Kerri Tattuinee believes racism is based on a lack of education and understanding. That’s why she was surprised it was directed her way at the University of Winnipeg.

"After a while, I sort of gathered that this happens a lot to indigenous people in Winnipeg who are from here. Who face this racism quite unnecessarily,” Tattuinee said.

The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association and Aboriginal Students Council want to use education to tackle racism.

A new proposal would make it mandatory for all students to take an indigenous course in order to graduate.

"It would simply expose students in some small measure to indigenous culture in some capacity,” said student president Rorie Mcleod Arnould.

“And that would hopefully help us push back against racism on this campus but also act as a thought leader in the broader community.”

Student leaders said January's Maclean's magazine article which brought national attention to the issue of racism in Winnipeg has made their initiative even more relevant.

“We want to be able to break those barriers of unknowing,” said Aboriginal Student Commissioner Sadie Lavoie.

Student Lisa Strong said it would help create awareness.

"I think maybe it could change some views on how they see aboriginal people in general,” Strong said.

Scott Durling, who studies education at the University of Winnipeg, likes the idea.

"I really wouldn't have an issue with it,” Durling said. “I think it's a really interesting step."

With the exception of institutions that focus mainly on indigenous programs, the University of Winnipeg would become the first post-secondary institution in Canada to require all students to take an indigenous course.

The University of Regina has a mandatory “indigenous knowledge” component, but it’s only for arts students.

The University of Winnipeg believes the requirement could be introduced while upholding academic standards.

"We want to make sure people head out into the world with a good grounding of the knowledge of what it means to be a good citizen in this part of the world,” said Wab Kinew, the University of Winnipeg’s associate vice-president of indigenous affairs.

“I’d say that some understanding of the contributions indigenous people have made is an important part of that."

If approved, the indigenous course requirement would only apply to students who start their studies after September 2016. It still needs approval from faculty members and the University of Winnipeg Senate.