REGINA
First Nations University of Canada and Mitacs Announce Partnership to Expand Research and Innovation Opportunities

First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) and Mitacs have entered into a new partnership that will expand opportunities for FNUniv students, faculty and researchers to participate in research, innovation, internships and professional development programs.

The partnership will connect FNUniv students and researchers with organizations through research internships, collaborative projects and professional skills development, while strengthening connections between the University, industry, community organizations and other research partners.

From left: Len Daniels, FNUniv Board member and Mitacs Board member; Fatima Dargah, Senior Advisor, Business Development, Mitacs; Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs; the Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff, Saskatchewan Minister of Advanced Education; Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann, President, FNUniv; and Nathaniel Merasty, FNUniv student and Mitacs intern

For FNUniv, the partnership represents an important step toward increasing opportunities for Indigenous students and researchers to gain practical experience, build professional networks and contribute their knowledge and perspectives to research and innovation.

For Mitacs, this collaboration offers a meaningful opportunity to work alongside FNUniv to connect with and learn from Indigenous students, partners and communities and support greater Indigenous inclusion in research and innovation.

"This agreement would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our students and faculty members who have championed Mitacs programming at FNUniv. This reciprocal relationship will ensure that Indigenous voices are uplifted in the research and innovation landscape," says Dr. Jessica Kolopenuk, Associate Vice-President, Health and Research at First Nations University of Canada.

Through the agreement, FNUniv is eligible to participate in a suite of Mitacs programs, including Accelerate, Business Strategy Internship, Globalink Research Internship, Globalink Research Award and professional skills programming. The partnership also aligns with Mitacs' Indigenous Pathways initiative, which helps expand access to research and innovation opportunities for Indigenous students, researchers, partner organizations and communities. Together, these programs support post-secondary students, recent graduates and postdoctoral fellows through research partnerships, internships and professional development opportunities.

The partnership will help FNUniv students and researchers apply their knowledge and skills to real-world projects and challenges while building relationships with organizations across a range of sectors and disciplines.

"Student talent is one of our most valuable assets," said Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO of Mitacs. "This partnership will connect some of First Nations University's brightest students and researchers with Mitacs' national network of industry partners, turning their ideas and expertise into real projects, and real economic and social impact. Indigenous knowledge and leadership have always been part of Canada's innovation story."

For students, the partnership will provide additional opportunities to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills and networks, and apply their academic knowledge beyond the classroom.

"Through this opportunity, I've been able to take what I'm learning at FNUniv and apply it to meaningful research with the Saskatchewan Soccer Association," says Nathaniel Merasty, an Indigenous Business and Public Administration student at First Nations University of Canada participating in a Mitacs-supported research project. "It has shown me that Indigenous students have an important place in research and innovation, and that the knowledge and perspectives we bring can help shape work that is meaningful for our communities and for future generations."

FNUniv will work to promote Mitacs opportunities to students, faculty, alumni and researchers across the University, helping to broaden participation in research, internships and professional development.

The partnership also supports Saskatchewan's priorities in post-secondary education, research, innovation and workforce development by helping create pathways for Indigenous students and researchers to develop skills and contribute to the province's future.

"This partnership will create new opportunities for First Nations University of Canada students and researchers to participate in research, innovation and experiential learning," Minister of Advanced Education, Ken Cheveldayoff said. "Through direct access to Mitacs programs, more students will be able to gain valuable hands-on experience, develop in-demand skills and build connections that support their future careers. Our government is proud to provide $1.15 million of funding to support partnerships that help Saskatchewan learners succeed."

The agreement establishes a framework for FNUniv's participation in Mitacs programs and future Mitacs-supported projects. Individual projects and awards will be considered through Mitacs program application and approval processes.

The agreement took effect June 1, 2026, and was signed by FNUniv President Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann and Mitacs CEO Dr. Stephen Lucas on June 4, 2026.