Mohamed Crossman-Serb
Taanshi, my name is Mohamed “Mo” Crossman-Serb. I am a Red River Métis on my mother’s side and Libyan on my father’s side. My family comes from generations of York boaters and shepherds. I was born and raised in Winnipeg, growing up to be a competitive paddler where I competed nationally and across the world. I currently live between my family’s acreage and Winnipeg.
I graduated in 2019 from the University of Winnipeg with a double major in Kinesiology and Chemistry. After graduation I worked a variety of jobs such as a youth activity worker at Gilbert Park Going Places (Norwest Coop), a tree-planter and ski groomer with Winnipeg Trails and a contractor for Spirit North. During this time, myself and three friends founded Waterways, a non-profit that runs land-based programming for Indigenous youth across Manitoba. I found myself in numerous roles eventually becoming the current program director, overseeing programs in over 15 First Nation and Métis communities this summer.
At the University of Winnipeg, I was fortunate to take part as a scholar in the Indigenous Summer Scholars Program (ISSP) and in supporting roles for the Pathway to Graduate Studies (P2GS). These programs gave me invaluable experience and opened my eyes to the possibility of graduate studies. I am excited for the MDP program for the skills, education and experience it will provide with an Indigenous lens and focus. I hope to use this degree to help drive sustainability, sovereignty and stewardship in the communities I will work with.