Congratulations to the Ogimaa Indigenous Graduate Scholarship recipient!

Congratulations to Amy Nahwegahbow, the 2024 Ogimaa Indigenous Graduate Scholarship recipient!

In 2022, Dr. Goel was given the name “Ogimaa” by Elder and Indigenous Knowledge Keeper and former Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Chief, Myeengun Henry, during an Indigenous Commitment Ceremony symbolizing a new beginning on the path towards a genuine understanding of Indigenous issues. 

Amy Nahwegahbow, an Anishinaabe member of Whitefish River First Nation in Ontario, serves as a Senior Research Advisor at the First Nations Information Governance Centre.

She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Waterloo and is pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Waterloo's School of Public Health Sciences.

In 2024, Amy was awarded a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship for her research on environmental influences on health, focusing on assessing environmental exposures, socio-cultural vulnerabilities, and health impacts of contaminants from industrial pollution in northern First Nations communities.

With over 26 years of experience in research and policy at National Indigenous Organizations, Amy is committed to advancing ethical research practices, evidence-based decision-making, and First Nations sovereignty in research and data governance.

She currently contributes her expertise to shaping national public health policy as a board member of the Canadian Public Health Association. Her professional, volunteer, and educational journey reflects her dedication to addressing the unique health challenges facing First Nations Peoples through community-led research, health promotion, and culturally relevant interventions.

Nahwegahbow offers this advice for current Indigenous students: "Always value your unique knowledge and non-academic experiences, embrace change and seize new opportunities, and build meaningful connections. Each conversation can shape your journey in ways you never expected. Most importantly, learn from your mistakes without self-criticism; they are the stepping stones to resilience and strength."

To learn more about the Ogimaa Indigenous Graduate Scholarship, visit the Graduate Funding and Awards Database.