MISI Project fosters mentorship, training, and community-focused research at The Institute
September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, acknowledges the legacy of residential schools and their ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. At The Institute, this commitment includes the MISI Project (Integral Mentorship for Inclusive Science) which supports Indigenous students in health research through scholarships, mentorship and training. This summer, two Indigenous trainees joined the program. Indigenous peoples represent about 5% of Canada’s population but account for less than 1% of physicians and only 3.4% of students enrolled in biological sciences, highlighting the ongoing underrepresentation of Indigenous people in medical and scientific fields.
Launched with funding from the Quebec Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy, MISI focuses on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in health research with particular emphasis on Indigenous students and women. The program combines scholarships with mentorship and leadership training, helping trainees build research skills while fostering inclusive science practices.
One of this year’s Indigenous awardees is Kane Phillips, a member of the Kanien’kehà:ka (Mohawk) Nation of Kahnawà:ke and a social sciences and psychology student at John Abbott College. He sees his field as a way to strengthen community health: Indigenous communities require support in addressing mental health and cultural revival, and I aim to help ensure their perspectives are considered he explained.