Open Horizons: Affordability and Access through Open Education
2025-06-11 - 2025-06-12 | Convergys Learning Centre, Main Floor – BU Library, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6A9, Canada
The time for the Manitoba Open Education Symposium on June 11th and 12th is fast approaching. It is focused on the question:
“How do we build an open and accessible education system that fosters digital innovation, cross-institutional collaboration, and student affordability?”
Disruptions due to tariffs and censorship in the U.S. is only making the question more critical.
Brandon University will be hosting a common room to live stream the event. Anyone who wishes to gather with their Westman colleagues is very welcome to attend in person.
This is a FREE event co-organized by Campus Manitoba, Assiniboine College, RRC Polytech, the University of Manitoba, and the University of Winnipeg. Lunch and break refreshments will be provided. The agenda is attached.
If anyone is unregistered, but wanting to attend in person, please contact Carmen Kazakoff-Lane at kazakoff@brandonu.ca. Online registration for in person events has closed but Carmen can register people until the end of Friday and ensure that the caterers are updated in time for the event.
If you simply wish to attend any session, you are welcome to attend without registering, but food will not be provided.
Details:

When: June 11 and 12, 2025
Brandon University Location: Convergys Lab, Main Floor, in the John E. Library
Sessions and schedule: Open Horizons 2025

Brandon Pride Presents: Drag History with Flora Hex
2025-06-11 19:00 - 20:45 (America/Winnipeg) | Gathering Space, John E. Robbins Library, Canada
Ready to get dragged through history? Then join us on Wednesday, June 11th from 7 to 8:45 p.m., to learn the history of drag with the mother of mothers, Flora Hex!!
Come and learn the origins of the art form known as drag, how it developed through time, how it has changed the world, and what might be next! This presentation will highlight key moments, individuals and ideals that are foundational to why drag is so relevant! Flora is going to snatch your wig with this history lesson.
Light refreshments will be served, courtesy of the BU Queer Committee.

BUAA Annual General Meeting
2025-06-18 17:00 - 18:30 | Clark Hall, Room 104, 270-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6A9, Canada
The BUAA AGM will be held in Clark Hall, Room 104. This meeting will also be available via Zoom.
Please register in advance by emailing alumni@brandonu.ca by Friday, June 13.
If you’re interested in joining the Alumni Association board, please email alumni@brandonu.ca with a brief bio.

Guitars – The Sophomore Album – an Evening of Art and Activism
2025-06-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Tommy McLeod Curve Gallery, John E. Robbins Library, 270-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6A9, Canada
Join artist Wendy Friesen for a talk and tour of her Guitars – The Sophomore Album in the Brandon University Library Curve Gallery. This sequel exhibit continues to explore themes of music, community, inclusivity, celebration, healing, and Pride through pop art sculpture. Building upon on her 2024 works, this new series continues to showcase detailed, hand-constructed miniature guitars, both replicas and original conceptions, crafted from recycled materials. Friesen’s visual work evokes a euphoric rock and roll frenzy, formative to identities of so many!
Friesen will also speak to her recent activism work, including a parliamentary petition to ensure greater protections of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in Canada, including a challenge to Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the “notwithstanding clause”) in allowing provincial legislatures to override human rights.
Following Friesen’s presentation, Leila Praznik, Director of the Westman Empowerment Fund will speak to work of the Fund, how it supports gender-diverse people in the Westman community, and how people can help.
Then please join Brandon University Library Assistant, PENT Instructor, and BU Queer Committee member Marian Ramage, in the Convergys Lab. Marian will provide a walkthrough of the BU Queer LibGuide: 2SLGBTQIA+ and Gender Diverse Resources. She will share information about resources available in the library’s physical collection, as well as publicly available information sources, and will provide guidance on library searching. Following the discussion, a tour of the library collection will be provided.
Light refreshments will be served at this event, sponsored by the BU Queer Committee.

Canada Day 2025 — University closed
2025-07-01 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
O Canada! Brandon University celebrates Canada Day ??
The university will be closed on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. No offices are open and no classes are scheduled. The Healthy Living Centre is closed as well.
Brandon University will reopen on Wednesday, July 2. Enjoy the holiday!

Daniel Tselyakov: Piano Virtuosity & Enchantment
2025-07-24 19:30 | Lorne Watson Recital Hall, QEII Music Building, Room 1-60, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6A9, Canada
19th Clear Lake Chamber Music Festival 2025 Presents:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16ooq28YVK/
Daniel Tselyakov: Piano Virtuosity & Enchantment
with guest artists Ariel Carrabré & Alexander Tselyakov
The Clear Lake Chamber Music Festival warmly invites music lovers to an enchanting evening of classical brilliance featuring pianist Daniel Tselyakov, joined by guest artists Ariel Carrabré (cello) and Alexander Tselyakov (piano).
The program opens with Johannes Brahms’s Cello Sonata No. 1 in E minor, Op. 38, a lyrical masterpiece and cornerstone of the cello repertoire. It continues with Maurice Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé—a rarely performed solo piano tour de force that evokes shimmering orchestral colors from the piano alone. The concert culminates with an electrifying piano duo by Daniel and Alexander Tselyakov, delivering a thrilling finale full of passion and virtuosity.
? Concert Dates & Venues:
Monday, July 21 at 7:30 PM – Killarney United Church
432 Williams Avenue, Killarney (please note, this is the correct address)
Wednesday, July 23 at 7:30 PM – Gladstone United Church
36 Morris Street, Gladstone, MB
Thursday, July 24 at 7:30 PM – Lorne Watson Recital Hall, School of Music, Brandon University
Ticket Information
Tickets for all concert locations are available at the School of Music Office, Brandon University.
? Call or visit: 204-727-9631
? Email: burba@brandonu.ca
Prices:
Adults: $30 (at the door: $35)
Seniors/Students: $20 (at the door: $25)
? Payment Options:
Cash, cheque (payable to Clear Lake Chamber Music Festival), or Visa/MasterCard for advance discounted pricing.
? Tickets will be mailed when time permits or held at the door under your name for convenient pickup. Advance purchase is recommended.
About the Artists
Daniel Tselyakov combines poetic sensitivity with electrifying virtuosity. A prizewinner at several international competitions, he has performed to critical acclaim across Canada, the U.S., France, Italy, and Spain, with notable appearances at the Kennedy Center, Glenn Gould Studio, and Van Cliburn Concert Hall. He is the Artistic Director of the Clear Lake Chamber Music Festival and serves on the academic staff at Brandon University’s School of Music, where he shares his artistic insight and passion for performance with the next generation.
Ariel Carrabré, cellist and Brandon native now based in Montreal, is a prizewinner of the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition. He has performed widely as a soloist and chamber musician. His longstanding friendship and musical collaboration with Daniel began in their youth and continue to this day.
Alexander Tselyakov, celebrated concert pianist and professor at Brandon University, has performed with major orchestras worldwide. Renowned for his warmth and virtuosity, his father-son duo performances with Daniel are hailed as electrifying.
? Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience world-class classical music in your community. An unforgettable evening awaits!

Terry Fox Day 2025 — University Closed
2025-08-04 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
Brandon University will be closed on Monday, Aug. 4 for Terry Fox Day. The Healthy Living Centre will be open reduced hours, from 11 a.m to 7 p.m. The University reopens standard hours on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Enjoy your long weekend.

Spruce Woods byelection debate
2025-08-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Sprucewoods Community Hall, 5 Woods Ave, Sprucewoods, Manitoba, R0K2A0, Canada
Brandon University, the Brandon Sun, and Westman Communications invite the public to join us for an all-party candidates’ debate in the lead up to the upcoming Aug. 26 byelection in the Spruce Woods electoral division.
The debate will take place on Aug. 20, 2025 beginning at 7 p.m. and last for 90 minutes.
Our panel of questioners will consist of Brandon Sun political reporter Alex Lambert; Brandon University Associate Professor – Department of Political Science, Dr. Kelly Saunders; and Sun columnist Deveryn Ross. The event will be officiated by our long-time emcee, Kerry Auriat.
The debate will be taped by WCGtv from our location at Sprucewoods Community Hall at 5 Woods Ave., and be rebroadcast later in the week. The Brandon Sun will provide news coverage and commentary.
We hope you will join us on Aug. 20 for what promises to be a lively and informative discussion of the issues at hand.

Tönky Hönk
2025-08-27 19:00 | Lorne Watson Recital Hall, QEII Music Building, Room 1-60, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6A9, Canada
Madeline Hildebrand and Everett Hopfner share a varied program of duo
music for pianos, keyboards, electronics, toy pianos, bitKlavier, and more!
Open to the public. Free of charge.

Residence Check-In Weekend
2025-08-29 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-08-30 09:00 - 13:00 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
Check-in Weekend 2025 takes place August 29th and 30th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Labour Day 2025 — University closed
2025-09-01 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
Brandon University is closed on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in honour of Labour Day. Offices are closed and no classes are scheduled.
The University re-opens Tuesday, Sept. 2, for Orientation, with the first day of classes in the Fall Term scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Enjoy your long weekend!

Orientation Day
2025-09-02 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada

2025 Fall Term begins
2025-09-03 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
Classes begin for most Fall Term courses as well as for most full-year (both term) courses.
Some classes in the Faculty of Education instead begin next week. Specifically, classes in Bachelor of Education (after degree), Bachelor of Education (integrated program) fifth year, Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education (combined) fifth year, and Master of Education courses will begin Monday, Sept. 8.
Tuition deadline: Fall fees are payable in full.

Welcome Back Co-op Breakfast
2025-09-09 07:15 - 09:00 | Harvest Hall, 270-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6A9, Canada
Brandon University’s Co-operative Education Program is hosing an inaugural Welcome Back Co-op Breakfast, on Tuesday, September 9, as part of Homecoming Week.
This event will bring together returning Co-op students, employer partners, alumni, faculty, and campus colleagues to celebrate the impact of co-operative education at BU. We are expecting over 100 guests, including students preparing to graduate in Spring 2026.
Doors will open at 7:15 a.m. for informal networking. The Call to Breakfast will begin at 7:45 a.m., followed by a hot breakfast, brief student and employer remarks, and closing by 9:00 a.m.
Tickets are available or sale on the Homecoming website at BrandonU.ca/Homecoming. Please reserve your ticket by Tuesday, August 26.
If you have any dietary restrictions, please email dupuisc@brandonu.ca.

Homecoming 2025
2025-09-11 08:00 - 2025-09-14 17:00 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
Join us September 11-14 for four days of fun, fellowship, reunions and more! Reunite with friends, former classmates and faculty as you tour the campus, take in exciting Bobcats action, and enjoy the many Homecoming events.

pro series: HOME COMING CONCERT: PRAIRIE PUNK, Nicole Lizée & Guests
2025-09-12 19:30 | Lorne Watson Recital Hall, QEII Music Building, Room 1-60, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6A9, Canada
Scenario:
A karaoke machine is glitching. It rewinds, stops without warning, jumps between sections. Pitch and speed fluctuate. The tape is damaged – chewed up by the machine. The singer tries to keep her composure and keep up with the machine. An unorthodox amplified orchestra holds it all together. Brandon’s fall concert season begins Friday, September 12th with a new music tour-de-force featuring BU alumni and guest musicians from across Canada. Prairie Punk brings composer Nicole Lizée back to her prairie roots to present two brilliant large-ensemble works. Karappo Okesutura Vol.3 presents a warped, hilarious karaoke performance of Canadian and Australian pop hits including Olivia Newton-John, INXS, Loverboy, Alanis Morissette, Corey Hart and ACDC, as reimagined by Saskatchewan-born elite composer Nicole Lizée. An 11-piece ensemble features Lizée herself returning to her alma mater alongside new music A-list musicians from Winnipeg, Brandon, Saskatoon and Montreal including BU School of Music faculty and alumni celebrating the school’s past and present. Prairie Punk also features Not Seeing Is A Flower, the unique cello concerto written by Lizée for cellist/curator Leanne Zacharias. Supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and BU Research Council, the work is for cello soloist and video, accompanied by an eclectic amplified ensemble of singers, bassists, percussionists and a mysterious doppelgänger.
Performers:

Helen Pridmore & Sarah Hall, vocals
Nicole Lizée, turntables, electronics, video
Eric Platz & Ben Reimer, drumkits & percussion
Steve Raegele, electric guitar
Leanne Zacharias, ‘cello
Jennifer Thiessen & John Sellick, viola
Mer Johnson & Crystal White, double bass
Sean Irvine, saxophone & clarinet
Everett Hopfner, piano & keyboard

Co-presented by Brandon Chamber Players https://brandonchamberplayers.ca/
BU Homecoming Team; BU School of Music and in partnership with Groundswell New Music (Winnipeg)
Admission Fee:
$20 at the door. (Note: Concert is free for BU Faculty, Staff, Students and Alumni)

Bobcats Soccer
2025-09-13 13:00 - 17:15 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
BU Men’s Soccer vs Providence U College
Game start: September 13, 2025 3:15 pm
Game details

BU Women’s Soccer vs Providence U College
Game start: September 13, 2025 1:00 pm
Game details

Bobcats Soccer
2025-09-14 13:00 - 17:15 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
BU Men’s Soccer vs Univesity of St. Boniface
Game start: September 14, 2025 3:15 pm
Game details

BU Women’s Soccer vs Univesity of St. Boniface
Game start: September 14, 2025 1:00 pm
Game details

Designing Inclusive Peace
2025-09-17 17:00 - 18:30 | Gathering Space, John E. Robbins Library, Canada
Since 1989, more than 100 peace agreements have compelled some kind of post-conflict constitutional change, such as the writing of a new constitution or amendments to the existing constitution.
Join members of the Inclusive Peace research team in this Faculty of Arts Speaker Series event to consider how places such as the Philippines, New Caledonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Lebanon have confronted the challenges of building peace, sharing power, and including citizen preferences in the post-conflict period.
Thank you to the Dean of Arts for supporting this event.
All are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided.

Dr. Anthony Tutugoro, University of New Caledonia

Dr. Megumi Kagawa, Waseda University

Dr. Allison McCulloch, Brandon University

Dr. Valentino Grbavac, Brandon University

Prairie Wires Modular festival
2025-09-19 - 2025-09-20 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
Prairie Wires Modular (PWM) is Canada’s only multi-day, multi-venue festival focussed on the art and music of the modular synthesizer.
On September 19 and 20, electronic musicians of all styles—classical to punk—and everything in between will converge in Brandon Manitoba for two jam-packed days of free concerts, a free public open-house symposium, and free interactive activities across 6 unique events throughout several locations in Downtown Brandon and on Brandon University campus.
Friday:
11:30AM – 2:30PM – Mod on the Quad: Sonic Scavenger Hunt
Follow your ears to find an electronic pop-up performance every hour somewhere on B.U. campus.

Dan Fur (MB) – jungle / drum & bass
Bondegi (MB) – ambient experimental
Messytone (MB) – electro-folka

7:00-9:00 – Electroacoustic Intersections: PWM Opening Night
Showcase Three acts who combine traditional acoustic instrumentation with modular synthesis at B.U. School of Music.

Kerey Harper Ensemble (MB) – electronic chamber music
Kris Burwash w/ Jennifer Theissen (AB/MB) – improvisational electroacoustic
Jason Tait (MB) – experimental percussion

9:30-Midnight – Wiggle & Blunder Shock the Dock: Electric Afterparty
THIS is Synthpunk! An electrified dance party wired for mature audiences after 10:00pm.

Stiff Wiggle (MB) – Synthpunk queercore
Blunderspublik (ON) – electro-indie rock
Acid Basement (MB) – synth pop

Saturday:
10:00AM – NOON – Wandering Wires: Ambient Morning Soundtrek
Grab a sketch book and draw what you hear as you take a sonic journey through downtown Brandon. Starting at Chez Angela and ending at the AGSM

Jennifer Theissen (MB) ambient electroacoustic
Thomas Toews (MB) dark ambient
k.burwash (AB) experimental ambient

12:00PM-5:00PM – Patch & Release : Modular Synthposeum at the AGSM.
Part show and tell, part science fair, all synthesizers. Come see, hear and learn about modular synthesizers from the artists, or try your hand in the Wiggleroom Synthlab. Performances and presentations by:

probableSelves (MB) cinematic drone
Princess Dasha (MB) – Performance Art
Qianna Zhen (MB) – Noise Muzik
Dan Fur (MB) – Jungle D&B

6:30PM-9:30PM – Spectrasonic Intersections: PWM Finalé Concert
A sonic, luminary and haptic multi-sensory experience of experimental sound spanning two rooms at Brandon University School of Music.

Soft Verges (MB) – Interactive Sound-Art Installation/Performance
Greenhouse (MB) – Experimental Guitar
Jeremy Young (QC) – Musique Concrète
Arc (QC) – Electronic Post-Rock

ALL FREE – ALL AGES – ALL WELCOME! Come to PWM2025 and Get Wired!

Bobcats Soccer
2025-09-21 13:00 - 17:15 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
BU Men’s Soccer vs Canadian Mennonite U
Game start: September 21, 2025 3:15 pm
Game details

BU Women’s Soccer vs Canadian Mennonite U
Game start: September 21, 2025 1:00 pm
Game details

2025 Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) National Conference
2025-09-23 08:30 - 2025-09-26 17:00 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
Attend the 2025 Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF) National Conference, taking place September 23–26, 2025 at Brandon University! This year’s theme, “Foundations for the Future of Rural: Technology, Data Governance, and Capacity Building in Rural Canada,” invites researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to collaborate on rural innovation and transformation.
Get ready for engaging keynotes, field excursions, and meaningful conversations focused on strengthening rural communities across the country.
For more information please visit: https://crrf2025.org

Location: Brandon, Manitoba
Dates: September 23–26, 2025
Register Now: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/foundations-for-the-future-of-rural-conference-tickets-1323215596469

Hosted by Brandon University and the Rural Development Institute in partnership with CRRF, JRCD, and supported by SSHRC.

Artist Talk by Cheryl L’Hirondelle
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Sutherland Gallery of Art, 2021 Victoria Avenue, Brandon, MB, Canada
Artist Talk by award-winning singer/songwriter, music producer and interdisciplinary artist Cheryl L’Hirondelle (Cree/Halfbreed; German/Polish), whose Indigenous family roots are from Papaschase First Nation and Kikino Metis Settlement, on the land now known as Canada.

Truth and Reconciliation Week
2025-09-29 08:00 - 2025-10-03 17:00 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada

Exploring Brazilian and Canadian Research Partnerships for the Betterment of Indigenous Peoples
2025-09-29 15:30 - 17:00 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
Brandon University is honoured to welcome back Dr. Eloy Terena, Vice-Minister of Brazil’s Ministry of Indigenous Peoples and a 2019 Brandon University ELAP Doctoral Visiting Student, for a special talk titled Exploring Brazilian and Canadian Research Partnerships for the Betterment of Indigenous Peoples.
Dr. Terena is a respected leader, scholar, and advocate from the Terena Indigenous community in Mato Grosso do Sul. He currently serves as Vice-Minister in Brazil’s newly established Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, a role he was appointed to by President Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva in recognition of his academic expertise, leadership, and long-standing engagement with Indigenous movements.
With doctoral degrees in both Anthropology and Law, and post-doctoral studies at the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in France, Dr. Terena brings a wealth of knowledge to his work at the intersection of research, law, and policy. His leadership has been recognized with Brazil’s highest honour, The Order of Rio Branco, for his pivotal role in creating the country’s first Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, as well as with an honorary doctorate from the Don Bosco Catholic University.
This event will explore how international collaboration and research partnerships between Brazil and Canada can support Indigenous rights, strengthen communities, and advance Indigenous-led scholarship.
Join us on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 3:30–5 p.m. in the Gathering Space of the John E. Robbins Library at Brandon University.
Sponsored by the Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies, the Rural Development Institute, and the Faculty of Arts, this event is free and open to all members of the campus and wider community.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2025 — University closed
2025-09-30 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
Brandon University will be closed on Tuesday, September 30, for Truth and Reconciliation. Most services will be closed and no classes are scheduled.
Brandon University will re-open on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Bobcats Soccer
2025-10-04 13:00 - 17:15 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
BU Men’s Soccer vs Canadian Mennonite U
Game start: October 4, 2025 3:15 pm
Game details

BU Women’s Soccer vs Canadian Mennonite U
Game start: October 4, 2025 1:00 pm
Game details

Bobcats Soccer
2025-10-05 13:00 - 17:15 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
BU Men’s Soccer vs Assiniboine College
Game start: October 5, 2025 3:15 pm
Game details

BU Women’s Soccer vs Assiniboine College
Game start: October 5, 2025 1:00 pm
Game details

Bobcats Soccer
2025-10-12 13:00 - 17:15 | Brandon University, 270 18th Street, Brandon, MB, Canada
BU Men’s Soccer vs Univesity of St. Boniface
Game start: October 12, 2025 3:15 pm
Game details

BU Women’s Soccer vs Univesity of St. Boniface
Game start: October 12, 2025 1:00 pm
Game details
