Award for research support in Indigenous health recognizes “unsung heroes”

Ongomiizwin – Research Services is now accepting applications for the Dawn Stewart Award for Research Support in Indigenous Health.

This award is named for Dawn Stewart who worked for over 30 years at the University of Manitoba, in varying capacities, in Indigenous health research. Dawn worked in the Department of Community Health Sciences at the Northern Health Research Unit, which then became the Manitoba First Nations Centre for Aboriginal Health Research, and is now Ongomiizwin Research. She played a significant role in the creation of each iteration of the centre. Dawn finished her career at Ongomiizwin – Research, Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing as Research Programs Lead in 2017.

Dawn Stewart (R) with colleagues Kathleen Bell and Joan Mullen, Northern Health Research Unit, c. 1990

“We started the Dawn Stewart Award to create an opportunity to formally recognize those individuals who work behind the scenes to make Indigenous health research projects successful,” said Linda Diffey, Indigenous Scholar, Ongomiizwin Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing and Department of Community Health Sciences at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, “Engaging in health research in an Indigenous context creates unique opportunities, but also presents unique challenges. Through this award, we celebrate our team members who bring their creativity and dedication to our common goal of improving the wellbeing of the First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities we work with.”

Her work was integral to the success of Indigenous health research at the University of Manitoba, though often went without accolades. Relationships are central to Indigenous health research and Stewart always ensured that the Centre remained a welcoming and supportive place for building relationships.

She also transformed, administratively, the way Indigenous health research was performed at the University of Manitoba. Finally, she was a mentor and confidante to students, researchers, community research assistants, and faculty members.

This award, named in her honour, will be given to one individual who exemplifies the qualities she embodied in the area of Indigenous health research, yet because of their role in supporting research remain as an “unsung hero.”

This year’s award will be presented at the seventh annual Indigenous Health Research Forum on January 23 and 24, 2020 in collaboration with Ongomiizwin – Health Services as they celebrate their 50^th Anniversary.

Last year’s recipient was Janice Linton, Indigenous health librarian at the U of M’s Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library, recognizing her dedication to assisting students and researchers. 

Eligibility

The applicant/nominee:

• Must be working in an Indigenous health research environment (not specifically university-based) for a minimum of 3 years
• Must NOT be a Principle Investigator

If you have questions about eligibility, please contact Ongomiizwin Research (ongomiizwinresearch@umanitoba.ca)

Application
 
The application requires two letters of support/nomination that highlight productivity, innovation and initiative, mentorship, and/or leadership of the nominee. Please submit the signed letters electronically to Ongomiizwin Research (ongomiizwinresearch@umanitoba.ca) by January 9th, 2020.

If you are interested in supporting The Dawn Stewart Award for Research Support in Indigenous Health through a donation, please click on the award name.

UM Today Staff