Prairie Indigenous Knowledge Exchange Network (PIKE-Net)
Prairie Indigenous Knowledge Exchange Network (PIKE-Net) is a mentorship program that connects First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and university researchers with Indigenous students to build health research capacity and support the next generation of Indigenous health researchers.
PIKE-Net is a partnership among four universities in Manitoba and is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) through the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) program.
Program overview
Program goals
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.
Program objectives
- 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.
Our history: Building student research networks
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.
Funding and opportunities
PIKE-Net Undergraduate Summer Research Internship
Overview
The PIKE-Net Undergraduate Summer Research Internship in Indigenous Health is a 13-week program that provides undergraduate students with hands-on experience in Indigenous health research. Interns complete a small research project under the mentorship of an established Indigenous health researcher.
The program offers a supportive learning environment where students build research skills, confidence and professional habits through mentorship and practical experience.
Research experience
Students gain research experience by working closely with a research mentor on projects related to Indigenous health. Research topics vary each year and have included heart health, maternal and child health, youth culture camps and HIV/AIDS.
Most projects are based in Winnipeg, though opportunities may be available in other communities depending on project availability.
Funding and eligibility
Successful applicants receive a stipend of $7,000, paid in bi-weekly installments over the course of the internship.
The program is open to undergraduate students with an interest in Indigenous health research who are eager to learn and engage in a mentored research environment.
Apply now
Graduate Fellowship in Indigenous Health
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.
Our partners
We are a group of community- and university-based Indigenous and ally scholars and leaders from a consortium of Indigenous organizations and four universities in Manitoba, all committed to improving access to meaningful university-based opportunities to First Nations, Métis and Inuit trainees.
Our logo
About the logo
Symbol: The cyclic form of the symbol plays on the cycle of life and is representative of Indigenous views.
Pike: Pike fish are known for their aggressive behaviour however, for this symbol, it was important to capture specific features of the fish without focusing on its aggressive characteristics such as its teeth. In this way, the pike fish is represented for its beauty. Moreover, the pike fish was specifically selected to represent this project for two reasons: firstly, because the letters that make up the word pike presents a fitting acronym for the project. Secondly, pike fish are Indigenous to Manitoba.
Jack pine tree and northern star: The jack-pine tree and star are representative of Northern communities, who in collaboration with CAHR, have partnered together on the PIKE-Net project. I have drawn branches on only one side of the tree because in winter, the tree naturally bends from the northern winds.
River: The river represents the importance of water systems, which is a perfect example of how people travelled and connected throughout the prairies.
Horizon: The straight line of the horizon represents the prairies - flat.
Colours: The three colours utilized represent the three biospheres of the planet. Light green represents earth, light blue represents the sky, and dark blue represents water. These three biospheres are in constant connection and exchange in order to sustain life on earth.
Repetition of three: The representational lines of three found in the fins, gills, teeth, river and tree are symbolic of the three Indigenous nations in Canada: First Nations, Métis and Inuit.
Organic style: It is important that the lines within the symbol remain organic, which is to say, uneven. The unevenness of the lines is purposefully drawn in order to avoid a mechanical or inorganic structure. But perhaps more importantly, realistically the work of Creator as seen in the make-up of the earth are not composed of straight lines rather a compilation of fluid lines which is why the belly and spine are unsymmetrical.
Monochrome colour: The monochrome colour allows for the symbol to transition between black and white or any other preferred colour.
About the artist
My name is Clark Morrissett, and I am a proud Cree-Métis man. I was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba by my beloved parents Lorraine and Clark. I have a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the University of Manitoba, which is where I discovered and took great interest in becoming a lifelong student of various mediums including oil paints, conte and charcoal.
I draw inspiration from both classical and contemporary artists throughout the world. In particular, trailblazing Indigenous artists such as Norval Morrisseau and Alex Janvier, both of them with their individual styles and techniques to express the spiritual life-force of their cultures, and Jackson Pollock who radically introduced abstract expressionism.
For me, the conversation which exists from brush to canvass begins with the strokes of fast and loose markings - as do conversations flow - so too does the paint. Although at times I nurture traditional techniques, I constantly question and experiment with new ways to express myself, to create my own mark through various forms and styles within contemporary Indigenous art.
I do not believe that an end-goal exists for my art; rather, it continuously evolves as does my understanding of who I am is un-layered. I continue to produce artistic work for organizations who value contemporary Indigenous art.
In memoriam
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clark Morrissett, a beloved member of the PIKE-Net community and a dear friend. We ask that you join us in remembering the immeasurable love, support, and gifts that Clark provided us throughout his time on Mother Earth.
One of the many gifts that Clark has provided us includes the PIKE-Net logo, as shown above. A brief glance at the PIKE-Net’s logo webpage clearly shows the level of thought and detail that went into the creation of this logo. For example, a pike fish was chosen as it is Indigenous to Manitoba and also represents the act of throwing out a net to gather (and mentor) students. Clark also explained that pike fish are known for their aggressive behaviour; however, for this symbol, it was important to capture specific features of the fish without focusing on its aggressive characteristics such as its teeth. In this way, the pike fish is represented for its beauty. Clark’s inclination to find beauty in everything will be remembered with fondness and cherished forever.
Above all, we wish to honour the contributions that Clark has made and the presence that he has left on our hearts. Not only did he symbolize the PIKE-Net program in a meaningful way, but also helped enlist a sense of pride in the work that we do. We send our love and prayers to the family and friends of Clark.
Mîkwêc / Naqumik / Anushik / Marsi / Niá:Wen / Miigwech / Thank You
Contact us
PIKE-Net
Ongomiizwin – Research
Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing
715 John Buhler Research Centre
727 McDermot Ave
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5
431-347-9596
204-975-7783