Photo Courtesy: UNBC

By Thomas Doucet

Mitacs Funding

UNBC announces new Indigenous research ambassador program

Aug 29, 2022 | 11:54 AM

PRINCE GEORGE—A new set of research grants aims to give Indigenous students the skills to introduce culturally sensitive and community-based research tools to fellow students.

The Indigenous Research Ambassador Program is led by Marion Erickson. She has a Bachelor of Public Administration and Community Development from UNBC and is currently a Master of Education candidate at Thompson Rivers University.

The Mitacs Indigenous Research Award is being offered in association with Mitacs, a national not-for-profit research organization. The initiative will award 10 six-month internships and 12 Indigenous student awards for the duration of the 18-month pilot starting this fall.

The Ambassador Program will connect students with researchers and communities to facilitate mentorship opportunities. Students will be exposed to experiential learning opportunities and promote cultural connection to the natural world.

The ambassadors will participate in a wide range of activities including:

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• Working with Indigenous researchers and knowledge holders for an introduction to research.
• Advising fellow students about research-related opportunities at UNBC.
• Providing advice to the Office of Research and Innovation and Office of Indigenous Initiatives on how to improve student programming, celebrate research and get students involved in research.
• Assisting with the creation of digital content related to student and faculty research.
• Establishing an Indigenous “science fair” during Research Week.
• Working with external partners to build connections within the research community.