Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program
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. By engaging with peer mentors, first year Indigenous students will have the opportunity to build their circle of support, learn new things and make friends in their first year at UM. The term Neechiwaken means "friend" in Cree.
Program overview
The program offers two participation opportunities: as a Neechiwaken Mentee or a 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.
- Neechiwaken Peer Mentor: Trained peer helpers from diverse Faculties and levels of study who are dedicated to helping others transition into university life.
Become a Neechiwaken Mentee
Mentees are first-year Indigenous students (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) looking for guidance, support and connection during their transition to university.
Mentees will be paired with an Indigenous Peer Mentor, who are available for questions, casual hang outs, and overall support throughout first year. They can also help you with:
Navigating university life
Learning how to ask for help
Developing academic confidence
Connecting with campus supports and resources
Connecting with Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge staff and Elders-in-Residence
In addition to one-on-one mentoring, Mentees can expect the opportunity to attend a Social Gathering once a month with their mentor to meet other mentees and mentors and continue to build their circle of support.
Mentees who attend 3 or more Social Gatherings and are regularly engaged with their mentor will be entered to win 1 of 2 $1000.00 tuition prizes at the end of the year.
Students who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply early as space is limited.
Become a Neechiwaken Peer Mentor
Neechiwaken Peer Mentors are trained peer helpers from diverse Faculties and levels of study who are dedicated to helping others transition into university life. They often carry strengths and gifts that can be shared to help others succeed, and are often caring, disciplined, driven, creative and team-oriented people.
Neechiwaken Peer Mentors receive on-going training and supportive feedback throughout their mentoring journeys at monthly Mentor Gatherings.
Throughout the year, optional trainings to further enhance the student’s helping skills will be offered.
Neechiwaken Peer Mentors who meet the eligibility to apply and successfully interview are expected to dedicate a minimum of 20-25 hours to the program, and must complete the following requirements:
Attend Mentor Training Day (Early September)
Complete the General PHIA and Privacy Training for UM Community on UMLearn
Attend all Mentor Gatherings
Attend at least one Social Gathering per term
Dedicate at least 2 hours of engagement with mentee outside of Social Gathering time by meeting in person, phone, email, text or virtual
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 Neechiwaken Mentee, you must:
Be a first year Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) student
Be interested in engaging with your mentor throughout the year
To become a Neechiwaken Peer Mentor, you must:
Be an Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) student in any field of study
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5
Have completed a minimum of 30 credit hours of undergraduate studies or one full year of Graduate Studies
Commit to the position requirements listed in the program overview
Complete an interview with the program coordinator
Past mentoring teams and student experiences
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