Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2fzdzj

Company Description

We are an Indigenous-led research and consulting firm supporting transformation in health, education, and community well-being. Since 2015, we’ve partnered with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, governments, and health authorities to deliver evidence that drives policy and real-world outcomes. Our team combines expertise in economics, epidemiology, political science, medicine, and Indigenous knowledge.

Role Description

Waapihk Research is seeking a Summer Research Assistant to support ongoing client and project files. The Summer Research Assistant will support senior project team members on files focused on First Nations health, economics, education policy, and environmental and ecological issues, including land use and water rights.

This role will support both qualitative and quantitative research activities, including literature reviews, secondary research, data organization and analysis, and the preparation of clear, well-structured research materials. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, curious, and dependable, and can work both collaboratively and independently while managing assigned tasks effectively.

Duties will include:

- Supporting mixed-methods research activities across a variety of project files.
- Conducting literature reviews, environmental scans, jurisdictional scans, and other secondary research.
- Assisting with targeted literature scanning and source collection related to land use, water rights, ecology, conservation, and environmental policy.
- Supporting research related to ecological quantification methods, including approaches connected to wetlands, forestry, freshwater, mining, and land stewardship.
- Helping gather and summarize materials related to Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and First Nations priorities in land protection and land use.
- Assisting with the collection, organization,



and preliminary analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
- Monitoring and summarizing policy, political, and social developments relevant to First Nations priorities and initiatives.
- Assisting with the preparation of briefing notes, backgrounders, literature reviews, summaries, presentations, and other research materials.
- Providing general research and project coordination support as needed.

What You Will Learn

- Hands-on experience supporting real-world mixed-methods research projects.
- Practical skills in literature reviews, environmental scans, and policy research.
- Experience identifying and synthesizing sources related to land use, water rights, ecology, and conservation.
- Exposure to qualitative and quantitative research support processes.
- Experience contributing to briefing notes, summaries, presentations, and other research deliverables.
- The opportunity to contribute to meaningful work in support of First Nations priorities.

Essential Qualifications

- Undergraduate student or recent graduate in Indigenous studies, public policy, political studies, economics, sociology, environmental studies, geography, health studies, education, or a related field.
- Interest in policy areas such as Indigenous health, education, governance, economics, land use, water rights, and environmental or ecological issues.
- Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
- Experience conducting literature reviews, environmental scans, jurisdictional scans,



or other forms of secondary research.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to clearly summarize research findings in a concise and organized way.
- Ability to gather, organize, and synthesize information from academic, policy, and grey literature sources.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Solid attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Reliable, professional, and able to manage time and assigned tasks effectively.
- Curious, thoughtful, and eager to learn.

Assets

- Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
- Statistics training.
- Knowledge of Indigenous self-governance, rights, and health transformation issues in Canada.

Compensation

- Term: May 4 to August 28, 2026.
- Hourly rate: $20.00–$22.00 per hour, based on education, experience, and fit.
- Hours of work: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday).

Work Style

- A comfortable, friendly, and professional work environment.
- Mentorship and hands-on learning alongside experienced researchers.
- In-office work environment.
- A downtown Winnipeg office conveniently located near major bus routes for easy commuting.

Working Conditions

- Local candidates based in Winnipeg or the surrounding areas are preferred.
- Candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Our Commitment

- We are proudly Indigenous-led and welcome applications from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis candidates. Candidates are invited to self-declare if comfortable doing so.

How to Apply

Please send the following to :

- Your résumé.
- Two references who can speak to your skills, work ethic, or experience in a similar academic, research, or professional setting.

Please consider viewing our website before applying: www.waapihk.com

Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2fzdzj

📌 Student Research Assistant (Winnipeg)
🏢 Appcast
📍 Winnipeg