Gekinoo’amaaged
Indigenous student mentorship program

Need a program-related question answered? Looking for advice? Want some study tips specific to your field?
Gekinoo’amaaged, Ongomiizwin – Education’s student mentorship program, provides Indigenous students in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences with the opportunity to have a role model that learners can turn to for advice and offers a comfortable space to ask questions.
Gekinoo’amaaged means teaching each other in Ojibway. The mentors are creating a community of connected Indigenous students, helping build networks and developing relationships to ensure success.
Meet the mentors
Mentors are available from the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Max Rady College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Rehabilitation Sciences and the College of Pharmacy.
Advice from the mentors
Evan's advice
“Don’t be shy to get involved in activities. They’re there to make you feel more comfortable and get you more familiar with your environment and the people around you.”
Melanie’s advice
“Take some time to reflect honestly on your habits. Not only your study habits but also your daily routine and how you incorporate pleasure and self-care into your schedule. How does it make you feel? What are your goals and priorities? What do you think works well for you? What steps can you take to better reach your goals?”
Mercedes’ advice
“Don’t give up and don’t be scared to reach out for help when you need it. I had a hard transition to undergrad from a small reservation. I didn’t do so well in my first year, but after receiving lots of support, I ended with amazing grades and ultimately made it to medical school! Any medical school would be lucky to have you."
Shaylyn's advice
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s always important to ask questions and network with other people. Don’t be discouraged when you don’t understand something and just be really resourceful.”
Talia’s advice
“You can do anything you put your mind to. Anything is possible if you put in the work.”
Winter’s advice
“Embrace and experience the feelings you may have when entering a new role, such as a student nurse. Self-reflecting on your emotions will help you to process them where you are then able to identify sources that boost your motivation or sources that make you uncertain or overwhelmed.”
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