Students and Elder-In-Residence Margaret Lavallee study together in a library.

Ongomiizwin student experience

Culture and education

Education Cultural Program

Cultural programming at Ongomiizwin - Education is designed to establish a secure and inclusive space for students and members of the university community to deepen their understanding of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities and cultures.

Guided by the center's Elder-in-Residence and Knowledge Keeper, the cultural program organizes a range of events and teachings throughout the year. Additionally, it offers individual or group sessions tailored to the specific needs of students.

Students actively engaged in the cultural program, alongside the Elder-in-Residence and Knowledge Keeper, have the unique opportunity to earn their eagle feather while pursuing their studies in health professions. The eagle, symbolizing truth, power, and freedom, holds significant meaning. It is imperative to always speak the truth when in possession of the eagle feather.

The utmost care and respect are bestowed upon the eagle feather at all times, reflecting its revered status.

Cultural teachings and ceremonies

Monthly cultural teachings
Held monthly during the academic year, cultural teaching sessions for students and mentors cover topics such as the smudge ceremony, dream interpretations, the seven natural gifts and the sacred fire winter solstice. Every teaching session concludes with a sharing circle for participants.

Full moon ceremonies
This women's ceremony is held in the evening during each full moon throughout the year. For information please contact our centre.

Seasonal ceremonies
Ongomiizwin - Education brings together students and mentors for a traditional ceremony and feast at the beginning of each season. Ceremonies are held on (or near) the fall equinox, winter solstice, spring equinox and summer solstice. Specific dates and details are announced in advance.

Sweatlodges
Sweatlodges are held four times a year. Special teaching sessions are held prior to the sweatlodge to prepare for the ceremony. Specific dates and details are announced in advance.

Guest speakers
Ongomiizwin - Education hosts a number of special events throughout the year that feature Elders and guest speakers from the Manitoba First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.

Film screenings
Ongomiizwin - Education's film screening events showcase documentaries that address some of the issues relevant to First Nations, Metis and Inuit. Open to the public, these events are led by the Elder-in-Residence and include time for discussion and debriefing.

Workshops
The centre conducts hands-on workshops on a variety of topics, including mask making and medicine picking.

Medical School Entrance Interview Workshop (MSEI)

What is the Medical School Entrance Interview Workshop (MSEI) ?

The MSEI is a three-day session aimed at supporting Indigenous applicants who have secured an interview for medical school.

Expanding MSEI

Efforts are being made to secure funding for a dedicated workshop coordinator due to the significant growth of MSEI since its inception. This coordinator will manage upcoming MSEI workshops and work on creating a comprehensive step-by-step manual/guide based on research and workshop experience to ensure consistent delivery year after year.

Potential Impact

The manual developed could be shared with other university departments involved in similar interview processes. There's also a possibility of publishing the manual for sale, making it accessible for use in medical schools across Canada.

Origins of MSEI

MSEI was originally developed and piloted by the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) in 2012 and further refined by Dr. Melinda Fowler.

Contact us

For more information, please contact:

Kimberly Hart
Senior Lead, Indigenous health student affairs
Ongomiizwin – Education
kimberly.hart@umanitoba.ca
204-272-3168

Mentoring

Student opportunities

The J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit has offered Early Exposures, third-year medical student core rotations, elective placements for fourth-year medical students and electives for international medical students for over 30 years. The program has introduced many physicians to the strengths of Indigenous communities and has simulated an enduring interest in northern and remote medicine in many of the participants.

Ongomiizwin – Health opportunities

Medical students are placed in First Nations communities that have health care facilities consisting of nursing stations, health centres, hospitals or both. The student will have the opportunity to contribute, learn and become involved in comprehensive health care in a northern First Nation community and to learn about health care issues from a cross culture and community perspective.

Ongomiizwin – Research opportunities

Financial aid and awards

Dawn Stewart Award for Research Support in Indigenous Health

The  Dawn Stewart Award for Research Support in Indigenous Health is named for Dawn Stewart, who worked in Indigenous health research at the University of Manitoba for over three decades. She finished her career at the university at Ongomiizwin – Research, Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing as the Research Programs Lead in 2017.

To qualify for the award, the applicant/nominee:

  • Must be working in an Indigenous health research environment (not specifically university-based) for a minimum of three years.
  • Must not be a Principle Investigator

Drs. Carla and Newman Stephens Scholarship for Indigenous Health Professionals

The Drs. Carla and Newman Stephens Scholarship for Indigenous Health Professionals is for an Indigenous student in the health-care profession who has demonstrated leadership in their community.

Drs. Carla and Newman Stephens Scholarship for Indigenous Health Professionals (Parents)

The Drs. Carla and Newman Stephens Scholarship for Indigenous Health Professionals (Parents) is for an Indigenous student who is a single parent in the health care profession who has demonstrated leadership in their community.

Education Student Support Fund Bursary

The Centre for Aboriginal Health (CAHE) Education Student Support Fund Bursary (PDF) provides emergency financial assistance to members facing unanticipated needs related to their educational activity or their general cost of living while pursuing higher education.

Joan and Dean Sandham Scholarship

The Joan and Dean Sandham Scholarship in Aboriginal Health Professional Leadership (PDF) is open to First Nations, Métis and Inuit students who have completed an undergraduate program in medicine or nursing and are pursuing further studies that will specifically enhance and develop their leadership skills.

Additional awards

A range of financial aid opportunities for Indigenous students are available, both through the University of Manitoba and external partners. These programs improve access to education and increase representation of Indigenous students in various programs of study. 

To learn more, visit the University of Manitoba's Indigenous student awards page.

Additional supports

Contact us

Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing
Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
P122 Pathology Building
770 Bannatyne Ave
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3W 0W3

204-272-3167