The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Anisininew, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. More
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2
Welcome to Ongomiizwin - Education, where cultural programming connects students and the university community with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures in a safe, inclusive space.
Here, you’ll find unique opportunities to engage meaningfully with Indigenous teachings, traditions, and community leaders. Guided by our Elder-in-Residence and Knowledge Keeper, the program invites you to explore and honor Indigenous knowledge through a variety of events and sessions tailored to support your journey.
For students in health professions, active engagement in the cultural program, alongside our Elder-in-Residence and Knowledge Keeper, brings a rare chance to earn an eagle feather—a sacred symbol of truth, strength, and freedom. With this feather comes a call to live and speak with integrity, as its care requires utmost respect.
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.
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.
Indigenous applicants preparing for medical school interviews can benefit from this three-day workshop. Designed to enhance interview skills, MSEI is a supportive space for you to gain confidence and insight as you approach this milestone.
With MSEI’s growth, we’re working to secure a dedicated coordinator to guide future workshops and develop a manual that captures best practices—benefiting future applicants and potentially informing medical school programs across Canada.
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
Join us for screenings of documentaries that explore issues significant to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities. Led by our Elder-in-Residence, these screenings include discussions that invite you to engage deeply with the topics presented.
Workshops
Get hands-on with workshops that explore traditional practices, from mask-making to medicine picking.
Monthly teachings
Each month, our Elder-led teachings explore Indigenous traditions like the smudge ceremony, dream interpretations, and the seven sacred gifts. Sessions end with a sharing circle, deepening connections among participants.
Full moon ceremonies
Celebrate the full moon with a women’s ceremony led each month. To join, reach out to our centre for details.
Seasonal ceremonies
Mark the change of each season with a traditional feast and ceremony held around the equinoxes and solstices. Dates and details are announced in advance—plan to join us as we honor the cycles of nature.
Sweatlodges
Held four times a year, each sweatlodge is preceded by teachings to help you prepare for this powerful ceremony. Stay tuned for upcoming dates.
For more information on these opportunities or to join our next event, please contact Kimberly Hart.
The Pimose ta program at Ongomiizwin - Education connects First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students with mentors in the university and health professions. Our mentors support you in exploring career options and building connections within Indigenous culture and the professional realm. This program empowers you to navigate academic and professional challenges, providing the resources necessary for your success.
Ongomiizwin – Health invites you to participate in a unique, immersive program dedicated to enhancing health care in northern Indigenous communities.
For over 30 years, Ongomiizwin – Health has empowered medical students like you to learn, contribute, and connect within Indigenous communities across northern Canada. These experiences go beyond traditional training, offering you invaluable firsthand exposure to the unique strengths and health care needs of these communities. You’ll gain practical skills, deepen your understanding of Indigenous health perspectives, and forge meaningful connections that enhance both your career and the communities you serve.
Through Ongomiizwin, you’ll become part of a team delivering comprehensive, community-focused health care. This is more than just a placement—it’s an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to health care in a way that enriches your training and strengthens the communities you serve.
The Early Exposures Summer Student Program offers Med I, Med II, and School of Medical Rehabilitation students a transformative opportunity to engage with First Nation and Inuit communities. Experience a unique ten-day immersion or a nine-week paid placement as a Med II student, enhancing your cultural competence and understanding of community health. Make a meaningful impact while advancing your medical education!
Join our Physician Extender Program to gain essential hands-on experience working alongside advanced practice registered nurses and physicians. Contribute to holistic patient care in diverse hospital and community settings while expanding health care access across Ongomiizwin Health Services. This program prepares you for a vital role in addressing community health needs and delivering quality care where it matters most.
The Third-Year Clerkship allows medical students to engage directly in health care delivery within remote, rural, or northern communities. This experience deepens your understanding of the unique cultural and socioeconomic contexts affecting health care, preparing you to serve diverse populations effectively. Make a significant impact while developing essential clinical skills during this pivotal stage of your training.
Enhance your medical training with our Post-Graduate Fourth-Year Elective, designed for residents seeking diverse clinical experiences. Collaborate with experienced preceptors in various hospital and community settings, receiving high-quality mentorship as you refine your skills. This elective is an opportunity to prepare for a successful career in medicine while expanding your professional network.
The Dawn Stewart Award for Research Support in Indigenous Health recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Indigenous health research.
To qualify:
For questions about eligibility, contact Ongomiizwin – Research.
Named after Dawn Stewart, a leader in Indigenous health research at the University of Manitoba, the award honors her legacy of fostering relationships and transforming research practices.
Submit two letters highlighting:
The nomination deadline will be announced with the opening of the next awards cycle.
Contact Ongomiizwin – Research.
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.
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.
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.
NOTE: Application available in alternate formats upon request.
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.
NOTE: Application available in alternate formats upon request.
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.
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
