蹤獲扞⑹ to create Indigenous Research Ambassador Program

Media Release
Indigenous Research Ambassador Program Lead Marion Erickson
Marion Erickson will lead the new Indigenous Research Ambassador Program. Erickson is Dakelh from the community of Nak'azdli and is a member of the Lhs'umusyoo (Beaver) Clan. She has a Bachelor of Public Administration and Community Development from 蹤獲扞⑹ and is currently a Master of Education candidate at Thompson Rivers University.

Prince George, B.C. A new set of research internships and scholarships at 蹤獲扞⑹ will equip Indigenous students with the skills to introduce respectful, culturally sensitive and collaborative community-based research tools to fellow students using Indigenous and non-Indigenous research methodologies.

The Indigenous Research Ambassador Program and the Mitacs Indigenous Research Award are being offered in association with, which in partnership with companies, government and academia develops the next generation of innovators with vital scientific and business skills through unique research and training programs.

The Mitacs-supported initiatives will create 10 six-month internships and 12 Indigenous student awards.

Mitacs is demonstrating valuable leadership in cultivating research capacity and fostering diversity in those who conduct that research, said 蹤獲扞⑹ President Dr. Geoff Payne. Partnerships on such critical areas of need are vital to advancing Truth and Reconciliation while also providing rich, experiential learning opportunities for 蹤獲扞⑹ students.

The Indigenous Research Ambassador program will engage students in research and experiential learning opportunities, connect them with researchers and communities, facilitate leadership and mentorship opportunities and celebrate and promote research and cultural connection to the natural world. 蹤獲扞⑹ is also providing participants with laptops to assist with digital equity.

"Mitacs is pleased to be collaborating with 蹤獲扞⑹ on this important initiative that will offer experiential learning opportunities to Indigenous students while also developing more diverse, community-oriented research tools," said John Hepburn, CEO, Mitacs. "We look forward to seeing the difference these ambassadors are sure to make."

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

  • Working with Indigenous researchers and knowledge holders for an introduction to research.
  • Advising fellow students about research-related opportunities at 蹤獲扞⑹.
  • 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.