Frances Widdowson Visit, 09/25/25
The University of Manitoba History Students’ Association (UMHiSA), in conjunction with the University of Manitoba History Graduate Students’ Association (UMHGSA), write to express deep concern and opposition to Frances Widdowson’s upcoming visit to the University of Manitoba’s (UM) Fort Garry campus to espouse hateful and damaging anti-Indigenous rhetoric towards valued members of our community. While UM should remain a space where Freedom of Speech can thrive, Widdowson stands in direct opposition to UM’s stated beliefs and commitments to Truth and Reconciliation. Moreover, Freedom of Speech does not extend to inciting hate towards others.
As students of History, our discipline relies on good-faith dialogue and robust discussion rooted in historical fact. As historians, we have a responsibility to hold and share beliefs and opinions that are rooted in historical evidence and robust scholarship. We encourage all Canadians to do the work of Reconciliation, familiarize themselves with our common history and reflect on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Final Report and Calls to Action. The TRC Report explains only a small part of the violent histories of colonialism that have and continue to take place in the lands we now call Canada.
Widdowson has a long and extensive history, which includes disparaging remarks towards Residential School Survivors and people who identify as part of 2SLGBTIA+ communities. She actively cherry-picks evidence to correspond with predetermined outcomes while attacking and denying evidence that counters her opinions. Additionally, Widdowson has recently called out UM professors involved in truth-telling work by name, putting them at risk of harassment. Hosting Widdowson brings up security concerns for the staff and students who are directly impacted by her anti-Indigenous rhetoric. We applaud the unnamed college’s decision to not host Widdowson’s hate-filled rhetoric. The physical, emotional, and mental safety and well-being of staff and students should always remain the top priority for UM administration.
UMHiSA and UMHGSA are not interested in stifling debate or restricting speech. We value the study of voices of dissent throughout History. Together, we are concerned about amplifying voices that dehumanize others and create unsafe conditions for UM students, staff, and faculty, as well as community members. The UM campuses should be spaces where students and staff can feel safe learning, debating and exchanging ideas.
To our Indigenous neighbours, friends, classmates, and community members: this person does not define the views of all settlers. We see you and we stand with you. In the end, love will win. Stay strong. Please take care of yourselves, and make use of the resources available, should you need them:
- Residential School Survivor Support Line, 1-866-925-4419
- UM Indigenous Students Services Centre, isc@umanitoba.ca, 204-474-8850
In solidarity,
University of Manitoba History Students’ Association (UMHiSA)
University of Manitoba History Graduate Students’ Association (UMHGSA)
