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WINNIPEG — The University of Winnipeg Senate has unanimously approved a new Indigenous Course Requirement (ICR) for all students before they graduate. The body responsible for UWinnipeg’s academic governance is mandating that all students will learn about Indigenous people, making it the first university in the country to do so.

The move had already been approved in principle, but the ICR approval will make Indegenous learning part of the undergraduate degree requirement for all new students, starting in fall of 2016.

READ MORE: University of Winnipeg approves mandatory indigenous course requirement

Students may select from several of the 3 credit-hour courses that qualify for the ICR.

“This is a proud, joyous, and historic day for The University of Winnipeg community,” said Dr. Annette Trimbee, UWinnipeg President & Vice-Chancellor. “We recognize our responsibility to commit to the TRC recommendations and today’s decision by our faculty effectively implements a good number of them. We have taken an important step to integrate Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and worldview into our curricula and culture.”

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Graduation requirements for existing UWinnipeg students will not be affected.