The Indigenous Internship Program is an opportunity for Indigenous learners to lead meaningful, community-driven research that prioritizes Indigenous concerns, incorporates Traditional Knowledge, and builds research capacity within communities.
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Applications are open until August 31, 2026, for the November 2026 Indigenous Internship Program cohort.
Since its inception in 2021, the Indigenous Internship Program has supported 39 Indigenous interns over 63 projects, partnered with Indigenous communities and organizations across Canada, and invested nearly $1 million directly into Indigenous-led research. Together, these collaborations are building a growing network of Indigenous professionals to lead future stewardship initiatives and place Indigenous voices at the centre of conversations about our lands and waters.
Research that Makes a Difference: Experiences from Interns
Over the past several years, interns have tackled a wide range of issues affecting Indigenous communities and the marine environment. Recent projects have included strengthening marine emergency preparedness for Coastal First Nations, examining cumulative effects of shipping on waterways, mapping and developing predictive models for salmon populations, exploring mitigations for whale strike risk, and documenting the cultural importance of food fish.
Several of our interns have worked alongside Elders and Knowledge Keepers from their own communities. Hearing concerns from their families or communities, interns have pursued these research topics to learn more and create change. Collectively, these projects are building community capacity, advancing cultural stewardship, producing practical resources, and generating knowledge that can inform future marine management, policy development, and future generations.
Amanda Coulis, whose project developed Indigenous learning resources for Metro Vancouver youth workshops, reflected on the impact of working alongside community members:
“It was truly an honour to meet and learn from so many people in the local Indigenous community who so generously shared their knowledge, their time, and their relationships with me. Their guidance shaped each next step. I leave this internship not only with new knowledge, but with relationships that I will carry with me for a lifetime.”
For Sadie Fitger, researching traditional harvesting technologies within K’ómoks territory became an opportunity to reconnect with the knowledge of her ancestors:
“This experience strengthened my relationship to place and deepened my appreciation for the engineering and stewardship practices that supported our Nation for over a thousand years.”
Suzanne Van Ryk’s research into stream health and Coast Salish stewardship inspired action beyond the internship itself:
“This internship inspired me to encourage my nation to have a land and sea guardian program.”
These experiences highlight what makes the Indigenous Internship Program unique. Interns build relationships, reconnect with culture, strengthen community priorities, and develop the confidence to become future leaders in Indigenous marine stewardship.
More than a Research Internship
Beyond the research, the program intentionally creates opportunities for interns to develop transferable skills and expand their professional networks, creating pathways to future employment, graduate studies, and ongoing collaborative projects. Every internship brings together Indigenous communities, researchers, industry experts, and organizations to collaborate on shared goals. Opportunities for training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data governance, land-based learning, and career planning are provided throughout the internship and beyond. Interns are assigned dedicated mentors to support and guide their research by offering resources and facilitating connections with relevant partners. You will leave your internship with not only a new experience, but the skills and network needed for your future.
Join the Next Cohort
Whether you’re passionate about conservation, Indigenous governance, community planning, environmental policy, storytelling, or cultural revitalization, the Indigenous Internship Program provides the opportunity to gain real-world experience while making a meaningful difference within your own community.
You’ll receive funding, mentorship, professional development, and the chance to work alongside inspiring community leaders, researchers, and industry professionals, all while contributing to projects that have lasting impacts.
Applications for the next Indigenous Internship Program cohort are now open.
The deadline to apply is August 31.
If you’re ready to build your skills, strengthen your community, and help shape the future of Indigenous-led marine stewardship, we encourage you to apply.
Contact the Indigenous Internship Program Lead with any questions about your application: iip@clearseas.org
