I-STEAM Pathways: Environmental Education Program for Indigenous Students

Enabling First Nations, Métis or Inuit undergraduate students to gain research experience in environmental fields including science, environmental engineering, environmental law and policy.

I-STEAM Pathways: Environmental Research Internships for Indigenous Students

Providing hands-on research experience for First Nations, Métis and Inuit undergraduate students in environmentally-related fields including science, engineering, environmental law, policy, and planetary health.
Fostering systemic change through culturally appropriate incorporation of Indigenous knowledge and values in environmental policy and planning.

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Project submissions

Professors and researchers from University of Alberta and its partners provide mentorship and project supervision for I-STEAM Pathways internships.

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Internship applications

All First Nations, Métis and Inuit undergraduate students attending a Canadian post-secondary institution are eligible to apply. Applications for the Summer 2026 internship program will open here in December 2025.

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Partners, Sponsors, Giving

Our partnership with the National Research Council, Canada, provides exciting research opportunities for I-STEAM Pathways not only in Alberta but also beyond. Their support also extends our professional development training for interns as well as researchers.

The program relies heavily on public and private sponsors to financially support our indigenous interns and scale the program. Learn more about how you can donate.

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About

Summer 2025

Summer 2025 saw 19 out of 49 Indigenous undergrad student applicants complete the 4 month summer internship program. They came from 13 communities including from across Alberta, Manitoba, and the North, including Athabasca Chipewyan, Big River, Driftpile, K’atlodeeche, Saddle Lake, Berens River, Whitefish Lake, Beaver, and Samson Cree First Nations, as well as Cambridge Bay (Ikaluktutiak), Rankin Inlet (Nunavut), McMurray Métis, and Métis Nation of Alberta.

Their research projects spanned climate change, water, wildfire, and innovation, their mentors showed them that they too can do research, and they became an amazing community. Here are some snippets from their journey!

Testimonials

My I-STEAM Pathways internship, supervised by Dr. Erin Bayne, was a turning point in my academic journey. It provided me with field experience and crucial research connections, leading me to complete an NSERC USRA in magnetotelluric research with Dr. Martyn Unsworth. These opportunities were significant in my acceptance to the Juneau Icefield Research Program, where I gained a deep appreciation for polar environments and a passion for mountaineering exploration. As a result, I’m now eager to pursue graduate education in glacial dynamics, recognizing their vital role in planetary processes and life on Earth.

Keeya Beausoleil, Menominee Métis, 2021 intern

It was an amazing opportunity and I learned so much from it. I enjoyed all the time spent doing the work, but even more importantly I enjoyed working with the amazing people involved.

Saada Hussien, 2021 Intern

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