Mitacs and Clear Seas Partner to Advance Indigenous-Led Marine Research

Photo credit: Traditional canoes – Zoe George/Clear Seas (CNW Group/Clear Seas)

The 2025 cohort is the largest to date, as part of the Indigenous Internship Program.

Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh Nations’ Territory, Vancouver, BC  - Mitacs is pleased to partner with Clear Seas as they welcome the fourth cohort of the Indigenous Internship Program, an initiative dedicated to supporting Indigenous-led research and building long-term capacity in marine and environmental fields.

Since its launch in 2021, the program has supported 17 interns from across Canada who have helped shape the future of community-led research – with several returning for multiple terms to expand their projects. Thanks to growing interest and national momentum, the 2025 cohort will be the program’s largest yet.

The Indigenous Internship Program supports interns’ exploration in areas such as:

• Responding to community-driven priorities and concerns
• Improving accessibility in marine careers
• Indigenous-led approaches to marine stewardship
• Whale strike mitigation strategies
• Sustainable harvesting practices
• Shaping environmental policy

Applications are accepted year-round from Indigenous individuals across Canada, with the next cohort starting in September 2025. Mitacs has provided funding for research internships through its Accelerate Indigenous Program, which supports community-based, impact-driven learning.

Quotes

“As a member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, this program represents more than research. It is about restoring community connections, amplifying Indigenous voices, and transforming how marine knowledge is created and shared. I’m proud to support interns whose work uplifts their communities and challenges conventional approaches in environmental science. They are helping to shape a future in which Indigenous leadership guides sustainable marine stewardship.”

Sarah Thomas, Director of Indigenous Programs, Clear Seas

“At Mitacs, we are proud of our ongoing partnership with Clear Seas through the Indigenous Internship Program. Empowering Indigenous business entrepreneurship through funding and mentorship strengthens Canada’s economy for everyone.”

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

About Mitacs

As a leading Canadian innovation organization, Mitacs connects businesses and researchers with unrivalled access to talent, financial support, and the partnerships needed to turn ideas into impactful innovations. Through unique collaborations, Mitacs is driving productivity and positioning Canada as a global innovation leader.

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon. 

About Clear Seas

Clear Seas is an independent, not-for-profit research centre that provides impartial information on marine shipping in Canada. Through collaborative programs and partnerships, Clear Seas advances inclusive, evidence-based research to support safe and sustainable marine activity. Visit www.clearseas.org for more information.