Founding Vision (1991)
Urban Circle Training Centre was founded in 1991 by Eleanor Thompson and a group of women who had been working together in a second-hand clothing store. These women wanted more than temporary, low-wage work — they wanted good jobs that would provide stability for their families. Recognizing the lack of training opportunities that spoke to the realities of Indigenous women in Winnipeg, they imagined a secretarial training program that would open doors to meaningful employment. With just a handful of students, the first classes began in the basement of that store.
From the beginning, Urban Circle was about more than training. It was about creating a supportive community where Indigenous adults could find belonging, learn new skills, and chart paths toward brighter futures.
Growth and New Directions (1990s)
By the mid-1990s, Urban Circle began to expand its vision. In 1996, partnerships with Red River College (now Red River College Polytechnic) allowed the Centre to offer accredited training programs in helping fields such as health care, education, and family support. These programs were designed not only to prepare learners for employment but also to build capacity within Indigenous communities.
As partnerships with government, private donors, and community organizations grew, so too did Urban Circle’s impact. The Centre became known as a place where Indigenous adult learners could receive the training they needed to move into careers that strengthened families and communities.
Culture at the Centre
With the guidance of Elder Stella Blackbird and other knowledge keepers, Indigenous teachings, ceremonies, and traditions became central to Urban Circle’s identity. The Centre’s programs are not only about academic and vocational training, but also about cultural grounding, healing, and personal growth. Full Elder support, community feasts, traditional teachings, and ceremonies have always been woven into daily life at Urban Circle.
Recognition and Impact
Over more than three decades, Urban Circle has become an intergenerational institution. Children — and now grandchildren — of earlier graduates are returning to complete their education, showing the deep and lasting trust the community places in the Centre. Word-of-mouth remains the most powerful form of outreach, as families encourage each new generation to walk through Urban Circle’s doors.
The Centre’s leaders and alumni have also been recognized for their contributions. Founder Eleanor Thompson received an honorary degree from Red River College. More recently, Urban Circle’s Executive Director has been honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal for community service.
Recent Developments
Urban Circle continues to grow and adapt to meet the needs of learners. In January 2025, a new Early Childhood Education program began in partnership with Red River College Polytechnic — the most recent example of UCTC’s commitment to providing pathways into high-demand careers that serve the community.
Other new initiatives have included expanded opportunities in Indigenous Arts, Indigenous Music, student-initiated projects, and life skills coaching. In 2024, all staff received certification as Life Skills Coaches through YWCA Toronto, further enhancing the support available to students.
Looking Forward
As Urban Circle looks to the future, its work is guided by the principles of reconciliation and resurgence. Education at Urban Circle is more than coursework — it is about healing, empowerment, and creating opportunities that ripple outward across families and communities.
From a handful of women in a basement classroom to a thriving, permanent centre on Selkirk Avenue, Urban Circle’s history is one of resilience, vision, and community strength. Its purpose remains unchanged: to provide Indigenous adults with education that honours their cultures, meets their needs, and builds strong futures for the generations yet to come.