From Psychology Student to Indigenous Energy Expert: How a Mitacs internship supported Mesa Kennedy’s career journey 

The challenge: Bridging the energy gap in Indigenous communities 

Indigenous communities across Canada face unique challenges in accessing reliable heat and energy infrastructure, requiring innovative solutions that respond to community-specific contexts. Finding professionals who understand these complexities remains a critical need, but many, like Mitacs alumni Mesa Kennedy, are committed to serving the distinct needs of their communities. 

The solution: Applying research to hands-on training and experience 

At 24 years old, Mesa Kennedy exemplifies how the Mitacs Indigenous Pathways Initiative bridges academic expertise with industry to solve real-world challenges. Her internship connected her with the First Nations Power Authority and the Petroleum Technology Research Centre, creating a unique opportunity to explore clean energy solutions for Indigenous communities. 

Mesa Kennedy is redefining what it means to lead in the energy sector. With a Psychology degree and a minor in Indigenous Health Studies from the University of Regina, she brought a fresh perspective to an industry few in her field pursue. Her determination earned her a spot at the University of Saskatchewan’s Nuclear Energy Management School, one of only 50 students selected from more than 200 applicants nationwide. Today, Mesa stands out as one of the youngest Indigenous women to complete the program, opening doors to specialized training and a career path that reflects her commitment to her community. 

“My degree in Psychology, with a minor in Indigenous Health Studies, from the University of Regina, provided a strong foundation for my Mitacs Indigenous Pathways Internship. Although I was initially unfamiliar with the energy sector, the internship quickly immersed me in the challenges that isolated communities face in securing reliable heat and energy. That experience became a defining one, ultimately leading me back to my nation, Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, where I serve as the new Assistant Land Manager.”

Mesa Kennedy, Mitacs Intern (University of Regina), First Nations Power Authority

The outcome: Bold ideas to tackle sustainable energy challenges 

Kennedy’s success demonstrates the ripple effects of strategic support for Indigenous students. Through her internship, she gained confidence and developed crucial professional skills, and the experience brought to light new career paths. 

“Before this internship, I wouldn’t have known of all these different job opportunities in the clean energy sector, but now I do,” said Kennedy. “And another way that this has helped me was to grow my confidence and my speaking skills in public.” 

Today, Kennedy serves as Assistant Land Manager at Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, bringing her expertise in energy and infrastructure directly back to her community. Her journey illustrates that deploying skilled talent and building the capacity to innovate, Mitacs can impact the economy, workforce and society. 

Talent in action: Strengthening innovation capacity 

Mitacs continues to strengthen innovation capacity in Saskatchewan and across the country while driving global competitiveness.  Mitacs supports post-secondary institutions to deliver hands-on, industry-responsive education and training opportunities to strengthen local economies and accelerate talent development.  

This includes the Mitacs’s Indigenous Pathways Initiative, which helps Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations find top talent and co-invest in collaborative R&D projects, as well supports Indigenous students with internship placement. Mesa Kennedy’s journey highlights the career-defining opportunities of academic-industry collaboration.  

Mitacs’s programs receive funding from multiple partners across Canada. We thank 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 for supporting us to empower Canadian innovation. 

Do you have a business challenge that could benefit from a research solution? If so, contact Mitacs today to discuss partnership opportunities: [email protected].