Researchers, knowledge keepers, and community collaborators working together across the Urban Trails Research Program.
Mikanah Gatherings is built on relationships — between researchers and communities, between institutions and land, and between generations of knowledge. Our team brings together academic researchers, Indigenous knowledge keepers, and community partners committed to Indigenous self-determination and culturally grounded research practice.
Jon's research spans causal inference to community-based participatory action research, focusing on determinants of type 2 diabetes, urban cycling infrastructure for chronic disease prevention, and peer mentoring for youth. Cross-cutting priorities include patient-community engagement and anti-racist approaches to health equity.
Jaimy (she/they) is a Provost's Postdoctoral Fellow and Michif (Métis) researcher with expertise in equity and transport, GIScience, and decolonizing practices. Their research embeds Indigenous perspectives and methodologies in transportation planning, policy, data, and measures.
Helen is Anishinaabe from Dauphin River First Nation, residing in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory, and is honoured to carry her first language, Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe). As Director with the Indigenous Inclusion Directorate at Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning, her advocacy work is deeply informed by personal and family experiences with Type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. She lives The Good Life as an Anishinaabe-kwe, sharing teachings as a mother and proud Kookum to three grandchildren.
Brian is a graduate of the world's only all-Indigenous doctoral program, The Traditional Knowledge Program, where his research took him through approximately 700 miles of traditional Rotinonshonni territory. Over a 30-year academic career spanning Canada, Thailand, Kenya, Japan and beyond, he co-founded the Masters Program in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Manitoba. A lifelong global advocate for Indigenous communities, Brian brings deep expertise in healing, wellness, governance, and education.
Diane is a dedicated community leader and a proud member of the Skownan First Nation. With over two decades of work with organizations and projects that respect the rights of Indigenous families, children, and individuals to care for themselves and thrive, she holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Social Work degrees. Diane is a cherished member of a large extended family and a loving mother of two daughters.
Katherine is a proud Métis woman born and raised in Winnipeg. She holds a Masters of Development Practices: Indigenous Development from the University of Winnipeg and brings skills in research, program development, and facilitation, driven by a deep commitment to reconciliation and diversified worldviews.
Aidan is born and raised in Winnipeg with previous experience in career development and curriculum design for school-age children. She is proud to contribute to innovative work that benefits the North End community.
Anders is the Executive Director of Winnipeg Trails. With a background in multimedia and animation, he brings a passion for reimagining transportation and active mobility, with deep expertise in active transportation facility design and community engagement.
Dean is the Executive Director of Brandon Riverbank Inc., born and raised in Brandon. He holds a business degree from Brandon University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), overseeing administration, programs, and strategic plans of the organization in close partnership with the Board of Directors, City of Brandon, and community partners.
Ingrid holds a B.A. in Conflict Resolution and a Masters in Sustainable Development, and leads Riverbank's school-based interpretive programs and nature-based community initiatives including Indigenous-based and winter programming.
Devyn is from Rolling River First Nation, Manitoba, a signatory to Treaty Four. He brings substantial experience in community engagement and Indigenous partnership work, including three years engaging Indigenous communities through Parks Canada.
Jana is the research coordinator for this study, having worked at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba for close to 10 years. She holds a Master's of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Manitoba and brings a passion for fitness and community health research.
Erin (she/her) is a settler historian of colonialism, childhood, and Indigenous histories in Canada, with a focus on Indigenous health and education. Her community-engaged work includes the Manitoba Indigenous Tuberculosis History Project, Indigenous Afternoons in the Archives, and historical research for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the BBC.
Mélanie is Métis from the St. Laurent/St. Eustache Settlement and is the first Indigenous pediatric surgeon in Canada. As the first person appointed lead for Indigenous health at the Winnipeg Children's Hospital, she has transformed it into a culturally safe space for Indigenous children and families, and advises the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada on Indigenous health and gender equity.
Interested in community partnership, research collaboration, or learning more about our work?