I-STEAM Pathways
I-STEAM Pathways: Environmental Research Internships for Indigenous Students
I-STEAM Pathways provides First Nations, Métis and Inuit undergraduate students with hands-on, environmentally related research experience across a range of fields, including:
- Science and Engineering
- Environmental Law, Policy and Planning
- Planetary Health
- And More
Through immersive learning opportunities and dedicated mentorship, the program aims to drive systemic change by incorporating Indigenous knowledge, ethics and values directly into environmental research.
Inspiring Futures in Environmental Research
Summer 2026
From an impressive pool of applicants, 35 Indigenous undergraduate students were selected for the 2026 summer cohort. These students completed immersive research internships with projects ranging from sustainable food production to scaling tree methane dynamics in boreal forests to manufacturing regenerated fibers from hemp.
The cohort brought together perspectives from 29 distinct communities spanning six provinces and territories across Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories and Saskatchewan. Representation included members from 17 First Nations and 12 Métis communities.
Supported by dedicated mentors, the students expanded their research capabilities, unlocked their academic potential and built a strong, connected community along the way.
Here are a few highlights from their journey!
Apply Here
Project Submissions
Professors and researchers from the University of Alberta and its partners provide fully funded, hands-on research opportunities specifically designed for all accepted I-STEAM Pathways internships.
Internship Applications
The program is open to all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit undergraduate students currently enrolled at any Canadian post-secondary institution who are eligible and eager to apply.
Partners, Sponsors, Giving
Our partnership with the National Research Council, Canada, provides exciting research opportunities alongside vital public and private sponsorship to financially support and scale our Indigenous intern program.
“It makes such a big difference to have people believe in you. Having support and respect, and being in spaces where you can be yourself, is so impactful.
Thank you to our partners
I-STEAM Pathways is an Indigenous youth program that builds critical capacity for Indigenous students and their communities and provides pathways to careers in environmental fields essential to Indigenous livelihoods, to supporting biodiversity and to promoting resilience. We are grateful for the generosity of the following public and private sponsors who help support and scale up the program.
Give to I-STEAM
Your donations are a testament to your commitment to supporting resilient Indigenous communities and the development of outstanding Indigenous leaders.
Partners
We thank the National Research Council, Canada (NRC) for their work to amplify research and professional development opportunities for interns. We are also grateful for funding received from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's PromoScience Program (NSERC PromoScience). This funding enables I-STEAM to place more interns in exceptional research labs at the U of A and beyond, including at TRIUMF, Canada’s particle accelerator centre. NSERC PromoScience funding also supports the provision of professional and skills development workshops.
We would like to recognize the Mastercard Foundation for its support of I-STEAM.
We are deeply honoured by the individual donors who contribute to I-STEAM's success.
Finally, we extend our sincere gratitude to the public and private sponsors who support the interns and help us to scale up the program.
Stantec / Braiding Knowledges / Clearflow Group / Barr Engineering
EPCOR - Alliance Pipelines - Dillon Consulting - Keyera - Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee - Imperial Oil - Dow Canada
I-STEAM Pathways is a registered charity, and all donations go toward student compensation during their internship. Please contact us at isteam@ualberta.ca to learn more about sponsoring the program and other ways you can get involved.
We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien.
