The University of Winnipeg's new indigenous studies course requirement has been met with positive feedback on the eve of the its first term.

"I wasn't expecting how much goodwill there is about this," said Kevin Lamoureux, associate vice-president of indigenous affairs.

"No one has ever done this before and we're the first -- us and Lakehead (University), and we're proud of that."

Lakehead also introduced a mandatory indigenous course this year.

Students now enrolling at the U of W will have to take at least one indigenous studies course to graduate. They'll have their pick of 19 approved courses, covering everything from indigenous literature to linguistics, politics to spirituality and anthropology to urban studies. Some of the courses are in the indigenous studies department but many count toward other majors. There were 19,000 seats available for them and 16,000 have been filled, Lamoureux said.

"And that's just for this term," he said.

The university hopes to offer a choice of 36 approved courses eventually, Lamoureux said Thursday, before a reception to officially unveil the new Indigenous Course Requirement (ICR) at Riddell Hall.

The university did not have to hire new professors or even train the ones they already have on staff.

"They're all experts in their field and they were encouraged to work with the Indigenous Advisory Council," Lamoureux said.

The ICR initiative has also partnered with such organizations as the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba First Nations Resource Centre.

"We're not trying to indigenize the university but to allow students to learn about indigenous people in a safe environment," Lamoureux said.

"I think it's a good thing."

The initiative is a response to recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.