Prairie Indigenous Knowledge Exchange Network

The Prairie Indigenous Knowledge Exchange Network (PIKE-Net) program will first expand the pool of Indigenous health researchers working in the academy and in communities, while also improving their competitiveness within academia and with funding agencies (for those who choose to pursue this path).

Second, the program will further develop a sustainable and collaborative research environment among Manitoba’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and post-secondary institutions, building on work initiated under the ACADRE/NEAHR programs and strengthening national and international linkages.

• To increase mentorship opportunities for First Nations, Métis and Inuit trainees and new investigators through networking.
• To increase mentorship opportunities and collaborations with regions across Canada’s North.
• To address recruitment, retention, and representation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit trainees and new investigators.
• To create mechanisms within mentorship networks that support trainees and new investigators throughout the different states of their training and career.
• To ensure the inclusion of cultural practices and attention to the psychosocial needs of trainees in Indigenous mentorship network programs.
• To identify systemic and individual barriers hindering First Nations, Métis and Inuit trainees and new investigators from becoming full-tenured faculty members or nominated principal investigators driving the Indigenous health research agenda, for example, and developing strategies for overcoming barriers.

Since 2001, Ongomiizwin Research at the University of Manitoba (formerly the MFN–Centre for Aboriginal Health Research) has been home to Indigenous health research mentorship programs in Manitoba. These programs—known over the years as ACADRE, NEAHR, IMNP, and now PIKE-Net—have supported Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students across the province as they explore careers in health and research.

Over the years, students have received more than funding. The program has emphasized mentorship, hands-on research experience, peer support, and relationship-building with researchers and community organizations. Many former participants have gone on to become health professionals, researchers, educators, and leaders in government, community, and other fields.

Building on this strong foundation, PIKE-Net continues the legacy of supporting Indigenous students in culturally safe and supportive learning environments. The program centres Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, and recognizes that students come with diverse experiences, identities, and connections to community. Our goal is to create space for Indigenous students and early-career researchers to grow, build confidence, and pursue research that matters to them and their communities.

With support from the 2024 CIHR Operating Grant: Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) - Renewal, PIKE-Net is being relaunched to continue and strengthen Indigenous health research mentorship in the Manitoba region.

Overview

The PIKE-Net Undergraduate Summer Research Internship in Indigenous Health is a 13-week program (May to August) that provides Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) undergraduate students with the opportunity to gain experience in Indigenous health research. This internship provides:

• An opportunity to learn in a supported environment where students build skills, confidence, and professional habits through mentorship and experience.
• A stipend award over the course of the internship (Total = $7,000 paid in bi-weekly installments).
• Research experience under the supervision of a research mentor to develop their skills working on research projects in Indigenous health.
• Projects may vary from year to year and have included such topics as heart health, maternal/child health, youth culture camps, and HIV/AIDS. Most projects are based in Winnipeg, but opportunities may be available for students interested in working with other communities.
• Opportunities to take part in PIKE-Net workshops, research symposiums and other research training and mentorship activities.

Eligibility

Students must (must meet all three):

1. Be enrolled (in a part-time or full-time basis) in an undergraduate university degree program in any discipline for the 2025-2026 academic year;
2. Answer questions about their Indigenous ancestry and submit a positionality statement regarding their identity as Indigenous peoples of Canada (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit); and
3. Be studying at a Manitoba post-secondary institution, or be a Manitoba student studying outside the province who can demonstrate a connection to Manitoba (e.g., Manitoba residency or membership in a Manitoba community).

How to apply

Complete the online application form and submit all required documents to: pikenet@umanitoba.ca.

Required documents

The following items are to be submitted by email, in addition to completing the online application form:

1. Student trajectory and strengths (80%)
   Summary of personal, academic and career goals, how these relate to Indigenous health research and how the internship will support these goals. Include what you can contribute to the program (e.g., relevant experience, strengths or characteristics).
   
   Submit in one of the following formats:
   • Written: Maximum 2 pages (PDF, Times New Roman, 12-point, single-spaced)
   • Oral: Maximum 10 minutes (MP3, AAC, M4A or external link)
   • Video: Maximum 10 minutes (MP4, MOV or external link)
      
2. Referee assessment (20%)
   Two referee assessment forms completed by individuals familiar with your abilities and characteristics (e.g., Elder/Knowledge Keeper, community member, academic or professional reference).
   • View the Referee Assessment Form (for reference only) to see what referees are asked to complete.
   • Tip: Choose at least one referee who has seen you in a work or learning environment.
      
3. Supporting documentation (not used in evaluation; informs level of support needed)
   • Academic transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (unofficial accepted)
   • CV or résumé

Application deadline
All application materials must be received by 11:59 PM on March 8, 2026. All applicants will be notified of their application status in April.

Access the online application form

What to expect
Successful applicants will begin the internship in May 2026. The first week includes orientation and two days of workshops covering research skills and topics specific to Indigenous health, including traditional healing and approaches to health.

During the 13-week internship, students will complete a research project under the guidance of a research mentor. Activities vary by project and may include literature reviews, research team meetings, interviews or focus groups, data analysis and other research-related tasks.

At the end of the program, interns will participate in a research colloquium to share their experiences with fellow interns and mentors.

Contact
For more information about the program or application process, please contact the MB NEIHR program coordinator.

Overview
Graduate students at the master’s and PhD level may apply for one-year fellowships to support their studies in Indigenous health.

Eligibility
Applications are open to part-time and full-time graduate students in all faculties and programs researching Indigenous health. Priority is given to students enrolled in Manitoba programs and/or whose research is primarily based in Manitoba or neighbouring communities in Nunavut.

Requirements
Successful applicants must adhere to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) guidelines regarding employment and holding concurrent fellowships or awards.

Award enhancements
Additional funding is available for students holding other major fellowships, such as CIHR or SSHRC awards.