Summer 2023

Applications remain open until Monday, March 20, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST for two projects: 

1. Misipawistik Cree Nation: Reviving ininiw kiskinomakēwin protocols in the Misipawistik Cree Nation Health Authority Doula Program

2. Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre: The Correlation Between Income, Food Insecurity & Social Connectedness in Iqaluit, Nunavut

APPLY TODAY through the online application form. 

Please note: you will need a gmail address in order to upload required files. If this is a barrier, please contact us at scfellowship@scscglobal.org

Do you have questions about the 2023 Social Connectedness Fellowship application process? Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ininiw kiskinomakēwin (Cree education) differs from Western education in that it is life-long and holistic, including mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of learning and growth. Ininiw kiskinomakēwin identifies important teachings shared/learned in each stage of life from oskawāsis (~0-1 years) to oskāpēw/oskayiskwēw (early adulthood). With the support of the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba (FNHSSM), Misipawistik Cree Nation (MCN) has worked closely with the Doula program to train Indigenous birth helpers, and reclaim birth traditions for new and expectant mothers. This project will build on ongoing and previous community project to further define and implement oskawāsis teachings to be shared with new and expectant mothers through the Doula Program.

Location of the Project: Misipawistik Cree Nation/Grand Rapids, Manitoba. This project will work directly in the community and will involve in-person work. As such, applicants must reside in Misipawistik Cree Nation, Grand Rapids, Winnipeg or the surrounding area. If within the surrounding area, applicants must be willing to commute regularly to MCN. 

Key Skills and Attributes in the Applicant: 

• Priority given to Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit and Metis candidates in Canada 
• Minimum Gr.12 education 
• Interest in Indigenous knowledge revitalization 
• Interest in maternal health and wellbeing from a cultural perspective  

Download the full project outline

About Misipawistik Cree Nation: Misipawistik Cree Nation (MCN) is located 420 km north of Winnipeg on the shores of Lake Winnipeg in the Manitoba Lowlands. Misipawistik (ᒥᓯ ᐹᐏᐢᑎᐠ) means “Rushing Rapids” in our language. As the foundation of our nationhood, Cree identity and language preservation is very important as it represents the relationships between our people, territory, and world. MCN has been working on reasserting jurisdiction in its territory in the areas of land management, education, financial administration, and child and family services. 

The Community Meal is QCFC’s original and most accessed program. This emergency food access program is currently serving more Iqalummiut than ever before in the organization’s history. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, QCFC’s team witnessed the impact of income-based resources on our community members and QCFC’s Community Meal program. 2022 saw the end of income-based resources (ex/ CERB) and a higher cost of living, resulting in higher demand for this emergency food access program beyond levels that are sustainable. QCFC strongly believes that income-based solutions are the most effective means to address food insecurity in Nunavut, where the cost of living is 2 to 3 times the national average. This project will assist QCFC’s efforts to advocate for income-based solutions meant to meaningfully address food insecurity in Nunavut, and build belonging for all Iqalummiut. 

Location of the Project: Iqaluit, Nunavut or Remote. Depending on the successful applicant, this project may involve in-person work in Iqaluit, Nunavut. 

Key Skills and Attributes in the Applicant:  

• Priority given to Inuit, First Nations, Indigenous and Metis candidates in Canada 
• Applicants should hold or be in the process of earning a post-secondary diploma 
• An understanding of quantitative research methods and data analysis 
• Knowledge of Inuit communities, culture, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit 

 Download the full project outline

About Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre: QCFC aims to strengthen health, belonging and food sovereignty in Iqaluit, Nunavut by utilizing the power of food, tradition and community. Beginning as a traditional, volunteer-run soup kitchen in 2008, Qajuqturvik (“a place to get soup” in Inuktitut) is now Iqaluit’s hub for nutritious, affordable food and provides a variety of food access, food skills, and advocacy programs in Nunavut’s capital.