Sagkeeng First Nation. Based in Winnipeg since his university years, he has spent over a decade as a dedicated student advisor at MITT, guiding and supporting learners on their academic journeys. Ryan provides individualized support to help students navigate course selection, career planning, and personal development, with a goal of empowering students to make informed decisions and achieve their educational and professional aspirations. A family man at heart, Ryan thrives in the outdoors, embracing ‘lake life’ whenever possible. Passionate about community involvement, Ryan volunteers as a lacrosse coach and is also an avid supporter of Winnipeg’s local sports teams, cheering on the Jets and Blue Bombers with pride.
