Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program
Neechiwaken means "friend" in Cree. The program helps first-year Indigenous students (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) transition to university life by fostering student engagement and a sense of belonging on campus.
Program overview
Who is it for?
The program offers two participation opportunities: as a Neechiwaken (mentee) or a Lead Neechiwaken (peer mentor).
- Neechiwaken (mentee): First-year Indigenous students (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) looking for guidance, support and connection during their transition to university.
- Lead Neechiwaken (peer mentor): Returning Indigenous students from any year, faculty or program who are interested in supporting first-year students while developing their leadership skills.
How can I participate?
- Apply as a Neechiwaken if you are a first-year Indigenous student interested in being matched with an experienced peer mentor. Participants are expected to stay engaged throughout the program by attending meetings and communicating regularly with their mentor.
- Apply as a Lead Neechiwaken if you are a returning Indigenous student in good academic standing who is committed to supporting a first-year student. Mentors participate in training, attend program activities and provide ongoing guidance throughout the academic year.
It can help you with
- Navigating university life
- Building connections within the Indigenous student community
- Accessing campus resources and supports
- Developing academic confidence
- Strengthening leadership and communication skills
Benefits of participating in Neechiwaken
Mentee’s who are regularly engaged with their mentor and attend at least 1 monthly meeting per term will be entered to win 1 of 2 $1000.00 tuition prizes at the end of the year.
Application requirements
Review the eligibility requirements and participation expectations for each role before applying.
Applications are typically open each year between May and August. Lead Neechiwaken (peer mentor) applications generally open first, followed by Neechiwaken (mentee) applications in early July.
To become a Lead Neechiwaken, you must:
To become a Lead Neechiwaken, you must:
- be an Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) UM student in good standing (a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required)
- have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours
- attend a full-day training session as scheduled on the application form
- be available for monthly mentor gatherings
- attend at least 1 social meeting per term
- be willing to commit to communicating regularly with your assigned student
All Lead Neechiwaken are interviewed before being matched with a new student. We invite you to apply early.
To become a Neechiwaken, you must:
To become a Neechiwaken, you must:
- be an Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) UM student interested in having a peer mentor for the year (September to April)
- be available for monthly meetings
- be willing to commit to communicating regularly with their peer mentor
Mentee’s who are regularly engaged with their mentor and attend at least 1 monthly meeting per term will be entered to win 1 of 2 $1000.00 tuition prizes at the end of the year.
Hear from our students
Discover how the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program has helped students build connections, gain confidence and feel supported throughout their university journey.
Being a mentee through the Neechiwaken program gave me connection to the Indigenous community on campus, and provided me with a net of support through my first year. Having a direct line to someone that has lived the University experience was invaluable as a new student. There will be a whirlwind of information coming at you and having someone to help you sort your best trajectory is imperative.
Deanna Garand
Faculty of Science
I became involved as a mentor with the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program to help guide Indigenous students through their first year of university. Being a first-gen university graduate, I understand how scary it can be to navigate a post-secondary institution as big as the U of M. I am passionate about sharing the knowledge I have gained over the years to help others along their journey.
Courtney Clark (she/her)
Faculty of Science (Hons.)
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Contact us
Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program
Migizii Agamik, 114 Sidney Smith St,
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M6 Canada
204-474-8850