The University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. More
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2
Located at the Bannatyne campus, Ongomiizwin - Education is a place for Indigenous students enrolled in health professional programs to meet, study and explore careers and culture. We offer a welcoming environment that assists students to meet their academic potential through a variety of culturally relevant programs, resources and supports.
Ongomiizwin - Education's goal is to increase the number of First Nations, Métis and Inuit health professionals in Manitoba.
Our mission is to support and enhance the potential for success of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students in the health education faculties and programs at UM’s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences:
The Ongomiizwin Education Summer Work Experience is a four-week program designed to support Indigenous medical students through early clinical exposure, cultural learning and leadership development within safe and culturally responsive environments.
The program responds to systemic barriers Indigenous learners often face in accessing clinical experiences and mentorship opportunities. It provides structured placements that foster confidence, strengthen connections to Indigenous physicians and communities and support students’ interest in serving northern, rural and remote regions.
Delivered in partnership with the Healthcare Retention and Recruitment Office’s Discover Health Careers Program, the initiative supports approximately 10 students annually, prioritizing pre-clerkship learners.
Participants spend three weeks in clinical shadowing placements—primarily in Indigenous and northern/rural settings—followed by one week of in-person cultural and leadership programming. This includes engagement with Elders, traditional healing practices, wellness activities and leadership development sessions.
By the end of the program, students gain hands-on clinical experience, enhanced cultural safety and leadership skills and stronger mentorship networks, helping prepare them for clerkship and future roles as Indigenous physicians and leaders in Indigenous health.
Who can apply: Ongomiizwin Education Indigenous medical students at the Max Rady College of Medicine.
Program dates: Annually in July (four-week program)
Ongomiizwin Education Indigenous medical students at the Max Rady College of Medicine who are interested in participating are encouraged to apply.
Applications open annually in January.
How to apply: To express interest, please contact ongomiizwin.education@umanitoba.ca.
Application deadline: End of January, annually.
Selection process: Final placements are confirmed by the end of March.
For more information or to express interest, please contact ongomiizwin.education@umanitoba.ca or check back soon for updated application details.
The Medicine Garden (Mashkiki Gitigaan) is a sacred space dedicated to Indigenous learning, ceremony and connection to the land. It is a place where community members can gather to learn from Elders, Knowledge Keepers and the Ongomiizwin Cultural Team, and to honour the teachings, medicines and traditions that guide our work. Throughout the year, the garden hosts teaching circles, cultural learning sessions and other educational activities led by Elders. As a cultural and ceremonial space, some types of requests may not be appropriate or may require additional guidance from the Cultural Team.
The Medicine Garden is located on the Bannatyne Campus, outside the Basic Medical Sciences Building, 745 Bannatyne Avenue. The space was blessed in a Traditional Ceremony on June 20, 2014 and continues to be cared for in a good way.
To support respectful use of the space, groups wishing to hold an activity in the garden are asked to complete the booking request form. All submissions will be reviewed by the Cultural Team to ensure the purpose of the gathering aligns with the educational and cultural intent of the garden.
Membership at Ongomiizwin – Education is open to all First Nations (Status, Non-Status), Métis and Inuit students currently registered in a health professional program (dental hygiene, dentistry, medical rehabilitation, medicine, nursing and pharmacy) at the University of Manitoba. Membership gives you access to the programs, facilities and resources at the centre.
Although cultural protocols may vary across Indigenous nations, they are recognized for their importance in keeping ceremonies sacred and preserving how knowledge is passed on. Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and the Ongomiizwin Institute of Health and Healing have worked together to create a list of recommendations meant to be a starting point for anyone who is new to engaging in cultural practices.
Ongomiizwin – Education
Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
S206 Medical Services Building
750 Bannatyne Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0W2
